Hi lovelies, it’s here! I’m so happy to share Part Two of my epic trip to Reunion Island. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun adventures and amazing sights from the first two days, so here’s the link in case you haven’t read Part One yet.
Get ready to read about hair-raising hairpin bends, dramatic and lush landscapes, delectable Creole cuisine and sailing on the open seas!
The Road To Cilaos
The day trip to the Cirque du Cilaos, one of three preserved natural cirques, was another personal highlight. While the winding road with around 422 hairpin bends (I kid you not!) over a stretch of 31kms from Saint-Louis to Cilaos is not for the faint of heart, it is worth it. We were fortunate to have an excellent driver behind the wheel.
The lush scenery becomes more dramatic and mountainous the higher up you travel and at 3 000m above sea level, the impressive Piton des Neiges is the highest peak in the Indian Ocean and can be seen from Cilaos. Make sure you snap a few shots before the clouds hide it from sight.
Cilaos is one of the locations around Reunion where canyoning is popular. If extreme sports are your thing, then the multitude of jumps, waterfalls and slides are sure to thrill you. Two brave and adventurous group members opted to try the canyoning activity, while the rest of us explored the sights in and around the picturesque hamlet town. Cilaos is also the starting point of many hikes, ranging from easy walks to the most challenging.
Lunch at Le Vieux Cep Hotel was a veritable feast of Creole flavours. The island’s vibrant cuisine scene is a melting pot of flavours with influences from China, India, Madagascar and Europe. Rum punch is often offered to you before your meal and on a very hot day, it is the perfect way to cool down.
Sitting beside the pool with spectacular views of the mountains, we happily ate a few helpings of creamy, delicious potato gratin (it was so good!), followed by fragrant fish and Eisbein curries, accompanied by generous helpings of rice.
Featuring a harmonious blend of modern and local architecture and furnishings, the lovely 4-star Tsilaosa Hotel & Spa comes highly recommended when staying in Cilaos. The dreamy views alone will have you swooning!
Did you know? Cilaos is also home to Reunion’s wine and lentil production and has a thermal spa which produces its own sparkling water.
Pretty gardens and houses in Cilaos 
Cilaos graffiti
Flying High With Helilagon
Can you believe that my first helicopter ride ever happened in Reunion at the tender age of 40-something? A helicopter flip over the island is both thrilling and exciting, and quite possibly the ultimate highlight of my time in Reunion.
To see this beautiful island from the air is simply quite magical. Soaring over the three calderas of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie, the pilot dipped and dived through deep river valleys and canyons, past flowing waterfalls before flying over the vast lunar wilderness of Piton de la Fournaise that was still smouldering following the recent eruption.
My stomach was flipping in time with the dips and dives, but it was so much fun. Returning from the West Coast over the azure-blue lagoon was breathtaking to say the least. The entire experience was out of this world! Seriously though, do not miss out on this unforgettable ride.
All Aboard The Le Maloya
An ocean sail was a wonderful way to end our stay. A sea breeze blew gently through my hair as we departed Le Port aboard Le Maloya, the largest catamaran in the Indian Ocean.
With a cocktail or glass of wine in hand, relax to the rhythm of the ocean and enjoy a blissful sunset cruise. You may be lucky to spot dolphins and whales between June and September.
Where We Stayed
Villa Delisle Hotel & Spa – Saint-Pierre
This 4-start hotel is situated in the vibrant coastal town of Saint-Pierre. Located across the road from the beach that has a safe swimming lagoon and marina, you’ll find lively restaurants and cafés nearby. Take a stroll around the town, stopping by the local covered market and the colourful Hindu temple.
The hotel offers a tranquil ambience with a variety of rooms, 2 restaurants and bars, swimming pool, a spa and conference facilities. Dine at their fine dining restaurant, Le Pierre Bistrot Chic, for traditional French and Creole cuisine.
Hotel-Residence & Spa Ness by D-Ocean– Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains
While you are only steps away from La-Saline-Les-Bains’ vibrant nightlife, markets and stores, you’ll feel cocooned and pampered at this modern 4-star property that oozes luxury and style. The idyllic setting is relaxed and welcoming with exceptional hospitality. Facing the tranquil lagoon, you’ll find a lush oasis with a coconut grove, tropical gardens and an infinity pool that lights up beautifully at night.
Other highlights include The Sand Bar and Coconut Grove Restaurant, both housed in food trucks set in the coconut grove. Dining alfresco with waves gently lapping the shore is pure bliss. The dishes they serve are simply sublime and they have a fine selection of wines.
Offering 70 spacious rooms with either a sea view or mountain view, as well as 14 suites with a direct view on the lagoon, Ness by D-Ocean is the perfect place to stay on the island’s sunny west coast.
Lodge Roche Tamarin & Spa – La Possession
Situated high up in the hills of La Possession, the 4-star Lodge Roche Tamarin & Spa is set in a lush, natural paradise with glimpses of the sparkling Indian Ocean. The serene setting is just heavenly.
The Lodges are made entirely of wood with modern touches throughout. Imagine your own private hot tub on the terrace! The tranquility that you will experience here is second to none, as well as lovely hospitality. Enjoy delicious meals at the Lodge’s 2 restaurants, chill beside the swimming pool or feel pampered at the Spa Body Harmonie.
Holiday Planning Tips
- South African passport holders are not required to obtain a visa when travelling to Reunion Island on holiday, for short stays of up to 90 days.
- Air Austral operates between 2 and 3 flights per week from Johannesburg to Reunion (dependent on seasonality).
- While Reunion Island is safe, practice common sense by avoiding isolated areas, walking alone after dark and don’t carry large sums of money around with you.
- All watersport activities should only take place in safe areas such as the protected lagoon.
- The currency is the Euro and you can withdraw Euros in cash from ATMs around the island. Remember to advise your bank prior to departure that you will be using your card while overseas.
- The well-maintained road network makes Reunion ideal for a self-drive holiday. Make sure that you have an international or French driver’s license.
- It is handy to have a French/English phrase book or app on your phone if you do not speak French.
- Bring weather-proof clothes and gear for when you are in the mountainous areas.
- Entrance to the National Parks is free, as well as camping in the parks, but do bring all your own gear and take all your trash with you when you leave.
Fun Facts & Tips
- Ceet, the internationally acclaimed street artist, has left his mark all around the island with his trademark chicken interpretations.
- Do try the local food filled with delicious Creole flavours such as cari (curry) and sip on rum “arrangé” at aperitif time.
- The local, colourful houses are adorned with lambrequins (similar to broekie lace in South Africa) and are cut along the eaves of the roof.
- Drinking a local beer like La Dodo Bourbon while walking along the roads and beach is permitted. Also, you can buy these beers at a local supermarket or café for as little as EUR1.00.
- Wine can be bought at some gas stations.
- The local people are very friendly, so don’t let the language barrier stop you from chatting to them and learning more about their rich culture.
Reunion Island will enchant and amaze you at each and every turn, leaving you with a lifetime of magical memories. Reawaken your senses and don’t be surprised if you start planning your return holiday almost immediately!
Create your own unique trip to Reunion by going to https://en.reunion.fr/ The Tourism Board’s beautifully designed and informative website has all the information you need to design your perfect holiday.
For more information, contact the Reunion Island Tourism Board South African Office on +27 10 205 0201/reunionisland.za@atout-france.fr, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Yours in Travel
xoxo
Disclaimer: A special thank you to Reunion Island Tourism Board for hosting my trip to Reunion Island. Merci beaucoup for the memories #Hosted
