The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Sarah Marshal
A man who left the UK to live in an East African island nation has revealed why he’s glad to have made the move.
Kris Lutchmayah, who was ‘born and raised’ in Birmingham, says expats in Mauritius benefit from ‘cheaper property and cost of living’ as well as more ‘opportunities and adventures’.
The tropical climate also wins over Britain’s ‘gloomy skies’, as does the feeling of safety.
Discussing his emigration, the businessman told: ‘The cost of living in Mauritius is generally much lower than the UK, especially for housing, utilities and groceries, which has allowed me to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
‘Property is quite affordable here as well compared to Britain. Admittedly, some imported goods are pricier, but the overall savings more than make up for it.’
Kris Lutchmayah, above, who was ‘born and raised’ in Birmingham, says expats benefit from ‘cheaper property and cost of living’ when living in Mauritius, East Africa
Kris says there are more ‘opportunities and adventures’ on Mauritius. Above – the island’s Le Morne Brabant mountain
The weather, meanwhile, is ‘glorious’.
Kris – a property manager, digital marketer, actor and model – continued: ‘Mauritius enjoys a glorious tropical climate with warm, sunny weather year-round.
‘And let me tell you, after enduring the UK’s unpredictable cold, rain and gloomy skies for years, this consistent warm sunshine is an absolute dream!
‘It makes it so effortless to take full advantage of the incredible outdoor activities and natural beauty this island has to offer every single day.’
The 40-year-old chose to permanently move to the islands a decade ago after falling in love with Mauritius during family visits as a child.
He posts about his lifestyle on the island – and his experience as an expat – on Instagram with the username @just.krisx, where he has over 10,000 followers.
When he got the chance to open his own business in the country he decided to ‘take the leap’.
Kris says it is ‘effortless to take full advantage of the incredible outdoor activities and natural beauty’ of Mauritius. Above, the island’s Flic en Flac beach
LEFT: Kris claims ‘the biggest “dangers” are probably the temptation to overindulge in the delicious local food and drinks’. RIGHT: The 40-year-old chose to permanently move to Mauritius a decade ago after falling in love with it during family visits as a child
Kris explained: ‘As someone born and raised in Birmingham to a family with Mauritian roots, I always felt a deep connection to the island nation of Mauritius.
‘The vibrant culture, warm people, and stunning natural landscapes captured my heart.
‘The opportunity to reconnect with my cultural roots while pursuing entrepreneurial dreams made Mauritius the perfect new home for me.’
While the island nation has its many benefits, Kris claims the move wasn’t always easy.
He explained: ‘The transition certainly came with its challenges – adjusting to new customs, picking up the local languages, and finding my footing in Mauritian society.’
Thankfully, he claims that the ‘warmth and hospitality of the local Mauritian community’ instantly made him ‘feel welcome’.
Kris said he loved the ‘vibrant culture, warm people, and stunning natural landscapes’ in Mauritius where he has now lived for 10 years
Pictured left is Kris by the ocean on the Mauritian coastline. Having spent a decade in Mauritius, he said that he doesn’t plan to return to the UK for now
While the expat notes that some ‘petty crimes’ do happen in Mauritius, he noted that the island is generally ‘an extremely safe and secure place to live without any major dangers’.
Kris noted: ‘Mauritius is an extremely safe place to live overall.
‘Of course, as with anywhere, basic precautions are wise to avoid petty crimes like theft. But there are no major dangers or security concerns that would make me feel unsafe calling this island home.
‘The biggest “dangers” are probably the temptation to overindulge in the delicious local food and drinks!’
Having spent years in East Africa, Kris said that he doesn’t plan to return to the UK for now.
He said: ‘While I do miss my loved ones back in Birmingham, the opportunities and adventures Mauritius has blessed me with make it worth the distance.
‘I do remain open to whatever the future may hold and where life’s journey may lead me next.
‘A return to the UK isn’t off the table, but for now, Mauritius is where I’m meant to be.
‘This island has truly become my home.’
