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With daily flights direct to Rodrigues from Mauritius, the main hub for international flights from around the world, getting to the island is very simple. Flying times from Europe to Mauritius are from 10 to 12 hours, from Africa 4 to 6 hours and from Australia 12 to 15 hours, with most being overnight flights. It is even possible to fly via the Middle East when flights will connect with arrival in the mornings.
For most travellers, the wonderful beaches, the delicious waters of the Indian Ocean, the luscious vegetation of the highlands, the quality of the Mauritian hospitality and the tropical island atmosphere makes Mauritius the key destination for these longhaul flights.
This lifestyle may appeal to the majority but to get the billion dollar experience, an extra 1 hour 30 minutes flight to Rodrigues and the Mourouk Ebony Hotel adds an enormous EXTRA dimension and something very special, as like so many tropical island destinations Mauritius is ok (ish..) but in the now familiar mass tourism way. In contrast, Rodrigues is totally and utterly unspoilt.
Even on the short flight on the turboprop aircraft from the airport on Mauritius (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport), the mood and atmosphere of all the passengers onboard somehow relaxes - even with the locals Rodrigueans returning home, perfectly capturing the rhythm of the approaching island. As the aircraft drifts down from the ridiculously blue sky filled with puffy white clouds to make the final approach, far below the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean are checked on their relentless journey to break on the coral reefs.
For several minutes as the aircraft makes its final approach to Rodrigues it glides serenely over small islands surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the outer lagoon. As the eager passengers wait for the thump of the wheels touching down on the airport runway the plane crosses the threshold of the runway, touches the ground, charging uphill over the crest of the gently rolling tarmac and brakes rapidly to a halt.
Minutes later after parking on the tiny apron the doors open - and the soporific scents and trpical smells combined with the warm breezes, envelop each and everyone to give them a unique Rodrigues welcome.
Time has now slowed to the pace that makes life run at the speed it is meant to be. Even the unsophisticated immigration and baggage reclaim are relaxed and enjoyable. The hassle and rush of the outside world has at last been left behind. No matter whether the stay is long or short, the normal pattern of life will not return until the return journey to the hustle and bustle of Mauritius.
On holiday everyone has different dreams, from beach lovers, the inactive and action individuals, the enthusiastic watersports fanatics to lovers of peace and quiet or those looking for a new experience. Rodrigues offers all these options - as well as endless possibilities.
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