Family Escapes UK Life, Embraces New Adventure in Mauritius

A family from Sheffield has relocated to Mauritius, seeking to escape the pressures of their previous lifestyle in the UK. Adam Short, 44, and his wife, Tara, 38, made the significant move with their two children, Spencer, nine, and Xander, four, after a holiday in November 2024 inspired them to pursue a more fulfilling life. They describe their new existence as akin to living on “a permanent holiday.”

The Shorts left their home in South Yorkshire, trading a hectic routine for a slower pace of life. After returning from their holiday, they felt a strong desire to break free from the daily grind. In July 2024, they rented out their four-bedroom home and booked one-way tickets to Grand Baie, Mauritius, with only five suitcases. They made a pact to return to the UK if they were unhappy after two years, but so far, their experience has been overwhelmingly positive.

Settling into a rented four-bedroom house with a pool near the beach, the family has found joy in their new surroundings. The children attend an international private school that costs approximately £5,000 a year. Adam and Tara are able to manage their UK-based businesses with flexible schedules, allowing them to spend more quality time with their sons.

Adam Short highlighted the contrast between their previous life and their new one: “Back in the UK, we weren’t being a proper family – we were just existing together. We were desperate to get away from the rat race. We thought there had to be a better standard of life out in Mauritius – and there is.”

The family has embraced the culture of Mauritius, where they have been welcomed warmly by locals. Adam noted that community life is vibrant and family-oriented, stating, “On the weekends, you go down to the beach and hundreds of families are out all having barbecues with little gazebos.” He added that the sense of connection is heartening, with families inviting them to join in on communal meals.

While the Shorts acknowledge that some living costs are comparable between Mauritius and the UK, they believe the overall quality of life is superior. Adam described their weekly grocery expense as around £200, supplemented by an additional £20 for fresh produce from local markets. He explained that while imported goods can be pricey, dining at local Creole restaurants offers more affordable options. “At a local Creole place, you can get a nice meal with a bottle of South African wine for £40. In tourist hotspots, the same meal could cost £100-£120,” he said.

The Shorts have adjusted to their new lifestyle, enjoying the local cuisine and the vibrant markets. Adam shared a new breakfast habit: “We have rotis for breakfast now instead of cereal – a type of flatbread-like street food – and you buy them from the street sellers for about 20p each.” This shift has allowed them to experience the freshness of local produce while keeping costs manageable.

As they immerse themselves in the local culture, the family has found themselves less concerned with events back in the UK. Adam remarked, “We’re currently too engrossed in the local culture to dwell on what’s going on in Britain.” Their story reflects the transformative power of embracing a new way of life and the pursuit of happiness over material concerns.

As the Shorts continue their adventure in Mauritius, they hope their experience may inspire others contemplating a similar change, demonstrating that a fulfilling life can be crafted beyond the familiar confines of home.