Meeting Marcello Giobbe is just a fascinating encounter! He has been here since 1986, when he came on business and was far from thinking he would settle here. But destiny did tell him though that he would speak five languages and live in at least 10 countries!

When a palm reader told Marcello this at the age of 15, he and his family automatically thought that he would become a diplomat. Today, Marcello has lived in some of the most beautiful places on the globe and speaks Italian, French, English, Spanish and German fluently, through his brilliant career in tourism. Amazing!

Want to know something else that is amazing? You name it, Marcello knows it, or almost! He is a real fountain of knowledge and listening to this talkative Italian on so many different subjects is a delight and very informative. I certainly learnt a bit. He has also put this ease of conversation to paper in the 130 anecdotes of his life story that he is currently writing. An expert in tourism, and who knows, maybe a famous writer one day!

For Marcello, understanding, communication and hospitality are three very important things in business and life. Now retired, he shares his vast and international knowledge of the hospitality sector with the younger generation as lecturer at the Hotel School, which he considers ‘the most beautiful initiative’.

This expatriate admits that it was not love at first sight when he came down from the plane, but gradually Mauritius grew on him and today he is happy with his wife and four faithful dogs that go around the world with them! Sheba is a remarkable dog and Marcello reckons that he is definitely an Italian one because of the way he plays football!

Cracking jokes is another of Marcello’s characteristics! Although he has little spare time, he does admit he has pretty sedentary hobbies, such as wine, antique glass and cooking. Another one of those unmistakable Italian qualities that he has not lost although he has travelled so far from home!

Yet, you cannot say that he does not make the most of the island’s beauty. The view he shares with his wife from his house is just breathtaking and, according to Marcello, he is lucky to live in one of the most idyllic spots on the island. Our Italian is one of those rare 100% people; he gives 100% of himself in everything he does and this is also how he has managed to adapt to each of his new homes. He is a man with a strong will power and dedication and it seems to have been the key to his success.

Tourism is his line of business and his passion, his wife calls it his favourite subject! He talks about it with such fondness and enthusiasm, but antiques and history are also partners in Marcello’s life. He is a keen and interested collector and talks about his collections with great fervour.

So, here is one special Italian, intelligent, generous, dedicated and charming and he has even been named ‘Cavalier of the Crown’ by King Umberto the Second. Amazing!