From Intention to Action : Expats Map Out Their 2026 Goals

In 2026, expatriates living in Mauritius are doing more than setting resolutions — they are taking concrete steps toward long-held goals, personal fulfilment and professional growth. From career development and wellbeing to deeper cultural integration, these expats share how the new year marks a decisive moment to turn aspirations into action and dreams into achievable plans.

Penny Chaitaka : “A time to generate new smart goals for myself and explore more places on the island”

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For Penny Chaitaka, the year ahead is defined by intention, personal growth and a deepening connection with her host country. “A new year in Mauritius always comes with a new sense of optimism, a time of reflection – a time to generate new smart goals for myself and explore more places on the island.” That optimism is shaping both her personal and professional ambitions for the months ahead.

Travel remains central to her personal goals. Having already explored Rodrigues in 2025, Penny hopes to widen her horizons further. “My top personal goals for 2026 are to travel more and especially to places that I have never been to before such as South East Asia and the Reunion Island.” She sees travel as more than leisure, adding that “travelling has made me more open minded and granted me an opportunity to learn different cultures which has brought me invaluable experiences.” Alongside this, she aims to invest more deeply in personal development and meaningful relationships on the island.

On the professional front, Penny is focused on upskilling and contribution. “Professionally, I enrolled for a Post graduate Diploma in Risk Management with the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA) through their affiliate, Honoris Educational Network in Mauritius.” She also hopes to play a more active role in her field, noting “I hope to get more involved in activities pertaining to my line of work and contribute to the market from my experiences in the sector that I work in which is an international organisation.

Living in Mauritius has also influenced her outlook and career ambitions. “Mauritius has influenced my career direction and ambitions through its culture, diversity and friendly environment that has made me adopt a very positive approach to life,” she utters. Our expat highlights the importance of relationships, both personally and professionally, adding that “I have fostered a behaviour of building good relationships around me on both a personal and business level.”

Health and wellbeing are another key pillar of her 2026 resolutions. “Healthwise, I plan to continue keeping fit and continue doing my favourite gym classes,” she says, with Pilates, yoga and Zumba topping the list. She is also focused on nutrition and balance: “My other aim is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by cutting down on unhealthy foods and sticking more to homemade meals.” 

Discovering local markets and restaurants has become part of that journey, as she continues to explore the island’s culinary diversity. “I have discovered a number of markets on the island that sell a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, some of which to my amazement are familiar to the ones popular in my home country. I am also still discovering the various restaurants on the island which have several food options and breathtaking menus.”

Moreover, Mauritius’ natural environment plays an important role in maintaining that balance. “The beautiful and serene island is the perfect fit for a healthy work life balance.” Penny often unwinds outdoors, whether through walks in nature or visits to wellness parks. One of her favourite escapes remains Signal Mountain, which offers panoramic views over Port Louis. “It gives you the opportunity to see the whole of Port Louis… a place I visit to unwind and stretch my muscles after a week of sitting in the office.”

Looking inward, Penny is also setting personal discipline goals for the year ahead. “This year, I would like to let go of procrastination and set out to attain the goals and objectives I have set for myself.” At the same time, she hopes to feel more anchored in her adopted home. “In 2026, I hope to feel more rooted in Mauritius by trying more local food, and learning more about the country’s heritage and culture.”

Learning the language and engaging with the arts are part of that process. “I would like to learn Creole, visit art galleries, museums and visit communities to learn more about the lifestyle of Mauritius,” she shares. Her wider wish list reflects a holistic vision of success: “Growing in my faith, financial stability, career growth and good health.” She is even beginning to plan for the long term, revealing “I would like to start working towards my dream of owning a home on the island.”

Salome Katagira : “An opportunity to pause, reset, and step forward with renewed clarity”

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For Salome, the arrival of a new year carries a strong sense of renewal. “The start of a new year always feels like the beginning of another chapter filled with new adventures and possibilities.” 

As an expatriate, she sees each year on the island as a blend of challenge and discovery. With her children growing older, she is also enjoying seeing Mauritius anew through their eyes. “With my children growing older, I’m excited to watch them rediscover the island through new interests and perspectives. For me, the new year is also an opportunity to pause, reset, and step forward with renewed clarity. It’s a chance to embrace fresh opportunities, welcome personal growth, and remain open to whatever meaningful experiences come my way,” she utters. 

