Self-catering options in Mauritius

QUESTION: We are struggling to find reasonably priced accommodation in Mauritius. Hotels seem very expensive, so we are considering self-catering accommodation. Can you help? - Daphne Greyling

ANSWER: Luxury hotels in Mauritius are expensive. They are best booked as part of a flight-hotel package from South Africa. However, you can find self-catering accommodation that is affordable. One of the best ways to do this is to check websites offering accommodation, so that you can view photographs of the property and check the rates before making enquiries. A good website is www.holidaylettings.co.uk, which lists a number of apartments and villas at weekly rates. One of the value-for-money offers I found on this site was for an apartment sleeping four at Pointe Aux Canonniers from 99 British pounds sterling (around R1400) per week. The apartment is only 100 metres from Grand Baie and consists of two bedrooms and is equipped with a kitchen, washing machine, TV and telephone.

Another site worth checking is www.hostelbookers.com, which does not only offer hostel rooms. It lists a number of affordable apartments and villas. One of the offers that caught my eye was for an apartment in the Flic en Flac area. The self-catering studio consists of a double bedroom with fully equipped kitchenette, air-conditioning, satellite TV and safety box. Named Cool Studio, it is set in a garden with a swimming pool, tennis court, squash court and a fitness centre. It is close to shopping, restaurants and the beach. The rate for the apartment is 30 Euros (around R300) per day.

You could also check www.vacationvillas.net, a website which offers apartments and villas around the island. A nice apartment close to the beach works out at around 70 US dollars (R480) per day, while a luxurious villa with swimming pool will cost you from 130-180 US dollars (R900-R1250) per day. Considering this is for the whole villa, it is still a fraction of the price you would pay for a comparable hotel.