THE LURE
Nestled in the picturesque, traditional south of Mauritius is the small and exclusive Outrigger resort in Bel Ombre - the ideal location for the kitesurfer looking for the ultimate five star kitesurfing experience.
PHOTO / Outrigger Mauritius
THE SET-UP
Typical of Mauritius, Bel Ombre is protected by a large coral reef 300 metres offshore which means it benefits from a sizeable area of flat, shallow water on the inside that’s great for learning or freestyle and then as with the rest of this coast you can find waves on the outside and especially further downwind. Situated 20 minutes or so east from the infamous Le Morne along the south coast, the flat water area is approximately two square kilometres.
The wind can be a little gusty close to shore and wetsuit boots are advisable if you’re learning as there are a few areas of coral close in – so head out into the lush beautiful blue waters for the excellent riding conditions further out in the lagoon. Coral areas underfoot are marked by buoys and will usually be well below fin-depth, except at low tide.
On a low tide a little walk of 80 metres will get you to deep enough water. Ranging from one to four metres, you’ll find some smaller waves suitable for entry level wave riders and a bigger wave that can be found further downwind. Don’t worry about the spot getting too crowded. Due to KiteGlobing’s exclusive use of the bay, it’s VIP kiting at its best! KiteGlobing also sometimes run trips to other kite spots.
Kevin Langeree, Bel Ombre Mauritius / PHOTO: Ydwer van de Heide
Kevin Langeree, Bel Ombre Mauritius / PHOTO: Ydwer van de Heide
WIND, WEATHER AND WATER
Windy most of the year; most reliable July to October. You can still catch some decent conditions October through May and the waves tend to be bigger, but January and February bring some pretty heavy rain in cyclone season. Waves may be a little smaller in the Mauritian summertime but they’re still good! There’s a reason the KSP held its wave events in Mauritius! Average water temps 22 to 28°C / 71 – 82°F so it’s lovely and warm. May to October take a shorty, possibly even a full spring suit at times.
Kevin Langeree, Bel Ombre Mauritius / PHOTO: Ydwer van de Heide
SCHOOLS
KITEGLOBING located at the C Beach Club teach all levels (including waves) all year, usually as private tuition. New North, Airush and Core gear is available for rent, instructors are IKO / VDWS certified and they speak English, German, French and Creol. Two rescue boats on hand at all times.
www.kiteglobing.com / info@kiteglobing.com / +230 605 5334 / +230 5717 5348 / Facebook: Kiteglobing
TRAVEL AGENTS
Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
www.planetkitesurfholidays.com / info@planettravelholidays.com /+44 (0)1273 921 001
ACCOMMODATION
The Outrigger hotel itself has a range of different luxury room options and suites for couples and families right on the water front. There are also cheaper options available in the nearby small town of Chamouny which is roughly a 15 minute taxi ride or drive away but you won’t be right on the spot.
PHOTOS / Outrigger Mauritius
TRAVEL AGENTS
Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
www.planetkitesurfholidays.com / info@planettravelholidays.com / +44 (0)1273 921 001
NO WIND
Mauritius has a diverse and fascinating cultural history, incredible rainforests and towering mountain ranges. If you want to get your hair wet then Outrigger has wakeboarding, SUPing and surfing equipment and you can book fishing trips or even swim with dolphins. Golfing fans have the choice of eight 18 hole championship courses and three nine holes dotted around the island, there are festivals throughout the year and plenty of duty free shopping and then relaxing around the resort or the island.
GETTING AROUND
No car needed in Bel Ombre. The resort has everything you’ll need and everything can be reached on foot. The nearest town is Chamouny, ten kilometres away and easily reachable by taxi. Hire a car if you want to explore the island.
CURRENCY
Mauritian Rupee (MUR) - £1 = MUR50 / €1 = MUR37 / $1 + MUR32. The hotel accepts both cash and credit/debit cards.
FOOD AND DRINK
The Outrigger Hotel has six bars and restaurants and between them they serve as diverse an array of food, wines and drinks as you could ever hope to find. The Edgewater Bar and Grill is down by the beachfront alongside Willie’s Crab Shack. The Mercado restaurant opened recently, serving European dishes where you can interact with the chefs as your food is prepared right in front of you. Adjacent to that is Rouben’s Wine Room and Bar Bleu for cocktails. Finally, The Plantation Club offers locally inspired Mauritian dishes with an Asian and European twist.
AIRPORT
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR / MRU) international airport is just a 45 minute taxi ride away. The hotel can arrange a personalised chauffeur, mini-bus collection or even a transfer by helicopter!
TRAVEL AGENTS
Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
www.planetkitesurfholidays.com / info@planettravelholidays.com / +44 (0)1273 921 001
Kevin Langeree, Bel Ombre, Mauritius / PHOTO - Ydwer van de Heide
