Alexandra Richards grew up in the beautiful English county of Dorset, where she developed a love of rural life, the natural world and outdoor pursuits. She graduated from Durham University in 2000, where she read modern European languages. During her studies she spent a year teaching English in Reunion and took the opportunity to travel in the Mascarenes. Since that time she has been returning to the Mascarenes as often as possible and has written the past six editions of this guidebook. Alex is a freelance travel writer with a passion for photography, natural history and adventure.