Family quit 'dreary' UK for paradise island explains how much life really costs

A family have left the UK behind, moving 6,000 miles to Mauritiusin a bid to "escape the rat race" and now they say it's like being on "a permanent holiday".

Adam Short, 44, and his wife, Tara, 38, took their two children - Spencer, nine, and Xander, four - to Mauritius for a holiday in November 2024. After returning to their Sheffieldhome and resuming their 8am-6pm workdays, they yearned for a "slower pace of life".

The Short family are happy with their move, despite living costs being very similar in the two countries. They feel their new life is worth it because of Mauritius' beautiful beaches, hot summers, friendly neighbours and increased family time.

They say they dpon't miss the UK's gloomy weather, long working hours and never-ending traffic jams.

Have you swapped the UK for a home abroad? We'd love to hear from you, whether you love it there or regret the move. Email webtravel@reachplc.com

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Tara, a CEO, and Adam, a car sales business owner, decided to rent out their four-bedroom UK home and booked one-way tickets to Grand Baie in July. With nothing more than five suitcases, the parents and their sons embarked on their new adventure.

They made a pact that if they weren't happy after two years, they'd return to the UK. However, after settling into a rented four-bedroom house with a pool, just a stone's throw from the beach, it doesn't look like the family will be heading back anytime soon.

The two lads are attending an international private school costing £5,000-a-year, while both the parents say they can continue running their UK businesses flexibly from Mauritius.

Adam said: "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.

"We work less hours because we can be more productive. The kids finish school at 2.30pm so we can go to the beach or in the pool together. We enjoy as much family time as we can. I get asked every day on social media how we managed to do this - but it's achievable if you just commit to it."

The parents began mulling over relocating to a different culture after realising they were barely spending time with their own children.

Adam said: "I used to say to my friends, 'I feel like I don't know my kids.' I would see them every day, but it was all rushing around, getting them ready for school, tea, bed."

Being ahead of UK time means the parents can complete several hours of work before any of the UK teams begin their day - leaving them feeling more efficient without interruptions. They're also able to work flexible hours throughout the day, allowing them to take afternoons off to spend quality time with their sons after school.

Despite being outsiders, the Short family say they've been welcomed. Adam said: "Everyone is so lovely - we've been invited to a meal at a Mauritian family's home this weekend. Mauritian life is very family-focused which is what we want.

"On the weekends, you go down to the beach and hundreds of families are out all having barbecues with little gazebos. When you walk past, every family will invite you to join them and share their food. All the kids play together. It's lovely."

Regarding expenses, Adam explained that whilst some items cost more in Mauritius - others work out cheaper.

He believes that overall, the relocation hasn't resulted in financial savings - but they enjoy a superior quality of life for their outgoings.

Adam said that a weekly grocery shop costs £200, plus an additional £20 spent on fresh fruit and vegetables at the market. Since the majority of food and beverages are brought in from abroad, alcohol prices in tourist-orientated eateries mirror those found across the UK.

Dining at local Creole venues can prove far more budget-friendly. Adam explained: "At a local Creole place, you can get a nice meal with a bottle of South African wine for £40. Touristy spots near the beachfront, you'd pay £100-£120 for that.

"The supermarkets are expensive because things are imported, but the fresh fruit and veg at the market is so much fresher and cheaper. 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. So when you first get here, you assume everything is expensive, but it doesn't have to be."

On the whole, the family are besotted with their fresh start - with Adam confessing they're currently too engrossed in the local culture to dwell on what's going on in Britain.