Words by Sara Hayward
Mauritius, with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes, is renowned as a top destination for relaxation and water sports.
In the heart of this paradise, an annual event stands out as a celebration of culture, art, and adventure – the C Kite Festival. This unique gathering not only showcases the island’s natural beauty, but also highlights the thrilling world of kiteboarding in an awe-inspiring setting. This vibrant event, celebrated against the backdrop of crystalline waters and rolling waves is hosted by the luxurious C Mauritius resort and has rapidly gained international acclaim, drawing participants and spectators from all corners of the globe.
A sportsperson’s paradise, the festival, which takes place in the windy months of June and July, transforms the shores of Mauritius into a paradise for kite sports, showcasing the perfect blend of athleticism, creativity, and the sheer thrill of harnessing the power of the wind and water.
For the first time ever, kitesurfing will feature at the Paris 2024 Olympics. If, like myself, you are brand new to the sport, or a pro kiteboarder, there are few better places than C Mauritius to spectate and experience; and if you’re lucky enough to visit the resort during the C Kite Festival, it will be an experience you won’t forget.
Entering into its third edition, the unforgettable event will be hosted in 2024 from the 27th June to the 1st July and promises to be as awe inspiring as 2023’s event. Professional and amateur kiteboarders join the waters to participate in various events, demonstrating their skills in freestyle, big air, and wave riding disciplines. Led by the infectious character and world champion kiteboarder, Antoine Auriol, spectators are treated to thrilling displays of daring tricks and high-flying jumps.
Beside kitesurfing, the festival offers an opportunity to immerse in local culture, explore traditional Mauritian cuisine, arts and crafts, live music and dance performances. The second edition saw the incredible Jarden Sax, an extraordinary mix of saxophone and dance music, and Master Chef winner, Thomas Frake who cooked up a storm with afternoon beach barbecues. The undercover evenings were themed, lively, and served the very best cocktails and a sensational variety of food, all with the C Mauritius warm and personal touch.
If you’re looking to try kiteboarding for the first time, the C Kite Festival offers workshops and lessons, allowing newcomers to get a taste of the exhilarating sport in the safe hands of experienced instructors, perfect for beginners who want to experience the thrill of gliding over the water with the wind in their sails. This festival has become a must-attend event for kiteboarding enthusiasts and a wonderful spectacle for all who appreciate the thrill of adventure set against a backdrop of paradise.
Located on the east coast of Mauritius, facing the Insta-worthy Palmar Beach, C Mauritius is ideally situated to experience island life by the sea. It’s the youngest sibling in the Constance Hospitality family, created for those travellers who need to let go and seek something more, set their inner child free; a place to imagine, discover and escape.
This breath-taking resort encourages grown-ups to let go of concerns, and reconnect with their inner child, with playful elements such as a musical jellyfish shower and adult sized swings, the hotel offers a modern lifestyle experience amidst jaw-dropping natural scenery and powdery white sands. Not just renowned for kitesurfing, this outstanding property won the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2023 for one of Africa’s best all-inclusive resorts.
Just under an hour away from the airport, C Mauritius offers a stay out of the ordinary – an away from every day, a concept of carefree living to include both relaxation and adventure. On arrival, with welcome drinks, the staff couldn’t be more helpful or charming and over the first couple of days, you’ll be on first name terms and feel part of the family. The first impression is the sensational view of the white coral sands and dazzling waters of the one of three infinity swimming pools, the hotel is contemporary, bright, cool and playful.
Rooms and suites
Each of the 116 generously sized rooms are modern, bright and airy, decorated in calming whites and located over two-storey thatched crescents. All have a private balcony or terrace, offering outstanding views of the beach, sea or hotel gardens. The prestige rooms are located near the quietest infinity pool, beautifully decorated in pale wood cladding and turquoise shades, whilst the deluxe rooms are positioned further from the main building, all thoughtfully furnished and locally inspired.
Food and drink
Guests can enjoy an all-inclusive concept to satisfy every craving, and there’s plenty to choose from during your stay. The modern, breezy Dining Room with tables on the sea-view terrace, offers buffet style international cuisine prepared daily by top chefs for breakfast, lunch and dinner with dishes cooked on request and afternoon tea at the main bar serving delicious snacks, pancakes, ice-creams and waffles.
Guests can take advantage of tasty deli options available all day long and cocktails to go with sunset. Picnic lunches (including sushi) and bento boxes are served at a beachside deli. For intimate à la carte dining, head to Asian-fusion restaurant Wok’ n Roll; dishes include marinated seafood with sake, and preserved duck with honey and ginger. The delightful sommelier Tony offers wine tasting and food pairing on request.
The spa and gym
Set in the beautiful gardens, the C Spa offers a range of revitalising treatments with ingredients made from local, natural produce. Couples’ treatments are also available, booking is made directly at the spa reception.
The perfectly well-equipped gym is open from 6.30am to 8pm and offers complimentary group yoga sessions, circuit training, stretching classes and body weight classes available every week. The gym also offers personal training sessions on request.
To do
There are three infinity pools, a paddle tennis court and free activities include pedalo, kayak (single and double), stand up paddle boarding, wind surf discovery, snorkelling and a staff-led excursion (chargeable) mountain trekking once a week to the very scenic Le Pouce mountain. Flacq market is a 10-minute drive away and of course, not to mention kite surfing lessons!
In a nutshell
The C Kite Festival is a real ‘must-visit’ event. Details of the 2024 event are available on the hotel website or for any further information, contact the hotel directly. But if you’re seeking something out of the ordinary, C Mauritius has something for everyone anytime of the year. Coupled with friendly attentive staff this is an ideal vacation for families and couples.
Factbox
Double rooms are available from £289 in low season, and from £440 in high. All-inclusive, free Wi-Fi and extra beds can be added to any room, with free amenities and babysitting (chargeable) for 0 to three-year-olds. 18 rooms are interconnecting. The menus include children’s dishes, and although there is no kids’ club, daily activities include kite-making, dance competitions, shell hunting and a cinema in the evening.
Direct flights from London are offered by Air Mauritius four times a week.
Address: C Mauritius. Coastal Road, Palmar, Mauritius
Phone: +230 460 1000
Website: c-resorts.com
