Little Rodrigues Island emerges from the Indian Ocean 560km northeast of Mauritius. Officially discovered in the 16C, it was a colonial settlement before being united with Mauritius and endowed with a regional assembly in the early 21C. Although it has traditionally drawn its livelihood from farming, fishing and animal husbandry, it is gradually opening up to sustainable tourism. All the ingredients are there for a trip full of authenticity: charming beaches on a lagoon, hilly terrain in the centre, little islands with nesting seabirds, and hospitable islanders.