- From island to island, exploring the wilderness, both on the edge of the Indian Ocean
- In Mauritius, your boutique hotel on the beach, an unusual location hidden from view
- Hiking on the Piton, visiting a Reunion village, Creole cooking lessons, catamaran trip: all included in the itinerary
- Personalised meet and greet, private transfers, local Concierge: all part of your journey with us
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Islands like two peas in a pod
Geographically close, yet so different, Reunion and Mauritius complement each other perfectly. On one, you have to get to the heart of it to experience it, from mountainous cirques to wild coastlines, volcanoes and waterfalls. The other embodies the good life: beaches lined with coconut trees, lagoons and more. Together, they make up a pair of islands that are ideal for combining exploration and relaxation. First, adventure in the wilderness behind the wheel of your own car, sunbathing on the beach. A itinerary that switches between land and ocean, specifically designed for couples as it is interspersed with charming aspects, from the locals' small housing to relaxing stops.
Included in the itinerary - To spice up this trip, we have already planned a private hike on the legendary Piton de la Fournaise, a visit to a village with traditional Reunion architecture and a Creole cooking class.
Reunion, a natural paradise
Your journey begins in the heart of the island, in Hell-Bourg, at an altitude of 2953ft. The only village from a French Overseas Territory ever to win the 'prettiest French village' prize, it is made up of pretty summer houses and Creole squares, a perfect starting point for the first strolls in the cirque de Salazie. Then you'll enjoy the hospitality of Saint-Pierre, situated on the edge of the Indian Ocean. This break is also a chance to climb the Piton de la Fournaise while hiking with a private guide. You'll make a one-night stopover and soak up Creole architecture and traditional craftsmanship. Finally, head for the coast of Saint-Paul, where Creole culture is everywhere, starting with the market stalls - a real treat.
Mauritius - Romantic Break
Curled up in the north of Mauritius, in the Anse a la Raie sheltered from the winds and strangers, your location is a couple's paradise. Nestled in a beautiful tropical garden, the hotel combines traditional Mauritian lines, drawn by a local architect and inspired by the French East India Company and modern inspirations - including exotic woods, open spaces and more. Private beach dotted with 'love nests' (including hideaways to spend a romantic evening), spacious rooms, and special care taken for couples: a little slice of paradise.
Route
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO SAINT-DENIS, REUNION
Overnight international flight via Mauritius, arriving the next morning and picking up the rental vehicle.
SAINT-DENIS - HELL-BOURG
To the east of Reunion, in the cirque de Salazie, Hell-Bourg has carved out a little slice of paradise. At 2953ft above sea level, the temperature is pleasant, the vegetation lush. And Creole charm can be seen everywhere. Along the alleyways, you'll come across pretty squares with azaleas and laceleaf climbing up the roof, and wooden kiosks called 'guetalis'.
HELL-BOURG
To see and do - Beyond the hike (many trails start at the village), you shouldn't miss the ruins of the old baths, the Folio house with its beautiful garden as well as the Trou de Fer and Bridal Veil Falls. Stop at 'Case Tonton', where Uncle Lafable, an elder of the village, recounts the beliefs and traditions of the 'white working settlers of Les Hauts'. A detour to the small cemetery shows how nature and flowers occupy a special place in the culture of Reunion.
HELL-BOURG - ST PIERRE
Route to Saint-Pierre, via Les Plaines, two and a half hours from Hell-Bourg. Leave the village and go down to the east coast. You'll stay in an old Creole house renovated as a charming guesthouse, just opposite the small beach of Terre Sainte - the authentic fishing district of Saint-Pierre - and its lagoon. Everything is in the immediate vicinity: the coastal road, the market, the bars and the many restaurants on the waterfront. While the beach just across the street is not really suitable for swimming, it does allow you to experience the seaside atmosphere.
SAINT-PIERRE
Included in the itinerary - A hike on the slopes of Piton de la Fournaise, with a private guide . A perfect opportunity to go off the beaten track to discover some splendid craters and surprising flora in this desert-like environment for a complete view of this impressive rocky world. You can park your car at the Pas de Bellecombe before descending into the enclosed area, this stretch of lava encircling the main cone of the volcano.
ST PIERRE - ENTRE-DEUX
Climb about nine miles towards les Hauts to reach Entre-Deux, overlooking the Saint-Etienne river between the Bras de la Plaine and Bras de Cilaos. Surrounded by mountains, Entre-deux was a place for slaves who had escaped and found the freedom they sought in the nearby forest. The gardens of the Creole houses are overflowing with mango and other tropical species. Handicrafts and local cuisine are two other reasons to wander the streets.
Overnight accommodation in a bed and breakfast in the heart of a tropical garden, where you can find a small swimming pool, a spa and in particular a beautiful modern house inspired by the colonial style. You will love the a la carte menu, as well as the attentive service of your hosts.
