Rodrigues Island, Kitesurfers Paradise

Rodrigues island, like its big sister Mauritius, is an extraordinary place, so charming, so quiet, so peaceful. It is here, in the heart of the Indian Ocean, that kite surfers from around the world have been meeting for years.

The island indeed offers all the best conditions for kitesurfing. The 200 km2 of blue lagoon are swept by winds blowing over 200 days a year. Thanks to constant winds and a huge body of water, secured by the coral reef, Rodrigues is the perfect destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts, whatever their level. Whether you are curious with no experience, a beginner with a minimum of knowledge, or a even passionate expert, Rodrigues is THE perfect place to indulge kitesurfing in a beautiful natural environment. The authenticity of the island and its inhabitants, is the icing on the cake. 

Rodrigues has a multitude of spots located around the island ideal for kitesurfing. Amongst the most popular places for sports, Anse Mourouk, located in the southeast of the island, is popular with kite enthusiasts. Ideal for both amateurs and professionals, Mourouk, and its gravel sand bar is the ideal spot for those wishing to deepen their knowledge of the winds. It blows here all year although winter (June to October) is more favorable. Catherine Island, located west of Rodrigues Island, is interesting for beginners who want to master the basics of kitesurfing. This spot offers easy takeoff conditions.

The next big event not to be missed is the Rodrigues International Kite Festival (RIKF). The 3rd edition of this unique event will take place from June 24th to 28th. Organized by the Rodrigues Kitesurfing Association with the aim to promote international kite, the RIKF is a competition in several stages in the best spots of Rodrigues. Many stars of the discipline are invited, including Susi Mai, who this year, is the patron of the competition. Races, long and short, as well as downhill and freestyle are scheduled. This festival always takes place in a festive atmosphere. In addition to the competition, cocktails, barbecues and other events will be organized. Every night after the competition, several parties with international DJs and local artists are planned. A beach volley game is also scheduled for the last day. If you did not have anything planned for the last week of June, now you know where to go. Sounds like a plan, a good one.

Rodrigues, an Island Out of Time

No larger than Paris, Rodrigues and its ​​109km2 are not less interesting. Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Rodrigues Island has indeed many hidden treasures, kept secret from the rest of the world.

Many, many activities are available. Either to relax or let off steam. But above all, to have fun. In Rodrigues, anything and everything, is possible. Rodrigues is a leading destination for snorkelling/diving and kitesurfing. Thanks to its favorable winds most of the year and its lagoon protected by the coral reef, the island offers some beautiful spots. Amateurs and professionals meet up in the southeast of the island. Mourouk, Graviers and Plaine Corail are amongst the best spots. Now, Rodrigues even hosts an international kitesurf festival. The third edition is to be held from June 24th to 28th 2015.

As it is only recently that the tourism industry began to grow in Rodrigues, man has not (yet) damaged the environment. The seabed as the fauna and flora are still intact. The lagoon surrounding the island is protected and unpolluted, allowing impressive and breathtaking underwater excursions. We advise you to dive in the east and south, where you will find sea caves and arches, moray eels, clown fish, jacks, captains and other turtles.

There are also many unusual places in Rodrigues, such as Caverne Patate in the south of the island. This impressive millennium cave extends over 1,000 meters and offers a magnificent scenery with gigantic stalagmites and stalactites. A staircase carved into the rock leads down into the cave. It is imperative to do this excursion with a guide. You will then not only be safe but you will also learn a lot about this cave. 

This mountainous island - the peaks are however not very high - also offers breathtaking sights to all hiking afficionados. It is a place that you need to explore on foot, both inland and on the coast. On foot or by bike, explore the trails through the island to meet the people of Rodrigues, discover their culture and their natural that also makes the charm of this island. With or without a guide, you can easily go around the island in no time. The nature lovers can go to meet goats, sheep or pigs let loose in nature and observe an exceptional fauna and flora.

In the southwest of the island, you can also explore Ile Aux Cocos, known for its magnificent circular beach going around the island. This is the home for colonies of protected seabirds, the island being a natural refuge for them. Finally, Trou d’Argent, located northeast of the island, is one of the most beautiful beaches of Rodrigues. In this region are nestled huge untouched coves that large blocks of rocks keep away from prying eyes. Trou d’Argent was also ranked amongst the best preserved beaches in the world.

