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.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
Hello! I'm Thibault Cabanettes from Marseille. Following my baccalaureate, like many others at that age, I was uncertain about my career path. I initially ventured into nursing studies but quickly realized it wasn't my calling and didn't pass the entrance exam. After some soul-searching, I pivoted dramatically and pursued a BTS in Management of Commercial Units. I thrived in the hands-on training environment from the start and continued to deepen my expertise with a Bachelor's in Operational Marketing Management, culminating in a Master's in Marketing and Commercial Strategy. Soon after entering the professional world, I made a significant life change by moving to Mauritius.
What brought you to Mauritius?
It's all thanks to Divya, my incredible wife, who has had a profound impact on my life. We first met during my initial year of BTS, and right from the start, she shared her dream of eventually returning to her homeland, Mauritius. As our life together unfolded, this vision started becoming a reality. Recognizing the opportunities that awaited us and supported by the administrative ease due to our marriage, we decided to take the leap. It's been seven months since we embarked on our new life in Mauritius.
Are you happy with your decision? What do you like most and least about Mauritius?
While it might be a bit premature to make any final judgments, so far, our decision to move has been incredibly rewarding. We're involved in several exciting projects and are optimistic about what the future holds here.
One aspect I find challenging is the public transportation system. It's not a disaster by any means, but it's a significant adjustment from the constant availability of transport in a major city like Marseille. On the flip side, what I love most about Mauritius is undoubtedly the atmosphere.
Whether it's the lush greenery, the beautiful weather, the genuine kindness of the Mauritian people, or perhaps a combination of all these factors, there's a palpable sense of calm here that makes me feel far less stressed than I ever did back in France.
How easy has it been for you to adapt to Mauritius as a mixed couple?
I've always considered myself quite adaptable, and thankfully, integrating into life in Mauritius has been relatively smooth. The most significant adjustment for us, as a couple, involved sacrificing some privacy by moving in with my in-laws while we construct our home. Despite this, living together has been surprisingly harmonious, and I feel very lucky to have such an incredible family by marriage.
As for being a mixed couple, we haven't experienced any particular challenges or differences in treatment. However, I believe that such experiences can vary greatly depending on one's social and family circles.
Language-wise, I'm gradually picking up Creole and can now manage basic conversations with my in-laws exclusively in Creole. It's a work in progress, but thankfully, they also speak French, so we have no issues communicating at home!
Tell us about your job search in Mauritius. What challenges have you faced?
I started job hunting right upon securing my residence permit. However, it wasn't the best timing, as it was the end of the year when hiring typically slows down. Fortunately, by January 2025, I found a company interested in my profile. The recruitment process is still underway, but it's been somewhat challenging due to the administrative complexities involved in obtaining a work permit. These requirements can be discouraging for some employers, and that seems to be a hurdle in my current situation. Nevertheless, my qualifications appear to be in demand, and I'm optimistic that I'll secure a position in the coming weeks without too much trouble.
What about your social life? Have you managed to make new friends in Mauritius?
I've been fortunate in terms of social integration, largely because of my wife's existing circle of friends here in Mauritius. This has undoubtedly made settling in much easier. While my own circle of Mauritian friends is still relatively small, I'm confident it will expand as time goes on. Moreover, our active presence on social media, especially on TikTok under the handle @Divya&Thibault, has opened doors to connect with others who have similar life stories or those aspiring to make Mauritius their long-term home.
What do you do in your free time? What are your favorite activities on the island?
I'm still in the process of discovering all the activities the island has to offer. So far, my favorite pastime has been exploring the island's diverse marine and local wildlife—it's truly captivating. Fortunately, many of the hobbies I enjoyed back home are also accessible here, so I have no trouble finding ways to stay engaged and entertained. Whether it's delving into the natural beauty around me or indulging in familiar hobbies, there's never a dull moment!
Is there something you wish you had known before moving to Mauritius?
Fortunately, my transition to life in Mauritius was smoothed by my wife, who is originally from here. She provided me with a thorough understanding of both the advantages and the potential challenges of living on the island. Because of this preparation, I've managed to avoid any unpleasant surprises so far.
What do you miss most from France?
The thing I miss the most since moving to Mauritius is, without a doubt, my family and friends back in France. Although I anticipated this part of relocating, the reality of being far from loved ones is always challenging. There are also hobbies I enjoyed in France that I've had to give up here either because they require significant investment or are not permitted, like airsoft.
Is there any advice you would like to give to people who wish to settle in Mauritius alone or with their partner?
Mauritius is a beautiful island, but like anywhere else, it comes with its own set of challenges. Anyone considering a move here should carefully weigh these against the island's many benefits to decide if it's the right fit for them. Having a Mauritian spouse has significantly eased my transition, especially with the legal and bureaucratic aspects. It's important to understand that each type of residence permit has different requirements and benefits, so thorough research is crucial to find the one that best suits your circumstances.
My most heartfelt advice for newcomers is to actively engage with the local Mauritian community. It's not uncommon for expatriates to primarily socialize within their own circles, but by doing so, they miss out on the rich cultural integration and deeper experiences that come from mingling with locals.
