Réunion
With over 40% of its land mass designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Réunion is a truly remarkable island. Although situated in the Indian Ocean just next door to Mauritius, it is actually an overseas département of France. There are some excellent beaches and the scenery inland is staggeringly beautiful.
There is an active volcano to explore, mountains which often disappear into the clouds as the day progresses and some amazing waterfalls. The three mountain ‘cirques’ of Salazie, Cilaos and Mafate are absolute musts. No photograph can really do justice to Réunion as the scale of the scenery is simply too vast.
A self-
If there is anywhere you would like to stay or anything you would like to do in Réunion which is not featured below, please ask, as we can usually help. For example, for fit, experienced walkers, we can also arrange mountain trekking, staying overnight in mountain gites (dormitory-
Réunion is a walkers’ paradise. For walkers who prefer the overnight comfort of a hotel, we are always happy to advise on where best to stay.
Accommodation may be booked with or without air travel. Contact us for expert and friendly advice on planning your itinerary.
Accommodation
We feature below a selection of properties which we can personally recommend. All rooms have bath/WC or shower/WC –
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains Area
Most visitors to Réunion spend time here, many making this their base from which to visit the rest of the island. Some of the best beaches are to be found in this area and many of the hotels are directly adjacent to them. Saint-
Lux* Saint Gilles - 5 Star, La Saline-les-Bains
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, minibar, balcony or terrace
Hotel: bar, 3 restaurants, swimming pool, fitness centre, shops, tennis courts, table tennis, volley ball, bike rental, watersports
One of the best hotels on Réunion, Lux* Saint Gilles has 174 rooms in 23 villas, spread over a vast area of lush estate beside the Hermitage beach and lagoon. It has an enormous swimming pool.
Le Saint Alexis - 4 Star, Boucan Canot
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning and fan, safe, jacuzzi, minibar
Hotel: lounge, bar, restaurant, swimming pool with jacuzzi, fitness centre with sauna and steam bath, spa with 6 treatment rooms, watersports available nearby
Special Offers: Reductions for early bookings and honeymooners. Free nights at certain times of the year. Please ask for details.
This hotel of 60 rooms and suites has the unique feature of a swimming pool which links the centre of the hotel with the restaurant at the edge of the beach by means of wide channels. Several of the ground floor rooms have direct access to the pool. Le Saint Alexis is elegant and the rooms spacious. It is one of the best hotels on Réunion and situated on one of the best beaches.
Le Boucan Canot - 4 Star, Boucan Canot
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, minibar, balcony or terrace
Hotel: bar, restaurant, swimming pool
Special Offers: Reductions for honeymooners at certain times of the year. Please ask for details.
A smaller 4 star hotel, situated on one of the best beaches. 48 rooms, almost all of which face the ocean.
Le Nautile - 3 Star, La Saline-les-Bains
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, minibar, balcony or terrace
Hotel: lounge, bar, restaurant, swimming pool
Special Offers: Early booking discount and free nights at certain times of the year. Please ask for details.
Le Nautile is situated directly on Hermitage beach with its white coral sand, beside the lagoon in the quiet and residential village of La Saline-
Relais de l’Hermitage - 3 Star, L’Hermitage-les-Bains
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, minibar. All rooms face mountains or gardens, most having balcony or terrace.
Hotel: bar, snack bar, restaurant, 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, table tennis, volleyball. Watersports nearby.
Special Offers: Reductions for honeymooners. Free nights at certain times of year. Please ask for details.
Situated on the beach beside the Hermitage lagoon, the Relais de l’Hermitage has 173 comfortable rooms set within seven acres of pleasant gardens. The hotel has more of an international feel to it than some of the smaller properties, but offers a wide range of facilities.
Les Créoles - 3 Star, L’Hermitage-les-Bains
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, hairdryer, balcony or terrace. Also studios and duplexes with kitchenette.
Hotel: bar (until 21.00 hrs only), swimming pool, fitness room
Special Offers: Reductions for honeymooners and free nights at certain times of the year.
Les Créoles is a charming hotel of 44 rooms set within 9 villas, all of which face the central swimming pool. The rooms are a good size with pleasant decor. Hermitage beach is just 100 metres from the hotel across a small road.
Résidence Tropic - 3 Star, L’Hermitage-les-Bains
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, kitchenette, balcony or terrace
Hotel: reception, small swimming pool
100 metres from the beach, the 40 studios and duplexes are all nicely furnished. Ideal for those of an independent nature who wish to self-
Hotel Alamanda - 2 Star, L’Hermitage-les-Bains
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, safe
Hotel: bar, restaurant, swimming pool, shop
Special Offers: Reductions for honeymooners and free nights at certain times of year. Please ask for details.
An excellent value for money hotel with 70 rooms. The rooms are small but nicely decorated. The whole hotel has a friendly, cosy atmosphere. Hermitage beach is just a short walk from the hotel.
Hell-Bourg
This is a picturesque village situated high in the mountains in the cirque of Salazie with some stunning views. Many walks and mountain treks start from here. Among the more easily visited sights here is Maison Folio, a traditional Créole house and garden built in the 19th century, lovingly restored and cared for. For those with just a short time here, there is a very pleasant walk among bamboo trees to Les Anciens Thermes, the ruins of an old thermal spa which was originally built in 1852. It is a lovely spot for a picnic.
