Popular Destinations

Our Destinations

Holidays Types

All Holiday Ideas

About

Our Content

Travelling Safely

When to Go

Best time to Go

All best time to visit guides

Reunion Island

A rugged emerald and chocolate tumble of volcanic formations, the Francophone island of Reunion is a stunning contrast of mountains, beaches and hidden waterfalls.

Whilst nearby Mauritius typifies Indian-Ocean tranquillity with its desert-island beaches, Reunion offers a more active, and arguably more eye-catching, experience. Yet, this green gem – uncut, jagged to the eye – remains intriguingly European, as befits an island that has been French territory for almost 400 years.

Seascape at la Pointe au Sel, Saint Leu in la Reunion Island — Sainte Anne, Reunion

A little more about Reunion

Just 63 kilometres long, this tiny island rises impressively out of the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. 40% of the island is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, incorporating the vast calderas that make up this volcano graveyard. The highest peak amongst these is the Piton de Neiges, which towers over the island, rising to a precipitous 3,069-metre peak.

To the south of this jumble of basalt crags, volcanic depressions and plant-rich slopes, the Piton de La Fournaise still rumbles with life.

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, its lava flows sporadically slide towards the ocean – meeting the water with a colossal eruption of steam and sound. The surrounding landscape is arid and lunar in nature, contrasting wonderfully with the tropically verdant mountain slopes to the north.

View from the edge of the caldera of Ma�, Saint Leu, Reunion — Saint-Leu, Reunion

Holiday Idea

Reunion and Mauritius – Self Drive and Beach

15 days

from £3,105 pp

View holiday details

Explore Reunion Island

Piton de la Fournaise
Cique de Mafate
Cirque de Cilaos
Cape Mechant

Maximise every moment

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you

Scenic view of Dolomieu Crater of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Reunion Island

Helicopter Adventure

Fly by helicopter amongst stunning calderas, past thundering waterfalls and over the smoking rim of the Piton de La Fournaise.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Piton de La Fournaise

Cycle up the lunar slopes of the Piton de La Fournaise – past lava flows and with views of the impressive peak.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hiking in Reunion Island

Hike through this exotic landscape – up dormant volcanic craters and through birdlife-rich forests.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Trois Bassin waterfall on Reunion Island

Waterfalls

Visit the numerous beautiful waterfalls – big and small – that cascade down this volcanic landscape.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Blue Margouillat £££££

Reunion Island

Built in an attractive Creole style, the beautiful Blue Margouillat looks out towards the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Its whitewashed exterior is topped with an unusual turquoise roof, whilst tropical gardens surround the main building, dotted with frangipani and palm trees. The beach is only a 15-minute walk away, with the hotel found on the edge of Saint-Leu. 12 comfortable sea-view bedrooms and two suites make up the accommodation options at the Blue Margouillat. All rooms feature a terrace or veranda with views over the Bay of Saint-Leu, as well as air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. Other facilities include an outdoor restaurant, private gardens and an outdoor pool.

View Property

Diana Dea Lodge £££££

Reunion Island

Sitting above fields of sugar cane amidst verdant, tree-dotted hills, the tranquil Diana Dea Lodge is positioned within sight of the island’s rugged coast. The chic, dark-wood design is set against panoramic views of the magnificent volcanic landscape. Inside, accommodation consists of 29 rooms and one suite. Each room is decorated in a simple, modern style that retains a colourful character, whilst the walls are dotted with eye-catching paintings. Amenities include a beautiful infinity pool that faces the Indian Ocean, as well as a library, restaurant and spa.

View Property

More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

View Profile

Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

Talk with our experts

01285 880 980

Contact Us

Start planning your trip

01285 880 980

Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Where would you like to go?(Required)

Name(Required)

Title First Last

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?

More about Steppes