Island
STYLE
Kids are finished school and you’ve managed to retire from your job,
so why not live the dream? Retire to a tropical island paradise with
turquoise waters, clear skies, white beaches and swaying palm trees.
It’s so clichéd there has to be a catch. Like your momma always told you – if it sounds too
good to be true, it’s probably not. Good or true.
Well, that all depends on which island you choose, so the good news is – it is possible. Not
only possible but very practical. Mauritius is becoming quite the desirable retirement
destination. True!
The fantasy
Firstly, it really does live up to the fantasy. Beautiful beaches, amazing sunrises and
sunsets, diving, snorkelling and other great water sports, golf, hiking, mountain biking
and even horse riding. Yes, cantering along the sand, palm trees in the background, wind
in your hair and salt spray on your face – that’s something out of everyone’s bucket list.
It’s a tropical island with spice and tea plantations, markets overflowing with fresh fruit
and veggies, vast amounts of super-fresh seafood and a mouthwatering Creole cuisine
that combines the best aspects of African, Asian and European cooking traditions. It
may be a fantasy, but it is all true, and you can make it happen.
And the living is easy …
It sounds very romantic to sleep on the beach hunting fish and picking coconuts
but, when you get to a certain age, you require a few special comforts – like
living under a roof. So the good news is there are a number of great new
residential developments all centred around developing mixed-use
precincts. These are all part of Mauritius’ strategy to develop the urban
parts of the island as interconnected smart cities that facilitate easy
living, working, commuting and communicating, while leaving the
beautiful beaches, mountains and countryside green and gorgeous.
And one of these is the iconic mixed-use Moka City. Situated about
12 km from the capital, and close to the airport, this is a smart
mixed-use development centred around an existing village and ex
sugar factory. It’s a smart-city development with integrated transport
systems, extensive fibre-optics and WiFi, and fabulous restaurant, retail
and recreational facilities. There is a retirement element planned for
Moka City, where residents will be able to rent or buy freehold homes. There
are no life right developments in Mauritius.
56 | www.estate-living.co.za