Included in the itinerary - A visit to the village Entre-Deux (literally; between the two) - an apt name. The village lies between two tributaries of the Saint-Etienne River: the Bras de Cilaos to the west and the Bras de la Plaine to the east. Its rivers made access to the village difficult for a long time, thus preserving it. Entre-Deux is one of the only villages in Reunion where all the houses have their own unique architecture. They are generally made of wood, have a sheet metal roof and a veranda. Whether inhabited or not, renovated or as it was originally, each square represents a fundamental aspect of the cultural heritage of Reunion.
ENTRE-DEUX - SAINT-PAUL
Reach the leeward coast after about 37 miles on the Route des Tamarins road. Located between the Port and Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Saint-Paul is the historic birthplace of the Reunion settlement. Its town market, on Fridays and Saturdays, is the island's best-known market.
Two-night stay on the heights of Saint-Paul, in a small bed and breakfast with only two rooms. Tastefully decorated, it offers beautiful views of the Indian Ocean from the adjoining terrace to its pleasant swimming pool.
SAINT-PAUL
Included in the itinerary - A Creole cooking course organised by your hotel. In keeping with its melting pot of cultures, Reunion offers a wide and varied culinary palette that the chef will be happy to introduce to you and for you then to taste.
SAINT-PAUL - REUNION - MAURITIUS - ANSE LA RAIE
Transfer to Roland-Garros airport where you climb aboard a plane. Forty minutes later you're on Mauritian soil.
A car with driver awaits you to take you to the north of the island (just an hour's drive), arriving at Anse la Raie and staying at a hotel for the next five nights. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, reserved for adults in order to retain its tranquil quiet, this small capacity location (67 rooms and suites) is an intimate oasis... On to the beach, cabanas are spread out, shaded by thatched roofing and hidden from sight. A coastal trail through bougainvillea and velvet leafed soldier bushes leads to the Peninsula, a relaxing island overlooking the bay, where you can unwind with a lemonade and a dip in the infinity pool, ideal for relaxing in front of the northern islands. The hotel specialises in hosting couples, and has come up with many activities for two: candlelit dinner at The Cove, an intimate restaurant nestled in the coconut grove between the swimming pool and the cove, a catamaran outing at sunset, massage for two at the Cinq Mondes spa, tropical flower baths, paddle boarding, introductory diving course, and more.
ANSE LA RAIE
Included in the itinerary - A catamaran outing , including a stops for a barbecue and snorkelling. This nautical outing during the day allows you to discover Mauritius from the sea, as well as the treasures of its lagoon.
MAURITIUS ANSE LA RAIE
Optional - A foodie walk in Port-Louis cuisine with a private local guide . This walking tour of the cosmopolitan heritage of the involves many stops to try the delicious street cuisine of Port-Louis. Eating on the street (discussing politics) is one of Mauritians' favourite leisure activities. Like them, it is an opportunity to try the flavours of typical Mauritian dishes; steamed meatballs, rotis - Indian pancakes with spicy vegetables, grilled pistachios, and for the brave, chilli cakes... From one neighbourhood to another, every dish you try tells a beautiful story, that of the ancestors who brought the recipes of their village with them in their modest luggage and their descendants who made their own little changes.
ANSE LA RAIE - MAURITIUS – RETURN FLIGHT
Private airport transfer. Flight back at night, arrival the following day.
A la carte
Charms and Delights of Port Louis
A culinary and historical experience in Port Louis, led by an anthropologist and a Mauritius enthusiast. They invite you to discover delicious street cuisine while discussing history or politics (one of Mauritians' favourite leisure activities). This is the opportunity to try the flavours of typical dishes: steamed meatballs, Mauritian roti - a kind of Indian pancakes filled with spicy vegetables, grilled pistachios and cakes... while going back in time, in the shade of the ancient black stone buildings of the colonial era and then in the local Chinatown. Next up is a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage site, Aapravasi Ghat. This former depot used to be the immigration centre. The afternoon continues with a visit to the Port-Louis Bazaar, a delight with exotic fish and vegetables, saris, t-shirts, wooden and traditional handicrafts, local jewellery and souvenirs and the Candan Waterfront, a must-see for shoppers, packed with luxury shops and craft markets.
Optional
A Rough Idea of Price
- International flights with a scheduled airline
- Airline taxes and fuel surcharge
- Reception at the airport and assistance during your stay in both destinations
- Two-night stay in Hell-Bourg in a double room with breakfast
- Two-night stay in Saint-Pierre in a double room with breakfast
- Overnight stay in Entre-Deux in a double room with breakfast
- Two-night stay in Saint-Paul in a double room with breakfast
- Five nights in Anse la Raie, in a deluxe room with half board
- Eight days of car hire in Reunion
- Private transfers to and from Mauritius airport/hotel
- Hiking around the volcano with a private guide
- Visit to the village of Entre-Deux
- A private Creole cooking class
- A catamaran outing with barbecue and snorkelling in Mauritius
- Our local Concierge service
- Our app, loaded with your itinerary, hotel details and places to visit
Our local concierges
Travel diary app
UK airport lounge
CO2 absorption