Blue Margouillat
Blue Margouillat is one of the best hotels in Réunion, set on a hill with beautiful sunset views overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is a refreshing alternative to the majority of the larger hotels in the main towns of Saint Leu and Saint Gilles Les Bains.
The hotel is built in traditional Creole style and the setting is spectacular. With only 14 rooms made up of the standard sea view rooms and the Creole suites, this is a small and intimate hotel. The rooms are all simple and clean with private balconies benefiting from the spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.
The restaurant serves delicious food, made all the more spectacular with the added bonus of "that" view.
Facilities include a swimming pool, and the hotel can arrange massages in your room. The staff are all exceptionally friendly too.
This part of the island is known for its long stretches of beaches, fantastic diving, and numerous water sports such as surfing (there is a world-famous break at Saint Leu), and paragliding. Helicopter rides are also a great way to see the mountains behind.
Why We Love It
There is a world-famous break at nearby Saint Leu, perfect for keen surfers.
Diana Dea
Situated high up in the hills above the eastern coast of Reunion, this is a newly opened boutique lodge in a stunning setting.
At 1800ft above sea level, the drive up to the lodge is part and parcel of the experience, with the lush vegetation and panoramic views of the coast below. On arrival the electric gates may appear out of place, and it feels slightly like entering Jurassic Park, however they are only there to keep in the deer which roam freely in the grounds.
The lodge is made from local materials such as wood and stone, and has a total of 32 rooms. All are very modern and comfortable with open plan bedrooms/bathrooms, the bathtubs are positioned to make the most of the views of the hills and Indian Ocean. Each room also has a covered terrace or balcony.
The restaurant serves seriously good food - a mixture of French (of course) and Creole cuisine. It is a gastronomic treat with a constantly changing menu.
Facilities at the hotel include a library, a bar and lounge with huge wood burning stove and stylish furniture, a small but perfectly formed spa with hammam as well as a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a billiards room.
Why We Love It
Deer roam free in the grounds, adding to an already superb setting.
LUX* St Gilles
Perfectly positioned on the west coast, LUX* St Gilles (formerly LUX* Ile de la Reunion) is the only 5 star hotel on the island, and has the facilities, views and location to match, making it one of Réunion's best hotels.
LUX* St Gilles is within stumbling distance of one of the island's most beautiful beaches, as well as being close to the Pitons, Cirques and Ramparts - all of which make Réunion such an incredible place to visit.
The rooms and suites are housed in charming white washed Creole villas scattered around the gardens, each with its own private terrace boasting a spectacular view of the coral-sheltered lagoon at L' Hermitage.
There is a huge swimming pool, volleyball and tennis courts in the gardens, and a great spa. Water sports such as kayaking and snorkelling are also available, and diving is second to none, with the coral-sheltered lagoon providing the perfect spot. There are also 2 golf courses nearby.
The hotel has a choice of 4 restaurants, ranging from international food in La Cuisine, to the informal La Plage on the beach. All 4 options serve delicious food with a notable Creole influence, and have an ever-changing menu.
LUX* St Gilles is the perfect choice for families. Their children's club PLAY caters for children between the ages of 3 and 12, educating them about the island's wildlife and surroundings, as well as a range of sports and outdoor activities, from art classes and treasure hunts to engaging and educational Teddy Tennis lessons. There are also especially designed family rooms.
Why We Love It
Because this is the only resort to have direct access to the most beautiful beach of Réunion Island (L'Hermitage), a calm lagoon surrounded with a magnificent coral barrier
Le Vieux Cep
Set in the heart of the fascinating town of Cilaos (which literally means “the place you will never leave”, or want to, we hope), Le Vieux Cep is the perfect base from which to explore the picturesque town and to indulge in some serious trekking.
This is the place to be for all manner of activities, and along with location, is one of the reasons for why Le Vieux Cep is the obvious choice over the more luxurious hotels on the coast. Located at the foot of the Piton des Neiges, the highest peak in the Indian Ocean, serious trekking is on the doorstep (although not for the faint hearted). Other activities on offer from the hotel (all of which we can arrange) include abseiling, canyoning, and visits to thermal baths.
It's important to note that Le Vieux Cep is not a luxury hotel. It is simply a very comfortable, 2-star hotel that, above all, boasts an unbeatable location. It has 45 rooms all of which are equipped with TV, central heating (it can get nippy up in the caldera), phone and private balcony.
There is a heated swimming pool, a small spa, an informal restaurant serving local specialities and a few games on offer such as boules, billiards and table tennis. Mountain bikes are also available for hire, and babysitters can be arranged.
Why We Love It
Location, location, location. Its position at the foot of the Piton des Neiges makes Le Vieux Cep the obvious choice, especially for those in search of adventure.