Ness by D-Ocean

Réunion Island isn't exactly on everyone's radar – which is precisely the point. This French overseas territory floating in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar is rather spectacularly volcanic, wild, and utterly unspoiled. And here, perched on the west coast beside the island's largest lagoon, you'll find a refreshingly modern hotel-residence that does things a little differently. Rather than the colonial grandeur or thatched-roof tropical clichés you might expect, this is all clean lines, contemporary design, and a clever hybrid concept that gives you proper apartment living (think fully equipped kitchens and spacious terraces) combined with four-star hotel service whenever you fancy it. The lagoon out front is part of a Marine Nature Reserve, meaning the snorkelling is superb and the coral protection efforts are taken seriously. It's the sort of place where you can potter about making your own breakfast one morning, then have chef-prepared ceviche delivered poolside the next.