Best hotels in Reunion Island

Reunion island, a lush volcanic paradise in the Indian ocean with over 17 miles of palm fringed beaches, is a haven for naturalists , adventurers and sun worshippers. Facing the aqua-blue Lagon de l'Hermitage, LUX Saint Gilles sits pretty as a French-styled postcard in 7 acres of immaculately tailored gardens, surrounded by palm trees. You might need to brush up on your French to avoid any miscommunications, but the staff do their best to make sure your stay is filled with days of pampering or adrenaline inspired activities.

Reunion's five-star Palm Hotel & Spa is the perfect blend of designer comfort, subtle luxury and a distinct feeling of Zen. Built on the edge of a cliff, the hotel boasts spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by tropical gardens and forests. Deep in the island's secluded south, you're close to a range of excellent hiking routes, the spectacular Piton de la Fournaise volcano and a nearby beach. But with an excellent range of facilities including a luxury spa, two swimming pools, including one heated pool and a selection of restaurants, you'd be forgiven for spending all your time at the hotel...

Located in the famous seaside resort of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains along the west coast of Réunion Island, Hotel Les Creoles is an ideal base from which to explore the island's beaches, volcano and cultural riches. It's a 10-minute walk to the soft sands of Saint-Gilles, and 15 minutes to a range of quirky local restaurants, but if you want to stay put, you'll find a large swimming pool, outdoor bar and glorious tropical gardens at the hotel. The short distance from the beach also means that the hotel offers more competitive rates compared to nearby seaside hotels - calling all bargain hunters!

Often used by business and conference people due to its close location between the bustling night life of St Gilles and the business hub of Saint Pierre and the tourist attraction of Saint Denis Le Récif. A quaint little 3 star hotel that ticks a lot of boxes if you are looking for somewhere comfortable to rest your head. Bordering on Hermitage Lagoon the hotel offers up a great location for all the fun activities on Reunion island, an exquisite place filled with natural beauty, lush vegetation and a blend of cultures and cuisines of its some 700,00 inhabitants.

One of Réunion's flagship hotels, Iloha Seaview is an Indian Ocean classic, with cool rooms and bungalows set in lush gardens, just 300 metres from the Indian ocean. This island, off the eastern coast of Madagascar and south-west of Mauritius, is a world apart. Its population is an exotic cauldron of the many cultures that have visited since the 16th century. And its landscape is astonishing – from volcanoes (some active), emerald slopes and calderas to the white sands and coral reef-fringed coastline. The national park, covering 42 percent of the island's interior, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A visit to The Blue Margouillat Hotel is like stepping back in time (in a very good way!). Surrounded by lush gardens, the charming boutique hotel is more like a stylish house, built in the traditional Creole style, and bedecked with stunning artworks inside and quirky sculptures in the garden. Situated on the trendy west coast, in the quieter Saint-Leu area, 18 km from popular, Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, the hotel is a five minute stroll from the beach. And the best bit? The restaurant, which many say is the best on the entire island, wine list included....

Reunion is the unsung hero of the Indian Ocean Islands. It blends European sophistication with exotic Creole culture and is known as one of the world's adventure hubs. Hotel Alamanda is situated on the west coast and is the perfect base from which to explore the island's active volcano, gigantic calderas, vanilla plantations and coastline. It's also walking distance from the beach, the Hermitage lagoon, local cafés and restaurants. Start your morning at a French café; hike, cycle and swim during the day and spend the evening dancing to the soulful rhythms of Maloya music.

Situated in the 'wild' south of Reunion Island, Hotel Le Victoria offers a tranquil setting overlooking the ocean. The hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens and stands next to dramatic basaltic boulders leading down to the sea. The beach is a 16-minute walk away and from the hotel you can hear the soothing sounds of waves crashing. An indoor-outdoor restaurant overlooks a large swimming pool, which forms the focal point of the hotel, ideal for leisurely island days. With complete serenity at Le Victoria and easy access to the island's main attractions, you'll have the best of both worlds.

Reunion Island, well off the west coast of Madagascar, is a small but vital territory. With its active volcanoes and 3000-metre peaks, lush tropical forests and black- and white-sand beaches, the picture-perfect concentration of attractions is extreme. Here, cultural influences – French, Africa, Indian and Chinese – meet to create a rich Creole mix. Le Boucan Canot, on the northwest coast, couldn't be more prettily placed. Perched right on the beach at Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains, on a rocky arm separating beaches, this French colonial-style resort offers all the charm and comfort you need to slip away and lose yourself in island life.

From top to bottom, on the mountain side and the garden side, the horizon opens onto majestic peaks and magical viewpoints where nothing can disturb the beauty of nature. Inside, the architecture transforms every opening into a panoramic tableau for you to contemplate from your private terrace or from the hotel's terraces.

Tucked within the UNESCO-listed Cirque de Salazie, this mountain dwelling puts you at the heart of Réunion's most dramatic caldera. The heated infinity pool appears to float above the verdant valley, while the spa draws from Indian Ocean wellness traditions. Mornings begin with a spread of tropical fruits and local delicacies. The restaurant's menu showcases sophisticated European cuisine alongside bold Creole flavours. It's an ideal launch pad for conquering the island's network of hiking trails, including the legendary Cirque de Mafate circuit. Return to find mountain-view terraces and a rather good espresso machine - exactly what's needed after a day in these hills.

At the heart of the coastal resort of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, just 50 metres from the famous beach of Roches Noires, discover a new hotel with pool, bar, restaurant and coworking space. Le Grand Bleu hotel offers exclusive services and a unique concept in La Réunion! Lost in the Indian Ocean amidst the Mascarene Archipelago, the rich landscapes and biodiversity of Réunion contrast with those of neighbouring islands. At once volcanic and sensual, the island takes you by the hand the minute you step off the plane…The temptations are many – visiting a Bourbon vanilla plantation, savouring delicious rums in the east of the island, discovering the natural calderas of Cilaos, Salazie or Mafate…

Located in Trois-Bassins , where the land stretches to a still wild coastline preserved by the coastal conservatory, the WOOD Hotel & Spa is a unique and independent hotel, nestled on the cliffs of Pointe des Diamants. This all-wooden refuge, set in a 3-hectare natural setting, offers a rare experience between ocean and savannah. In perfect harmony with its environment, it combines comfort and respect for nature, embodying a haven of peace where every detail has been designed to celebrate the unique essence of this exceptional place.

This lodge will be re-opening in July 2024. Overlooking the Indian Ocean and the entire East Coast of Reunion, Diana Dea Lodge is discrete in the choice of its materials – wood, stone, leather and glass – to leave plenty of room for the surrounding nature. The silence and beauty of the setting invite you to take a break. Take a walk on one of the Domaine’s two paths and meet the deer there, enjoy a Relaxation treatment at the Spa, choose a book from one of the libraries and read it in the living room by the fireplace, and taste fine cuisine rich in local products