Meet Elise
And treat yourself to a morning of well-being, combining the sea and local flavours.
In the west of Réunion, some mornings seem to stand still. At Cap Homard, near Boucan Canot, amongst filaos, turquoise seas and soft light, I’m about to embark on an experience centred on wellbeing, relaxation and togetherness. On the agenda: a yoga session in Réunion overlooking the Indian Ocean, followed by a healthy, delicious and convivial break. A simple, soothing and deeply rejuvenating interlude.
A gentle wake-up call in a picture-postcard setting.
It’s 8.30 am when I arrive at Cap Homard beach. The place is peaceful and quiet. In the shade of the trees, a few mats have already been laid out facing the sea. The lagoon is calm, the sky clear, and only the murmur of the waves breaks the silence.
I meet up with Élise, the yoga teacher, and the rest of the group. Her smile immediately puts me at ease. Here, there’s no pressure or need to perform: everyone comes as they are, with whatever energy they have that day.
I settle down, my feet still warm with sand, whilst the first rays of the sun filter through the branches. Everything already seems to invite me to let go.
An hour of yoga, combining breathwork and serenity.
The session gets off to a gentle start. Élise guides us with patience and kindness, explaining each pose and its benefits. Deep breathing, stretches, standing, sitting or lying down… The body gradually comes to life.
Facing the ocean, every movement takes on a whole new dimension. I feel the tension easing, my thoughts slowing down, my mind calming. The sound of the waves accompanies the sequences, like a natural breath.
Élise adapts the pace to suit everyone and reminds us that yoga is, above all, a journey of self-discovery. The hour passes surprisingly quickly. At the end of the session, lying on the mat for a few moments, I feel a deep sense of calm. A rare, precious sensation.
A healthy break packed with local flavours.
Just as we’re slowly coming round, Alison from Soubik Piknik arrives with some lovely, carefully prepared baskets. She introduces us to her concept: gourmet breaks put together with love, using local and seasonal produce, in a style that’s as delicious as it is authentic.
We settle back down in the shade to savour this timeless moment a little longer. The colours in the baskets make you want to try everything: a refreshing passion fruit and chia seed drink, honey sweets, tison cakes, pralines, a fresh fruit salad with pineapple and banana…
On the savoury side, crispy samosas, pumpkin stew and other surprises round off this healthy feast. It’s hard to know where to start.
A friendly atmosphere, a spirit of sharing and a relaxed way of life.
Before long, conversations flow naturally. We chat about the session, our culinary discoveries and the island’s hidden gems. The atmosphere is relaxed, warm and spontaneous.
I savour both the flavours and the moment itself. This sort of experience reminds us that wellbeing isn’t just about exercise: it’s also found in meeting people, in nature, and in moments of sharing.
A lovely little touch: everyone gets to take home their own pretty little soubik – that traditional woven basket – as a memento of the morning.
A rejuvenating experience to enjoy in Réunion.
When it’s time to leave, some head off with a smile on their faces, whilst others linger on the beach for a little longer, in the shade of the trees.
I leave feeling as though I’ve experienced much more than just a yoga class. This interlude, set against a backdrop of the sea, nature and fine food, has given me a genuine moment of relaxation, reconnection and tranquillity.
In Réunion, the most beautiful experiences are sometimes the simplest: breathing, savouring, slowing down… and letting yourself go.
