More Than a Holiday: Lessons in Love, Loss, and Leadership from Mauritius

Since the past two years since we lost my father, my mother, sister, and I take a holiday every year- ritual that was started by him for the three of them. It is not just a vacation—it is a quiet ritual of remembrance, healing, and some connection.
My sister is specially abled, and my mother, though ageing gracefully, carries the quiet weight of time and memories.

These trips are not always easy logistically, but emotionally, they are our way of remembering papa in our own way. For me, it is like a duty and an effort to stay anchored to each other.

This year, Mauritius was our chosen destination.

A tropical paradise on the surface, Mauritius is often imagined as a mosaic of sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs. But the island, like life, reveals its true depth only when you are willing to look beyond the brochure gloss.

The Real Mauritius: Stories That Stay
Beyond the picturesque views and luxurious resorts, Mauritius whispered powerful lessons in resilience and humanity through the people we met—especially the three drivers who accompanied us during different legs of our journey. Their stories quietly stayed with me and offered deep reflection, not only as a traveler but also as a Coach.

Veer, our first driver, is a devout Shiva follower and a third-generation Indian Mauritian. His grandfather worked in the sugarcane fields; his father ran a small grocery store. Veer had dreams of completing his education in tourism and hospitality, but the pandemic disrupted everything. With schools shut and his family struggling, he stepped up to support them by taking up driving full-time. “Bholenath gives me strength to accept what is and do my part,” he told me with a calm smile as he navigated us through winding hill roads. His quiet faith and graceful acceptance taught me that sometimes, resilience is less about resistance and more about surrender.

Sandi, our second driver, was full of life—always upbeat and curious. But beneath his cheerful exterior was a story of early responsibility. The youngest of three siblings, he started working at 16 after a tragic accident left his older brother in the hospital for almost a year. With bills piling up, Sandi took on odd jobs to support his parents while continuing school. He is now a graduate in accounting, helps his parents who both still work, and moonlights as a mini TikTok influencer with a loyal following. “My brother is getting better and he got another chance in life. I want to live mine to the fullest as it’s the only one we have,” he said, His joy wasn’t performative—it was a real and I felt it. Sandi is just 23 years old- two years older than my daughter!

Kunal, the third driver, has spent 22 years in the tourism industry. With deep pride, he told us how he has seen the country evolve, how tourists have changed, and how he never tires of sharing Mauritius with newcomers. His son, now 17, is preparing for medical school. Kunal works longer hours now, trying to save enough for his son’s education. “He will heal people in hospitals. I will continue serving them on the road,” he said with a quiet smile. His love for his work and his devotion to his family were humbling. Not every legacy is built in boardrooms—some are carved on winding roads and sunlit trails.

A Land Etched with History
Mauritius, beyond its beauty, holds a deeply complex past. Colonized by the Dutch, French, and British, the island has carried—and transformed—the weight of its history. The Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a poignant reminder of the indentured Indian laborers brought here after slavery was abolished. Standing there, I felt the invisible thread that connects generations—of migration, loss, struggle, and perseverance.

The vast sugarcane plantations, still a major export, serve as a symbol of that history—once cultivated through labor exploitation, now a vital part of the country’s economy. Their tall, rustling presence reminded me that growth often stems from deep, sometimes painful roots.

A Personal Journey of Presence
Traveling with my mother and sister came with its share of challenges—wheelchair access, health considerations, long days—but what I cherish are the micro-moments: sipping chai together by the beach, watching my sister’s joy as she waded into the warm waters, my mother’s peaceful face during a sunset cruise.

We laughed, we cried, we remembered. This was a journey not of ticking off tourist spots, but of simply being present—with each other and with ourselves.

What I Bring Back as a Coach
This journey made me a better person—and a deeper coach.

•   Stories matter Whether shared in a coaching session or during a casual conversation in a car, stories hold healing power.
•   Strength is layered It may look like Veer’s quiet faith, Sandi’s infectious spirit, or Kunal’s steady devotion to his son’s future.
•   Compassion is action Accessibility, care, and patience from strangers made a world of difference to my family’s experience.
•   Stillness is productive Watching waves and listening to wind opened inner space that busy days often silence.
•   Hope is not naive It’s intentional. It is what keeps people—coaches, drivers, parents—moving forward with love.

As we flew back home, I realized this trip was not just a family ritual—it was a reminder that travel is not an escape; it is a return—to self, to purpose, to connection.

Mauritius gave us more than memories—it gave us meaning. And that, perhaps, is the greatest souvenir I could have brought back.

Until next year’s journey…