Sample Trip

7-Night Mauritius and Rodrigues Adventure Holiday

“Remote & with some serious diving, kitesurfing and fishing, perfect for intrepid travellers”
Budget level: Mid-Range
Country
Mauritius
When to Go
All year
Duration
7 Nights
Location
Rodrigues Island, Western Mauritius
Kids Min Age
All Ages

Some 620 kilometres north-east of Mauritius lies Rodrigues Island, the jewel in the crown of the Mascarene Islands, an 18-kilometre by 8-kilometre pearl surrounded by a crystalline blue lagoon twice its size! The secure waters of the lagoon and the trade winds that gently buffer the island provide many opportunities for the adventurous traveller looking for an extraordinary experience!


Itinerary in Brief

The 7-Night Mauritius and Rodrigues Adventure Holiday offers intrepid adventure travellers the best of both worlds!

Two (or more!) days in Mauritius on arrival for some down time and R&R before heading off to Rodrigues Island for 5-days of serious adventure! Rodrigues Island offers some of the best snorkelling, diving and fishing anywhere on earth, and it is a world-famous kitesurfing site!

Rodrigues is a wonderful playground for scuba divers who quickly fall in love with the diverse coral reef eco-system and its colourful assortment of sub-aquatic flora and fauna. Equally, the island appeals to those with a love of windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and fishing. Thanks to its outer reef edges sitting only ten kilometres from the coastline, Rodriguan waters are rich in fish. In fact, no fewer than three world record catches have been hooked here since 2005!

Rodrigues is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking coral reefs and marine life, full of bright-coloured fish, the underwater world of Rodrigues is a natural wonder. When diving in Rodrigues you will see many types of corals, the local unique fauna of the Indian Ocean and selection of endemic species. The marine is rich with numerous caves, canyons and tunnels. It is possible to see variety of big fishes such as: tunas, sharks, kingfishes, jackfish’s and barracudas. Divers certified Level 2 and above or very experienced Level 1 divers will be able to go and discover new sites and even have the honour to name them… a true promise of an intense diving experience! Best period for diving is during the summer period, from October to April. During this period the visibility is very good, and it is possible to go diving both inside and outside the lagoon. During the winter months, from June to September, the winds prevent one from going on diving trips beyond the coral reef, and then, diving is possible within the perimeter of the lagoon and accordingly the selection of dive sites is limited.

Rodrigues is a world class kite spot, a huge 200 sq km playground of crystal-clear water, gloriously hidden in the middle of the Indian Ocean… a treasure we offer you to discover. Rodrigues Island offers ideal conditions for glide sports, namely kitesurfing: the protected waters of its immense lagoon, regular trade winds blowing provide the opportunity for the most adventurous to try the reef waves! The qualified and professional instructors are committed to share their experience and knowledge with you through the wide lagoons of Rodrigues, whatever your kite surfing standard, beginner or advanced, kite-surfers will exceed their expectations. Rodrigues benefiting from the regular trade winds, a vast and stunning lagoon interspersed with islets and a barrier reef generating tubular waves, a paradise set-up for kite surfers!

It isn’t only those who like the ocean that will be swayed by Rodrigues’ charms. Rarely will travellers encounter such a variety of landscapes in such a small area, Set off by foot or for a drive to discover Rodrigues to the rhythm of passing time. “Let time have its way”, “take your time” are fashionable mantras. Rodrigues most naturally lends itself to discovery whilst wandering around the island and encountering the population. Share the bond of walking, which has long been the only means for many people to travel from one place to another. Exalting encounters await you along footpaths that are always kept in good condition.

Detailed itinerary

Days 1 to 2: Sands Suites Resort and Spa, west coast of Mauritius

On arrival in Mauritius transfer to the Sands Suites Resort and Spa on the west coast of Mauritius for a fabulous 2-night stay!

Sands Suites Resort & Spa is located on one of the most pristine stretches of beach at Flic en Flac, on the west coast of Mauritius, overlooking the translucent blue and turquoise lagoon of the Tamarin Bay and the legendary rock of Le Morne peninsula.

Sands Suites Resort & Spa is a real gem that offers a peaceful and serene setting that perfectly fits the genuine local touch of the island. This boutique hotel shows the allure of Mauritius through its architecture and elegant decor that together contribute to the comfort of this boutique hotel. With a delightful beach and dreamy lagoon, Sands is also beautified by a shimmering infinity pool that will amaze its guests.

The resort offers 4 different styles/sizes of villas and has 3 characterful restaurants where dishes from around the world combine with a relaxed atmosphere and exemplary service.

The hotel’s beachfront location means that guests can walk from their bedrooms straight into the sea. Enjoy a wide range of ocean fun with water sport activities included in your resort price. At Sands Suites there is plenty to keep guests entertained on dry land too. From tennis lessons on the well-maintained flood-lit courts to golf, table tennis and even beach volleyball.

