Boasting a lower crime rate, a thriving economy and offering a number of advantages to investors (think double tax agreement, and zero inheritance tax and capital gains tax), there’s little wonder countless South Africans are moving to Mauritius.
If you, too, have made the decision to join your fellow Saffers in this island paradise just over 3500 kilometres away, you might still be wondering where in the country you should put down your roots. Whether you have a family in tow or will be moving on your lonesome, you’ll be needing a few flights back and forth to sort things out. With cheap flights to Mauritius from South Africa on SAA, British Airways, Mauritius Airlines and even Kulula, you can be sure that it will be money well spent.
No time to travel? Worry not,we have done the research on your behalf to put together a list of five of the best areas to consider.
Moka
You’ll find the village of Moka set right in the heart of the island. It has a population of around 83251 people and is one of the leading areas to consider if you’re looking for the best of both worlds in terms of a well-functioning ‘city’ with all the bells and whistles, as well as the finest that nature has to offer.
There are many gorgeous residential homes and offices to choose from here, and there are good quality schools for the kids as well. There are also a few large shopping centres to explore, including the Bogatelle Mall of Mauritius which features Woolies, Nandos, a movie theatre and over 150 shops.
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius and, as such, it’s where a lot of the magic happens. If you are looking to get involved in business, then there’s no better place to be. City slickin’Joburgers are sure to feel particularly at home among the other 119 000 plus residents of Port Louis!
According to IOL, it has also recently been rated as one of the best cities for expats. In fact, according to a 2018 Quality of Living Survey conducted by Marsh & McLennan Companies, Port Louis is in 83rd place in the global rankings and number one in all of Africa.
Beau Bassin-Rose Hill
Beau Bassin and Rose Hill are actually twin towns combined as one of the largest towns on the island with a population of approximately 104 610. An urbanised residential town of about 20,2 square kilometres the town has a high density of business and minimal tourist activity. In short, if a quieter lifestyle is what you’re looking for, this is likely where you’ll find it.
However, just because tourists don’t flock here in hoards, doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do! There are lots of lovely places to visit and things to see, especially if you have a family to entertain over the weekend or during school holidays.
QuatreBornes
This town can be found in the Plaines Wilhems District of Mauritius and is also fondly known as La Ville des Fleurs (The City of Flowers). While it is a slightly smaller town than the ones mentioned above, with a population of around 77 505 people, it has also regularly been referred to as the ‘most happening town in Mauritius’. This is largely thanks to its ever-popular market in which you can buy pretty much anything you want or need, from clothes and sunglasses to carpets and kitchenware.
If you’re moving to the area with kids, you’ll be pleased to know that QuatreBornes has 12 secondary schools and 9 primary schools to choose from.
Curepipe
There are some truly stunning homes for sale in the town of Curepipe, which is another town located in the Plaines Wilhems District on the central plateau. Also known as La Ville-Lumière (The City of Light), Curepipe is a town in which many South Africans have found happiness.
Despite not being a coastal area, the town is still very popular with tourists. This is thanks to its dormant volcanic crater known as Trou aux Cerfs, its 19th-century manor house called Domaine des Aubineaux and its best-surviving colonial structure, Hôtel de Ville. Curepipe also boasts gorgeous Botanical Gardens which are the perfect spot to visit for a chilled-out day with the family on the weekend.
Armed with a list of 5 of the best spots to live in -in Mauritius, it’s time to plan your move. The good news is that SA-Airlines is here to help you save some money for the celebrations – at least when it comes to booking cheap flights to Mauritius. Use our helpful tool to compare flights on leading airlines from SAA to Mauritius Airlines, and conserve your cash. The more money you save, the more you’ll have on hand to really make the most of your new home. Here’s to a never-ending holiday in an island paradise that dreams are made of!