Dreaming of a tropical escape? Réunion Island, with its turquoise lagoons and white sandy beaches, offers a paradisiacal setting for an unforgettable beach holiday. Between swimming, relaxing, and exploring, this vibrant island will captivate you with its many facets. To fully enjoy this exceptional destination, Exsel Hotels provides three ideally located properties to discover the wonders of Réunion’s coastline.
The West Coast: A Haven for Beach Enthusiasts
The West Coast of Réunion is famous for its stunning beaches and exceptional sunshine. This part of the island is home to the most beautiful lagoons, natural pools protected by a coral reef. Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is the heart of this coastal region, boasting numerous beaches, restaurants, and water activities.
Hermitage Lagoon: A Treasure to Explore
Among the island’s most beautiful lagoons, Hermitage stands out with its crystal-clear waters and beach lined with casuarina trees. This exceptional site offers:
- Calm, shallow waters, perfect for families
- A coral reef shielding against waves and currents
- Remarkable marine biodiversity for snorkeling
- Shaded areas ideal for picnics or naps
Hermitage Beach stretches nearly 7 kilometers, making it one of the island’s longest. Its white sand and turquoise waters make it a prime spot for relaxation and water activities.
Exsel Alamanda Hotel: Your Wellness Retreat in Saint-Gilles
In the heart of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, the Exsel Alamanda Hotel welcomes you in an elegant and warm setting. Just steps from Hermitage Beach, this hotel is perfectly positioned to enjoy the lagoon’s delights.
A Prime Location for Beach Lovers
The Alamanda is less than a 5-minute walk from Hermitage Lagoon, making it an ideal base for alternating between relaxing by the hotel’s pool and beach outings. This proximity allows you to enjoy both environments effortlessly.
Comfortable Rooms for a Perfect Stay
The hotel offers functional and air-conditioned rooms, all equipped for your comfort:
- High-quality bedding for restful nights
- Private bathroom with shower or bathtub
- Satellite TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Balcony or terrace in some rooms
A Pool to Enhance Your Experience
After a day exploring the lagoon’s marine life, enjoy the hotel’s heated pool, particularly pleasant during the austral winter (May to October). Surrounded by a tropical garden, the pool offers a perfect relaxation spot to unwind with a cocktail or read in the shade of umbrellas.
Nearby Activities
From the Exsel Alamanda Hotel, you can easily access numerous activities:
- Water sports in the lagoon (paddleboarding, kayaking, pedal boats)
- Boat trips to spot dolphins and whales (June to October)
- Hiking in the heights of Saint-Gilles
- Shopping in the resort’s boutiques
- Exploring Saint-Gilles’ night market (Friday evenings)
Exsel Ermitage Hotel: Elegance by the Lagoon
For those seeking an experience even closer to the beach, the Exsel Ermitage Hotel is the perfect choice. This 3-star property blends modern comfort with Réunion’s charm for an ideal seaside stay.
A Boutique Hotel with Distinctive Charm
The Exsel Ermitage Hotel offers 37 elegantly designed rooms, combining contemporary elegance with Creole touches. Each space is crafted to provide a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, perfectly in tune with the coastal vibe.
Direct Access to Hermitage Lagoon
The hotel’s main asset is its immediate proximity to the beach. In just a few minutes’ walk, you can reach Hermitage Lagoon to swim in its turquoise waters or relax on the white sand under the shade of casuarina trees.
Services for a Seamless Stay
The Ermitage Hotel provides:
- Personalized and attentive welcome
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Air-conditioned rooms with all necessary comforts
- Expert advice for exploring the island’s treasures
A Vibrant Neighborhood for Extended Fun
Located near a commercial area, the hotel offers easy access to Saint-Gilles’ restaurants, shops, and entertainment. After a day at the beach, extend the experience by exploring the resort’s lively nightlife, known for its festive atmosphere and diverse dining options.
Exsel Roseaux des Sables Residence: Freedom by the Water
For travelers seeking independence while enjoying hotel services, the Exsel Roseaux des Sables Residence is the ideal option. This serviced residence combines freedom and comfort in a serene setting.
Accommodations for Every Need
The residence offers various types of accommodations for up to 6 people:
- Functional studios for couples
- Spacious apartments for families
- Chalets and bungalows for an authentic experience
All accommodations feature an equipped kitchenette, allowing you to prepare meals as you wish.
Calm and Serenity as Core Themes
Nestled in a lush setting, the Roseaux des Sables Residence offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for recharging after a day of activities. The residence’s private pool is a haven of tranquility where you can relax in privacy.
