French Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean

Dramatic Scenery from ULM on Reunion Island ©Solange Hando

Located between Mauritius and Madagascar, this island is just 63x45 km but claims such dramatic scenery that 40% is listed by Unesco as a world heritage site. This includes one active volcano and three great calderas inland where people live, even in the remote Mafate where the only access is by donkey or helicopter.

Saint-Gilles Marina in Reunion ©Solange Hando

Yet this rugged hinterland is surrounded by a fabulous coastline and the old fishing harbour of Saint-Gilles has now turned into a mini St Tropez. It is a popular place for watersports, snorkelling, diving, surfing, sailing and more, with whale watching a top attraction during the migrating season.

Eating venues serve excellent seafood and pastries close to the local market and the island's only five star hotel is a short drive away. Euro is the local currency since Reunion is a French department and as such part of the EU.

Cilaos Caldera ©Solange Hando

Inland from Saint-Gilles, the 'road of 400 bends' climbs up through stunning scenery to Cilaos, the most visited of the three calderas which also gives its name to the colourful settlement. This is a lovely mountain resort with a lake, thermal springs and a 'Rock of Wonders' with a bird's eye view of the town, surrounding peaks and ocean on the horizon.

The resort is famous for embroidery, lentils and fruity wine and it is included in the national park which claims 80 km of walking trails. This is also a base for climbing the highest peak, the Piton des Neiges at 3071 metres, which despite its name has hardly ever seen any snow.

Beach in Saint-Gilles ©Solange Hando

But after a climb or a long day trip to Cilaos, it is always nice to return to the beach, relax on powdery white sands or sit in the shade of feathery casuarinas. There are several sandy beaches, best loved the idyllic Hermitage Lagoon protected by a coral reef.

Some sections of the coast however are truly wild with lava rocks, blow holes and steep but verdant canyons coming right down to the ocean.

Furnace Peak ©Solange Hando

Meanwhile in the south-east corner of this hot spot island, the 'Piton de la Fournaise' erupts almost every year, and often more than once. There are no settlements nearby and it is constantly monitored, keeping everyone away in case of imminent danger.

When it is safe, you can walk around this spine-shilling moonscape or join a jeep safari across the old lava fields. Alternatively you can book a helicopter ride or enjoy a really close view, as above, from a a microlight.

Colourful Reunion ©Solange Hando

Mauritius Images Part 2

Port Louis, Views from the Shrine ©Solange Hando

 Port Louis, the capital, has great views from the citadel or, as above from the quiet hillside shrine of Marie Reine de la Paix, closer to the peaks.

Umbrella Street in Port Louis ©Solange Hando

This is at the heart of the city, a lively shopping district near the Caudan waterfront and craft and food market. Umbrellas are for colour and shade.

Pamplemousse Garden ©Solange Hando

Close to the capital, this superb botanical garden displays 650 varieties of plants, including rare specimens, giant waterlilies, baobabs and 85 species of palms.

Lunch in Eureka ©Solange Hando

In this multicultural island, food ranges from Creole to French, Chinese, Indian and more. Look out for restored colonial mansions turned into restaurants, like this one just outside Port Louis.

The Coast North of Port Louis ©Solange Hando

Mauritius is a romantic place with honeymoon and wedding resorts but if you want to tie the knot in this little Church of Our Lady on the north coast, expect a long waiting list.

Love Flowers? Enjoy ©Solange Hando

  

Images of Mauritius Part 1

Mauritius Beach, Bel Ombre ©Solange Hando

Quiet coves or long stretches of white sands, clear warm waters protected by the coral reef, Mauritius is perfect for beach lovers with superb resorts lapped by the Indian Ocean.

Black River Gorges National Park ©Solange Hando

Down in the south west, a scenic drive from some of the most popular resorts, the park offers 50 km of trails where the more adventurous can watch exotic birds, including pink pigeons and waterfalls.

Chamarel Coloured Earth ©Solange Hando

This is a top attraction in Mauritius created by lava rocks which cooled at different temperatures. It does not not erode and should you mix the colours, they will separate again within a day.  

The North Coast, Cap Malheureux ©Solange Hando

Beyond the bustling Grand Baie resort, this is the most northerly tip of the island, a quiet place with some lovely coves looking out to the islands.

The National Flower ©Solange Hando

Growing on a bush endemic to the island, it is commonly known as the 'earring', just one of many exotic flowers adding myriad colours to Mauritius.

Sunset on the Indian Ocean, Mauritius ©Solange Hando

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