Who is Lucy Leheilleix in a few words?
I'm someone who's deeply connected to nature and passionate about water sports. I love the outdoors and have a strong drive to document and share my everyday experiences through visual storytelling.

Lucy Leheilleix, a South African expat, is a filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast who has made Mauritius her creative playground. With a background in TV and documentaries, she now crafts vibrant video content that captures the island's natural beauty, local culture, and environmental causes. Passionate about water sports and visual storytelling, Lucy blends adventure with purpose, inspiring others to see Mauritius through a fresh, authentic lens.
I'm someone who's deeply connected to nature and passionate about water sports. I love the outdoors and have a strong drive to document and share my everyday experiences through visual storytelling.
Updated in 2026, comprehensive and free
Read it now
I create video content with the intention of inspiring others, bringing a sense of joy and entertainment, and also providing useful information. Whether it's through exploring hidden corners of Mauritius or talking about environmental issues, my goal is to spark curiosity and connection.
Get regular tips and advice to make the most of your expat life
Initially, I moved to Mauritius because of my husband's job transfer eight years ago. Over time, the island truly became home for me. There's something about the lifestyle, the people, and the nature here that made it easy to settle in and feel like I belong.
My background has always been in film and television, so stepping into YouTube and digital video creation felt like a very natural progression. I had already spent years working on documentaries and TV shows, so transitioning into more independent and self-directed content was both easy and exciting. I already had the skills and experience. It was just a matter of finding a new platform to express them.
A lot of my ideas come from real-life moments. The themes often unfold naturally, like stumbling upon an amazing hiking trail or finding a street market with interesting food. There's quite a bit of spontaneity involved, but I also pay attention to what my viewers are curious about and try to respond to their suggestions or questions.
Living in Mauritius has really shaped the way I think about creating content. My focus is often on inspiring people to discover the beauty of the island, so I'm drawn to making exploration videos that highlight lesser-known spots. Because it's a small island, you have to get creative to keep things fresh and interesting. Luckily, Mauritius offers an abundance of breathtaking natural scenery that constantly fuels my creativity.

I think the entire south coast of Mauritius is full of underrated beauty, it's wild, less developed, and absolutely worth exploring. Eau Bleue is another place I love; its waterfalls are stunning. I'd encourage visitors to go beyond the usual tourist paths and really take time to discover these more authentic spots.
I participate in a wide range of sports as I feel it keeps me young and active and really helps me to appreciate and enjoy the island聽more. My sports include wingfoiling, surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, hiking, cycling, padel, and tennis. This selection really keeps me in shape.
I honestly聽feel like it's no different than a big city in terms of selection and ease of availability. For sure, one likely聽has less choice, but all in all, there's a great selection for anyone who enjoys聽the great outdoors. There are also a few really good gyms with tons of machines and a plethora of fitness classes. If you like golf too, there are many great courses to聽choose from.
To experience Mauritius like a local, I'd suggest starting with a visit to a temple or a traditional market to soak up the culture. Spending a Sunday afternoon at the beach watching the sunset is a must, and definitely don't skip the street food in Port Louis. Mahebourg and Port Louis are both great starting points for diving into the local rhythm of life.
I try to maintain a connection with the community by highlighting local causes, especially those related to the environment or social impact. If there's an NGO or project I'm passionate about, I'll often create a video to raise awareness and share it with my audience. It's my small way of giving back and supporting positive initiatives on the island.
I have a philosophy聽that I don't film things unless I love the topic or feel good聽about it.聽 In terms of my favorite project, I'd say anything to do with nature, and its protection would be up there in terms of treasured projects... So I'd say anything related to the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation or the protection of our beautiful reefs.
One of the biggest misconceptions is about the weather; people often think cyclones are always severe or that the winters here are freezing, which just isn't the case. Another common misunderstanding is that Mauritius is a cheap place to live when, in fact, the cost of living can be quite high. Also, many people don't realize how small the island actually is.
Handheld.
Sunset.
Ocean
My Octopus Teacher.
Beautiful.
With the vlogger Casey Neistat.
Updated in 2026, comprehensive and free
Read it now
Dholl Puri.



Get regular tips and advice to make the most of your expat life