Dreaming of a holiday spent kitesurfing in a safe location where sun and sea combine? Well so are we…

We’ve had great interested in our Indian Ocean destinations over the last couple of weeks and with many of these spots being COVID-19 free or on their way to it, they are starting to open up their borders and are looking forward to welcoming travellers back to their sunny shores!

Maldives To Reopen Borders In July

The Maldives is looking forward to welcoming back tourists to the sunny side of life! The island nation plans to reopen its borders for visitors in July 2020 although no set date for this has been provided yet. Contrary to some media reports, the Maldives government has stated that they will not be charging any additional fees to enter the Maldives. The country’s tourism Ministry has drafted and invited comments from industry stakeholders on guidelines on reopening the borders. Once the guidelines will be finalised, we will be pleased to share them with you, along with the safety measures adopted by the various hotels, most of which are looking to reopen in August.

Many of our partner hotels have used this time to implement a number of upgrades. The Maldives is an often overlooked but fantastic kitesurfing destination with crystal clear blue waters. A kitesurfing holiday here is a great multisport adventure with a variety of other activities on offer including diving, snorkelling and surfing. As dream holidays go, riding the waves at one of the Maldives’ best surf spots has to be right up there with the best. Some of our favourite hotels for a multi-sport getaway include Niyama, Anantara Dhigu, Veli And Naladhu and the Six Senses Laamu. At these gorgeous properties, you can find inner peace and lose yourself in the moment with epic vistas and sweeping sands as far as the eye can see. 

Sri Lanka To Welcome Back Tourists In August

Sri Lanka is looking to reopen tourism in August. The country will only allow small groups of visitors to return in the first few weeks with a focus being on luxury five-star travel when travel is once again allowed. Tourists visiting the country would need to carry a COVID-19-free certificate and would have to undergo testing at the airport. Bandaranaike International Airport and Mattala International Airport would partially reopen with testing facilities set up at the airports and private hospitals to provide assistance to tourists. Popular tourists sports such as Yala National Park, Udawalawe, Arugam Bay, Trincomalee and some beach areas would be among those open for tourists.

Sri Lanka is one of our favourite kitesurfing spots with a range of options available include huge flat shallow kitesurfing areas, fun waves, and beautiful accommodation. The country offers amazing wind stats between May and September. In addition, a trip here should always be combined with a tour to discover the fascinating culture and scenery of this beautiful country or even a hop across to the Maldives!

Mozambique Provides The Perfect Escape For 2021

As of June 2, 2020, Mozambique has 254 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 97 in which the patients have recovered, and 2 deaths. Within a couple of days of the first case of COVID-19 being reported in Mozambique, the government put into place a stringent set of rules to control mobility. Mozambique’s civil aviation authority has suspended international passenger flights and the country has announced a continuation of the Level-3 State of Emergency until the 30th of June.

Now more than ever, those investing in the holiday of a lifetime like a trip to Africa are focussing on journeys that offer personalised authentic experiences, in unique wildlife environments, which are rich in culture and community, with top-notch service, where they can make a difference. Mozambique ticks all of those boxes and promises to be the perfect escape in 2021 with many hotels offering amazing specials now for a holiday next year. Unique and isolated locations offer outstanding natural beauty. The beaches and reefs are untouched just as nature intended with kitesurf locations lying within exquisite Marine National Parks. Vilanculos Airport is modern, spacious, and receives just two flights a day and less than 50 arrivals on average. It’s perfect for people wanting to avoid a crowd. Temperature checks on landing have been standard for months now, and all airport staff wear facemasks. Social distancing comes as standard in Mozambique, with plenty of open-air spaces, miles of deserted beaches and villas designed for guest privacy.

Mozambique is easy to reach as a standalone beach destination or as an add on to a Southern African itinerary. South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Tanzania are all within easy reach, for a bush and beach experience.

Mauritius Recognised As A Safe Destination

Mauritius is actively preparing to welcome back tourists and travellers very soon. Everything is being done to ensure that the best sanitary conditions. The World Travel and Tourism Council, the supreme authority representing travel and tourism in the world, has just recognized the efforts undertaken by the Tourism Authority of Mauritius which has implemented a series of compulsory health measures to activate the recovery of tourist activities.

Since April 26, no local cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Mauritius. This prompted the government to remove sanitary containment from May 31. This success of the most popular tourist destination in the Indian Ocean is to be attributed to the government, which, as of January, launched a series of measures following the evolution of the pandemic situation in the world. After the gradual closing of the borders, the application of strict containment measures, and isolation of the sick, followed by intensive contact tracing and tests, the country is now going to another phase while waiting to welcome its first visitors soon.

This island destination offers a variety of fantastic kitesurfing spots, from the epic waves at Le Morne in the South to the wast flat-water lagoon at Anse La Raie in the North, to the foiling heaven of Pointe dEsny or the windy beaches of the East Coast at Belle Mare.