Lux Hotel on Reunion Island in Indian Ocean

Top Reunion Beach by Lux Hotel ©Solange Hando

A short flight from Mauritius, the French island of Reunion is an upcoming destination for scenery and beaches. The main resort is St Gilles on the west coast, just 50 minutes or so from the airport.

As you approach St Gilles, Lux greets you with the only five star resort on the island. This is located alongside the fine white sands of Hermitage, a coral-sheltered lagoon where you can watch whales in season, June to September.

Entrance to Lux Hotel ©Solange Hando

The Lux private drive leads you to a stylish reception building which feels almost like a mansion. Colonial architecture has pride of place across the site with guest rooms in whitewashed Creole villas set in seven hectares of tropical gardens.

Palm trees and casuarinas give a welcome shade while exotic flowers add a touch of colour in the greenery. It's a lovely place to stroll and watch the birds.

Deluxe Room, Lux Hotel Reunion ©Solange Hando

The 164 rooms range from superior on the ground-floor with patio to deluxe with balcony on the first floor and junior suites. Some superior rooms can be connected to accommodate families. Rooms are spacious and include all the amenities you would expect from a five star hotel, including free WiFi

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Lux Pool ©Solange Hando

The swimming pool is the largest on the island, beautifully landscaped and framed by flowers and trees. Just for a change you can join a zen or yoga class in the garden or enjoy a spa ritual with in-room treatments on offer.

Poolside Traditional Stall ©Solange Hando

With its nostalgic retro-style, this is a popular place for ice-cream, dedicated to local flavours. Then besides bar and snacks, Lux  has three restaurants, most popular the open-sided Cuisine with its irresistible buffet and ocean views. For dinner at La Plage, it is best to book, especially if a conference is being hosted.

Sunset on Hermitage Beach, Reunion Island ©Solange Hando

Tamassa Resort in Mauritius Bel Ombre

Tamassa Resort in Mauritius ©Solange Hando

This all inclusive resort is located in Bel Ombre in south west Mauritius. Stretching along the beach, it is an extensive place, vibrant around the bar area but with plenty of space to relax in peace and quiet. Top attractions are the four swimming pools set in tropical gardens close to the accommodation.

Restaurants include the vast buffet show room for breakfast and themed dinners, the Playa Beach and the casual Chef's Truck for gourmet burghers and other snacks lunch time. There is also an ice cream parlour, plus beach and in-room service.

Superior Room in Tamassa ©Solange Hando

Guest rooms are set in villas scattered across a wide area so be sure yo get your bearings right from the start. Accommodation ranges from standard to superior, beach and family rooms. 

Rooms are spacious, uncluttered and colourful, with balcony or patio. All amenities you would expect from a top resort are available, including bottled water and free WiFi. Superior rooms have excellent bathrooms with double washbasin, spacious walk-in shower, deep-soak bath tub and separate toilet.

Beach in Bel Ombre ©Solange Hando

White sands and palm trees, it's the idyllic holiday place with clear water protected by a the coral reef. Swim, snorkel, sail or take out a pedal boat, the ocean beckons if you can bear to leave your favourite pool.

Other activities include tennis, gym and giant chess. You can also hire bicycles or maybe book a tour or two to see the island's highlights. Highly recommended are the Black River Gorges and seven-coloured earth of Chamarel.

Tree of Peace ©Solange Hando

The Tamassa tree of peace is a serene place where guests can write a wish on a ribbon and hang it on the tree. On certain days there is a small singing bowl ceremony for blessings.

Next door is the spa which offers a range of personalised treatments, facials, scrub, massage, as well as yoga classes.

Also of special interest in Tamassa  is the vintage phone box near the reception where you can call home any time free of charge. Just check the initial numbers with the staff, always available and keen to help.

Sunset in Bel Ombre ©Solange Hando

Weddings, honeymoons, this is a romantic spot with superb sunsets for everyone.. Just get to the beach in good time for within minutes it will be gone