玩偶姐姐

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.

What do you do, and what would you say is your creative 鈥渕ission鈥�?

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.

What brought you to Mauritius in the first place, and what made you stay?

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.

Can you tell us about your journey into filmmaking and visual storytelling?

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.

What inspires the themes you explore in your videos and documentaries?

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.

How has living in Mauritius influenced your approach to content creation?

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.

What are some hidden gems in Mauritius you think more people should know about?

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.

What sports do you practice in Mauritius?

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.

How do you find the availability of sports activities in Mauritius?

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.

If someone were visiting Mauritius for the first time, how would you recommend they experience it 鈥渓ike a local鈥�?

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.

How do you stay connected to the Mauritian community through your work?

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.

Do you have a favorite project?

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.

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about Mauritius as a destination or a place to live?

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.

Drone or handheld camera?

Handheld.

Sunrise or sunset?聽

Sunset.

Ocean or mountains?聽

Ocean

A documentary that changed your life?聽

My Octopus Teacher.

One word to describe Mauritius?

Beautiful.

Your dream collab?

With the vlogger Casey Neistat.

Best local snack?

Dholl Puri.