Despite being in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island is a French Island. 3 adjectives to describe Reunion Island are lively, dynamic and surprising. Being in the same area as Mauritius, the climate is sunny and warm most of the time but might be prone to rainy seasons and natural calamities. It is also to be noted that the surface area of Reunion Island increases from time to time due to lava reaching the sea during powerful eruptions. Therefore, if you are curious and want to embark on a life-flourishing journey, Reunion Island is the perfect place for you, especially if you are adventurous in nature.
Travelling throughout the island
Are cars indispensable?
One of the main advantages of renting a car on Reunion Island is that a car allows for flexibility. By flexibility, I mean that public transport does not take you to every location; they have a specific route to follow, while on the other hand, taxis are usually expensive.
Remember, planning and organisation are the keys. To save money, public transport would be more suitable even though you would have to walk a little to get to your destination at times but apart from that it is not quite a hassle provided that you do not bring loads of items or bags with you. Driving a car somehow requires experience also, due to the narrow mountain road present near the cirques. You will also have to look for parking lots compared to public transport, which can thus be much of a hassle during busy days.
What to see and what to do during your stay?
The Piton de la Fournaise
Originally one of the most active volcanos amongst the world, it is believed that if this volcano stops erupting, dormant volcanoes of neighbouring islands such as Mauritius would wake up because they are connected to each other. However, the Piton de la Fournaise remains one the most popular attraction on Reunion, allowing for great hikes. For instance, its eruption always provides a mind-blowing spectacle for youngsters and elders.
The Cirques
Another famous feature of Reunion Island is the three cirques formed inside Piton des Neiges – the “mother” which gave birth to Reunion Island. Despite being formed by the same volcano, each one of them; Mafate, Salazie, Cilaos, has their own essence which will of course capture your attention.
Cirque of Mafate
One of the aspect of the Cirque of Mafate is both an advantage and disadvantage. Why? Well, to access the Cirque of Mafate, you will have to travel by helicopter or on foot. Either way, both would be an enriching experience for the family. The main characteristic of the Cirque of Mafate is mostly the wild aspect, which once served as refuge for slaves. Hence, the inhabitants are very attached to this land and keep some of the traditions going despite a lack of modern communication.
Cirque of Salazie
The Cirque of Salazie contains several villages and a Commune. Neighbouring St André and being the most accessible of the three cirques, the Cirque of Salazie is home to several waterfalls with rather strange but original names – “Pisse en l’air,” Voile de la Mariée, Cascade Blanche and others. One of the benefits of visiting the Cirque of Salazie first is that you will have the opportunity to access Mafate by going through the forestry.
Cirque of Cilaos
Originating from the word “Tsilaosa,” meaning “a country that you don’t leave.” The Cirque promises to provide you with a whole new level of experience; clearly different from Mafate and Salazie. One of the main advantage of Cilaos is that it can be accessed by car yet, you would have to pass through a road composed of 400 turns – certainly worth it, due to its beauty.
Reunion Island’s Gastronomy
How would gastronomy be described in Reunion? Well, in some words, the Reunion Island’s gastronomy is the fruit of different combinations of cuisine – Malagasy cuisine, African cuisine, Indian cuisine, Chinese cuisine and French cuisine. Appetizers are important to the Reunion cuisine. Similarly, some of the most traditional ones are also common to Mauritius. With their spicy taste, these snacks make the pleasure of youngsters as well as elders – “Bonbon piments” known as “Gateau piments or Gato Dhall” in Mauritius, Samosas and “Piments farcis.”
The most conventional dish found in Reunion Island is the curry. Served in a plate with rice at the bottom, grains and the curry at the top and chutneys served separately, this dish can also be found in Mauritius and observes the same pattern. It is probably due to the fact of having common ancestors.
Where to stay during your trip to Reunion Island?
So you have already booked your flight, now is your time to think of the place where you would stay for your holidays. We would like to recommend TROPIC Appart’Hotel which is a hotel at Saint Gilles. Situated just 80 meters away from the sea, you will not have to travel too far from home. Also, you will find loads of services surrounding the area varying from sports clubs, restaurants, stores, pharmacy, laundry, nightclubs, casino and bakery.
Ideal for holidays, the atmosphere at the hotel is sure to help you relax yourself and take away the accumulated daily stress. The hotel for instance has 20 studios and 20 duplex apartments, all of them being modern, spacious and comfortable.
Who said that an hotel is monotonous in nature? Well, with TROPIC Appart’Hotel, your overall enjoyment and well-being is the aim. Do you still want to work while on holidays? Free high speed WIFI is available for your use. There is also a swimming pool inside the complex. However if you want to undertake more activities such as helicopter, golf, paragliding, mountain biking, canyoning, diving, big game fishing, catamaran trips, kayaking, paddling, the reception would be happy to provide you with some advice.
