How much can you earn renting your Mauritius villa on Airbnb?

If you own a villa, apartment, or penthouse on the West Coast of Mauritius, you've probably wondered: how much could I actually earn by renting it out on Airbnb?

It's the question we get asked more than any other. And the honest answer is: it depends — on your property type, location, amenities, and how well it's managed. But we can give you real numbers based on current market data.

This guide breaks down what properties on the West Coast of Mauritius are actually earning right now, so you can make an informed decision about whether short-term rental makes sense for you.

The Mauritius Airbnb market in 2026

Mauritius has a healthy and growing short-term rental market. There are currently over 4,500 active Airbnb listings across the island, with the West Coast — particularly Flic en Flac, Tamarin, and Black River — being one of the most popular areas for tourists.

The overall numbers paint an encouraging picture. The average occupancy rate across Mauritius sits at around 66%, meaning a typical property is booked for approximately 237 nights per year. The average daily rate (ADR) is roughly €90 per night, though this varies significantly by property type and location.

Importantly, around 98% of Airbnb guests in Mauritius are international visitors — predominantly from France, the UK, South Africa, and Germany. This means your property is competing for the attention of discerning travellers who expect quality, cleanliness, and good communication.

Nightly rates by property type

Not all properties earn the same. A studio apartment will command a very different rate from a 4-bedroom villa with a pool. Here's what the market data shows for the West Coast:

The gap between average and top-performing properties is significant. The difference usually comes down to three things: professional photography, dynamic pricing, and quality of management. A well-managed property with great photos and smart pricing consistently outperforms similar properties that are set-and-forget.

How location affects your earnings

On the West Coast, location matters — but perhaps not as much as you'd think. The main areas each have their own character and audience:

Flic en Flac is the most popular area, with the highest demand and the most competition. It has the longest beach on the West Coast, excellent restaurants, and the best infrastructure. Properties here achieve the highest occupancy rates.

Tamarin has a more relaxed, surfy vibe and is increasingly popular with longer-stay guests. Rates are slightly lower than Flic en Flac, but occupancy is growing steadily.

Black River is quieter and attracts families and nature lovers (it's close to the national park). Rates are lower, but the guest profile tends to be premium.

Le Morne commands the highest rates on the West Coast, thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage site, premium kite surfing scene, and proximity to luxury resorts. However, the supply of rental properties is smaller.

Seasonality and peak periods

Mauritius has clear seasonal patterns that affect both occupancy and pricing:

Peak season (November – January): This is when European visitors escape winter. Nightly rates can be 40–60% higher than the annual average, and well-managed properties are booked solid. December is typically the single highest-earning month.

Shoulder season (February – April, August – October): Solid bookings at moderate rates. This is where dynamic pricing makes the biggest difference — properties with smart pricing strategies fill gaps that fixed-rate listings miss.

Low season (May – July): Mauritius's winter. Rates drop and occupancy falls, but it's far from dead. Many French visitors come during this period, and properties that cater to longer stays (weekly and monthly discounts) do particularly well.

Realistic annual income estimates

Putting it all together — here's what a well-managed property on the West Coast can realistically earn per year, assuming 65% average occupancy:

What boosts your earnings

Based on the data, the amenities and features that have the biggest impact on nightly rates are:

A private pool adds 15–25% to your nightly rate. On the West Coast, this is the single most valuable amenity. Guests from Europe expect it, and properties without pools compete at a significant disadvantage.

A sea view commands a 15–20% premium. Even a partial sea view makes a meaningful difference to booking rates.

Professional photography isn't an amenity, but it's arguably the biggest single factor in listing performance. Properties with professional photos receive significantly more bookings than those with phone-quality images.

Air conditioning is almost expected in Mauritius and adds 5–10% to rates. More importantly, properties without it receive notably lower review scores.

Dynamic pricing — adjusting rates based on demand, seasonality, and local events — can increase annual revenue by 15–30% compared to a fixed rate. This is one of the core services a good property manager provides.

The management fee question

Most property owners weigh the cost of professional management against doing it themselves. Here's the reality: a professional manager who charges 20% but increases your occupancy by 15 percentage points and your nightly rate by 20% through better photos, dynamic pricing, and superior guest communication will net you more money than managing it yourself at 0% commission.

The maths is straightforward. A 2-bed villa earning €80/night at 50% occupancy (self-managed) generates €14,600/year gross. The same villa professionally managed at €95/night and 70% occupancy generates €24,273/year gross — even after a 20% management fee, the owner keeps €19,418. That's €4,800 more per year, with none of the work.