Selection updated September 2026

Unusual Places to Stay in Mauritius: 4 top picks, 2026 prices

4 unusual places to stay in Mauritius: the Bubble Lodge on Île aux Cerfs (the private island's only hotel, from €489 a night), Otentic glamping in the south-east valley (9.0/10 Booking), Le Camptainer in container bungalows and Lakaz Chamarel eco-lodge (9.4/10 Booking).

4 hotels150 € from

First and foremost, this is a site about Reunion Island, “the intense island”, where unusual stays mean Mafate gîtes (hiker guesthouses) reachable only on foot and treehouses (see my Reunion Island accommodation pages ). Mauritius goes for upmarket concepts instead: the Bubble Lodge on Île aux Cerfs (the only hotel on this private island in the east lagoon), eco-friendly glamping in a south-east valley, contemporary lodges tucked into the Chamarel jungle. 4 places chosen for their originality.

Mauritius has some of the most original places to stay in the Indian Ocean. Away from the classic 5-star resorts of the east and north coasts, these 4 places rely on a unique setting rather than standard hotel comfort: a transparent bubble on a private island, eco-friendly glamping by a river, container bungalows in an unspoilt valley, lodges tucked into the Chamarel jungle.

All 4 can be booked on Booking.com. 2026 prices checked on the update date below. Booking ratings range from 8.5/10 (Camptainer) to 9.4/10 (Lakaz Chamarel).

Our selection

4 unusual places to stay

Interior of a transparent Bubble Lodge on Île aux Cerfs, white bed facing the lagoon at sunset

★ 9.1/10

Bubble Lodge, Île aux Cerfs

Transparent bubble on a private island · Île aux Cerfs, east lagoon

·The only accommodation on Île aux Cerfs, reachable only by boat
·A bubble with transparent walls facing the lagoon, so you sleep under the stars
·An open-air shower amid tropical vegetation
·Private beach and free access to the island's golf course

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·Butler service and dinners served on the beach or in the garden
·Eco-friendly construction with a minimal footprint on the lagoon

From

489 €/ night

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Otentic glamping tent by a river in the tropical jungle of south-east Mauritius

★ 9.0/10

Otentic Eco Tent Experience

Eco-friendly glamping by the river · Grande Rivière Sud-Est valley

·Spacious tents by the river, off the usual hotel circuit
·Free kayaks on the river
·Meals included, local dishes served in the communal dining room
·Nature activities every day

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·Staff rated an outstanding 9.6/10 on Booking
·Full immersion in the tropical jungle of south-east Mauritius

From

150 €/ night

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★ 8.5/10

Le Camptainer

Container bungalows in a valley · Ferney valley, south-east

·Bungalows fitted out inside recycled shipping containers
·A preserved valley setting, away from the tourist areas
·Panoramic views over Mauritius's inland hills
·Rustic charm combined with modern comfort

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·The feel of a remote farm, ideal for switching off
·Consistently strong ratings around 8.8 on Booking

Price

Price on request

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Eco-chic Lakaz Chamarel lodge nestled in the tropical vegetation of south-west Mauritius

★ 9.4/10

Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge

Eco-chic mountain lodge · Chamarel, south-west

·Eco-designed lodges built into the Chamarel landscape
·Direct access to the Tamarin waterfalls and the Seven Coloured Earths
·Exceptional staff rating of 9.7/10 on Booking
·Sweeping views over the south-west coast from the heights

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·Modern local cuisine and an intimate table d'hôte (shared host's table)
·One of the best-known eco-luxury lodges in Mauritius

From

365 €/ night

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Choosing your unusual stay

Which one suits you

For a truly one-of-a-kind night, the Bubble Lodge on Île aux Cerfs is unrivalled in Mauritius. It's the only accommodation on this private island in the east lagoon, and the room is a transparent bubble looking out on tropical vegetation and the lagoon. At €489 a night, the price reflects a truly unique concept.

For nature and the jungle, Otentic Eco Tent Experience in the south-east valley and Lakaz Chamarel in the south-west hills both deliver an eco-friendly stay. Lakaz Chamarel is rated 9.4/10 on Booking, one of the best scores of any accommodation in Mauritius.

For an authentic, rustic stay, Le Camptainer in the Ferney valley relies on its quirky container bungalows and its remote location. It suits travellers who want to escape the busy north and west coasts and value peace and quiet over luxury.

On the practical side, that seclusion has a catch: every trip to the beaches or sights of the south-east coast means a drive. A car hired for the whole stay takes care of it, so once your nights are booked, see available hire cars for the same dates.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions about accommodation in Mauritius

How much does unusual accommodation in Mauritius cost in 2026?

Unusual accommodation in Mauritius is upmarket: the Bubble Lodge on Île aux Cerfs starts at €489 a night (a private bubble on a private island), while Lakaz Chamarel and Otentic sit in the same premium range (exact rates to confirm when booking). Le Camptainer is the most affordable of the four. Unusual stays in Reunion Island (Mafate ecolodges, treehouses) work out 30 to 50% cheaper, but without the lagoon-and-Indian-Ocean wow factor.

What is the most unusual place to stay in Mauritius?

The Bubble Lodge on Île aux Cerfs: it's the only accommodation on the whole private island in the east lagoon, reachable only by boat. The room is a bubble with transparent walls opening onto the lagoon and tropical vegetation, with an open-air shower and butler service. Its Booking rating (9.1/10 from verified reviews) backs up the experience. It's also the most expensive of the four.

Can I go glamping in Mauritius?

Yes, that's exactly what Otentic Eco Tent Experience offers in the Grande Rivière Sud-Est valley: spacious tents by the river, free kayaks, meals included and total immersion in the tropical jungle of south-east Mauritius. It is rated 9.0/10 on Booking, with the staff scoring 9.6/10. The most authentic of the four for travellers who want to escape the touristy coast.

When is the best time for an unusual stay in Mauritius?

From April to November (the dry southern winter), to make the most of these open-air stays (transparent bubble, tents, lightly insulated lodges). Avoid January-February (cyclone season, when the most exposed structures may be evacuated). Capacity is small (1 to 5 units per site), so book 4 to 6 weeks ahead in high season (July-August, December-January).

Is unusual accommodation in Mauritius suitable for families with kids?

They suit couples best. Bubble Lodge accepts a maximum of 2 adults + 2 children; Otentic welcomes families in its larger tents; Lakaz Chamarel offers family lodges. Le Camptainer (container bungalows in a secluded valley), on the other hand, is aimed at couples looking for peace and quiet. With young children, Otentic or Lakaz Chamarel are the better picks, as they have more room.

Unusual accommodation in Mauritius or Reunion Island: which to choose?

Mauritius offers polished, upmarket stays with a lagoon backdrop: transparent bubbles and eco-luxury lodges (Lakaz Chamarel, Bubble Lodge). Reunion Island is more adventurous: Mafate gîtes (hiker guesthouses) reachable only on foot, treehouses, domes facing the volcano (see my Reunion Island accommodation page). For the wow factor and comfort, choose Mauritius; for adventure and volcanic landscapes, Reunion Island stands out.

Last updated: 29 September 2026. Booking rates verified at the time of writing. Please confirm the exact price when booking.