Rodrigues

A remote haven of tranquillity with exotic beaches and stunning coral reefs, Rodrigues provides the perfect Indian Ocean retreat to escape to.

Lying 560 kilometres east of Mauritius, and just 18kms long by 8kms wide, this tiny jewel of the Mascarenes has a wealth of unspoiled charm and secluded tropical delight.

Rodrigues captivates with the richly colourful abundance of its natural beauty - from the sparkling azure bays, dazzling white sands, and golden hues of its straw covered hillsides, to the lush greenery of its coconut palms, casuarinas trees and pink flowered Villa Filles bushes.

The peaceful pace of life on this intimate island paradise is a priceless antidote to the bustling world most of us inhabit nowadays. Leisurely days are a way of life on Rodrigues, making it the ideal hideaway for total relaxation and pleasurable pursuits for those who enjoy getting away from it all.

A warm welcome and friendly hospitality awaits visitors from the local islanders who speak a unique creole slang interspersed with old French words - a testimony to the fact that the ancestors of some of the islanders, known as ‘Reds’, hailed from Brittany.

There are two hotels on Rodrigues that I would recommend.

The Cotton Bay Hotel is possibly the island’s most luxurious. With its beautiful Creole-style architecture, it occupies a superb location overlooking the blue expanse of Cotton Point. The hotel has 46 well-appointed air-conditioned bungalow style rooms as well as two spacious and inviting suites. All are attractively decorated with stylish modern simplicity; comfort and privacy are paramount.

The Mourouk Ebony Hotel is the ideal choice for those seeking something very unique and peaceful. Situated in the south-east of the island, this is also built in the distinctive Creole style. It has 30 cosy and intimate ocean-facing rooms, their bright red roofs providing a striking contrast to the wild savannah and serene lagoon.

Both hotels provide the perfect setting to make the most of the stunning beauty and special ambience of Rodrigues. They offer a range of enjoyable leisure activities from swimming and watersports to deep sea-diving and horse back riding. Bicycle, moped and car hire can also be arranged to enable the more adventurous to explore the island.

Dining at both The Cotton Bay and The Mourouk Ebony Hotel provides another attraction, and the chefs specialise in a variety of international cuisine and local dishes to suit all palates.

Both hotels and Rodrigues itself, promise a memorable escape in a truly idyllic setting.