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I moved from Birmingham to Mauritius

By Sophie Foster, Deputy Travel Editor for Mailonline

13:46 08 June 2024, updated 13:50 08 June 2024

  • Kris Lutchmayah moved to Mauritius to start a business 10 years ago
  • He claims that housing, utilities and food are all much cheaper than in the UK
  • The 40-year-old enjoys the ‘warmth of the local Mauritian community’
  • Would you ever move to another country? Vote in our poll…
  • READ MORE: Time Out’s 20 best cities for food in the world in 2024



A man who left the UK to live in an East African island nation has revealed why he’s glad he made the move.

Kris Lutchmayah, who was “born and bred” in Birmingham, says expats in Mauritius benefit from “cheaper property and living costs” as well as more “opportunities and adventures”.

The tropical climate also trumps Britain’s ‘gloomy skies’, as does the sense of security.

Speaking about his emigration, the businessman told MailOnline Travel: “The cost of living in Mauritius is generally much lower than in the UK, particularly for housing, utilities and food, which has allowed me to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

“Property is also quite affordable here compared to the UK. Of course, some imported goods are more expensive, but the total savings more than make up for it.

Kris Lutchmayah, above, who was “born and bred” in Birmingham, says expats benefit from “cheaper property and living costs” when living in Mauritius, East Africa.
Kris says there are more “opportunities and adventures” in 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 and sunny weather all year round.

“And let me tell you, after enduring years of unpredictable UK cold, rain and overcast skies, this constant warm sunshine is an absolute dream!

“It makes it so easy to take full advantage of the incredible outdoor activities and natural beauty this island has to offer every day.”

The 40-year-old chose to move to the islands permanently a decade ago after falling in love with Mauritius during family visits as a child.

He posts about his island lifestyle – and his experience as an expat – on Instagram under the username @just.krisx, where he has more than 10,000 followers.

When he had the chance to open his own business in the country, he decided to “take the leap”.

Kris says it’s “effortless to take full advantage of the incredible outdoor activities and natural beauty” of Mauritius. Above, the beach of Flic en Flac island
Kris claims that “the biggest ‘dangers’ are probably the temptation to overindulge in delicious local food and drink”
The 40-year-old chose to move permanently 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 have always felt a deep connection to the island nation of Mauritius.

“The vibrant culture, warm people and stunning natural scenery captured my heart.

“The opportunity to reconnect with my cultural roots while pursuing my 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 – adapting to new customs, picking up the local languages ​​and finding myself in Mauritian society.”

Fortunately, he claims the “warmth and hospitality of the local Mauritian community” instantly made him “feel welcome”.

Kris said she loves the “vibrant culture, warm people and stunning natural landscapes” of Mauritius, where she has now lived for 10 years.
Kris by the ocean on the Mauritian coast
After spending a decade in Mauritius, Kris said she has no plans to return to the UK just yet

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While the expat notes that some “minor crimes” do happen in Mauritius, he noted that the island is generally “an extremely safe and secure place to live without major dangers.”

Kris noted: “Mauritius is an extremely safe place to live in general.

“Of course, as 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 insecure about calling this island home.

“The biggest ‘dangers’ are probably the temptation to indulge in the delicious local food and drink!

After spending years in East Africa, Kris said he has no plans to return to the UK just yet.

He said: “Although I miss my loved ones in Birmingham, the opportunities and adventures that Mauritius has blessed me with make the distance worthwhile.

“I remain open to whatever the future may hold and where life’s journey may take me next.

“A return to the UK is not out of the question, but for now, Mauritius is where I need to be.

“This island has truly become my home.”

Kris can be found on TikTok here – www.tiktok.com/@justkrisx.

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