When comparing Mauritius Packages, one of the earliest decisions is whether to choose an all-inclusive plan or opt for bed and breakfast, half board, or full board. On a paradise island with world-class resorts and varied dining, the choice can feel complex. The short answer is that all-inclusive can be an incredible value for many travellers, but it depends on your holiday style, how much time you spend on site, and what the specific resort includes in its plan.
Mauritius rewards slow days on the beach and active days chasing waterfalls, markets, and rum tastings. Your catering choice influences how freely you enjoy each of those moments. Below, we unpack what “all-inclusive” usually covers, the advantages that travellers love, the drawbacks to consider, and a simple framework to help you decide.
What does an all-inclusive package include?
All-inclusive inclusions vary by resort, but there are common threads you can expect across the island. Understanding the scope helps you compare apples with apples when reading hotel fact sheets and speaking to a consultant.
Meals throughout the day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are standard, often with a mix of buffets and à la carte options. Many plans also include mid-afternoon snacks, poolside bites, or a late light supper. Rotating theme nights and speciality restaurants are common, though some à la carte venues may require advance booking or carry a small supplement.
Beverages: House wines by the glass, local beers, soft drinks, juices, coffee, and tea are typically included during bar opening hours. Selected cocktails are often part of the plan. Premium labels, top-shelf spirits, champagne, and fine wines may be excluded or offered at a discount. If you are particular about a specific gin or vintage, check the beverage list before you book.
Activities and facilities: Most resorts include non-motorised water sports such as stand-up paddle, kayaking, pedal boats, and snorkelling equipment. Many also include water skiing in sheltered lagoons, glass-bottom boat trips, tennis courts, fitness centres, and group classes. Spa treatments, diving, fishing, and motorised water sports are usually extra, unless noted as a special inclusion or promotion.
Family benefits: Kids’ clubs with structured programmes, teen zones, and evening entertainment often come at no extra charge. Some resorts offer sweeteners like complimentary ice cream hours, early dinners for little ones, or free stays for young children who share with their parents. Babysitting is normally chargeable.
Convenience extras, such as beach and pool service, in-room tea and coffee, minibar top-ups on a set schedule, and daily entertainment, often fall under the all-inclusive umbrella. As always, confirm the fine print, especially for minibars and room service, which may be excluded or restricted to certain room categories.
Because inclusions differ, the best way to compare is to ask for an itemised list of what is covered versus what is not. A trusted specialist can help interpret the small print and match the plan to your preferences.
Advantages of going all-inclusive
There are compelling reasons why all-inclusive remains so popular in Mauritius, particularly for couples, families, and multigenerational groups seeking a seamless escape.
Predictable costs and strong value: Resort drinks and dining can add up more quickly than many travellers anticipate. With an all-inclusive plan, you pre-pay for the majority of on-site consumption, which reduces bill shock and often works out cheaper than paying as you go. If you enjoy poolside cocktails, daily cappuccinos, and a glass of wine with dinner, the value multiplies.
Culinary freedom without mental maths: Mauritius resorts pride themselves on varied dining, from beach grills to fine dining. An all-inclusive wristband frees you to try different venues and dishes without weighing every choice against a budget. If you prefer a light lunch and a long dinner, or a quick snack between swims, you can follow your appetite rather than a calculator.
Family-friendly ease: Parents love the simplicity. Children can grab a juice or ice cream without hunting for a wallet. Many kids’ clubs are included, giving adults time for a spa session or a quiet snorkel. For grandparents travelling with the family, a single package price keeps planning straightforward.
Time rich, decision light: Holiday time is precious. Removing micro decisions around ordering a second mocktail or switching restaurants preserves energy for experiences that matter. Many guests find that all-inclusive elevates relaxation precisely because the small choices are settled.
Group harmony: When travelling with friends or relatives, all-inclusive minimises awkwardness over splitting bills, tipping, or who covered yesterday’s drinks. Everyone operates from the same set of inclusions, which keeps the mood carefree.
To illustrate the value, imagine a couple staying seven nights who plan to eat three meals a day on site, enjoy sundowners, and join a few lagoon activities. Buying each element separately can surpass the supplement for all-inclusive, especially at premium beachfront resorts. While exact maths depends on menus and habits, the breakeven point is surprisingly easy to reach for most travellers.
Who benefits most? Couples who enjoy leisurely dining and sunset drinks, families with snack-happy children, honeymooners planning maximum resort time, and travellers who want to switch off and stay on property are prime candidates. If you anticipate using the resort as your primary playground, all-inclusive is hard to beat.
What if you love to explore? The island’s street food, beach shacks, and Creole kitchens are delightful. If your plan is to hire a car, chase viewpoints, and eat out every second day, a half board or even bed and breakfast plan might fit better. You will still enjoy hotel breakfasts and dinners while keeping lunch open for adventures.
Watch the fine print: Premium drinks, speciality dining menus, in-room dining, certain water sports, and spa access are the usual exclusions. Ask for the beverage list and any à la carte supplements in advance. Some plans apply time windows, for example, bar inclusions until a set hour at night. Transparency helps you decide with confidence.
Tips to maximise value: Book speciality restaurants early, glance at the cocktail and mocktail lists to discover included signatures, use the water sports desk, and attend resort experiences such as rum tastings or cooking demos when included. If your plan includes minibar refills or afternoon tea, set a gentle routine so you do not miss them.
Dietary needs and wellness: Many resorts cater well for vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free guests. All-inclusive does not mean an endless buffet only. Share your preferences with your consultant and the hotel in advance so the culinary team can prepare thoughtful options that are still part of your plan.
Environmental note: Mauritius is deeply proud of its lagoons and reefs. Refillable water stations, paper straws, and reef-safe sunscreen are increasingly standard. All-inclusive guests can support sustainability by using refill stations, reusing towels, and choosing non-motorised water sports where possible.
Is all-inclusive worth it for you?
Start with your holiday rhythm. If your perfect day is breakfast on the terrace, a morning paddle on calm water, a lazy lunch in the shade, and a lingering dinner followed by live music, an all-inclusive will likely save money and deliver maximum ease. If your ideal day is a road trip to Chamarel or a catamaran cruise with a beach braai, you might prefer a more flexible board basis and plan to dine out often.
Consider your beverage habits. If you drink alcohol sparingly, an all-inclusive can still suit you thanks to quality soft drinks, fresh juices, coffees, and mocktails. If you prefer premium spirits or vintage wines every evening, weigh any supplements so your expectations align with the plan.
Think about the time on the property. The more resort time you anticipate, the more value you will extract. Travellers who expect to settle into a favourite beach lounger and paddleboard daily often reach breakeven by day three or four. Explorers who will be away from the hotel most afternoons may prefer half board and enjoy local lunches on the road.
Finally, lean on expert advice. A specialist can compare plans across resorts, highlight seasonal promotions, and flag where small supplements might matter to your party. The goal is not simply to tick the all-inclusive box, but to match inclusions to the way you genuinely spend your holiday hours.
For many visitors, the answer is a confident yes. All-inclusive in Mauritius removes friction, adds culinary variety, and keeps the focus on warm water, palm shade, and shared memories. For others, a lighter plan preserves the freedom to roam and taste the island’s markets and beach shacks. Either way, Mauritius shines. If you would like tailored guidance, our team will suggest properties where the plan aligns with your style and secure any limited-time offers that fit your dates.
Ready to start planning your island escape with a package that fits like a glove? Explore our hand-picked Mauritius Packages and let us fine-tune the right plan for you.
