Travel Tuesday: Shashi Naidoo explores La Reunion as Tropika Island of Treasure’s next dream location

The global search for the perfect Tropika Island of Treasure location has moved from the coast of Thailand to the dramatic, volcanic terrain of La Reunion. In the latest episode of the Tropika Island Search companion series, the show’s legendary season two winner and All Star contestant, Shashi Naidoo, put the French Indian Ocean territory to the test.

Known for its "three-islands-in-one" diversity, La Reunion offers a unique blend of lush forests, active volcanoes, and pristine lagoons. Having already conquered the competition as a champion, Shashi and host Zanele Potelwa travelled to the island to discover if its rugged beauty and high-adrenaline opportunities provide the right smoooth energy for the highly anticipated 12th season.

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As she returns from the island, Shashi looks back at her time on the hit reality show and why she thinks La Reunion should play host to the reality show this year.

First impressions always count. What was your very first thought the moment you arrived on La Reunion?

I was super tired when I arrived, but I still couldn’t help but be in awe of the breathtaking beauty around me. It was unlike any island I had been to before. It felt like I had stepped into a hidden gem, nestled between lush green mountains and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

La Reunion is known for its adventure and natural beauty. Now that you’ve experienced it, what makes it such a standout holiday destination?

La Reunion is an amazing holiday spot because it really has it all: adventure, beauty, and relaxation. We had a blast paddling in the ocean and feeling the thrill of the zipline. Plus, jumping off a waterfall was one of the coolest things I've ever done!

La Reunion feels like a true playground for adventurers. What were some of your most memorable and unforgettable experiences?

It is definitely a playground! One of my most unforgettable moments was right after ziplining over a lagoon. I had to jump off a cliff, and as someone who has a fear of heights, I was terrified! But that was the whole point of the show – pushing ourselves to our limits and growing from those experiences. Taking that leap gave me a feeling of total freedom. It was a moment of overcoming my fears and proving that I could do anything I set my mind to. Those experiences are what make Tropika Island of Treasure so special; they teach you about resilience.

If you had just 24 hours to help a friend experience La Reunion, what would your "must-do" itinerary look like?

First, I’d start the day with a breathtaking helicopter tour around the island. Seeing the landscapes from above, the mountains, waterfalls, and coastline, is an epic way to kick things off. Next, we’d hit the trails for some hiking through the Volcano National Park for some awe-inspiring views. After that, we’d head for an adrenaline rush with ziplining! Finally, we’d find a gorgeous beach to relax at, cocktail in hand, soaking up the sun and enjoying the incredible fresh seafood.

What makes La Reunion the perfect location to host Season 12 of Tropika Island of Treasure?

It feels like three different islands in one! The diversity in scenery is unmatched. You have majestic volcanoes, lush forests, and stunning coastal beaches all within a short distance. This means every challenge can take place in a totally unique setting. The island's beauty serves as both a backdrop and an inspiration for pushing contestants to their limits. It captivates you, bringing out the best in everyone, making it the ideal spot for competition and camaraderie.

You are the season two champion and an All Stars celebrity contestant. What should aspiring contestants know about entering a show like this?

Everyone thinks they are entering just for the chance to win a shared R1 million, but the experience is so much more than that. It will push you to your limits physically and emotionally. You will make friendships that last a lifetime, and it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you will never forget.

Auditions are officially open to the public! What advice do you have for those filming their entry videos?

Be bold and adventurous! There are a lot of applications, so you really want yours to stand out, whether it’s because of your athletic ability, your camera presence, or even just your sense of humour. The show is special because the contestants are all so different – so make sure you stand out with your audition video.

Auditions for Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 Now Open