Holidays for two on Reunion Island

In Langevin, take a breath of fresh air at the waterfall!  Savour a refreshing experience at the Langevin waterfall at Saint-Joseph in the wild south. Also known as the Grand Galet waterfall, it tumbles from the top of the mountains amid lush vegetation in a string of little waterfalls extending across the same rock face and plunging into a pool of deep blue. It is an idyllic setting for swimming and canyoning. Langevin or Grand Galet waterfall

Exploring at the Cirque of Cilaos! You’ll visit a unique place after winding round the road’s 400 bends all the way to the Cirque of Cilaos. There you’ll find a spectacular setting of mountains, forests and deep ravines. Cilaos is well-known for its vineyards, spa baths, embroidery, Creole huts, local produce, waterfalls, canyons and hiking trails including one to the top of Piton des Neiges, the roof of Reunion Island.

Visit the Maison Folio in Salazie, Hell-Bourg! On the road to the Cirque of Salazie, you can stop at the delightful Voile de la Mariée waterfall. Further along, the village of Hell-Bourg, officially one of the most beautiful villages in France, welcomes you with open arms. Spend a pleasant moment visiting this former spa town where the Maison Folio invites you to enjoy the lush greenery of its garden. Opt for a guided tour to learn all about this heritage house, the site’s history and its plants and flowers, all spiced up with some fabulous little stories and Creole expressions to keep you amused.

At l’Entre-Deux in the south of the island, take a fragrant tour of the Mémoire D’Sens perfumery. You’ll love this olfactory journey at Mémoire D’Sens. Find out how the enchanting aromas are produced, get advice on the fragrances that match your personality and join a workshop to create the perfect elixir for you. Essential oils, floral aromas of jasmine, ylang-ylang and vetiver from the Ultimate Island, all prized by leading perfumers, are placed under the spotlight to bring you a real sense of sensuality!

In Saint-Joseph, discover the history of tea. Lose your bearings in a tea forest in the village of Grand Coude, in the south of Reunion Island. The Labyrinthe En-Champ-Thé is a maze created in a forest of tea bushes, on the old plantations from the sixties. At the time, this tea was recognised as one of the world’s top three. In 2005, Johny and his wife renewed with the historic production, unique in France, of Grand Coude tea. You’ll find their whole range of products at the reception kiosk, including white tea, green tea, essential oils, hydrolats, preserves and syrups. You’ll also see and smell different varieties of geranium and perhaps even observe the distilling process.

At Grand Anse, the beach located between Grand Bois and Saint-Joseph, you’ll find a heavenly setting of palms and coconut trees. . Unwind on the sandy beach as you gaze out at the waves and the magical sight of volcanic rock in all its beauty! Grand Anse beach in Petite-Île.

As a reminder, swimming is prohibited on the entire beach of Grande-Anse by municipal decree (decree n ° 91/2014 prohibiting bathing and regulating certain activities in the strip of 300 meters from the coast of Grande Anse).

In Saint-André, visit a Tamil temple. Share the intense experience of exploring the Hindu culture and religion in the colourful and mysterious Maryen Péroumal temple located in Saint-André on the east of Reunion Island. Welcome to the land of living together in harmony! You’ll discover the story behind the unique architecture, the history of the divinities that occupy this sacred place, and the beliefs and rites that feature in the religious ceremonies. Recommendations are indicated on how to observe Tamil traditions during your visit: no shorts, short-length skirts, cropped T-shirts, low necklines or leather accessories.

In Sainte-Anne, stop to visit Sainte-Anne church. It’s architecture is quite surprising, in the façade and the colourful decoration of the very finely-crafted exterior. In the 1960s, Jean-Paul Belmondo and Catherine Deneuve came here to shoot Mississippi Mermaid, a film that brought fame to the lovely Sainte-Thérèse chapel.

In Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, go exploring by paddleboard or see-through kayak on the turquoise lagoon. A more intimate way of exploring the lagoon. Without a doubt, this pleasant experience offers all the beauty of the Indian Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.

At Cap La Houssaye, on the west coast of Reunion Island between the maritime graveyard of Saint-Paul and Boucan Canot beach, go exploring  the savannah on horseback. A unique moment to enjoy in the savannah at sunset. This original and romantic experience in the heart of nature takes you riding across the gold-tinged grass.

