Looking for settlement area advice please
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Hi everyone, hope you’re all doing well(coping) in lockdown!
Myself and my husband are hoping to get some “local” advice on areas to concentrate our efforts when looking to settle in Mauritius after U.K. lockdown. I’ve researched the map and am still no clearer but I think you can’t beat knowledge from “boots on the ground” locals (possibles are Trou aux Biches, Black River, Grand Baie, Tamarin). Our needs are simple and roughly;
We are of independent means so no work / commute required and looking for a permanent home so want a warm and welcoming community. NOT right in with the tourist hot spots, please.
Prefer to rent until a suitable property is available to buy (but can buy immediately if the perfect property presents).
Want to make some good friends, but we can only speak English currently (I’ve some GCSE French, but needs a lot of work/revision). I can point, mime and have franglais and when stressed I may even muddle in some basic German!! I’m willing to learn (try)some creole. I don’t see language as an insurmountable barrier to living in a new country (the naive fool that I am). Eventually it all works itself out....doesn’t it?
Love trees and nature, but also long for a sea view.
We are by nature friendly and open types with various interests (art, crafts, business, investing, sailing, possibly golf? etc...).
50 & 60 yrs old ex professionals with grown up kids who like keeping fit and active in an outdoors lifestyle.
Anyone any area suggestions would be much appreciated, please?
We moved to Mauritius just before the lockdown in March and live in Mont Choisy near the beach and golf club. The area where we are is largely populated by Mauritians who have gone out of their way to make us wecolme . Hope this helps you.
Martin
Hello Martin, pleased to meet you. You lucky thing living in Mauritius (lockdown not withstanding).
Mont Choisy was an area I’d considered. Looks just the ticket with both nature and sea. I will look into that area further. Happy to hear you’ve settled in with local Mauritians, can you speak Creole/French?
Don’t know where you came from, but it’s been raining for about a week straight, here in the U.K.......! I’m not complaining though, as I’m gutting the house out getting ready to move out to Mauritius ASAP.
XLouise
Louise, below I give the top 5 locations for expats close to golf courses,
each with a few links for further reading about the adjacent properties
(some of which may have been fully sold in the meantime, but then there are usually new developments close by or owners who offer them as rentals):
1. Tamarina Golf Estate (West, somewhat quieter than the North although the West has developed significantly over the last 15 years, arguably the best weather on the island)
https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … f-and.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … -golf.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … -golf.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … itius.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … itius.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … marin.html
2. Mont Choisy Golf Estate (North-West, very touristy and more bustling the closer you get to Grand Baie, Pereybère, Pointe aux Canonniers, or Trou aux Biches)
https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/rea … olf-262075https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … egins.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … -open.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/rea … isy-244798https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/age … serve.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/ren … on_choisy/https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … state.html
3. Azuri Ocean & Golf Village (North East, also a tourist area, but a lot quiter than Grand Baie and surrounds, weather not quite as good as the West):
https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/rea … use-245472https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … green.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/age … -2048.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … -move.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … azuri.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … ourse.html
4. Anahita Golf Club and Île aux Cerfs Golf Club (Beau Champ, South East, less busy than the North; weather not quite as good as the West; closer to the airport (35km); shopping centres, banks etc. are 5km away in Bel Air or 13km away in Flacq):
https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … again.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/age … itius.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/rea … ise-231875https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/rea … ity-255211https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … iving.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … villa.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … illas.html
5. Heritage Golf Club (Belle Ombre, South - much, much quieter, more forests and rugged nature, more severe weather, far from large shopping centres, private hospitals, businesses, expat property offers better value for money / is less overpriced in the South):
https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/rea … che-175142https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … riche.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/age … riche.htmlhttps://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/buy … al_-264581https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/new … Ombre.html
Thanks Ceresiet. Do retirement foreigners HAVE to live near golf courses, as we were hoping for something on / near a beach?
of course one does not need to live close to a golf course - I just picked up on the golf in your bio.
Co-incidentally, all 5 of these areas are close to the beach.