Benefits of a Residence Adjacent to the Floralys Hotel
By staying at Roseaux des Sables, you also gain access to the facilities of the Exsel Floralys Hotel:
- A second pool surrounded by a tropical garden
- Breakfast service (additional cost)
- Two restaurants: La Marmite Etang-Salé and L’Oasys (additional cost)
- Personalized advice for planning excursions
An Ideal Base to Explore the West Coast
From the residence, you can easily reach:
- The West Coast’s most beautiful beaches
- Saint-Gilles port for maritime excursions
- The coastal trail for stunning seaside walks
- Must-visit attractions like the Jardin d’Eden or the Réunion Aquarium
Seaside Activities Not to Miss in Réunion
Discovering the Underwater World
Réunion’s lagoon offers ideal conditions for snorkeling or diving. The clear, shallow waters allow you to observe a multitude of colorful tropical fish and fascinating coral formations.
For beginners, the Hermitage underwater trail offers a marked path accessible to all, perfect for discovering the lagoon’s rich marine life.
Water Sports for All Tastes
The coral reef protecting the lagoon creates perfect conditions for various water activities:
- Stand-up paddle: ideal for leisurely lagoon exploration
- Transparent kayak to observe marine life comfortably seated
- Pedal boats: a fun activity for families
- Windsurfing: for those seeking a more athletic experience
- Towed buoy: for thrill-seekers
Whale Watching: An Unforgettable Experience
From June to October, humpback whales come to give birth in Réunion’s warm waters, offering an extraordinary spectacle. Sea excursions are organized to observe these majestic creatures respectfully. Dolphins, present year-round, can often be spotted during boat trips.
Must-Visit Beaches
Beyond Hermitage Lagoon, other beaches deserve a visit:
- Boucan Canot Beach: known for its waves, ideal for surfers
- Roches Noires Beach: in the heart of Saint-Gilles, lively and festive
- Saline Beach: wilder but equally stunning
- Trou d’Eau Beach: an intimate lagoon surrounded by volcanic rocks
Local Gastronomy: Savoring Creole Flavors
During your seaside stay, don’t miss tasting local specialties:
- Cari: an iconic dish of meat or fish simmered with tomatoes, onions, and spices
- Rougails: spicy sauces served with cari
- Achards: crunchy vegetables marinated in a spicy sauce
- Chouchou gratin: a local vegetable prepared as a gratin
- Arranged rums: to enjoy in moderation as an aperitif
Plan Your Seaside Getaway with Exsel Hotels
The Best Time to Enjoy the Beaches
The dry season, from May to November, offers ideal conditions for a seaside stay in Réunion. Temperatures are mild (between 22 and 28°C), and rainfall is rare, especially on the West Coast.
The period from June to October is also perfect for whale watching, adding a unique dimension to your stay.
Options for All Budgets
Exsel Hotels offers various accommodation categories to suit all budgets:
- The Exsel Ermitage Hotel for a comfortable stay steps from the beach
- The Exsel Alamanda Hotel for combining comfort and lagoon proximity
- The Roseaux des Sables Residence for more independence and space
Services Tailored to Every Trip
Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, family vacation, or trip with friends, Exsel properties offer services tailored to your needs:
- For couples: rooms with views, advice for romantic activities
- For families: spacious accommodations, child-friendly amenities
- For groups of friends: connecting rooms or apartments available
Special Offers Not to Miss
Exsel Hotels regularly offers special deals for your stays. Visit the special offers page for up-to-date information.
Exsel Hotels: More Than Just Seaside Stays
Properties for All Types of Trips
If your trip includes stops in other parts of the island, Exsel Hotels has strategically located properties:
- The Exsel Créolia Hotel in Saint-Denis for business trips in the capital
- The Exsel Victoria Hotel in the Wild South for exploring another side of the island
- The Le Terre Sainte Hotel in Saint-Pierre, blending relaxation and cultural discovery
Spaces for Events and Seminars
Exsel Hotels also offers spaces tailored for your professional events or CSE events, combining an idyllic setting with high-performance facilities.
Quality Dining Experiences
The Exsel restaurants showcase Creole and international cuisine, using fresh, local ingredients. A culinary experience that perfectly enhances your seaside stay.
Your Seaside Paradise Awaits
Réunion offers an exceptional setting for an unforgettable beach holiday. With its protected lagoons, white sandy beaches, and pleasant climate, this vibrant island will enchant all sea and sun enthusiasts.
Thanks to Exsel’s ideally located West Coast properties, you can fully embrace the treasures of Réunion’s coastline. Whether you prefer the immediate beach access of the Exsel Ermitage Hotel, the warm comfort of the Exsel Alamanda Hotel, or the independence of the Roseaux des Sables Residence, you’ll find the perfect accommodation for your seaside getaway.
Don’t wait to book your paradise escape! Reserve now your stay at one of Exsel’s hotels and prepare for unforgettable moments by Réunion’s most beautiful lagoons.
