Now in its third year! Conditions were so good that the photos do NOT do it justice - and to have such amazing windsurfing conditions (suitable for all standards) on the doorstep of a truly classy hotel, is just unheard of.

Words fail me to describe its beauty both as a place and a windsurfing venue.
Lying some 500 miles to the east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius challenges Maui for windsurfing perfection. It's a beautiful island with a fascinating ethnic west/east mix. After just a week there in 2004, I had no hesitation adding it to the calendar.

Solid wind all the way inshore - it's dreamy!

11.5 hour direct flight from London. One hour transfer to Indian Resort in the south west. Four hour time difference (ahead).

Launch off a white sand beach into a metre deep lagoon and a freestyle, carving heaven. Out to sea, you can choose one of three reefs that will present you with easy, first time jumping ramps, classic down-the-line glassy walls or charging hollow waves at least as powerful as Hookipa.

It blows most of the year but the really windy and wavy season is June to October (their winter). It seems that the only months to avoid are Jan and Feb but even they can get over 50%. Novemebr and early December when I hold the clinics are considered idea as you still have the wind, the waves are a manageable size AND you have the start of the more settled summer weather.

The trades prevail from the south east, which is side-shore from the left. It's a solid wind usually over 20 knots. The most common sail size the Club Mistral rent out is 5.0.

It's sub-tropical. November, when the clinic is held, is the start of their summer. You can sail happily in shorts but some favour a shorty. In their winter (June-Oct), it does get a little chillier.

For the clinic we want you to be able to sail a sub 100 litre board in the harness and footstraps. It's the perfect place to crack the waterstarts. As for who will enjoy the sailing, it's everyone from first time gybers to the most ardent wave heads.

It's general skills and waves. Waterstarts through to bottom turns and loops, we can do the lot! In the lagoon there's no shorebreak and it's just a metre deep. You can do your stuff around me and then stop for a rest and some instant feedback. Carry out through the channel and, if you're willing and able, we can line up together on waves like this.

This is somewhere a non windsurfing companion is actually happy to see the back of you! Indian Resort has no less than 5 restaurants and a sumptuous Health Spa where you can have amazing things done to every part of your body whilst lying in total luxury.
For the more active, the hotel has a dive school and excellent tennis courts.
The surfing is also superb. Club Mistral have a range of boards which clients can use for free.

KIDS
It's great for kids of all ages. The Mauritians are very family orientated. We took Mondo there aged 7 months and fights would reupt every morning between the reception staff over who would get to hold him first!
There's a thriving creche and kid's club and baby sitting can be arranged day or night.
There are 2 swimming pools. The one by the windsurfing centre is full of splashing bambinos.