Rodrigues Island, Mauritius

Worlds

Worlds
away from neighbouring Mauritius (of which it is a
territory) the volcanic island of Rodrigues is a little-known
paradisiac isle that has escaped the grasp of tourism.

With a population of 40,000 people and not a chain hotel in
sight, it’s the place to visit when you really want to go off grid.
mix of French, British and Indian influences, Rodrigues will make
you feel as though you’re entering another era the moment you step
off the plane. Empty, sugar-rimmed bays, 4×4 rides along bumpy
roads and homemade rum cocktails in your guesthouses are
enchantingly rustic and a world away from the glitzy resorts of
neighbouring Mauritius. Down-to-earth and homespun, you’ll be
folded into the slow pace of local life by the time you’re settling
in for your first meal of parrot fish curry in the shade of papaya
trees.

Don’t miss

The flat reefs of Rodrigues’ protected lagoon are where locals
head to go octopus fishing, so join your hosts on an excursion to
catch your dinner. Less keen to manhandle sea creatures? Go diving
to explore the reefs, or try your hand at kitesurfing across the
lagoon without having to avoid a herd of other surfers.

For a completely chilled-out beach day, catch a ride to Trou
d’Argent, a secluded rocky cove that you’ll have all to yourself
besides the occasional local family stopping by for a dip. Boat out
to Ile aux Cocos if you ever feel like peeling yourself away from
Rodrigues’ main island to see flocks of prehistoric birds that only
exist in this tiny pocket of the world.

Who to take with you

Someone who doesn’t mind things getting quite rustic – this is
not the place to go if you’re on the hunt for a lineup of five-star
hotels and white-tablecloth restaurants.

When to go

Quite literally any time of year; the weather is consistently
dreamy, and there isn’t a tourist high season to worry about.

Most likely to bump into

A gaggle of children running across the beach, tailed by
goats.

Essentials to bring with you

A strapless Hunza G bikini for
making the most of the Indian Ocean sunshine.

How to get there

Fly from London into Mauritius and then hop
onto one of the two daily connecting flights into Rodrigues’ Sir
Gaëtan Duval Airport.