Features for expats in Mauritius
Leisure
July promises to be especially lively in Mauritius despite the whims of Mother Nature. With a number of concerts, festivals, sporting competitions, electro nights, networking events, and outdoor gatherings, there will be something for everyone throughout the month. Whether you've just arrived or you're a regular on the local events scene, our selection will help you make the most of this month.
Work
In just a few years, Mauritius has built an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is visible, structured, and supported by serious public-private partnerships. But beneath this momentum, deep obstacles persist for expat entrepreneurs: a market too small to scale on one's own, funding that dries up at the worst moment, and a talent shortage that nobody had truly anticipated. An overview of a maturing ecosystem, and what it means for foreign entrepreneurs who have chosen Mauritius to grow their business.
Leisure
June 2026 is shaping up to be a rich and eclectic month in Mauritius. Between retro nights, live concerts, food festivals, theatre performances, sporting events and immersive experiences, this month's agenda is brimming with appointments for every taste and every age. Iconic venues such as the Café du Vieux Conseil, the Caudan Arts Center, and the Trianon Convention Center will host memorable moments, while unusual sites like the Ruines de Mon Rocher or the Domaine de L'Aventure du Sucre promise truly extraordinary experiences. Here is our selection of unmissable events this month.
Everyday life
The recent filmed assault of an Italian tourist at Grand Bassin sent shockwaves across the country. It exposes long-hidden fractures beneath the island's idyllic reputation and has reignited the debate around safety for foreigners in Mauritius. In fact, questions about security have been multiplying on social media for some time now. But should expats and those planning to move to Mauritius in the near future be worried?
Health system
Mauritius is looking to accelerate the development of medical tourism and attract more international patients. According to official figures, over 4,000 international patients travel to the island each year for medical care or wellness stays. This number has been steadily rising since 2015, yet it remains modest compared with major regional hubs.
Everyday life
Raising children abroad takes adaptation, a healthy dose of improvisation… and a great deal of cultural open-mindedness. In Mauritius, an island of a thousand identities, the experience takes on a truly unique flavor. Between schooling in English or French, friendships with local Mauritian children, languages that blend together, and traditions that intersect, kids quickly become genuine cultural chameleons.
The dream of moving to Mauritius is often painted in golden colours. Beaches, adventure, freedom… But sometimes, a vague feeling creeps in. A kind of emptiness. A homesickness that's hard to put into words. That's what's known as the expat blues.
Leisure
May 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptionally vibrant month in Mauritius. From comedy shows and live concerts to clubbing nights, sporting events, and musical tributes, the calendar is packed with opportunities to get out, feel the energy, and share unforgettable moments. Iconic venues such as the Caudan Arts Centre, the Café du Vieux Conseil, and the Trianon Convention Centre will play host to a series of memorable events suited to all ages and tastes. Here is our pick of the must-see events this month.
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.
Everyday life
For years, when people talked about moving to Mauritius, two areas dominated the conversation: the North and the West. Grand Baie meant social life, shopping, and restaurants. Tamarin and Flic-en-Flac offered that sun, surf, and after-work lifestyle. Then, gradually, the South began attracting a new wave of expats seeking something different: more nature, more authenticity, and less congestion. From Bel Ombre to Mahébourg, including Baie du Cap, Riambel, Blue Bay, and Pointe d'Esny, the southern coastline offers unspoiled landscapes, villages that still move to a Mauritian rhythm, and the pleasant sense that time flows a little differently here. So why are so many expats now choosing to settle in the South? Here is the full picture.
Leisure
Between national celebrations, live concerts, theatre performances, festivals and sporting events, March brings a vibrant mix of experiences across Mauritius. From official Independence Day ceremonies to cultural outings and open-air gatherings, the month offers plenty of ways to connect with local life. Whether you have just moved to Mauritius or are simply looking for fresh ideas for a solo outing, a family day out or an evening with friends, here is a curated selection of events worth adding to your calendar.
Leisure
In Mauritius, padel is experiencing a spectacular boom. Courts are multiplying, tournaments are being organized, and communities are growing. But beyond the trend, this sport plays a particular role in expats' lives. More than just a leisure activity, it has become an anchor point, a catalyst for meeting people, and sometimes even a genuine tool for integration.
Everyday life
Mauritius still feels like a dream destination. With pleasant weather year-round, political stability, a strong sense of safety, a welcoming culture, and a business-friendly environment, it appeals to people relocating for a new job, a fresh start as an entrepreneur, or a more peaceful retirement. But beyond the postcard image, one issue is increasingly hard to ignore: the rising cost of living. It's now a regular topic of conversation and a growing concern across expat communities.
