We bought this beautiful house in 2019 as part of our retirement plan. Having run our family business in Nairobi for the past 32 years, Mike being Mauritian, decided it was time to return to the sea and the type of life he remembered leaving in 1966. We fell in love with Rodrigues almost immediately and feel so lucky to now own a small piece of it. We hope our guests will appreciate the uniqueness of this little island paradise as much as we do.
– Mike & Rachel Wootton.
THE VILLA
The villa offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, the Rodrigues lagoon and beyond to the Indian Ocean. The view can be enjoyed from the extensive terrace which has comfortable outdoor furniture for lying, sitting and eating. The terrace also contains a small plunge pool and is the perfect place for early morning yoga (yoga mats are provided).
Inside the house there are four double bedrooms all with their own attached bathrooms. One of the bedrooms has twin beds whilst the rest all have king size double beds. The twin room has an adjoining door so that the two rooms can be used for a family. All the bedrooms have fans and newly installed air conditioners.
The living room inside is beautifully decorated with ample seating for relaxing and for eating. There is a large, smart flat-screen TV (with both Canal+ and MyT connected) and a bluetooth, wireless speaker. Free fast fibre wifi is available throughout the entire property.
The kitchen is fully equipped with two fridges, hob, cyclone oven, air-fryer/oven/grill, toaster, smoothie maker, juice squeezer, coffee plungers, water filter etc. There is a new clothes washing machine, iron and ironing board.
Nearby are beautiful swimming and snorkelling beaches, scenic hiking trails, a wind surfing beach and access by hired boat to the nearby islands for picnics, excursions or fishing. Also nearby are many local restaurants and grocery stores.
Villa Mon Refuge is located about a half hour drive from Plaine Corail Airport on the road to Gravier, halfway between Coromandel and Batatran. It is in the compound of Les Villas D’Est, one of three houses sharing the same entrance and common boundary fence.
THE PEOPLE
Margaret epitomises the essence of Rodrigues. She will meet you and make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. She will come every morning, except Sunday, to clean the house and can be asked to cook fabulous local specialities by private arrangement. She is a fountain of local knowledge and can help you with anything you require.
Jean-Francois is Margaret’s husband and a local fisherman. He can be hired for trips to snorkel, fish or visit the islands, he can even BBQ your fish for you and entertain you with the playing of local traditional Sega on his harmonica and triangle.
Bernard and Guillian look after the plunge pool, the garden and maintenance of the property. Please call them should any problem arise to do with plumbing, electrics, the TV etc, all of which they are very capable of fixing/explaining.
There are many local restaurants nearby, all of which serve traditional local dishes. A list of our recommended ones can be found in the villa as well as other contacts for various activities around the island.