Are you dreaming of a honeymoon off the beaten path, blending authentic discoveries, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of absolute relaxation? The island of Réunion, a gem in the Indian Ocean, is an ideal destination for newlyweds seeking a memorable honeymoon. With its impressive volcanic landscapes, paradisiacal beaches, diverse cuisine, and unique culture, Réunion offers all the ingredients for a perfect honeymoon, balancing adventure and romance.
In this article, we invite you to discover how to plan your honeymoon on this intense and enchanting island, suggesting the best experiences to share as a couple and the most suitable accommodations to create unforgettable memories.
Why Choose Réunion for Your Honeymoon?
A Destination with Many Facets
Réunion is an island of a thousand faces, where every couple can find their bliss based on their desires. This French overseas department combines the comfort and safety of a European destination with the exoticism and allure of a tropical island, without the jet lag that could disrupt your stay. In just a few hours of driving, you can transition from white sandy beaches to primary forests, from mountainous cirques to lava fields of the volcano.
This diversity of landscapes and atmospheres is one of the island’s main assets for a honeymoon: each day can bring a new discovery, a new emotion shared together.
A Perfect Balance of Relaxation and Adventure
Unlike classic beach destinations where boredom can set in after a few days of lounging, Réunion offers an ideal balance between relaxation and more active experiences. Newlyweds can alternate between spectacular hikes in lunar landscapes, relaxing days on the western beaches, cultural and gastronomic discoveries, and sports activities for the more adventurous.
This variety of experiences allows for a tailor-made honeymoon that perfectly matches the couple’s desires, whether they are sporty, contemplative, or epicurean.
Unmissable Romantic Experiences
Hiking Together in Exceptional Landscapes
Discovering the Cirques
The three cirques of Réunion – Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie – are among the island’s most beautiful landscapes. These natural amphitheaters, surrounded by dizzying cliffs, offer total immersion in wild, preserved nature, perfect for intimate moments far from the crowds.
The Mafate cirque, accessible only on foot or by helicopter, is particularly suited for a romantic getaway. A multi-day hike with overnight stays in local guesthouses or camping is an unforgettable experience to share as a couple. For less athletic couples, the Cilaos cirque is accessible by car and offers many easier walks without sacrificing scenic beauty.
Climbing the Piton de la Fournaise
Climbing the Piton de la Fournaise together, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is a unique experience that will mark your honeymoon. The ascent to the crater is accessible to most moderately trained hikers and offers striking lunar panoramas, especially magical at sunrise or sunset.
If you stay at HÔTEL EXSEL VICTORIA, you’ll be ideally located to organize this excursion, as the hotel is near the road leading to the volcano.
Idyllic Beaches for Relaxation
The Western Lagoons
Réunion’s west coast is home to magnificent beaches lined with turquoise lagoons, protected by a coral reef. The beaches of l’Hermitage, Boucan Canot, or Saint-Leu are perfect for relaxing days as a couple, punctuated by swims in crystal-clear waters.
The HÔTEL EXSEL ALAMANDA, located steps from l’Hermitage beach, is an ideal accommodation option to enjoy these beachside relaxation moments. You can alternate between lagoon swims and lounging by the hotel’s pool, heated during the austral winter.
The Wild Beaches of the South
For couples seeking intimacy, the wilder beaches in the south, such as Grande Anse or Manapany, offer a more authentic and less crowded setting. These black sand or pebbled beaches, framed by lush vegetation, have a wild charm perfect for romantic moments.
The HÔTEL EXSEL TERRE SAINTE, located in Saint-Pierre in the south, provides easy access to these pristine beaches while offering comfortable and welcoming accommodation.
Romantic Gastronomic Experiences
Romantic Dining with a View
Réunion is full of restaurants offering exceptional settings for romantic dinners. Whether overlooking the ocean, in a tropical garden, or in an authentic Creole setting, the island has many spots to enjoy a romantic meal.
The Le Kaloupilé restaurant at HÔTEL EXSEL CRÉOLIA, for example, offers stunning views over Saint-Denis and the Indian Ocean, creating an ideal setting for a memorable candlelit dinner.
Discovering Creole Flavors
Réunion’s diverse and flavorful cuisine is an integral part of the island experience. Sharing a traditional cari, tasting fresh exotic fruits, or trying local flavored rums are all culinary experiences that will enrich your honeymoon.
Many establishments of the GROUPE EXSEL offer authentic dishes that allow you to discover the richness of local gastronomy, blending French, Indian, African, and Chinese influences.
And if you’re looking for a Creole restaurant, La Marmite Saint-Gilles is the place to go. It offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with numerous dishes cooked in wood-fired pots, typical of Creole cuisine. You’ll be delighted in terms of taste, flavors, and especially quantity. Book your table in Saint-Gilles now.
