Mauritius Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
Mauritius is faced with a growing challenge: maintaining reliable access to both water and electricity. As summer approaches, the island risks an energy shortage, sporadic power cuts, and frequent water supply disruptions—all of which can make daily life increasingly difficult. This article provides practical advice to help you prepare, stay comfortable, and manage those moments when the taps run dry and the power goes out.
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Moving to Mauritius means embracing a new life under the tropics… and new culinary adventures too. While the local dholl puri, fresh fish, and exotic spices delight the palate, there are moments when our taste buds crave a hint of home, a taste from elsewhere – the comforting flavor of home, a refined delicacy from abroad, or simply the pleasure of an exceptional product. In today's fast-paced world, authenticity has become a highly valued trait. Both Mauritians and expatriates are increasingly seeking genuine products — those that carry history and a story to tell. That's where Club Gourmand comes in.
Starting a new life in Mauritius as a family feels almost like a dream. Picture it: a sun-kissed island, a gentler rhythm of life, and a sense of calm that bustling cities can only envy. For many parents, it represents the chance to slow down, focus on what truly matters, and raise children in a healthier, freer environment. Yet, as with any big adventure, moving abroad as a family isn't without its challenges. Doubts, adjustments, and even major upheavals are all part of the journey. Adapting to a new country is already complex on your own, but doing so with children—whether toddlers or teenagers—adds an extra layer of difficulty. So how can you make this more than just a leap into the unknown? How can you turn a move to Mauritius into a meaningful chapter of your family's story—without losing balance or burning out? Let's explore.
Rwandan software developer Pascal Gihozo came to Mauritius in 2021 on a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship and has since built a life that blends tech, health innovation, and outdoor adventure. Now an eHealth Implementation Assistant at UNDP Mauritius & Seychelles and co-founder of Alonix Solutions, Pascal balances his professional path with a passion for endurance challenges—most recently cycling 216 km around the island. In this interview, he shares his expat journey, lessons learned, and advice for young professionals in Africa.
Living in Mauritius often means rethinking how you consume—whether through shorter supply chains, organic produce, second-hand finds, or handcrafted goods. Settling on the island doesn't just bring a change of scenery, pace, and culture—it also transforms your relationship with consumption. Far from Western shopping malls and 24-hour delivery services, Mauritius encourages you to strip things back to the essentials. To do more with less. To adopt new habits.
When Sophie Luminara moved from London to Mauritius in 2015 with her husband and two young children, she had never visited the island and knew no one there. Drawn by the chance to raise her children in a bilingual environment and to embrace a different pace of life, she quickly discovered the warmth of Mauritian culture, the safety of the island, and the joy of outdoor living. Now navigating life as a solo mum, Sophie reflects on the support networks she has built, the contrasts between parenting in the UK and Mauritius, and the ways island life has shaped her family's daily rhythm. In this interview, she shares candid insights into raising children abroad, building community from scratch, and finding balance between personal and professional life under the Mauritian sun.
For Taryn Aveley, moving to Mauritius wasn't just about changing countries—it was about starting fresh. Three years ago, she and her family left South Africa in search of space to grow and create, and the island quickly became home. Blending her love for food with her new surroundings, Taryn has found inspiration in both her South African roots and Mauritian flavors, turning her kitchen into a place of connection and creativity. In this interview, she shares her journey of settling in, finding community, and discovering what it means to truly thrive abroad.
So, you've moved to Mauritius. You pictured blue skies, sandy beaches, cocktails in hand, feet in the water… That was the brochure version. In reality, you're finding yourself striking up awkward small talk with the cashier at Winner's supermarket because making friends with Mauritians isn't turning out to be as simple as you hoped. You probably arrived thinking everything would just fall into place. Sunshine, turquoise lagoons, mangoes galore, smiles everywhere… And yet, a month later, still no drinks with the neighbors. Still no WhatsApp message from Anjali at the supermarket, even though she smiled at you twice.
