Retirement in Mauritius For British Citizens, What's It Like?

The podcast is essentially a relaxed conversation about why Roy Headey chose Mauritius for retirement and what he is enjoying most about his new life there.

Roy explains that after finishing his work in Saudi Arabia, he decided he did not want to return to the UK. He looked at several possible countries, including Italy, but Mauritius eventually came out on top because it offered the best overall combination of lifestyle, affordability, language, security and long-term residency.

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One of the biggest advantages for him is the value of renting property. Roy says he can rent a well-furnished villa with its own grounds and swimming pool in Grand Baie for roughly half of what he believes a comparable property would cost in the UK. He feels that renters can get a great deal of lifestyle for their money in Mauritius.

He also likes the fact that Mauritius is small and easy to get around. Although Grand Baie is about as far as you can get from the airport, the island is still compact enough that most places can be reached within a couple of hours.

Language was another important factor. Roy already speaks a little French, while English is widely spoken, so settling in has been relatively easy. He also likes the opportunity to improve his French and even jokes that he may eventually try to learn some Mauritian Creole. Both Roy and Scott agree that learning languages is a useful way to keep the mind active in retirement.

A major part of the discussion concerns the outdoor lifestyle. Roy talks enthusiastically about being able to swim in the sea throughout the year, even during the Mauritian winter. He mentions snorkeling, fishing, island trips and other water-based activities. He believes this is particularly attractive for families with children, who can grow up with easy access to the sea and may also become bilingual in English and French.

Security is another major reason Roy is happy in Mauritius. Both he and Scott say they feel very safe walking around, carrying phones and cameras, leaving cars parked, and generally going about their daily lives. Roy says his partner also feels comfortable walking or riding a scooter by herself. His friends with young children had specifically investigated safety before moving and were very satisfied with what they found.

The multicultural nature of Mauritius is another aspect they both enjoy. They discuss how Hindu, Muslim, Christian, African, Indian, Chinese and European influences coexist on the island. Roy particularly notices how different religious festivals are officially recognised and celebrated and how mosques, churches and temples can exist close together without apparent tension. He describes Mauritius as having a very strong “live and let live” atmosphere.

Roy also says that Mauritius has largely lived up to his expectations. There have been very few unpleasant surprises. One of the more amusing discoveries is that he has suddenly become a successful gardener. He says that because of the climate and fertile conditions, seeds and plants seem to grow very easily, something he had never managed particularly well before.

Another important attraction was the retirement residence permit. Roy liked the fact that the permit can give him long-term security rather than forcing him to worry about renewing his status every year. He explains that the basic process involved proving that he had no recent criminal record and showing that he could support himself financially.

Overall, Roy comes across as someone who is very comfortable with his decision. He is enjoying the climate, the swimming pool and outdoor lifestyle, the safety, the multicultural society, the ability to speak English while improving his French, the value of renting, the friendliness and tolerance of everyday life, and the sense that he can simply get on with enjoying retirement without unnecessary stress.

The central message of the podcast is that Roy did not choose Mauritius because of one single spectacular feature. He chose it because a large number of practical and lifestyle advantages added up—and after living there, he feels that those advantages have largely turned out to be exactly what he hoped for.