We’ve fully embraced island life, with busy mornings of yoga, swimming, and beach walks, followed by afternoons spent away from the sun. Rachel’s been occupied with work, while I’ve enjoyed some reading. Food shopping involves visits to small roadside sellers for fresh produce, and for everything else, there’s the mall just a ten-minute drive away.
During one of our day outings, we explored the Chateau de Labourdonnais, a beautifully restored Victorian colonial building surrounded by a wonderful estate with majestic trees. The house, arranged as it was in the 19th century, offers an intriguing stroll and hosts what could be the island’s top restaurant. It also produces renowned rum from the surrounding cane and fruit trees. As you drive around the island, the mountains on the east side catch your eye, especially one in the Moka mountain range named “Pietra Both” after an 18th-century Dutch governor. From a distance, it appears as if someone precariously placed a head on top of the peak.
Venturing south to Blue Bay (a 1.5-hour drive from Point aux Canonniers), we found a beautiful beach extending to a protected reef and marine park. Our boat trip took us crawling across a healthy reef, along the southeastern shoreline to Egret Island, and then back to Île des deux Cocos. Here, we enjoyed a delicious fish curry on the beach, watching waves crash against the reef about 500 meters out. Our half-day trip wrapped up with snorkeling on a vibrant and healthy reef teeming with colorful tropical fish, both big and small. Happy New Year!
Dream Chasers 