Expat interviews from Mauritius
Everyday life
Caity De Chasteigner Dumée-Duval's move from South Africa to Mauritius marked a turning point in both her personal and professional life. After years in the fast-paced world of corporate advertising, she chose to embrace a different rhythm, one that places family, creativity and balance at the centre. Now based in Tamarin and founder of Eighty Twenty, a creative agency, she reflects on the leap that brought her to the island, the challenges of starting a business as a newcomer, and the philosophy that now guides the way she works and lives.
Everyday life
The breathtaking lagoons surrounding Mauritius hide a far more fragile reality: a coral reef barrier that is weakening, partly due to plastic pollution. To take action on the ground and raise awareness without shaming anyone, Stéphane Doré, a French resident who has lived on the island since 2018, created Protez Moris. In this interview, he explains the initiative's goals and shares practical steps everyone can take to help protect Mauritius's natural treasure.
Everyday life
When Adam and Tara Short from Sheffield visited Mauritius last November, they didn't expect it to change their lives. But one afternoon on the beach in Grand Baie, they realized this was where they wanted to raise their family. Adam, who runs a car and fishing business, and Tara, who owns a hospitality supply company, wanted a simpler, safer, and more outdoor life for their two sons, Spencer (9) and Xander (4). Just months later, they turned that dream into reality. In this interview, the Short family shares what it's really like to swap the busy streets of Sheffield for island life, from choosing schools and settling in, to discovering their favourite local foods and making Mauritius home.
Everyday life
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.
Everyday life
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.
Everyday life
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.
Everyday life
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.
Everyday life
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.
Everyday life
When Sierra left Washington, D.C. for Mauritius, she wasn't just relocating—she was on a mission to explore, document, and share. A creative storyteller and digital nomad, Sierra first learned about Mauritius through a random online article and later turned that spark into a full-fledged move in 2023 under the Premium Visa. Since then, she's built a life that blends work, passion, and purpose—running her blog and YouTube channel Expat Sierra, freelancing, and diving into local culture. In this interview, Sierra opens up about her visa journey, life as an expat, connecting with communities, and her hopes for a more inclusive, millennial-friendly Mauritius.
Schools & studies
Daniella Bee, a French expat, moved to Mauritius two years ago. Once a globe-trotting digital nomad, she traded freedom and movement for something more grounded: purpose. Captivated by the island's natural beauty—and undeterred by its challenges—she chose to stay. Guided by compassion and curiosity, Daniella founded Grains d'Étoile, an educational initiative rooted in humanity, inclusion, and ecology. Her story is one of vision, commitment, and bold transformation. Meet the woman turning dreams into action.
Everyday life
Originally from Annecy, Lionel discusses his evolution from an early career in sales to his current role as an expert in optimizing online processes for French SMEs. Currently based in Mauritius, he explains how he merges technological innovation with personal connections to transform business strategies and why he chose this tropical paradise as his new home.
Work
Join us for an in-depth discussion with Myriam Blin, Head of the Charles Telfair Centre, a key institution in the Western Indian Ocean dedicated to addressing regional challenges and enhancing collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and business leaders. She leads training initiatives focused on gender transformation leadership to meet the growing need for inclusive leadership. In this interview, she emphasizes the vital importance of diversity and inclusion in the current professional landscape and explores the distinctive challenges encountered in Mauritius.
Everyday life
It was a delight to chat with Thibault Cabanettes, a dynamic young man from Marseille who embarked on a heartfelt journey to Mauritius in the name of love. With a diverse academic and professional background in France, Thibault took a life-changing leap, moving to Mauritius to be with Divya, his significant other. In this Interview, Thibault shares the hurdles and highlights of his new life in Mauritius, offering an intimate look into what it means to chase love across the globe.
