Rodrigues, a delightful, remote little holiday island 650 km east of Mauritius is the perfect getaway for those not wanting the glitz and glamour of Mauritius. Measuring only 18 km in length and 8 km at its widest point Rodrigues is entirely surrounded by coral reefs offering world-class diving and snorkelling. Conjure up images of Mauritius 100 years ago and you have Rodrigues where you see people walking their pet pigs! Life is slow on this rural island but this only adds to the ambience of this charming place.

The Rodriguans are predominantly Creole and pride themselves in their warm hospitality. All the hotels, guesthouses and restaurants offer delectable Creole, Chinese and French dishes. Port Mathurin is the capital and has a small market on Saturdays. Nightclubs are open on weekends only. Around Cascade Pigeons River in the verdant interior, you can see the endangered Rodrigues Warbler; Rodrigues Fody and the Rodrigues Fruit Bat. The "anti stress" island is perfect for honeymoon couples as well as for families wanting to relax. For first time visitors to the Mascarene islands, a combination holiday with Mauritius is ideal.

• Ilot Cocos / Coco island: An offshore island with sun drenched beach and a huge seabird colony. There are thousands of noddy terns, bridled terns, and a few fairy terns too. Idyllic beach offset by dazzling, aquamarine sea. The hotels arrange day trips by boat. These include a picnic or barbeque.
• Caverne Patates / Potato Cave: Quite an impressive coral cave near the north coast, which can be explored in an hour. Again, hotels can arrange the excursion for you.
• Cascade Pigeons River: Easy walk along a wooded trail to a picturesque river and waterfalls. This is where you may see the endangered Rodrigues Fruit bats, as well as the endangered Rodrigues Fody (less than 500 left) and the endangered Rodrigues Brush Warbler (less than 100 left).

• Getting there: Air Mauritius operate several daily flights between Mauritus and Rodrigues.
• When to go: Any time except for February and July.
• Time zone: GMT + 4 hours.
• Visas: South African and European Nationals do not need visas.
• Currency: The Mauritian Rupee.
• Health: There is no malaria and it is safe to drink the water.
• Electricity: 220 V.
• Read On: Mauritius, Rodrigues and Reunion: The Mascarene Isles. (Bradt Publications)