November 8, 2026: Here we are. Somewhere in the Indian Ocean, almost 2,000 kilometers east of Madagascar. On this small island I used to only dream about. Mauritius! It always sounded so tempting and sexy to me. And I thought of dreamy white beaches, palm trees, tropical fruits, and snorkeling safaris.
I saw myself in a white beach dress with my blond hair lightly tied back. Added to that a touch of summer feeling, and in my hand, a coconut with a straw. Below me is the loosely woven hammock, and around me are these lush green palm trees…
…well, it doesn’t look like that in reality, but you still have these images in your head when you surf the internet or turn on the television. But even Mark Twain once said:
“First Mauritius was created, then paradise. But paradise was just a copy of Mauritius!”
Mark Twain
It’s somehow different…
Mauritius is this little African pearl, this fascinating microcosm in the Indian Ocean. And yes, it is dreamy. There are places that almost take your breath away. Yet this island is so different from what you imagine. It’s not just dreamy scenery and crystal-clear sea. Mauritius is so much more.
There’s no room for bad moods here, there are no poisonous animals, and the thermometer climbs to a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius almost every day of the year. The hotel complexes are among the most beautiful in the world, and there are no malaria-carrying mosquitoes here. The interior is green, and the tap water is safe to drink. Sounds good, right?
Dream paradise in the Indian Ocean
Most travelers have the vacation of a lifetime here. They get married here, spend their honeymoon on the island, or simply enjoy the luxury of the first-class facilities. Every now and then, they take a catamaran trip out to sea to watch the dolphins play. Afterwards, they feast on the delicacies of the Michelin-starred cuisine, enjoy a treatment in the spa, and round off the day with a refreshing cocktail at the beach bar.
That’s what it looks like when you’re a little more penniless. Things are a little different for us. Nevertheless, our everyday life here on the island is no worse for that. We don’t have enough money for a daily dinner at a restaurant, nor for a single overnight stay in a 5-star resort. We can’t go out on a boat every day, go diving, or anything else. But those are luxury problems…
Less is sometimes more…
…because we live here on this beautiful island, and that alone is luxury enough. We live in eternal summer and can’t complain at all. We live in a good house with great people, cook our own meals every evening, often walk or take the bus, lie on the beach, or work on our laptops. We’ve long since settled into everyday life, yet we still decide for ourselves every day what we want to see and do.
You can have a great time with €40 a day, and of course, with €100 or €150 as well. Mauritius has enough options for every budget, yet it’s far more affordable than you’d expect. This is likely due in part to the fact that the former colonial rulers left their mark. While a lot is imported and only half as much is exported, prices in supermarkets and shops are impressive.
Away from all the luxury resorts, the island is a kind of Europe in just 2,000 square kilometers. Cars drive on the left like in England, but have license plates like in France. The official language is English, but most people here speak French. And you can even get croissants and a cup of tea in the afternoon. That’s what it’s like on an island that was still a British colony back then. The English arrived in 1814, defeated the French, and stayed until 1968. And this isn’t just noticeable visually.
The Spirit of Local Life
Especially in the capital, Port Louis, you can experience “pure local life.” A stroll through the Central Market provides insights into a completely different world. Here, people still try to get the fresh fruit and vegetables to the people. Everyone shouts louder than the next – haggling and bargaining are going on everywhere. The streets are bustling with activity. The descendants of the colonial rulers, African slaves, and Indian and Chinese guest workers form a colorful mix of people.
People of diverse backgrounds live together extremely peacefully here. They accept and respect each other. Many others could learn a lot from that. Why discrimination? Why all the debates about origin, religion, and faith? Why can’t we just live and interact peacefully with one another? Mauritius shows how it can work.
Every culture on this island has preserved its own unique character. Hindu temples, Catholic churches, and mosques are a common sight. Occasionally, Indian or Chinese is spoken alongside Creole. In the supermarket, you’ll find Indian spices, French baguettes, or German cheese, while Bollywood-style music blares from the speakers.
The island’s festivals are also culturally diverse. Muslim festivals, Chinese celebrations, and Hindu ceremonies are all celebrated. And that’s precisely what makes Mauritius so fascinating. Walking through the streets of the capital, you’ll encounter the most diverse countries of the world, all here in one place.
A rich and safe country
Furthermore, the political situation is stable, and education and healthcare are free. To the surprise of many, the illiteracy rate is one of the lowest in the world. And the unemployment rate is also relatively low. Stable economic policy, a relatively high standard of living, freedom of the press, and a low crime rate make Mauritius not only one of the richest countries in Africa but also a popular travel destination. And life is incredibly good here! You feel comfortable, and above all, welcome.
Mauritius is uncomplicated and easy. You can explore the island for a few cents on the local buses. The buses don’t run on a set schedule, but the island is peaceful anyway. There’s no room for hecticness and time pressure here anyway. Here, you can simply go with the flow – in the “eternal summer.” On the beach, you can get delicious street food for €2, and the supermarket has everything your heart desires. You don’t really have to go without anything here.
And even if you don’t arrive with a bulging wallet, you can still have a wonderful vacation here. All beaches are public, so you can enjoy your time to the fullest, even on the beach of a luxury resort. In most cases, you’re even allowed to use the loungers, as long as there’s still enough space for the hotel guests. At the beach bar, you can sip a coffee overlooking the sea, even if you’re not a hotel guest—there’s nothing against that here. Of course, you’ll still have to pay.
The accommodations are mostly simple, yet adequate. A small one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes even a balcony can be found for as little as €20 a night (sometimes even cheaper). And that’s common here. On the island, there are luxury resorts or private apartments and rooms.
There’s nothing in between. But what do you need when you live in a little paradise every day? You can do your own laundry or leave it at your own disposal—both are very affordable. You can buy everything you need for self-catering at the supermarket, and then cook pasta in your own kitchen (€2).
Live cheaply in the eternal summer…
And the many activities in Mauritius don’t cost a fortune either. You can take a catamaran tour, including drinks, food, and snorkeling gear, for just under €35. If you’d prefer something cheaper, you can simply take the bus to the beach and then take a boat to beautiful islands for €10 to €15. You can, of course, bring your own food and drink from home.
If you feel the urge for nature and forests, you can enjoy a great day out for free in the Black River Gorges National Park, where you’ll find waterfalls, magnificent views of the island, and natural freshwater pools. Or you can head to Le Morne Brabant early in the morning to catch a breathtaking view of the island.
Mauritius! Oh, you beloved country! You can live here. The mix of cultures, the influences from all over the world, the safety, and the relatively high standards make Mauritius a truly relaxed country. Despite all the amenities, you can immerse yourself deeply and look far beyond your own horizons. The island has retained its original charm; the people are friendly and live together peacefully.
It’s like a microcosm – a world where everything seems so fine. A world where you forget what’s actually going on out there. It almost seems as if Mauritius is shutting itself off from it all. An island that tries to protect itself from all evil. Here on the island, you can forget all the worries of the world for a brief moment. Time stands still, and you enjoy the “here and now” together. Moments that you will fondly remember. One can only hope that this microcosm will continue to exist for a long time.