Buried in the heart of the Indian Ocean, this tiny tropical island is actually a part of France, despite a 10-hour flight separating it from Europe.
Only spanning 40 miles in length, the island of Reunion lies to the southwest of Mauritius and is part of the Mascarene Islands.
Legally, this pocket-sized idyll is an overseas region of France, with all its governance jointly handled by Paris and its own local authorities.
It makes the perfect destination for island getaway, however, offering guests some of the most stunning volcanic scenery and white-sand beaches.
As a volcanic island, it naturally has an incredible array of mountains, and even an active volcano meaning it is perfect for adventure lovers and those wanting to spend their days hiking. Visitors can even climb the now-extinct Mafate volcano, where they’ll find their way to the highest point on the island.
For those who’d prefer to experience the volcanic scenery in comfort, however, one driving route on Reunion offers a stunning overview of the island’s many craters.
Driving up to the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint will allow you to marvel at the island’s natural beauty, and reflect on its three-million-year history.
As you make your way to this viewpoint, you’ll be met with another natural spectacle in the form of the Plain des Sables. This is a red-sand plateau which truly looks otherworldly, more akin to something you’d expect to see on the planet Mars rather than Earth.
Given its rich history as a French colony, the island’s culture is a real melting pot and encompasses African, Chinese, European, and Indian traditions.
To experience this vibrancy in all its glory, visitors might want to attend a cultural visit during their stay. One highlight of the calendar is the Walk on Fire, carried out by the Tamil community on Reunion in December.
Its culture is also present in the island’s food, which is a delicious blend of cross-continental cuisines.
A must-try is the bouchon – pastry-encased meat dumplings often sold at bars on beaches – and a sausage rougail, a tomato-based spicy sausage stew typically served with rice. Reunionese cuisine is best when eaten in a local market, which can be found in any town of any size.
As for places to stay, the island has a huge number of luxury and budget offerings.
If you want to spend your holiday feeling pampered, the five-star Palm Hotel is the place to go for. Guests have full access to its spa facilities, including two pools and a steam room.
For a more wallet-friendly trip, La Plantation is a fantastic place to stay, providing visitors with a sea view and delicious free breakfasts