Leisure
Concerts, cultural festivals, major religious celebrations and sporting events are shaping the month of February in Mauritius. From long-standing traditions to contemporary performances, there are plenty of ways to get out, explore and experience the island, whether you've just arrived or you've been here for years. Here is our pick of the events you won't want to miss.
Everyday life
You've just landed at the airport, slightly undone by the humidity, suitcases packed with good intentions and mid-season clothes. You're here, ready to start your new life in Mauritius. Everything feels perfectly set for happiness. And in many ways, it is. But before you sip tamarind juice with your feet in the sand, there's a more practical journey to navigate: the reality of settling in. In Mauritius, things work. They just don't work the way they do back home. Bank accounts are opened with a signature and an electricity bill, taxis are booked on WhatsApp, and you quickly learn that “right now” can mean “later today”… or tomorrow. This article doesn't aim to tell you everything. Instead, it offers clear reference points, practical advice, and a few well-earned warnings so you don't have to learn everything the hard way.
Everyday life
Mauritius continues to strengthen its appeal among international retirees. According to the Global Retirement Report 2025 published by Global Citizen Solutions, the island ranks as the second-best retirement destination worldwide, just behind Portugal. This international recognition reflects a well-structured migration policy, an attractive tax framework and a stable living environment, which are key factors increasingly sought by retirees considering life abroad. Here's what you need to know if you're considering Mauritius for your overseas retirement.
Everyday life
Mauritius is known not only for its turquoise lagoons and volcanic landscapes but also for its deeply rooted spiritual heritage. Hinduism, Catholicism, local traditions, and alternative spiritual paths coexist on the island, shaping a unique spiritual landscape in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Other Types
Tax
If you live, work, invest, or are planning to relocate to Mauritius, the 2026-2027 Budget deserves your attention. Far from being a routine fiscal update, it marks a significant shift in the country's social and economic policies. From retirement and social contributions to taxation and property, several of the announced measures could directly impact your finances and future plans. Here's what they mean for expats in practical terms.
Work
From opening a startup's first international office in Dubai to scaling and selling a successful events-tech company before launching a new AI venture from Mauritius, Aymeric de Guerre has built his career around identifying opportunities and taking calculated risks. As the co-founder of Duodeal, he is rethinking how businesses create and deliver commercial proposals through artificial intelligence and interactive customer experiences. In this interview, he reflects on the milestones that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he has drawn from working across international markets, and why he believes Mauritius has the potential to become a leading hub for innovation and startups.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam unveiled Mauritius' 2026-2027 Budget on June 19 against a backdrop of improving economic indicators. Inflation has fallen to 3.7%, foreign exchange reserves have reached a record USD 10.3 billion, tourist arrivals exceeded 1.4 million in 2025, and GDP is expected to grow by 3.2%. While the government's priority is to restore public finances, it also aims to strengthen investment, job creation and long-term competitiveness. For expatriates, prospective residents, international students and foreign investors, the Budget sends a clear message: Mauritius is becoming more selective about who it welcomes, while offering new incentives to the talent, capital and expertise it hopes to attract. Here's what you need to know.
Everyday life
What if a plane ticket could change the course of your life? For Célia Debove, that's exactly what happened. At 32, she made the bold decision to leave behind the beauty salon she had spent eight years building, her loyal clients, and the life she knew in northern France to start over in Mauritius. It wasn't an escape, but a conscious choice to live in alignment with the person she had become through years of solo travel, self-discovery, and personal growth. Now based in the south of the island, she helps travelers design meaningful experiences and encourages women who dream of traveling alone to take their first step into the unknown. In this interview, she reflects on the doubts, challenges, and opportunities that shaped her journey.
Sponsored
Magellan
Wrong permit, wrong structure, underestimated banking delays: some relocations to Mauritius fall behind from the very first weeks. Not because the island is complicated. But because the steps were not prepared in the right order.
Work
A tech entrepreneur for more than twenty years and based in Mauritius for the past five, Breno Le Gal has built a career that bridges digital innovation, craftsmanship and local entrepreneurship. After founding Ewa's Kitchen, an artisanal business born from a deeply personal journey, he went on to create Crafty, an AI-powered management solution designed to support artisans and independent creators. In this interview, Breno shares his entrepreneurial journey, his perspective on the challenges facing Mauritian artisans, and his vision for a more accessible digital future for small businesses.
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