A Glimpse of Rodrigues
Rodrigues Island, the smallest of the Mascarene Islands, takes its name from Portuguese navigator Diego Rodriguez, who sighted it in 1528. Like its sisters Mauritius and Réunion, it was uninhabited before European arrival. Formed some 1.5 million years ago, Rodrigues boasts a unique ecosystem with remarkable endemic flora and fauna. Early explorers found lush vegetation, giant reptiles, tortoises, and the now-extinct Rodrigues solitaire, a cousin of the Mauritian dodo.
Colonised by the French in 1691 using enslaved labour, the island later fell under British control after the Napoleonic Wars. Slavery was abolished in 1834. In 2002, Rodrigues gained greater autonomy with its own regional assembly and today focuses on sustainable tourism and conservation.
👉 Read more about Rodrigues’ history
Day 1: Warm Welcomes and Natural Wonders
I arrived at 9 am on 17 September and was warmly welcomed by the delightful Clementine and the ever-charming Donald, who whisked me off to Auberge Les Filaos, my cosy first-night accommodation. After a quick change into lighter island attire, we headed to meet the wonderful Rodrigues Tourism team in Port Mathurin, housed in a character-filled 18th-century building. A big thank you to Issana Agathe for the warm welcome!
Next was lunch at La Marlin Bleu, a charming local favourite overlooking the bay – the perfect spot to savour delicious island cuisine among friendly locals.
Our afternoon was spent exploring the Grande Montagne Nature Reserve, guided by the passionate and knowledgeable Stephen. His enthusiasm for conserving Rodrigues’ rare endemic plants and birds was infectious. We spotted the colourful Rodrigues Fody, now thriving thanks to the island’s conservation efforts.
Day 2: Tortoises, Caves and Beachside Bliss
The day began with a fascinating meeting with Mr Jean Alain Wong So, Rodrigues Commissioner for Tourism and more. Then it was off to the Francois Leguat Reserve, a 20-hectare marvel replicating pre-human Rodrigues. Bernard, our guide, led us through valleys filled with giant tortoises, native birds, and flourishing endemic flora. Highlights included the magical Grande Caverne, with its ethereal limestone formations.
After a delicious seafood salad at the reserve’s restaurant and a stroll through its museum, I planted a tree as part of the “One Visitor, One Tree” project – a beautiful initiative supporting reforestation.
Later, I checked into the fabulous C Rodrigues Mourouk Hotel, greeted with a lemon cocktail and shown to a suite with breathtaking views of the turquoise ocean. After a refreshing swim and beach walk, I ended the day with a Creole buffet dinner and restful sleep in my well-appointed suite.
Day 3: Hotels, Horizons and Heartfelt Hospitality
After breakfast, Lisa gave me a tour of the hotel’s stunning villas, with direct beach access and private pools. Then it was time to say goodbye and continue exploring.
First stops: Cotton Beach Holiday Apartments and the elegant Cotton Bay Resort & Spa, where the rim-flow pool seems to merge with the ocean. The rooms, decor, and oceanfront dining areas all spell pure island indulgence.
Lunch was a highlight at Koki Boner – crab soup and octopus curry at this charming restaurant next to affordable, well-equipped holiday apartments.
Next was the intimate Tekoma Boutik Hotel – ideal for a romantic escape. With serene Creole-style decor, stunning ocean views, and gourmet cuisine, it’s a slice of paradise.
Before settling in for the evening at Gîte Le Tropical Chez Jeannette, we hiked up Mont Limone (Rodrigues’ highest point at 389m) for panoramic island views. Below the guesthouse lies Jardin des 5 Sens, the island’s first botanical garden, filled with endemic plants, some with medicinal value.
Dinner with our gracious host Gilbert and a lovely Estonian couple was filled with laughter and rich conversation – a truly memorable evening.
Day 4: Local Life and Coastal Farewells
Early the next morning, Donald and I visited two popular, fully booked hotels – Cocotier Hotel and Escales Vacances – followed by a lively stroll through Port Mathurin’s market.
Lunch at Atelier Gourmand, a charming spot just outside town, was a treat. My final night was spent at the peaceful Villa du Sud in the coastal village of Graviers. With a small pool, sea views, and fresh local cuisine, it was the perfect end to a memorable adventure.
Rodrigues – A Sparkling Jewel of the Mascarenes
That’s a wrap on my unforgettable four-night caper on Rodrigues, a pristine, warm-hearted island filled with natural beauty, rich history, and the kindest people.
Heartfelt thanks to the Rodrigues Tourism team, especially Valentine, Sophia, and Donald, for your generosity, warmth, and insight. Until next time!
