Experience La Réunion actively & relaxed – volcanic worlds, nature & tropical time-outs

Welcome to La Réunion! After your arrival in Saint-Denis, you will pick up your rental car and drive along the coast to Trois-Bassins on the sunny west side of the island. Perched high above the sea on the cliffs of Pointe des Diamants, the stylish Wood Hotel & Spa awaits you with impressive views of the Indian Ocean. These first days are all about arriving and relaxing. Enjoy the tranquility, the pool area, and the special location of your hotel while letting your gaze wander over the open sea. The west coast offers ideal conditions for relaxing beach visits, first walks, or optional activities such as snorkeling and sunsets by the water. At the same time, this stay serves as a gentle introduction to your journey before it becomes more active in the following days as you explore the island’s diverse landscapes more intensively.

Today marks the beginning of your active island adventure: You will reach the cirque of Cilaos via the legendary '400 bends' road with its numerous hairpin turns – a scenic highlight and paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Majestic peaks, rugged rock formations, and an impressive mountain backdrop provide ideal conditions for diverse tours. Whether panoramic paths, more challenging hikes, or leisurely walks through nature – there’s something for every activity level here. After an eventful day, thermal springs, small restaurants, and the relaxed atmosphere of the place offer restorative relaxation and authentic insights into island life.

After the active days in the mountains, your journey takes you to the sunny south coast of Saint-Pierre. Your stylish hotel is elevated above the ocean, offering spectacular panoramic views of the deep blue sea. Here, relaxation and enjoyment take center stage: Relax by the pool, indulge in culinary highlights, or pamper yourself at the spa. Those who wish to remain active can explore the wild south coast with its lava fields, small bays, and original villages. This stage offers the perfect balance of relaxation and optional experiences.

Your route takes you further to the green high plateau of La Plaine des Palmistes – one of the island’s most pristine regions and an ideal starting point for explorations around the Piton de la Fournaise. The landscape here noticeably changes: dense forests, vast plains, and barren lava fields create a fascinating backdrop. Hikes through this unique volcanic region are among the most impressive experiences on the island. At the same time, you’ll experience a pleasantly quiet, almost mystical atmosphere that makes this section particularly special.

Nestled in unspoiled nature, the Diana Dea Lodge awaits you on the lush green eastern coast of the island. Surrounded by forests and with a wide view towards the ocean, this place is a true refuge of tranquility. Enjoy the special combination of comfort and nature experience: With a bit of luck, you might spot deer in the area, relax on your terrace, or explore the surrounding forests on small hikes. After the active stages of the trip, this stop offers a soothing break and invites you to consciously enjoy the impressions.

Your journey takes you to the greenest and most water-rich cirque of the island: Salazie. Lush vegetation, spectacular waterfalls, and an almost mystical atmosphere shape this region. A special highlight is the visit to the picturesque village of Hell-Bourg, which with its lovingly restored Creole houses is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Short hikes through the rainforest or along the waterfalls allow for intense nature experiences in a small space – a perfect mix of activity and deceleration.

To conclude your journey, you will arrive at the sunny west coast known for its most beautiful beaches and pleasant dry climate. Your stay at the LUX Saint Gilles provides the perfect ending to your round trip. Enjoy relaxed days by the sea, swim in the protected lagoon, or engage in optional activities such as snorkeling, stand-up paddling, or boat trips. The mix of tropical ease, comfort, and dreamlike sunsets makes these last days an unforgettable conclusion to your journey.

Today it’s time to say goodbye to La Réunion. You drive back to Saint-Denis, where you can conveniently return your rental car at the airport.

With numerous unforgettable impressions in your luggage – from spectacular volcanic landscapes to green cirques and relaxing days by the sea – you embark on your journey home. A trip full of contrasts, movement, and relaxation ends here in a wonderfully atmospheric way.