Her personal resolutions for 2026 are rooted in presence and intention. “My personal goals centre on being more present and intentional — with myself, with my children, and with the experiences we share.” Salome hopes to slow the pace, explore more of the island as a family, and prioritise moments that bring calm and joy. “Strengthening connections, nurturing my wellbeing, and building memories that feel meaningful are all high on my list. This year is about choosing what truly matters and creating a life that feels balanced, fulfilling, and rooted in gratitude.”

Professionally, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of refinement and growth. “I hope 2026 will be a year of growth and refinement.” She aims to deepen her expertise, strengthen professional relationships, and embrace opportunities that challenge her. At the same time, purpose remains central to her ambitions. “I’m focused on elevating the quality of my work, contributing more strategically, and expanding my impact in a way that feels aligned with my values. I’m also hoping to mentor more, learn more, and find ways to bring fresh energy to the work I do every day,” she states. 

Living in Mauritius has had a profound influence on how Salome defines ambition and success. “The island’s pace, beauty, and cultural richness have encouraged me to rethink what success looks like — not just professionally, but holistically.” While remaining driven, she has learned to value balance and purpose alongside achievement. “The diverse community and international environment have also broadened my perspective and inspired me to think more globally. Mauritius has taught me to embrace a slower rhythm without losing momentum, and that blend has deeply influenced the career path I want to build.”

Health and lifestyle resolutions also take centre stage in her plans for the year ahead. “In 2026, I want to be kinder to my body and more attentive to my overall wellbeing.” Her focus is on sustainable daily habits—moving more, resting better and spending time outdoors. “I’d love to spend more time outdoors, taking advantage of the island’s natural beauty, whether through walks, swimming, or simply being in nature. This year, I’m choosing steadiness over intensity and sustainability over quick fixes. It’s about building a lifestyle that feels nourishing and aligned with where I am in life.”

Island life, says Salome, naturally reinforces the importance of work-life balance. “The rhythm here encourages a more human pace, where work is important, but life outside of it matters just as much.” From sunsets to quiet family moments, living in Mauritius has reshaped her priorities and encouraged clearer boundaries between work and personal time.

“Living in Mauritius has helped me appreciate small everyday moments — sunsets, quiet drives, time with family — in ways I may have overlooked before. It has pushed me to reset my priorities, protect my downtime, and create clearer boundaries. Work-life balance feels more natural here, and I’m learning to embrace it fully,” she affirms. 

In terms of mindset, our expat hopes to slow down by letting go of unnecessary pressure. “I aim to slow down by letting go of what I cannot control and focusing instead on areas where my actions can create meaningful impact.” This, she believes, will help her approach challenges with greater resilience and intention. “By prioritizing what I can influence, I hope to cultivate clarity, strengthen resilience, and approach both personal and professional challenges with greater intention and balance.”

Looking ahead, deepening her roots in Mauritius is a key aspiration for 2026. “Mauritius has become home, and in 2026 I hope to deepen that sense of belonging even further.” She plans to engage more with the local community, participate in events and build connections beyond her usual circles. “Feeling rooted, to me, is about building relationships, understanding the island more deeply, and contributing to the place that has welcomed us so warmly.”

Cultural exploration is also high on her list. “Learning more Creole is high on my list,” she says, alongside attending local festivals, trying traditional Mauritian dishes and visiting cultural sites with her children. Experiencing the island through its people and traditions is something she looks forward to embracing more fully.

The expat’s 2026 wish list reflects a desire for simplicity and meaning. “More peace, more laughter, more travel, and more shared moments with the people I love.” She also hopes for clarity, good health and the courage to embrace whatever the year brings. “I’d like to discover new places, grow in my career, and continue building a home life that feels warm and secure. I also hope for clarity — the kind that helps guide decisions with confidence and intention. And above all, I wish for good health, steady joy, and the courage to embrace whatever this year brings,” she tells. 

