Hiking in Reunion Island is one of the best ways to discover the cirques in all their majesty. But, to be honest, we also like to admire these natural wonders from a jacuzzi or a beautiful terrace and relax in a cosy bed. Here are our favourite places to sleep at the very heart of the cirques of Reunion Island!
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Sleep at Bois de Couleur, in Mafate
“On the edge of the woods…”, that’s how the best stories always begin. Bois de Couleur, in Marla, is no exception! It’s the only luxury guesthouse in Mafate. After a day spent walking on the cirque’s trails, weary travellers are greeted by a picture postcard setting and will be dying to take off their rucksacks to enjoy their chalet. After a hot shower and a meal worthy of a gastro restaurant, it’s time to chill! We love relaxing on the balcony and watching the sun turn red behind the ridges of the cirque of Mafate. Then it’s time for bed and a good night’s sleep.
Far away from it all at Poinsettia, in Mafate
Lost in the middle of the cirque of Mafate, in Aurère, Poinsettia is a traditional guesthouse where the curious and brave will feel like they’re at end of the world. We come here to enjoy an authentic experience and meet Marie Annick, a local character. She gives every guest the same warm welcome and bends over backwards to prepare a delicious traditional Creole cari cooked on a wood fire. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we were ready to hit the road again!
Spend the night in a Creole house at Relais des Gouverneurs, in Salazie
Relais des Gouverneurs is hidden away in the charming village of Hell Bourg, in the heart of the cirque of Salazie. This guesthouse in an authentic Creole house replicating all the splendour of the colonial era, is well known for its welcoming table d’hôte. We can’t wait to try the chicken cari, choyote squash gratin and passion fruit rhum arrangé, encouraged by our hosts, François and Yvette. After a good night’s sleep, a breakfast featuring artisan sweet potato and banana jams awaits us: what better way to start the day!
A change of scene at Jardins d’Heva, in Salazie
Jardins d’Heva is the ideal place to come and recharge your batteries, surrounded by unspoiled countryside. We are amazed to discover the five bungalows, each with their own theme like a tribute to the island’s cultural diversity. After a day spent roaming the trails of cirques, a spa session is strongly recommended to relax any over-worked muscles. Perfect before sitting down to enjoy a delicious Creole buffet. The achard vegetable starter is particularly tasty! Before leaving, we stop by the shop which is bursting with countless treasures. Plenty of lovely original gift ideas.
Gîte de l’Îlet, a paradise for hikers, in Cilaos
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Gîte de l’Îlet in the very remote Îlet à Cordes, in the heart of the cirque of Cilaos, is owned by Solange and Jean-Marie. It’s a haven of peace for hikers in need of a good night’s sleep. After being regaled with house specialities such as vegetable fritters or choyote squash quiche with local greens, it’s time to relax in the swimming pool! With heated water, in summer and winter, it’s perfect for soothing muscles sore from hours of walking. A real treat that we enjoy to the full!
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