Ready for a 9th edition, MAMA JAZ has evolved from a mere idea shared among friends to a thriving month-long festival celebrating Mauritius' musical talent. In this interview with Gavin Poonoosamy, the founder of MAMA JAZ, we find out about the evolution of the festival and what makes it a must-attend event.
Stéphanie Bouloc's journey from France to the picturesque island of Mauritius six years ago is not just about seeking paradise; it's about a deep commitment to the principles of the circular economy. As we commemorate Women's Rights Day, let's delve into the story of this resilient and innovative woman.
Everyday life
In this interview, we speak to María Cánovas, a dynamic individual hailing from Spain whose passion for travel and new cultural experiences led her to the enchanting island of Mauritius. Armed with a background in Tourism and Economics, María's journey unfolds as she takes us through her transformative six-month marketing internship at a prestigious hotel and the subsequent decision to return for a longer stay.
Schools & studies
From Botswana to Mauritius: An expat's reflections on the challenges faced by international students
Bokamoso is a young international student from Botswana. She moved to Mauritius in June 2022 after being awarded the prestigious Mauritius-Africa Scholarship Scheme. While she recognizes that adapting to a new country takes a lot of effort, Bokamoso agrees that Mauritius has a lot to offer, from its beauty and diversity to the quality of its higher education system. She shared her view with us in this Interview.
Everyday life
Originally from Birmingham, in the UK, but with Mauritian roots, Kris Lutchmayah settled in Mauritius 10 years ago. A one-of-a-kind expat, he juggles a busy career as a property management specialist, digital marketer, actor and model, and a vibrant social life that includes exploring the island and promoting its beauty and richness via his social media channels. In this Interview, Kris Lutchmayah, or Just Kris for social media enthusiasts, talks to us about his daily routine, vegan lifestyle, and his long-term plans.
Other Types
Visas
Mauritius is taking its attractiveness strategy to the next level. Announced at the Cabinet Meeting on April 10, 2026, a Golden Visa Scheme is currently in the works, alongside a dedicated concierge service for ultra-high-net-worth investors. Behind the announcement lies a clear and deliberate ambition: to capture capital on the move, and fast.
Everyday life
At a time when the Middle East is going through one of its most serious geopolitical crises in decades, Mauritius finds itself on the front line of the economic repercussions of a conflict beyond its control. A recent UNDP report has quantified the extent of these risks with precision. Diesel prices have already increased. Rumors of rising petrol and bread prices continue to circulate, despite government efforts to deny them. Meanwhile, the first concrete responses are beginning to emerge within businesses. Here is a full breakdown of the measures shaping daily life in Mauritius.
Leisure
The MAMA JAZ festival unveils its Grand Concerts program for April, featuring a series of unmissable musical evenings at the Galerie du Génie, Édith, in Port-Louis. Every Wednesday from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM, audiences are invited to explore distinctive artistic worlds brought to life by local talent.
Leisure
After the lively summer months, April brings a welcome change of pace to Mauritius. As humidity drops and the atmosphere becomes more pleasant, it's the perfect time to make the most of local events, which are often easier to access. That said, rest assured that the cultural calendar remains packed. From music festivals and international concerts to sporting events and outdoor experiences, April is full of surprises. Here are the highlights to add to your diary.
Accommodation
For many expatriates, it is the signal they have been waiting for. According to the latest Property Cloud index, rents for properties accessible to foreign tenants have fallen for the first time in several years. While the local rental market continues to climb, this shift creates a window of opportunity for those planning a move to Mauritius. The real question is how long it will stay open.
Leisure
MAMA JAZ returns this April for its 11th edition. Staying true to its spirit of creation and improvisation, this year's festival highlights “Natural Intelligence,” celebrating human creative genius at a time when artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly prominent role in our societies. Concerts, performances and artistic encounters will take place throughout April in Port Louis, with the aim of bringing together a wide audience around a free and universal vision of music. Gavin Poonoosamy, the founder of this now-unmissable event on the local music scene, spoke to Expat.com.
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