FROM ALSACE TO MAURITIUS

five years ago to escape the stress of everyday life, Anita and René Walther now work in tourism on the island of Mauritius. They have no regrets about what they call their "dream of elsewhere."

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did you go from a life as a commercial secretary, photoengraver and graphic designer in Mulhouse to that of tourist agents in the Indian Ocean?

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This life change began with a tourist vacation in 2005 in Mauritius, staying with our friends Robert and Margaret, who had settled in Flic en Flac on the west coast of the island. We were immediately enchanted by Flic en Flac, a former fishing village turned seaside resort, and by the relaxed lifestyle of this island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

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An island "between the sky and the water," as Serge Lama's song went. Our "dream of elsewhere" began to take shape thanks to our friends' idea. They suggested we settle here. We could transform their small garden shed into a bungalow to accommodate tourists and make it profitable. The idea was to retrain in tourism, under the Mauritian sun, in Flic en Flac, renowned for its magnificent sunsets and long white sand beach.

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On the spot, is it an idea that cannot be refused?

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Above all, it was a proposal that became a chance for a fresh start in a new life. Of course, other reasons motivated our decision, aside from the trust we built with our friends. There's the incredible kindness of the Mauritian people, the pleasant, warm climate year-round, and the magnificent scenery. Mauritius was the obvious choice.

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Are you still returning to France?

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Yes, but with our heads full of ideas and this plan to live on the other side of the world. We couldn't get back into our normal lives, the hectic life, the stress, the weight of society. In short, we didn't want that life anymore. Everything fell into place very quickly, and in July 2006, we left Alsace for good. We left our jobs as photoengravers and commercial secretaries to become tour operators in Mauritius. Afterward, the process with the Mauritian government wasn't easy. We had to find accommodation, get used to driving on the left, adapt to a new culture, or even several, find our bearings, and develop our network. It wasn't always quick, but everything is easier in the sun!

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We're still in the postcard cliché! What was the biggest problem?

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We created our website to promote ourselves and "sell" our unique bungalow. René's former profession, as a photoengraver and graphic designer, was a great help. Our website www.locations-ile-maurice.com is now at the top of search engines for rentals and stays in Mauritius. We started with a single bungalow for rent. Today, we offer dozens of accommodations, from studios to luxury villas, to suit all tastes and budgets. But for a perfect vacation, accommodation alone wasn't enough. We now offer a wide selection of land and sea excursions, sports activities, as well as car rentals. We are reaching a growing clientele from Europe, Eastern Europe, Canada, Madagascar, Mayotte, and, of course, Reunion Island, which is just 180 km away.

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Are your clients people who are relatively well off financially?

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Mauritius has long been a luxury destination, but it is opening up to a much more affordable, self-guided tourism style that allows you to discover and appreciate the island at your own pace, discover its cultures and traditions, sample its diverse cuisine, hike among its lush forests, relax on its miles of beaches, and swim in its turquoise lagoons. Mauritius' popularity is growing among families, with a clear preference for vacation rentals over hotels.

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Don't you miss Alsace and Mulhouse too much?

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No, we're perfectly integrated into this new environment. It's a very enjoyable job, which allows us to meet wonderful people and often make new friends among our customers who have become loyal. We've never had any regrets or nostalgia for our beautiful Alsace. In fact, many friends come to visit us regularly, and we don't forget the sauerkraut, knepfles, or kougelhof, which I sometimes offer to our Mauritian friends. And we celebrate Saint Nicholas and Christmas in the purest Alsatian tradition, with bredalas.

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Interview by Laurent Gentilhomme - Journal l'ALSACE 2011