If you would prefer the less humid climate of the centre of the island, I would suggest a residential unit in the Smart City Scheme of Moka (where many of the island's Banks and company head offices have relocated to in the last decade).....and it is still just 18km (just over 30 min drive) from the ocean at Albion
an example of available residential property in Moka:
https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/buy … oms-247300
.....and available rentals in Moka area:
https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/ren … e&l=50
more about MOKA:
Over the past 10 years, Moka has transformed from an agricultural-based economy to one of the most attractive regions in Mauritius.
ENL Group has facilitated various developments, including schools and universities, shopping and business centres, private healthcare, modern residential neighbourhoods as well as leisure and sports centres.
The region has kept its authentic character through urban planning that provides for the setting up of essential infrastructure while preserving green spaces to ensure socially responsible development.
The expansion of Moka is intended for all players, including property developers, but also businesses and entrepreneurs that are eyeing to establish themselves in the region and anyone living, working, studying or passing through the city.
Moka continues to grow and develop, and various projects will bring new development and investment opportunities.
Moka currently has:
• 26,000 inhabitants
• 1,500 business activities
• 2,000 employees at Bagatelle, Telfair et Vivéa (business parks)
• 13 medical and paramedical centres
• 3 shopping malls (including the largest of the island)
• 1 sports and wellness institute
• 25 associations
• 26 private and public French and English educational institutions
• 1 multisports club
• 35% of the area with public and green spaces
• 4 access roads including 2 motorways
• 1 bus terminal
Today’s video from Rolfe International
Where to live in Mauritius: North vs. West ?
https://youtu.be/lPME1p5muLo
Hi Ceresiet
You have put together a very good pack of info there. Well researched.
It will come in very handy for anyone relocating to the island.
Much appreciated.
Regards
Rick
To Starrystarrynight:
Hello Louise
Am sure your move to Mauritius will go very well. Am relocating or 'going back' very soon as well. Have you thought of renting first before buying. This will give you a very good idea as to where you would like to live permanently.
You could rent for six months and spend time looking round - hire car or public transport - latter can be fun and a chance to meet the locals & good way to learn & practice your new language skills.
Very hard to recommend anywhere specific. Small island you will be spoilt for choice.
Am looking at 2 places by the way. If you'd like any further info do drop me a mail.
Regards
Rick
Thanks Rick
Yes renting to start seems sensible, as not that confident on buying “sight unseen” for a new house, in a new area, in a new country! Really frustrating we can’t even get out from U.K. for a reccy.
Even if we could come over, we can’t imagine in quarantine for 14 days, as we’ve a dog who will be in U.K. kennels and that 14 days plus 2 weeks minimum to look about, will be too long to leave her!
Hoping the quarantine is getting relaxed / reduced at some point? We’re due vaccinations soon, I know not a cure but it all helps....... If the quarantine remains we may just have to bite the bullet and come over just the once, with the doggy, if we can.
L
Hi Louise
It's unfortunate quarantine is something we have to put up with. Ending 31 May in Mauritius. Let's hope no more extensions. Having been vaccinated will help/ease our entry no doubt.
Do you need to take the dog with you to do your reccy ? Could someone in the UK look after your pet ?
I would say a minimum of 3 months would be about right for you to see/decide if this permanent relocation would be ideal. Your visa can be extended to 180 days so this gives you a full 6 month stay.
The culture will not be an issue. You will also find many things to do & get involved in.
As you are sporty, you will find lots to do. The choice is there from sailing, water sports, golf and other land based sporting activities.
Racehorse meeting is a must - nice day out & not expensive in the capital Port louis.
You will enjoy the various food/cuisine on offer too. Don't need to go for expensive meals. You may well learn to cook local style... plenty of vegetables to have a go with. Liquor will be your main expense as everything is imported. Stick with the local beer or rum & coke if you want to push the boat out.
Beware... you may end up singing/dancing on the beach with friendly locals.
Weather wise - the east coast can get very windy & bad weather during the cyclonic season. Not an issue mind - if your building is well secured/protected.
Safety wise - as in every country. Be on your guard.
As to where to buy/settle down - well that will be up to you to find the right blend.
Tourism is important so the hot spots you want to avoid will be there for you to get to know and steer clear.
The ground rule is If after 3 months you are not bored... You have cracked it.
Take care/Regards
Rick
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