The Last Secret

Far beyond the beaten path, some 560 km northeast of Mauritius and only a short 90-minute flight away, lies Rodrigues Island – a place where time slows, the ocean stretches endlessly in shades of turquoise, and luxury is defined not by excess, but by authenticity, privacy, andsoulful connection.

At just 18 km long and 8 km wide, Rodrigues is a small island with a big heart. Volcanic in origin, its rolling green hills spill into valleys dotted with bougainvillea, while dramatic cliffs plunge into the vastness of the Indian Ocean. Encircled by a shimmering 220 km² lagoon – one of the largest in the world – and more than 15 untouched islets, it is a sanctuary of raw natural beauty and ecological importance.

A Place Apart
Rodrigues is not Mauritius in miniature – it is a world apart. With fewer than 45,000 inhabitants, the island is intimate, friendly, and deeply authentic. Life here is unhurried, woven with simple joys and age-old traditions. The warm Creole-speaking Rodriguan people carry a unique heritage shaped by African, European, and Malagasy influences. Music and dance are at the heart of community life – none more evocative than the powerful rhythm of séga tambour, performed with passion on goat-skin drums, often under a sky ablaze with stars.

The Luxury of Simplicity
On Rodrigues, luxury is found in space, silence, and exclusivity. It is found in a sunrise yoga session on an empty beach, in sailing to a deserted islet for a private picnic, or in dining on freshly caught octopus grilled to perfection as waves lap gently at your feet. Accommodations are deliberately low-key: boutique eco-lodges, few hotels, intimate villas, and stylish guesthouses that blend comfort with sustainability. Here, you wake up not to noise, but to the soft rustle of palms and the song of island birds.

Why Rodrigues?
What sets Rodrigues apart is its soul. It is not a place of glitzy resorts or crowded beaches.
Instead, it offers something infinitely rarer:
 Unspoiled nature in its purest form.
 Authentic culture untouched by mass tourism.
 Sustainability at its heart, with eco-conscious initiatives and protected environments.
 Intimacy and privacy, where every experience feels personal and unhurried.

All travel and accommodation can be booked by jennifer@mauritiusluxurylifestyle.com

The Flavours of Rodrigues

The cuisine of Rodrigues is a celebration of authenticity, enriched by Chinese, Indian, and European influences, yet deeply rooted in island traditions. With an abundance of locally sourced produce – fresh fish, octopus, pork, chicken, tropical fruits, and organic vegetables – every dish bursts with natural flavour. Meals are simple yet refined, allowing the freshness of ingredients to shine through.

A traditional Rodriguan table is often set with rice or maize, red beans, and seasonal
vegetables, delicately spiced with homemade chutneys and fiery chillies for a touch of island
heat.

The gastronomy of Rodrigues is as distinctive as its culture. Meals are a celebration of land
and sea:
 Octopus curry with island spices, the island’s signature dish.
 Locally made artisanal cheeses and pickled preserves.
 The world-renowned Rodrigues honey, rare and delicately floral.

 Kono-kono salad, prepared from fresh molluscs found in the lagoon.
 Sausage rougaille, a hearty Creole stew.
 Sweet indulgences like papaya pie and tropical fruit preserves.

 Fresh tropical fruits and the fiery kick of Rodrigues chillies.

Dining in Rodrigues is as much about ambiance as taste – whether enjoying a home-cooked
meal with locals, a seafood feast overlooking the lagoon, or a romantic candlelit dinner on a
secluded beach. It is an experience of island soul, simplicity, and generosity.

Though small in size, Rodrigues offers an extraordinary palette of experiences, each
promising a rare mix of serenity, discovery, and adventure.

Island Highlights
 Île aux Cocos – Sail across crystal waters to this paradisical islet, a UNESCO-listed
bird sanctuary where thousands of seabirds nest among casuarina and coconut trees.
A haven for birdwatchers and beach lovers alike.