Picture this: you're working under the shade of a coconut tree, laptop balanced on your knees, smoothie in hand, with a turquoise lagoon just behind your screen. It's the dream, and, yes, the Instagram cliché, of remote work in Mauritius. And to be fair, it's a tempting one. The island offers year-round sunshine, postcard beaches, a convenient time zone, and a streamlined visa for digital nomads. What's not to like? But after the suitcase is unpacked and the sunburn fades, reality sets in. Life in Mauritius is sweet, but it's still life. Remote work here isn't just about beachside brainstorming and tropical backdrops. It also means sorting out logistics, dealing with occasional isolation, and navigating sometimes patchy internet connections. Here's what it's really like—straight from people who've lived it.
The 2025-2026 National Budget, unveiled by the Mauritian government in June, placed a significant emphasis on the future role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming and strengthening the local economy, which is currently struggling. Over the following years, AI will be implemented in every sector, from tourism to education to the civil service, to improve their operations.
In Mauritius, paying for your coffee with a QR code is perfectly normal. Need a ride? Just message “Jean-Luc Taxi – Marie Jo's cousin.” And yes, it really works. So naturally, when you arrive, your first reflex is to grab your phone and open the App Store. You start downloading the usual apps— Uber, Google Pay... only to find out they don't work here. These global apps have no idea where you are. This article is here to save you from the dreaded “service not available in your region.” Whether you're landing from London, Johannesburg, Mumbai, or Montreal, here's a list of apps that actually work in Mauritius — and a few you can uninstall without a second thought.
When people think of Mauritius, they often picture a place with a low cost of living — reasonable rent, affordable meals. But behind this appealing image lies a more complicated reality. Imported goods are expensive, inflation is unpredictable, and recent budget reforms are reshaping the landscape. So what does life here really cost — and what should expats expect?
Behind the familiar image of a digital nomad in Mauritius sipping a smoothie by the sea, or a relaxed retiree with their feet buried in the sand, there's another side to the story—less glamorous, but just as real. It's a world built on odd jobs, skill swaps, favors, and informal networks that keep daily life going. A quiet, often invisible economy made of know-how, exchanges, and most of all... human connection. In this way of life, the goal isn't to “win” in any traditional sense. It's about flow—of skills, energy, ideas, time, objects, support, and knowledge. It's an economy rooted in handmade work, local ties, and genuine relationships. And yes, maybe even a hint of freedom.
Jérôme Valin has lived in Mauritius since the 1980s, experiencing first-hand the significant shifts in audiovisual production while immersing himself in the island's culture. Through his channel Lespri Pozitif, he highlights community-driven, cultural, and sustainable initiatives that bring Mauritius to life. He aims to share a perspective that is optimistic, engaged, and deeply human.
Living in Mauritius is a dream come true for many. But beyond the postcard-perfect images, life here comes with its own set of surprises—small details, habits, and emotions that only those who truly live on the island come to know. Here are 10 things only expats in Mauritius can share… always with a knowing smile.
Living in Mauritius isn't just about changing time zones — it's about changing your rhythm, your tastes, your language, and even your playlist. For expats settling on this multicultural island, diversity isn't just part of the scenery. It's an immersion, a transformation — a whole new way of life. We spoke to several of them. What they shared with us carried the flavor of a curry, the warmth of a séga, and the joy of a heartfelt “mo kontan twa.” Here's what they told us.
Lucy Leheilleix, a South African expat, is a filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast who has made Mauritius her creative playground. With a background in TV and documentaries, she now crafts vibrant video content that captures the island's natural beauty, local culture, and environmental causes. Passionate about water sports and visual storytelling, Lucy blends adventure with purpose, inspiring others to see Mauritius through a fresh, authentic lens.
Unveiled on Thursday, June 5, by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Navin Ramgoolam, the 2025–2026 Budget signals a strategic shift in Mauritius' economic direction. This first budget under the new government comes amid heightened economic strain, with public debt at 90% of GDP and a budget deficit of 9.8%. It introduces a mix of social support, fiscal tightening, and targeted economic stimulus aimed at restoring financial stability while responding to widespread public expectations. Here is a summary of the key measures likely to affect you—whether you are an investor, a working professional, or a student.
Make your relocation easier with the Mauritius expat guide
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