THE ISLAND IS 2500KM² BIG, AND HOME TO JUST OVER 800 000 PEOPLE. MUCH OF THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE ISLAND IS TAKEN BY THE PITON DE LA FOURNAISE – ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST ACTIVE VOLCANOES. THE ISLAND ITSELF WAS FORMED THROUGH AN ERUPTION, AND THE VOLCANO HAS ERUPTED REGULARLY SINCE THE 1600’S, WITH THE MOST RECENT ERUPTION HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER 0F 2016. IT’S ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE VOLCANOES IN THE WORLD

EXPERIENCE THE RESORT

Situated east of Madagascar and placed in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the small island of Reunion is known for its exceptional natural beauty, still-active volcano and three dormant cirques. The coast is filled with white-sandy beaches, while the interior of the island is characterised by lush rainforests, rugged mountains and the UNESCO-World-Heritage-listed cirques. Enjoy world-class snorkelling and diving through vast underwater wonderlands and discover over 150 species of coral, a variety of fish species as well as dolphins, turtles and whales.

General

French governed Reunion Island is located in the Indian Ocean just east of Madagascar.

The island is literally and figuratively, a piece of France, yet the people are a mix of western and Creole. Little coffee shops, French bistros and restaurants dot the streets and lanes of the small island towns. An air of “island style” is mixed with European touches, architecture and cuisine and offers an overall feel of a Caribbean-like lifestyle.

The beaches are either white or black volcanic sand and also make for breath-taking contrasts and visuals. The snorkelling and scuba is amazing, the hiking and biking is popular and its flora and volcanic cliffs of the south are spectacular.

Capital: Saint Denis.

Language: French and Creole (tiny bit of English spoken).

Currency: Euro.

Climate: Hot tropical temperatures. January-March is the hottest and wettest time. Rainfall throughout the year occurs in the east and around the mountain slopes. The South West and the West is the driest part of the island.

Visas & Covid Information

Since 1 March 2013, South African passport holders are no longer required to obtain a visa when travelling to Reunion Island on holiday, for short stays of up to 90 days.

Prior to arrival requirements

  • Valid passport. Valid national passport with at least 6 month remaining validity after the date of departure.
  • Unvaccinated visitors from South Africa must present a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) or Antigen (quick-test) test taken within 72 hours for RT-PCR (NAAT) and 48 hours for Antigen (quick-test) before departing to Réunion.
  • Fully vaccinated visitors with approved vaccination certificates do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test. Travellers, considered vaccinated, must have a complete primary vaccination schedule (single dose or 2 doses) less than 9 months old. Beyond the 9-month period, a booster dose is required. This may take the form of a new injection or Covid contamination confirmed by an RT-PCR test, if it occurs at least 3 months after the second episode of primary vaccination.
  • Wearing a face mask is still mandatory on board the aircraft and upon arrival.
VIEW THE PROPOSED ITINERARY FOR REUNION

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights have been quoted from Johannesburg directly to Reunion Roland Garros Airport on Air Austral.

Group flight details are as follows:

Hand Baggage

Your carry-on baggage must not exceed 115 cm (height + width + length): 55x40x20 cm (pockets, wheels and handles included).

In addition to your cabin baggage, you can also bring 1 personal accessory of your choice such as: handbag, laptop bag, and camera. The total dimensions to be respected are: 40x30x15 cm. The total weight of the cabin baggage and the accessory must not exceed 12 kg.

Checked Baggage

Your checked baggage should not exceed 158 cm (c + b + c), including pockets, wheels and handles and not weigh more than 23kg.

The total dimensions (length + width + height) of your hold baggage should not exceed: 180 x 80 x 40 cm.

EXPERIENCE REUNION

Reunion’s tropical climate mean casual lightweight cottons are recommended for most of the year, but if heading inland make sure you pack warmer clothes for cold evenings.

It is a malaria free zone and water is safe for drinking. No immunizations are needed.

April until the end of October are the best months to visit.

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Day 1: Breakfast at the vanilla plantation

La Vanilleraie, located in the heart of an authentic Creole estate, the Domaine du Grand Hazier in Sainte-Suzanne, is the result of a meeting between vanilla producers who are passionate about their trade and the owners of the estate: the Chassagne family. Housed in an old stable dating from 1897, La Vanilleraie offers visitors the chance to discover the amazing history of Bourbon vanilla in Réunion in a unique historical setting. La Vanilleraie is located in the commune of Sainte-Suzanne, 10 minutes from Roland Garros airport.

Dinner nearby the beach at l’Uni Vert Restaurant

Ideally located by the lagoon, this open-air beach restaurant will offer you typical meals and also grilled fish.

Day 2: Private Catamaran cruise on the Maloya

The Maloya is the biggest catamaran in the Indian Ocean. Starting from Le Port, this fancy catamaran is also fully privatized. During the cruise, a DJ can entertain the mood on the boat and everyone can enjoy the open bar and some amuses-bouches.

Traditional creole dinner at “La Marmite”

Located on the beach, close to the lagoon, the restaurant « La Marmite » (« casserole » or « pot ») is the perfect place for a traditional creole meal. It will be hard to choose among the 12 various pots put on the log fire, all offering delicious vegetables or meats cooked traditionally.

Day 3: Volcano Experience

From St Gilles, in the direction of Saint-Pierre, we will take the only road going across the island, up to La Plaine des Cafres. Then the forest path will lead us to the ‘Plaine des Sables’, a large expanse of volcanic sands, with a particularly strange lunar appearance, before reaching the ‘Pas de Bellecombe’. Here you will discover the magical beauty of the whole caldeira of “Piton de la Fournaise”. The most courageous will be able to walk onto the so called ‘twisted’ lava, to the first small crater “Formica Léo”, among the ‘Caldeira’, a natural overflow of the volcano (trekking on your own, without any guide). Lunch will be in a creole restaurant in La Plaine des Cafres. In the afternoon you will visit the “Cité du Volcan” Museum or rum distillery and then discover Bois Court and its view over Grand Bassin.

Dinner at La Boheme Restaurant

The restaurant La Bohème is located 15min from the hotel. The restaurant can be privatized for the group. Ideally located in a charming atmosphere, this restaurant offers delicious meals in a very trendy style.

Day 4:Saint Paul’s market on the black sand beach

Discover the Saint-Paul’s market along the black sand beach – 30min from the hotel. Every Friday (and Saturday morning less interesting) On the west coast of the island of Réunion, the town of Saint-Paul is the weekly setting for one of the island’s most beautiful markets. From Friday morning to Saturday morning, dozens of stalls are set up on the seafront esplanade, creating a multi-coloured spectacle. Stallholders selling vegetables and exotic fruits stand side-by-side with smallholders selling peppers, traders selling vanilla grown on Réunion, as well as beekeepers enticing customers with their “péi” honey. Continue exploring through the section of the market reserved for arts and crafts, where you will be delighted to find items such as sarongs, t-shirts, basketwork and hats on sale.

Exclusive gala dinner at Restaurant La Plage Lux* hotel

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES DURING LEISURE TIME

Deep Sea Fishing

Helicopter Rides

Island Kayaking

Paddle Boards

Paragliding

Snoreling and Diving

Beach Tennis

GIFT OPTIONS