 François Leguat Reserve – Walk through a rewilded valley where over 1,500
Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely. This 20-hectare reserve is also home to tropical
plants, endemic birds, and the spectacular Grande Caverne, one of the most beautiful
show caves in the Indian Ocean.

 Caverne Patate – Explore Rodrigues’ most famous underground world, a 1,000
metre limestone tunnel adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, each forming
natural sculptures that spark the imagination.

 Trou d’Argent – Hike along the coastline to this remote hidden cove, nestled
between rugged cliffs. Accessible only on foot, its pristine sands and aquamarine
waters reward the adventurous with untouched beauty and absolute serenity.

Adventure & Nature
 Scuba Diving & Snorkeling – Discover Rodrigues’ pristine coral reefs, alive with
exotic marine life and unrivalled clarity.
 Kitesurfing – With world-class conditions, Rodrigues is a global hotspot for
kiteboarding and home to the International Kitesurf Festival since 2013.
 Line Fishing – Join local fishermen for a traditional fishing experience, a true
connection with Rodriguan culture.
 Trekking & Cycling – The island’s rugged east coast and lush inland valleys invite
scenic hikes or bike rides, rewarding every effort with breathtaking vistas.

Culture & Senses
 Séga Tambour – Feel the heartbeat of Rodrigues through its UNESCO-recognized
traditional dance, performed with drum, song, and spirit.
 Garden of the Senses – A unique experience where sight, scent, taste, and touch
come alive in a curated natural setting.
 Local Markets – Discover artisanal handicrafts, exotic spices, and authentic
Rodriguan products, including the island’s prized honey and chillies

Premier Eco-Luxury Chalets
ORIGIN Eco Chalet
A secluded hideaway featuring just four thoughtfully crafted eco-chalets set amid lush interiors. Built using reclaimed materials, this soulful retreat showcases a strong environmental ethos and a fabulous farm-to-table dining experience. Ideal for tranquility seekers and nature lovers.

Romantic Boutique Retreats
Constance Tekoma
Nestled on Rodrigues’ serene east coast, this intimate lodge offers ocean-view villas with four-poster beds and luxurious interiors. A cozy 4-star boutique option perched on cliffs at Anse Ally. It offers Creole architecture, peaceful gardens, sunny terraces, and easy access to hiking routes like Trou d’Argent.

Bakwa Lodge
Set on the southern shore, this charming beachfront lodge offers rustic-style cabins, a private villa, and a laid-back ambiance. Fresh seafood, gentle waves, and personalized service make it perfect for couples or families craving an authentic island hideaway.

Stylish Family-Friendly Resorts
C Rodrigues Mourouk
Bright, playful, and located on Anse Mourouk beach, this resort blends casual elegance with lagoon-side activities — from kayaking and sailing to kite surfing. Populated with chic colors and lively communal spaces, it’s ideal for families or active groups.

Cotton Bay Resort & Spa
With modern pale-wood décor, crisp linens, and blue accents, Cotton Bay offers stylish comfort on Rodrigues’ northeast coast. The resort features a spa, lagoon activities like snorkeling and kayaking, and beautiful suites suited for couples yet welcoming to families too.

La Belle Rodriguaise  A tropical guesthouse set on Graviers beach, framed by mountains
ideal for privacy, romantic escapes, or peaceful solo getaways in a lush garden setting.

Auberge St François – Coastal Comfort Meets Local Charm
 Why it stands out: A delightful beachfront guesthouse nestled just 100 m from  Saint François Beach, famed for its attentive and warm Rodriguan staff, hearty Creole breakfasts, and relaxed island ambiance
 Atmosphere & amenities:
o Clean, spacious studios and rooms featuring terraces or kitchenettes, eco friendly utensils, and garden or sea views
o Personalized three-course dinners, and packed lunches available by request.
o Convenient on-site services: laundry, shared lounge with cable TV, massages on request, airport shuttle, free parking, and breakfast included