1. Could you introduce MJ Développement Mauritius and explain how the group has established itself as a leading player in the premium real estate and hospitality landscape in Mauritius?
Gaëlle Le Gousse: MJ Développement is a French group founded in 2007 by two long-time friends, Michaël Ruel and Jean Etchepareborde, both of whom entered the real estate profession at a very young age. The company started modestly with just three people but grew steadily, initially developing residential projects in France.
Michael had a strong connection with Mauritius and quickly saw the potential for real estate development here: a bilingual environment, strong cultural ties with France, ease of doing business, and above all, an ecosystem that allows foreign investors to purchase property.
As a result, the group established itself in Mauritius in 2014 and launched its first development: Marguery Villas in Rivière Noire, 41 luxury pool villas sold entirely to foreign buyers. But the founders wanted to go beyond real estate. Being family men, they knew the limitations of traditional hotel stays and saw an opportunity to introduce the French-style “tourism residence” model to Mauritius.
Their vision was simple: Sell villas, manage them, rent them, and deliver hotel-grade services, allowing owners to feel at home while enjoying all the perks of a luxury resort.
This led to the creation of MJ Holidays, a 100% Mauritian subsidiary dedicated to rental management and hospitality services. Today, 98% of MJ Holidays’ staff are Mauritian, reflecting our commitment to Mauritian talent and know-how.
Since then, the group has expanded through several major developments, including Mythic Suites & Villas (2019), the upcoming Ekô Savannah, and other new programs. We have also entered the “branded residence” segment through partnerships with local and international hotel groups, such as Maradiva.
2. Could you please tell us more about the Legend Hill project?
Gaëlle Le Gousse: Legend Hill, located on La Tourelle mountain above Rivière Noire, is our largest development to date. After five years of construction, launched just after the first COVID wave, the project is now complete, and the first residents have moved in.
Legend Hill is a major milestone for our group because it embodies the full vision the founders imagined: refined real estate combined with boutique-hotel hospitality. For the operations, we created LH Resort Ltd, in partnership with Phoenix Management, led by Mauritian-born hotelier Thierry Naidu.
We also had the privilege of welcoming three-Michelin-starred Chef Glenn Viel, who not only designed the restaurant’s menu but personally trained the kitchen team and selected the executive chef and pastry chef. This is a true signature culinary experience.
3. Mauritius continues to attract strong international interest as a lifestyle and investment destination. How is MJ Développement aligning its development strategy with evolving expectations of foreign buyers and global investors?
Sacha Descroizilles: Mauritius is increasingly positioned as a luxury destination. Investors want to diversify their portfolios due to stricter regulations and taxation in Europe. Mauritius, with its stable tax framework and attractive lifestyle, is naturally appealing.
No capital gains tax, no property tax, and double-taxation agreements, especially with France, remain major incentives. But we have also observed a shift in investor profiles:
Real estate often becomes the gateway for foreigners who intend to settle and eventually create businesses, jobs, and economic activity in Mauritius.
4. How do you ensure operational excellence, sustainability, and community integration across your projects?
Gaëlle Le Gousse: Being on an island means resources are limited, so we try to minimise environmental impact wherever possible. We work exclusively with Mauritian architects to optimise natural ventilation, reduce reliance on air-conditioning, use solar energy, and recycle greywater for garden irrigation.
Mauritius is progressing rapidly, but it’s still a young country. We want to support this evolution by adopting modern construction methods and more sustainable practices.
On the hospitality side, MJ Holidays has also implemented various initiatives:
We believe sustainability extends beyond energy to community integration.
5. From a sales perspective, how is MJ Développement adapting its commercial strategy to meet the needs of different investor profiles, from digital nomads to buyers from the Gulf, Europe, and Africa?
Sacha Descroizilles: MJ Développement has always benefited from a strong network in France through real estate agencies, banks, and independent partners. We want to replicate this model internationally.
In Mauritius, we are expanding partnerships with agencies and introducers in new markets, particularly the Middle East, where demand for Mauritius is rising. We have begun developing partnerships in this region and plan to scale them significantly to reach Gulf investors more effectively.
6. Technology, smart living, and eco-conscious design are reshaping global real estate. What innovations or sustainability initiatives have you integrated into current or upcoming projects?
Sacha Descroizilles: At Ekô Savannah, we partnered with a local photovoltaic energy provider to make the development almost entirely energy independent. This is the path we want to pursue across all future projects.
From the hospitality side, MJ Holidays also implements sustainability programs, including recycling, energy optimisation, and social actions, such as donating and replanting Christmas trees with local communities, an initiative greatly appreciated by guests and residents alike.
7. MJ Holidays has become a key element of the group’s offering. How does it enhance value and lifestyle for both residents and investors?
Gaëlle Le Gousse: Our developments function as co-ownerships where owners may choose to include their property in the MJ Holidays rental pool. This creates a unique mix of long-term residents and holidaymakers, enriching community life.
MJ Holidays’ mission is to create true living environments, not just resorts. We organise local markets, invite artisans, and design experiences that connect guests and residents to the surrounding community.
The result is a synergy that enhances the owner experience while contributing to local development.
8. With Mauritius strengthening its position as a stable, high-quality jurisdiction, what opportunities do you see for real estate and hospitality over the next decade?
Sacha Descroizilles: The market has shown steady growth for more than 20 years. Even during slower quarters, such as during recent elections, activity quickly rebounds due to political stability and investor confidence.
Mauritius continues to offer reliable capital appreciation, and properties have historically never been sold at a loss. The fundamentals remain strong: a stable economy, high demand, and major ongoing developments across multiple sectors beyond real estate.
9. The UAE and Gulf markets are increasingly drawn to Mauritius. How is MJ Développement enhancing visibility and partnerships in the region?
Sacha Descroizilles: We are building our network in the Gulf region by partnering with real estate agents, wealth managers, and introducers already active in the market. Our goal is to create long-term visibility and offer tailored investment solutions for Gulf-based clients seeking luxury properties, second homes, or secure diversification opportunities.
10. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about MJ Développement’s commitment to exceptional living environments and the long-term development of Mauritius?
Gaëlle Le Gousse: MJ Développement’s philosophy has always been about offering exceptional properties that combine quality construction, high-end services, and genuine intimacy. Our former slogan, and still our philosophy, is Feel at Home.
Mauritius is a dynamic, fast-growing hub with tremendous potential, not only in real estate but across technology, finance, tourism, and industry. Investing in Mauritius today means securing long-term value in a stable, innovative, and welcoming country.
We believe deeply in the future of Mauritius and are proud to contribute to its economic and social development alongside Mauritian partners and talent.
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