Sands Suites is a family friendly resort and have a multitude of activities to suit all ages. From unforgettable experiences such as swimming with dolphins and helicopter tours to slightly more sedate pursuits such as cycling tours, boat cruises and basking in the sunshine, the resort offers endless family fun.

In partnership with the Tamarina Golf course, Sands Suites provides the perfect opportunity for golf lovers to combine a holiday in paradise with a few rounds on the green, and it’s only 5 minutes’ drive away! The resort also offers a full range of spa treatments, plunging body, mind and soul into an oasis of bliss at the Sands Spa.

Days 3 to 7: Bakwa Lodge, Rodrigues Island

After two wonderful relaxing days on the beach transfer to the airport for the 90-minute flight to magical Rodrigues Island for an adventure of a lifetime!

Bakwa Lodge is set along the beach of the opaline waters of Rodrigues Island, it lies secluded in a magnificent seascape, home to rural plains, tropical reefs and unspoilt beaches, undisturbed but for the occasional footprints.

Bakwa Lodge has room for only a few guests, providing a choice of simple understated luxury accommodation in a variety of rooms and suites. As a guest, you will be among a privileged few to experience this beautiful, secluded natural world with access to one of the most popular wind- and kitesurfing sites in the world. Discover the charms of the island whilst roaming the endless routes that crisscross the countryside and coastal paths. You are invited to enjoy the Rodriguan experience of fine local cuisine, laid back atmosphere and authenticity of island life, lazy days, laughter and lemonade…

The villas at Bakwa Lodge are tastefully decorated with recycled Rodriguan artifacts and remnants of broken discarded Rodriguan fishing boats, creating a unique atmosphere of understated and comfortable luxury. The lodge offers 6 suites and a large beachfront villa for 8 guests. Spacious, light filled interiors feature concrete floors, louver shutters and marine decks that create an island ambience. All suites feature large beds with superior cotton linens, mini bar, en–suite bathrooms with amenities, ceiling fan, air conditioners and anti-mosquito device. All rooms are east facing and have spectacular sea views. Beach towels and cooler boxes are provided on demand ensuring guests have the treasured opportunity to relax and experience the best of island beach life….

The light and airy, beach-house styled restaurant and bar has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a perfect place for a romantic candle lit dinner or to chat with lodge staff and other guests, to plan the day ahead or relive a day spent exploring or relaxing on Rodrigues. A regional approach to cuisine ensures the freshest produce from the island, the menu changes daily with the seasons, providing a constant source of delight to guests. Rates at Bakwa Lodge include breakfast and a three-course dinner with options for special requests. Lunch is available in the restaurant or a picnic bag can be made up to enjoy on a walk or hike.

Explore the amazing beach directly accessible from the lodge with its beautiful white sand & crystalline water, simply spend the day swimming, snorkelling, sunbaking or hike to secluded creeks, discovering the charms and secrets of the island. For those with an adventurous spirit, Rodrigues is an island that can be discovered on foot, coastal or inland, awakening you to rural ways of life where time stands still. The lagoon can be sailed with local fishermen, discovering the smaller islands or just having fun fishing and snorkelling. The locals are warm welcoming people who are happy to guide you on the right trails & welcome you to experience island life.

For more active guests Bakwa Lodge is situated on one of the best sites for kite- & windsurfing enthusiasts! One can launch directly from the wide-open beach where the sand is soft & offers plenty of space. The lagoon stretches as far as the eye can see, offering the perfect stretch of turquoise waters, often with not another surfer in sight. The vast lagoon, mostly waist deep, offers space for training, freestyle & speed sailing hosting perfect weather conditions with the average wind strength about 20 – 25 knots, ideal for all, beginner to professional. The easterly trade winds blow straight from Western Australia with the strongest winds being from June to October.

The tropical lagoon provides you with a natural basin protected by the outer coral barrier reef giving you an endless scope of sea to explore. You can access the ocean directly from the lodge for snorkelling or you can opt to take a boat trip, there are numerous snorkelling trips available.

The protected lagoon in Rodrigues is a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes, a unique place to find a variety of fish and coral and a perfect place for scuba diving. To discover scuba diving, one must simply hook up with the dive centre and explore the underwater world which offers dives departing off the Bakwa Lodge beach. The diving area in Rodrigues spans from the lagoon to the outer reef and the channels. The diving area on the south east coast is bordered by the Marine Park a conservation area offering divers with a protected zone of over 12 km.

At any moment during your stay at Bakwa Lodge, spend leisure time pampering your body & mind. Enjoy a massage or reflexology using essential oils, or a traditional care, in the comfort of your residence.

See Bakwa Lodge for more information on all the other wonderful activities on offer, only problem being that 5-days will not be enough, guaranteed!

Day 8: Departure

You would not want to leave, we know, but unfortunately the time has come!

Board your 90-min flight from Rodrigues Island to Mauritius and connect onwards with your international flight home or your next adventure.

One thing is for sure, the memories made on Rodrigues will last a lifetime and you will likely be back….soon!

When to go

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