Located 560km (350 mi.) east of Mauritius island, tiny Rodrigues (108km²/42 sq. mi.) is full of sandy beaches - some 20 of them. You can also enjoy meeting giant tortoises at the François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve, home to over 3,000 of these extraordinary creatures. Hike nature trails; visit villages whose inhabitants farm, fish, raise cattle, and make an indigenous form of traditional folk music called Sega Tambour; and enjoy the outdoor pursuits including wind and kite surfing, ziplining, and scuba diving. This turns out to be many visitors' favorite Mauritian island! 

Read more in Tripatini contributor Patricia Margaret's post The Islands of Mauritius Will Take Your Breath Away.