Mark Twain once wrote that ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius’. For the most part, it’s true: Mauritius is rightly famed for its sapphire waters, powder-white beaches and luxury resorts.
But there’s so much more attraction to Mauritius than the beach, and it's the kind of place that rewards even the smallest attempts at exploration. There’s hiking in the forested and mountainous interior and world-class kiting, diving and snorkelling offshore. There are boat trips to near-perfect islets and excursions to botanical gardens and colonial plantation houses. Mauritius is a fabulous culinary destination with great wildlife watching thrown in. And the real Mauritius away from the beach resorts – a hot curry of different cultures and quiet fishing villages – is never far away.
October and November are certainly the ideal months for a visit to Mauritius: there are less crowds than during holidays, and the weather is warm, the sky is clear, and chances of rain are low.
There is plenty of things to do on the island and around. Here are a few of the adventures you can look forward to having:
One of the most iconic and respected mountains of Mauritius, famous for its round-shape rock perfectly balanced at the top. This rock is the 2nd highest point on the island and conquering its top promises 360° views of the whole Mauritius and the surrounding lagoon. And for the descend, you can choose the 70-meter abseils. Ready for a rush of adrenaline?
Considered a water-sports paradise, the eastern face of Mauritius is a world away from the touts, nightclubs and souvenir shacks of Flic-en-Flac in the west and Grand Baie in the north. It does have its resorts, but its coast feels blissfully untouched by mass-tourism. Best of all, some of the island's very best beaches line this quiet coast: ideal for lazing around... and kitesurfing for all levels!
Splendidly isolated more than 500km northeast of the mainland, this tiny volcanic outcrop surrounded by a massive turquoise lagoon, is a stunning mountainous gem that barely feels connected to its big sister, Mauritius, let alone the wider world. No phone, no internet over there: it's the perfect destination for a one-week laid-back kiting trip. Air Mauritius operates daily flights for around 120 €.
Please note that these side trips (and any other activities) are not included in the chapter price. These are given here for information only, and you will have to organize it yourself before, during, or after the chapter. Luckily, Kiterhood is the breeding ground for new friendships, so you can easily team up and side trip together whenever it suits you. We can already recommend you not to make solid flight arrangements on the days following this chapter. You will maybe end up extending your stay for a few more weeks: Kiterhood is only the beginning!
Spots to suit every level are only steps away from where you’ll live and work. Water is flat inside lagoons, but you can expect some good waves near the reef. The water is warm (≈ 25°C/77°F) and, even though the main wind season runs from May to November, you can still expect good wind throughout the last trimester. Sounds like paradise? It is! Here are some of the spots where sessions are planned to take place.
The little village of "La Gaulette" is nested at the base of the Charamel Natural Reserve, in front of the "Benitiers" island, on the South-West coast of Mauritius. This very typical fishermen's village, still protected from tourists, has all facilities one needs (grocery stores, restaurants, kite shop, etc.). It's a quiet place where the laid-back fisherfolk lifestyle mixes with the carefree surfer vibe. In fact, the beach of "Le Morne", a world-famous surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing spot, is just 5 kilometers away.
With its quiet courtyard, private pool, shaded hammocks and huge dining area, the villa feels like your own cocoon. Stop by the markets in town for fresh seafood to try out on the barbecue and end the day with cocktails on the covered rooftop terrace. The indoor and outdoor living areas feel like one large space, thanks to a nearly wall-to-wall glass sliding door that connects the great room to the courtyard.
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