Mauritius’ little sister is ideal for tourists looking for a change of scenery and tranquility because as Rodriguans say, we must "give time to time," and that's exactly what it is; Rodrigues is the destination to be discovered for holidays without stress. Just relax and enjoy…

Bakwa Lodge, Luxury Made in Rodrigues

Unknown to many, Rodrigues, Mauritius’ little sister, is full of mysteries, of hidden treasures, each more beautiful than the other. Its inhabitants are happy to accompany those who venture out there in their discovery of the island. And the Bakwa Lodge will be delighted to welcome these adventurers and guide them in their discovery of this gem of the Indian Ocean.

The Bakwa Lodge is a four star hotel located on the southeast coast of the island, overlooking the beautiful turquoise lagoon, the perfect contrast to the wilderness around. The hotel consists of six suites which can accomodate three or four people and a sumptuous villa that sleeps up to eight people. Suites, Family and Lagoon, offer white wooden architecture with a splash of blue that reminds us of the ocean. Bakwa Lodge represents simplicity at its best. Natural materials (braided cords, dry coconuts...) have been used for the furniture and decoration. Bedding is neat with silk sheets and soft refined pillows. You have the option of taking an outdoor shower. The minibar and the large terrace, which extends the wall with the relaxation area, offer a pleasant setting for quiet evenings in the privacy of your room. It is to be noted that the waterfront villa is fully equipped for meals (coffee machine, refrigerator, microwave...)

The unique restaurant and bar available offer traditional and local cuisine. The menus are prepared with local products. It differs every day. You can eat in or take your meal to your room. The Chef can also provide you with sandwiches or a special "lunch" formula for excursions. 

Enjoy what the hotel has to offer. Take a stroll on the vast white sandy beach. The soft and warm sand is a delight. You can sunbathe, swim or enjoy kitesurfing or windsurfing on the provided spots. At the hotel, you can make use of the professional massagist to help you relax. Various massages using great essential oils are available. But feel free also to leave the hotel. The hotel offers you to explore and discover the island through various hikes, either walking or cycling. Tens routes have been marked for you to go meet people and discover fantastic scenery. Go explore the lagoon in canoes, go fish and dive to observe the seabed. Discover the caves and the reserve of giant tortoises. Come and taste the exotic fruits from Port Mathurin Market and Victoria honey.

Although small, with an area of ​​100 km2, Rodrigues offers an unforgettable experience. Enjoy it.

Hawaii is Not the Only Surfing Spot in the World!

The Indian Ocean as a whole offers an idyllic natural environment. At all times, you are surrounded by wonderful sceneries where tranquility prevails. White sand, turquoise blue lagoon, lush vegetation... that’s what’s you can expect. The Indian Ocean is thus the ideal place to enjoy water sports. For many, surfing remains inseparable from Hawaii, a place of wonderful fantasies and surf sports. We sometimes forget that on the other side of the planet, in the Indian Ocean for instance, there are many equally beautiful spots.

The Indian Ocean has a multitude of surfing spots scattered around the different islands of the region. To name a few: In Reunion Island; Trois Bassin, Saint Leu, located on the east coast or St Pierre, in the south. In Saint Leu, one can surf on waves of more than five meters high, ranked among the top three best in the world.

In Mauritius, the best spots for surfing are on the south coast of the island. The most known and accessible sites are Tamarin and Le Morne. Although relatively small, rest assured that you will have waves to surf all year around. Le Morne is also renowned for kitesurf because of its windy conditions, sometimes even extreme windy conditions. We recommend that beginners do not venture alone close to the reef. Although Rodrigues is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of surfing, there are different unknown but very pleasant spots like Anse Mourouk on the southeast coast, used both by kiters and surfers.

If you continue your surf trip in the Indian Ocean, you will most obviously make a stop in Sri Lanka. It’s a must for professional and beginner surfers who enjoy perfect weather all year round, water at 25° C and an ideal wave size. From April to October, we recommend the spot of Arugam Bay on the east coast but from November to March, go to Hikkaduwa on the west coast.

Madagascar, largest island in the Indian Ocean, is known for its many pristine surf spots where the winds are intense and persistent. On the east coast, you can discover Sambava where the long tubes allow long runs. In the south, Fort Dauphin enjoys winds that bring significant swells necessary for good surfing conditions. May to September are the ideal months for surfing.

As for the Maldives, they have extraordinary spots that will delight surf lovers. Special “surf cruises” are regularly organized there. You can visit Sultan, a popular spot on the island of Thamburudhoo; Chickens on the island of Thulusdhoo is more suited for professionals who can take advantage of powerful waves; Gaafu Dhaalu in the south is the largest and deepest spot. From March to October, the conditions are optimal.