All Covid-related restrictions have now been dropped in Mzansi, so it might be difficult to imagine jumping on a plane for a three-hour flight during which masks are required, and landing in a country where health screenings, mask mandates and antigen tests during hotel check-in remain in place. But the extra effort is certainly worthwhile if you’re seeking sunshine and tropical warmth. Mauritius, now in its quieter mid-winter season, is a slice of paradise.
By Keith Bain
It’s a balmy 19 degrees, with the mercury set to reach 26 as the sun climbs. It’s a relatively cool day for the Mascarene island, though, with a light breeze ruffling the palm trees.
These are the expected weather conditions for the next week, too – ideal for the first annual C Kite Festival, which kicks off tomorrow.
Host Antoine Auroil
Hosted by the east coast resort, C Mauritius, and presided over by former kitesurfing world champion Antoine Auroil, the festival is expected to attract kitesurfers, kitefoilers and wingfoilers from around the island and across the globe.
Who is Antoine Auriol? Watch the below video to find out!
The event, rather than having a full-on competition as its focus, is a gathering of like-spirited kiting enthusiasts, with demonstrations by champion kiters, trick sessions, expression sessions, a big air competition, and themed nighttime events. These include a street food cocktail party and a film screening under the stars. Plus, there’s a hike up the island’s legendary La Pouce mountain, one of the so-called “C Treks” offered by the hotel for its active guests.
C Mauritius
The bright-and-breezy all-inclusive C Mauritius boutique resort edges directly on to the beach, waves breaking just beyond the reef that famously shelters most of the island’s inner shores, creating calm, safe swimming conditions. Situated in low-key Palmar, the resort is part of a new wave of activity-focused Mauritian hotels rooted in local tradition – there is lots of Mauritian food to try and various elements of the design take inspiration from the island’s history and culture. Sustainability efforts are front and centre, too.
The hotel’s 100-plus rooms-under-thatch are served by a variety of restaurants and bars, with direct and easy access to the sea, a trio of pools, a spa, and a deft design scheme. Nothing pretentious, nothing too OTT, but plenty of different areas in which to unwind, admire the views, catch some sun, or do whatever it is you like to do on holiday.
You can read more about the resort and about the variety of experiences you can have during a holiday in Mauritius in the current edition of Getaway; the July issue of the magazine includes a 33-page Indian Ocean Islands special feature.
Mauritius Covid entry requirements
Entry to Mauritius is straight-forward for vaccinated South Africans, with a health screening upon arrival at the airport and a quick-and-easy self-administered rapid antigen test during check-in at your hotel.
The Mauritian government remains vigilant and cautious and continues to require the wearing of face masks in public places to mitigate against the spread of Covid-19, which took an especially heavy toll on the island’s hospitality industry.
The C Kite Festival runs until 27 June.
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