At the East port in the west of the island, climb aboard for a musical cruise in a party atmosphere. Make yourself comfortable on the Maloya. The biggest catamaran in the Indian Ocean glides peacefully across the turquoise waters. Round off your day in style with this perfect cruise along the black-sand beach of the bay of Saint-Paul. Soothed by the gentle waves, you’ll admire Cap La Houssaye, the savannah and the island’s summits in the distance. The sea air will caress your skin as you feel the salty spray at the bow of the boat. You’ll be fascinated by the sun setting over the horizon to offer you a magical experience to the sounds of the savannah and the music of Reunion. The panorama is superb and the views will take your breath away. You’ll go to the ranch, a place oozing with authenticity, where you’ll help with the horses and enjoy delicious Reunion specialities. Whether you’re a novice or experienced rider, you’ll enjoy a fabulous, wild-west experience in the company of Manou, your guide! Musical cruise with party atmosphere

In the Cirque of Mafate, enjoy an amazing hike into the most untouched cirque on the island. Mafate is an exceptional place that is well worth the effort! This calm and extraordinarily preserved site can only be accessed on foot or by helicopter, and offers a range of breathtaking landscapes within a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Salazie or La Possession, you’ll cross hamlets of colourful cabins and gites and discover the life and traditions of the people of Mafate. Surrounded by all the majesty of the mountains, please be mindful of nature and help us to protect Mafate, our eco-tourism laboratory. To make sure the Cirque remains an unspoilt environment, and to ensure the protection of the local people and culture, tourism here is limited and sustainable and responsible practices are encouraged.

In Petite Île, the PALM Hotel & Spa*****

The 5-star Palm Hotel & Spa can be found in the south of Reunion Island, overlooking the coral-sand beach of Grand’Anse bay. At an ideal location near must-see sites like the volcano, the lava flows, the black-sand beach of l’Etang-Salé and the Cirque of Cilaos, the hotel boasts 65 rooms dotted across a tropical park of 3.5 hectares. The hotel has two swimming pools, a lounge bar and two restaurants, one of which serves gourmet cuisine: Le Makassar and Le Deck. The 5-star Palm Hotel & Spa features an outstanding spa and organises musical and cultural evening events as well as a host of sports and leisure activities, free of charge. European Ecolabel certification.

In Saint-Leu, the Blue Margouillat*****

The elegant 5-star Blue Margouillat boutique hotel overlooks the bay of Saint-Leu. The villa offers a mix of colonial charm and contemporary art sculptures. The hotel has 14 rooms including 2 suites. The restaurant serves dishes from mainland France to the sound of jazz music playing in the background. Your gourmet à-la-carte dinner will be served by candlelight at the poolside or under the verandah. When it comes to relaxing, the hotel offers massages in your room as well as facials, manicures and other beauty treatments. Standing just 500 metres from the lagoon, the hotel is near sports facilities (golf, diving, paragliding, etc.) and cultural venues (Mascarin national botanical conservatory, Kélonia, Stella Matutina museum). A night in a boutique hotel

La Villa Roméo in l’Étang-Salé

Visit the Villa Roméo, rated 4 keys by Clévacances and located in l’Etang Salé in a lush green setting, mid-way between the wild south and the beaches on the west side of Reunion Island. Five charming rooms (named geranium, cryptomeria, vetiver and ylang-ylang) with spa bath, swimming pool and aromatic essential oils. Enjoy a stunning view over the coast and Piton de la Fournaise as  you unwind at the poolside. The delicious table d’hôte meals cooked in-house will give your tastebuds a real treat.

In Saint-Louis, the highly original Kaz Insolite offers a quirky solution.

Fancy a night under the stars, 1,500 metres above sea level, in one of the transparent bubbles of Kaz Insolite in Les Makes? These bubbles are perfect for observing the night sky, just like those at the Bubble Dome Village in Saint-Joseph. This eco-luxury accommodation concept offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature. Contemplate the Milky Way at nightfall, and wake up the following morning in the heart of the forest. The “Esprit Parc National La Réunion” brand.

In La Rivière Saint-Louis, Les Cabanes sur une Île is a unique guesthouse concept. If it’s tranquillity and privacy you’re looking for, book a night in one of the five elegantly-decorated stilted cabins, for an eco-friendly solution in a natural setting. Located some twenty minutes from the beach of l’Etang-Salé and the viewpoint of Les Makes, on the road between Cilaos and Saint-Pierre. For a night in the great outdoors. Awaken your senses in a setting filled with birdsong, rustling leaves, tropical fragrances from the vegetation, exotic wood, the golden sun, luxuriant greenery and the flavours of Reunion-style cuisine.