by Alvyn Ulrish Shad Savrimuthu
Phoenix Beverages and Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf have announced an innovative partnership aimed at transforming the tourism experience in Rodrigues Island. The collaboration, titled “By the C with Awanam,” promises to merge sustainable practices with cultural enrichment, offering unique adventures and promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Since its launch in 2022, the Mauritian craft beer Manawa has captured the hearts of locals with its diverse flavours and community-driven initiatives focused on ocean and cultural preservation. Building on this success, Phoenix Beverages has invested 25 million rupees into the Manawa Craft Brewery Plant and is now teaming up with Constance Hotels to introduce the “By the C with Awanam” concept. This new initiative aims to enhance the tourism landscape in Rodrigues by offering immersive experiences that celebrate the island’s rich culture and natural beauty.
The announcement was made during a lively evening at the Phoenix Club, attended by key stakeholders, including Bernard Theys, CEO of Phoenix Beverages, and Christophe Ramdiane, Cluster General Manager of Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf. Their speeches highlighted the natural synergy between Awanam’s cultural ethos and the lifestyle cultivated by C Rodrigues Mourouk.
Bernard Theys expressed his pride in the partnership, noting that it initially seemed counterintuitive but soon became a clear and advantageous collaboration. He emphasised the importance of long-term partnerships for sustainable development and cultural appreciation. Theys stated, “This collaboration allows us to further strengthen Awanam, with strong values based on authenticity, responsibility, and a spirit of adventure. We are proud to expand our presence in Rodrigues in a manner that aligns with C Rodrigues Mourouk.”
Christophe Ramdiane echoed these sentiments, describing the collaboration as a perfect fusion of C Rodrigues Mourouk’s dynamic vacation concept and Awanam’s festive spirit. “This partnership is a true synergy, a perfect marriage between our fun and dynamic holiday concept at C Rodrigues Mourouk and Awanam’s refreshing spirit. It marks the beginning of a wonderful adventure,” Ramdiane said.
The “By the C with Awanam” initiative will feature an annual calendar of six events, showcasing Mauritian and Rodrigues artists. The programme will kick off with two evening events featuring Annega and DJ Lefunk on May 31 and June 1, 2024. These events aim to bring Awanam’s laid-back lifestyle to C Rodrigues Mourouk, blending local culture with eco-friendly tourism.
During the evening at the Phoenix Club, guests explored the Manawa Craft Brewery Plant, experiencing the craftsmanship and innovations behind Manawa’s artisanal beers, including the new Cherry Bomb flavour. Dewald Goosen, the master brewer, provided a sensory experience, explaining the local and authentic nature of their products. Chef Sandeep Soopaul from The Bamboo Restaurant & Bar delighted guests with culinary pairings that complemented the craft beers, enhancing the evening’s cultural and gastronomic appeal.
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainability. Phoenix Beverages, through its PhoenixEarth initiatives, has been actively promoting environmental stewardship in Rodrigues for a decade, including PET bottle collection and recycling. Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf consistently integrate sustainable practices across their operations, further aligning with the partnership’s goals.
During the event, Bernard Theys conveyed his excitement about the collaboration. He emphasised the natural synergy between Awanam’s culture and the lifestyle promoted by C Rodrigues Mourouk. Bernard highlighted that the partnership, initially seeming unconventional, has become evidently beneficial over time. He expressed hope for a long-lasting and successful adventure, focusing on sustainability, cultural appreciation, and the preservation of the natural environment. Bernard concluded by welcoming the guests and highlighting the strategic importance of this collaboration for promoting a sustainable lifestyle on Rodrigues Island.
Similarly, Christophe Ramdiane elaborated on the significance of this partnership. He described it as a perfect blend of the fun and dynamic holiday concept of C Rodrigues Mourouk with Awanam’s festive and refreshing spirit. Christophe shared that this collaboration aims to offer unique experiences, fostering a deep connection with Rodrigues’ natural beauty and cultural richness. He pointed out that the joint efforts would not only enhance the tourism experience but also support socio-ecological projects on the island. Christophe concluded by expressing his excitement for the future of this partnership, hoping it would serve as a model for other initiatives in Rodrigues and beyond.
About Phoenix Beverages
Founded in 1960, Phoenix Beverages Limited is the leading producer and distributor of beverages in Mauritius. Its product range includes beers, soft drinks, fruit juices, mineral waters, and alcoholic beverages. Known for its iconic Phoenix beer, the company also bottles international brands such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite. Phoenix Beverages is deeply committed to sustainable development and social responsibility, continuously striving to reduce its environmental footprint and support various community causes. Visit the website: https://phoenixbev.mu
About C Rodrigues Mourouk
Situated in the southeastern part of Rodrigues Island, the legendary and vibrant C Rodrigues Mourouk hotel has recently undergone meticulous renovations. Its modernised style perfectly embodies the C Resorts concept. Located by a beautiful beach and a vast lagoon, it is ideal for kitesurfing enthusiasts, adventure-seeking families, and eco-conscious travellers. Visit the website:https://www.c-resorts.com/crodrigues/