Relais des Cimes - 2 Star
Rooms: telephone, TV, hairdryer
Hotel: bar, restaurant
29 rooms, some across the road from the main building. Situated in the picturesque village centre close to the shops. Excellent restaurant.
Les Jardins d’Héva - 2 Star
Rooms: telephone
Hotel: bar, restaurant, shop
10 rooms, decorated in individual themes. There is a wonderful view from the restaurant/breakfast room. A short walk up a steep hill from the village centre.
Relais des Gouverneurs
Hotel: restaurant
12 simple rooms, no telephones, no TV’s. Situated close to the shops, a short walk away from the village centre.
Cilaos
This is a quite unique town, situated high in the mountains and surrounded by them on all sides. It is hard to imagine how such an isolated spot ever became inhabited. This is partly explained by it being a spa town, to which visitors originally flocked to take the waters. The scenery is spectacular throughout the drive from the coast and it is an essential place to visit for anyone spending a holiday on Réunion. Be warned however, the drive is not for the faint-
Le Cilaos - 4 Star
Rooms: telephone, TV, hairdryer, minibar
Hotel: lounge/library, bar, restaurant, swimming pool, sauna, spa
Le Cilaos is the most upmarket hotel in Cilaos. It is situated a little further from the main shopping area than the other hotels but still within easy walking distance. The 46 rooms are beautifully decorated, some in bright colours.
Le Tsilaosa - 4 Star
Rooms: telephone, TV, hairdryer, minibar
Hotel: lounge, breakfast / tea room
A lovely créole-
Le Vieux Cep - 3 Star
Rooms: telephone, TV, terrace or balcony
Hotel: bar, restaurant, breakfast room, swimming pool
Most of the 44 rooms have a splendid view of the surrounding mountains. The hotel is situated in the heart of Cilaos, close to the shops.
Bourg-Murat
This is the place to stay if you want to see the volcano. The Volcano Museum (Cité du Volcan) is in the centre of the village, but it is a further 45 minute scenic drive to reach the volcano itself, travelling on the way across the lunar landscape of the Plaine des Sables. It is possible to walk to the summit of the volcano, which is a 5/6 hour return trip from the car park, best undertaken in the early morning before the clouds descend.
Les Géraniums - 3 Star
Rooms: telephone, TV
Hotel: lounge, bar, restaurant, swimming pool
This small hotel of just 22 rooms is well-
L’Ecrin - 2 Star
Rooms: telephone, TV
Hotel: bar, restaurant
This hotel offers just 21 rooms. It is 150 metres from the Cité du Volcan. The mountains can be seen from the grounds. The restaurant serves both French and Créole cuisine.
Saint-Leu and the South
Saint-
Palm Hotel & Spa - 5 Star, Grand’ Anse
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, minibar, balcony or terrace
Hotel: bar, 2 restaurants, 2 swimming pools, spa, shop
Special Offers: Reductions for honeymooners. Free nights at certain times of year. Please ask for details.
Situated high above the beautiful beach of Grand’ Anse, this luxurious hotel has 65 rooms and a spa with private treatment rooms, hammam and jacuzzi. A shuttle service operates to the beach.
Blue Margouillat - 5 Star, Saint-Leu
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, minibar, balcony or terrace
Hotel: bar, restaurant, swimming pool, lounge/library
With just 12 rooms and 2 suites, this delightful, intimate hotel is ideal for couples. The restaurant, which overlooks the ocean, is highly recommended and we suggest accommodation on a half board basis. All rooms are sea-
Le Dimitile - 4 Star, Entre-Deux
Rooms: telephone, TV, safe, hairdryer, fridge, balcony or terrace
Hotel: bar, restaurant, swimming pool
Situated between the coast and the mountains, 400 metres above sea level in a picturesque village, this friendly hotel has 38 rooms. Originally a 19th century Créole house, Le Dimitile is within reach of the mountain from which it takes its name and is just 15 minutes drive from the coastal town of Saint-
Saint-Denis
Saint-
Hotel Bellepierre - 4 Star, city heights
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, minibar
Hotel: bar, restaurant, swimming pool, lounge area
Situated in a residential area in the heights of the city, in our opinion this is the best hotel in Saint-
Le Juliette Dodu - 3 Star, city centre - close to waterfront
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning, hairdryer
Hotel: lounge, bar, breakfast room/small restaurant, small swimming pool
This Créole style house, the birthplace of the French heroine Juliette Dodu, dates from the time of the East India Company. The building has been tastefully renovated and each of the 43 cosy rooms has pleasantly colourful decor.
Central Hotel - 2 Star, city centre
Rooms: telephone, TV, air conditioning
Hotel: breakfast room
This tourist class hotel has 57 rooms and is situated in the centre of the shopping area. Short walk to the Barachois. For those on a budget it provides excellent value.