Finally, Salome is reviving dreams that were once set aside. “A dream I want to revive this year is travelling more and reconnecting with my creative side by returning to sketching.” She also hopes to spend more time diving and exploring the ocean—passions that bring her balance, inspiration and joy.

Lia Yabes Elizabeth Adyaprana : “Mastering new culinary techniques, traveling within Mauritius to discover local ingredients and create unforgettable food for my loyal customers”

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For culinary professional Lia Yabes Elizabeth Adyaprana, the year ahead is about sharpening her craft, slowing the pace where needed, and transforming her time on the island into a foundation for long-term growth. 

For Lia, the start of a new year is closely tied to self-reflection. “For me, the start of a new year is a time to reflect on my journey so far and set intentions for growth.” Living as an expatriate has been a learning experience, one that has strengthened her adaptability. “Living as an expatriate in Mauritius has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing new experiences,” she confides. As 2026 begins, she sees it as “an opportunity to strengthen my connections here while continuing to evolve personally and professionally.”

Her personal resolutions are rooted in wellbeing and connection. “Personally, I aim to focus on self-care and mindfulness, maintaining a healthier lifestyle, and dedicating more time to exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness of Mauritius.” Relationships also remain central to her goals, as she adds that she wants “to strengthen relationships with friends and colleagues who have become like family here.”

On the professional front, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year. “Professionally, I aspire to refine my culinary skills, particularly in Asian and fusion cuisine, and take on more leadership responsibilities in the kitchen.” Mentorship and creativity are key pillars of her ambitions. “I hope to mentor junior chefs and contribute to innovative menu creations that elevate the guest experience at our company.”

Mauritius, she shares, has played a significant role in shaping her career outlook. “Mauritius has expanded my perspective on hospitality and gastronomy. In addition, working in a multicultural environment has encouraged me to experiment with new flavours and presentation styles while learning to manage a diverse team, which is shaping my ambition to eventually lead a kitchen in a five-star resort setting.”

Health and balance are also high on her list of resolutions. “I aim to maintain a consistent fitness routine and healthier eating habits despite the demands of kitchen life.” Mental wellness is equally important, and Lia turns to the ocean for grounding and renewal. “Whenever possible, I enjoy early morning swims at Blue Bay, the sea helps release negative energy and gives me renewed strength for the day ahead.”

Island life, says the expat, naturally reshapes priorities. “Island life has taught me to appreciate slow moments and value time outside work.” While long hours in the kitchen are part of the profession, the island’s rhythm encourages balance. “The natural surroundings and vibrant local culture encourage me to balance long shifts in the kitchen with relaxation, exploration, and personal growth.” Even simple rituals matter, as she notes with a smile that “eating ‘gateau piment’ (chili cakes) in the morning is one of the best breakfasts in Mauritius.”

In terms of mindset, 2026 is also about easing pressure. “I want to let go of unnecessary stress and the tendency to overwork myself.” Lia hopes to focus on smarter ways of working, adding that “slowing down, delegating tasks, and focusing on meaningful progress rather than perfection are priorities for me.”

Feeling more rooted in Mauritius is another important goal for the expat. Her intention is clear: “I want Mauritius to feel not just like a workplace, but truly like home.”

Cultural immersion is closely linked to her culinary journey. “I’d love to learn more about the Creole culture and language, explore traditional festivals, and participate in culinary events that celebrate Mauritian heritage.” She also values everyday cultural moments, from attending local weddings to sharing meals with friends, believing that “engaging with the local culture will help me feel more integrated and enrich my culinary approach.”

Lia’s 2026 wish list reflects both passion and pragmatism. “Mastering new culinary techniques, traveling within Mauritius to discover local ingredients and create unforgettable food for my loyal customers, achieving professional recognition in my company, and creating a healthier work-life balance.”

Looking further ahead, our professional expat is slowly laying the groundwork for a long-held dream. “I have long-term dreams of opening my own speciality restaurant one day and becoming an executive chef who can help others grow.” While the goal remains on the horizon, she is determined to start now. “I hope to take concrete steps this year by refining my skills, experimenting with menus, and networking with local suppliers and chefs.”