The highlights
With a large beach and wind
that blows sideshore, beginners
don’t have to walk upwind after
each attempt quite as much as
they would at Anse La Raie or Le
Morne. With fewer kiters on the
water than the other spots in
Mauritius, this is also a great
spot if you are still learning.
Where to stay
LUX Belle Mare is located within
a five minute drive of the center
and if you really know what
you’re doing you can even kite
off the beach right in front of
the hotel. This gorgeous property
offers an opulent atmosphere and
the ideal place to kick back and
be pampered. Another five minutes
further up the coast, the more
affordable Solana Beach resort is
a laid back adults-only retreat.
All their rooms are sea facing so
you are guaranteed a view of that
gorgeous blue ocean Mauritius is
famous for!
Top tip
As with many of the kiting spots
in Mauritius, it is advisable
to wear booties. Coral lines the
seabed and while the large lagoon
is shallow enough to stand in
most places you don’t want to
end your kitesurfing experience
with sore feet.
Destination Guide
ANSE LA RAIE
Heading to the north of the
island, I was greeted at ION
Club Anse La Raie by the jolly
smiles and crazy hairdo of Simo,
the center manager. Simo and his
team run the center here with
an abundance of smiles, and I
could tell they were really super
excited to welcome us to their
little piece of paradise. The
wind was blowing directly on
shore which made for tiring walk-
outs as I am only just attempting
to go upwind and even though
the little lagoon was busy on
the weekend, I never felt too
boxed in. Kiters who had already
mastered their skills headed out
to the waves on the reef, however
with no center close by or rescue
boats to speak of, I wasn’t quite
ready to take the plunge into the
big blue.
Who’s it for?
With fewer kiters than Le Morne
and a lagoon that extends almost
as far as the eye can see, Anse
La Raie is a great spot for
independent kiters who don’t
want to be hemmed in. However,
as mentioned, the level of safety
cover is lacking so you do this
at your own risk. For beginners
sticking close to shore, the
little lagoon area for learning
is just right.