Pre-bookable Excursions
There are many excursions available on Réunion, most of which may be booked in advance. Excursions may only operate on one day per week and are subject to change. If there is a tour which you particularly want to book, you are advised to confirm the day of operation when booking your holiday. The following are a selection of the more popular tours. Prices on request.
Salazie
The East of the island with its waterfalls and a visit to the Vanilla factory
Cilaos
Spectacular scenery and a town situated high in the mountains
Volcano
Visit to the museum and the volcano, one of the more accessible active volcanoes in the world
Maïdo and Saint-Paul
The cirque of Mafate, Saint-
Helicopter
Flights over the island (daily)
Big game fishing
Half day
Suggested Itineraries
We specialise in tailor-
R1
7 nights 3 star Réunion from £1395
7 nights – Les Créoles, L’Hermitage-
Overnight flights London-
R2
10 nights 2 and 3 star Réunion from £1940
1 night – Central Hotel, St-
2 nights – Les Géraniums, Bourg-
3 nights – Le Vieux Cep, Cilaos – BB
4 nights – Le Nautile, La Saline-
Overnight flights London-
R3
12 nights 2, 3, 4 and 5 star Réunion from £2195
1 night – Hotel Bellepierre, St-
2 nights – Relais des Cimes, Hell-
2 nights – Les Géraniums, Bourg-
3 nights – Le Cilaos, Cilaos – BB
4 nights – Blue Margouillat, St-
Overnight flights London-
R4
14 nights 2, 3 and 4 star Réunion from £2315
1 night – Le Juliette Dodu, St-
2 nights – L’Ecrin, Bourg-
3 nights – Le Cilaos, Cilaos – BB
8 nights – Le Saint Alexis, Boucan Canot – BB
Overnight flights London-
The number of nights shown in the above itineraries excludes nights on flights to and from the UK
Prices
Tour prices are subject to rate fluctuation during the year but, generally speaking, the months of January-June and September are cheaper. Prices are subject to availability.
Flights
International flights are on Air Mauritius. Aircraft type will be advised with travel documents. Flying time to Réunion (via Mauritius) is ca. 13 hours. Flights on Air France via Paris are also available from London Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester at a supplement. At a further small supplement, flights via Paris are also available from Edinburgh and Newcastle.
Prices include
Economy class scheduled flights on Air Mauritius, airport taxes, passenger service charges, accommodation sharing a twin room in hotels. Meals, transfers and car hire as per itineraries. Baggage allowance on international flights with Air Mauritius is 1 piece, which must not exceed 23 kgs.
Not included
Travel insurance, items of personal expense e.g. drinks, porterage, telephone calls, gratuities and excursions.
Prices
Charges may apply for some activities/watersports. Additional charges may apply for the period over Christmas and New Year. Price bands relate to low and high season. For coding key, see below.
Réunion | |||||||
Low | High | Low | High | ||||
Lux* Saint Gilles | BB | G | H | Le Cilaos | BB | D | D |
Le Saint Alexis | BB | G | G | Le Tsilaosa | BB | D | F |
Le Boucan Canot | RO | F | G | Le Vieux Cep | BB | D | E |
Le Nautile | BB | F | F | Les Géraniums | BB | C | D |
Relais de l’Hermitage | BB | D | G | L’Ecrin | BB | B | B |
Les Créoles | RO | A | C | Palm Hotel & Spa | BB | G | H |
Résidence Tropic | RO | A | B | Blue Margouillat | BB | G | H |
Hotel Alamanda | BB | C | C | Le Dimitile | BB | E | F |
Relais des Cimes | BB | A | B | Hotel Bellepierre | BB | F | F |
Les Jardins d’Héva | BB | C | C | Le Juliette Dodu | BB | E | E |
Relais des Gouverneurs | BB | D | D | Central Hotel | BB | B | B |
| Réunion | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | ||
| Lux* Saint Gilles | BB | G | H |
| Le Saint Alexis | BB | G | G |
| Le Boucan Canot | RO | F | G |
| Le Nautile | BB | F | F |
| Relais de l’Hermitage | BB | D | G |
| Les Créoles | RO | A | C |
| Résidence Tropic | RO | A | B |
| Hotel Alamanda | BB | C | C |
| Relais des Cimes | BB | A | B |
| Les Jardins d’Héva | BB | C | C |
| Relais des Gouverneurs | BB | D | D |
| Le Cilaos | BB | D | D |
| Le Tsilaosa | BB | D | F |
| Le Vieux Cep | BB | D | E |
| Les Géraniums | BB | C | D |
| L’Ecrin | BB | B | B |
| Palm Hotel & Spa | BB | G | H |
| Blue Margouillat | BB | G | H |
| Le Dimitile | BB | E | F |
| Hotel Bellepierre | BB | F | F |
| Le Juliette Dodu | BB | E | E |
| Central Hotel | BB | B | B |
Accommodation Price Bands
Bands are based on prices per person per night in a twin room. Please note that these are subject to variation throughout the year and are intended as a guideline only. Please check at the time of booking for current prices. Many hotels are also available on half board. Prices on request.
Up to £40 | A | £41- | B | |
£46- | C | £56- | D | |
£66- | E | £76- | F | |
£96- | G | Over £145 | H | |
RO – | BB – | |||
