A family getaway is great. Choosing Réunion is even better! !
Nicknamed the ‘Intense Island’, Réunion is a veritable jewel in the Indian Ocean, where nature reigns supreme. Majestic mountains, breathtaking waterfalls and a world-famous volcano: the island appeals to adventurers and lovers of wild landscapes. But is Réunion a family destination, and what about family hotels in Réunion? The good news is that Réunion is also a perfect destination for young and old alike! From accessible hikes to outdoor activities, fine sandy beaches and cultural discoveries, all you need to do is choose the right activities so that everyone leaves with stars in their eyes.
When should you go to Réunion Island with your children?
Réunion is a destination that can be visited all year round, with each season revealing its own charms. However, certain periods are particularly pleasant, especially if you are travelling as a family. The shoulder seasons, from March to June and September to November, are ideal: the climate is mild and sunny, and the days are long enough to make the most of the activities.
In July and August, the island enters the austral winter. In the highlands, the sky can quickly become overcast and the days are shorter, which can limit some excursions. Conversely, when winter sets in in the northern hemisphere, Réunion experiences its austral summer, with warmer temperatures and bright days, but the cyclone season sets in, making for a wetter, rainier climate.
Tailor your stay to suit the seasons, to make the most of this intense island.
Where to stay as a family?
To make the most of your family holiday, it’s essential to choose accommodation that combines comfort, friendliness and proximity to tourist activities. Exsel Hôtels offers several establishments perfectly suited to your needs:
1. The Exsel Floralys hotel in Étang-Salé les bains
Just a few steps from the beach, the Exsel Floralys hotel overlooks the splendid local coastline. Enjoy a moment of tranquillity in its sunny garden, offering exceptional views of the palm trees, its large swimming pool and its two restaurants where local specialities take pride of place. Enjoy the black sandy beach of L’Étang-Salé, just opposite the hotel, the Croc Parc where you can meet the crocodiles, take a stroll in the forest or along the seafront…
2. Résidence Exsel Roseaux des Sables in Étang-Salé
Situated in a peaceful, serene setting, the Exsel Roseaux des Sables hotel residence offers all the comforts you need for a perfect stay. The residence offers bungalows or studios, ideal for a stay with family or friends in Étang-Salé les bains. Adjacent to the Exsel Floralys hotel, you can take advantage of all its facilities, in addition to a swimming pool in the residence. You’ll also be just a stone’s throw from the Kélonia turtle observatory, wooded trails for mountain biking or the beach and forest for horse riding with the Eldorado stables.
3. The Exsel Victoria hotel in Saint-Pierre
Located in Grand Bois, at the gateway to the Sud Sauvage, the Exsel Victoria hotel is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area, including the volcano and the famous Langevin waterfall. This friendly hotel offers comfortable family rooms, attentive service and close proximity to the activities of the South, such as the Saint-Pierre market, the seafront for a stroll, the Grande Anse beach and park or the Saga du Rhum for those in search of flavour.
Reunionese cuisine
Reunionese cuisine, rich in flavours and traditions, has its own codes that reflect the island’s cultural diversity. Aperitifs play an important role. Local specialities such as punch, samoussas, bouchons and bonbons piments (chilli sweets) are the perfect way to tantalise the taste buds.
The main dishes, generally based on poultry, pork or fish, are accompanied by rice, grains, brèdes, achards or tomato rougail and are delicately seasoned with local spices: ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, massalé…
Sweets, meanwhile, are best enjoyed in the afternoon rather than as a dessert. In the form of fried foods or cakes, they will delight you at teatime, such as potato cake or banana sweets. To round off your meal, why not try some of the delicious seasonal fruit (letchi, mangoes, longani, etc.) which is in plentiful supply on Réunion Island.
Numerous gourmet restaurants offer refined, traditional cuisine, with an emphasis on local produce and organic products, mainly from the farm. The restaurants in our hotels are part of this approach:
La Marmite Étang-Salé
Located opposite Hermitage beach, this restaurant is renowned for its authentic curries and all-you-can-eat buffet. The first of its kind to offer curries in traditionally presented pots, ‘La Marmite’ has won over the hearts of Reunionese and tourists in search of local flavours.


Restaurant Le Rivage
Located in Grand Bois, at the gateway to the wild south and just 10 minutes from Saint-Pierre, discover a cuisine that combines local produce and the treasures of the sea. From starters to desserts, discover a cuisine with tropical flavours, combining traditional recipes from Reunion and elsewhere…
Restaurant L’Oasys
There’s no à la carte menu at L’Oasys. Working from a slate, the chef puts together his menu every day according to what’s available at the market – authentic, environmentally-friendly cuisine. The restaurant regularly organises Creole evenings at weekends. To keep up to date with the latest news and themed evenings, follow the Exsel Floralys hotel on social networks.

Activities for all the family
Réunion has a wealth of activities to offer the whole family. Follow us for a roundup of the island’s not-to-be-missed activities!
The west coast: beach paradise
With its immense white sandy beaches stretching for almost 30 kilometres, Réunion’s west coast is a real invitation to relax. Some beaches are equipped with anti-shark nets, so you can swim in complete safety. By respecting the designated areas and safety instructions, you can enjoy the pleasures of the ocean with complete peace of mind.
For families, the lagoons on the west coast are a must. Their calm, shallow waters mean that the little ones can splash around in complete peace, while the older ones marvel at the wealth of marine life. Something for everyone!
The cirques: for hikers
In the heart of the island, nature is denser and the vegetation much more luxuriant. Réunion is made up of three natural cirques: Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate. These offer spectacular views and are ideal for a wide range of hikes. The hike from Cap Noir to Roche Verre Bouteille, for example, is accessible to all and offers breathtaking 360° views. With a duration of around 2 hours and little change in altitude, it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the island without too much effort. To find out more about the cirques, read our article on Réunion’s emblematic cirques.
The wild south : conquering the volcano
The volcano
It’s impossible to spend a holiday on Réunion Island without exploring its iconic Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Piton de la Fournaise, Réunion’s legendary volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for families in search of adventure. Accessible from Bourg-Murat, the 25km panoramic road passes through a variety of landscapes, from primary forest to the moon-like Plaine des Sables. As you explore the Sud Sauvage, you’ll be fascinated by the immense lava flows that have shaped the landscape over the years. Some of them stretch all the way to the ocean, offering a breathtaking spectacle where the land meets the waves.
Don’t miss the Plaine des Sables, with its lunar desert setting that seems to have come straight from another planet. Here, every step you take transports you into an extraordinary universe, halfway between Earth and Mars. From the Pas de Bellecombe, you can embark on a memorable hike to the summit. This climb is recommended for medium-level hikers. Combine this getaway with a stay at the Exsel Victoria hotel!
The Wild South
Head along the coast towards Saint-Philippe to discover the wild south, where lava flows mingle with lush vegetation. Stop off at Cap Méchant to admire the basalt cliffs, then explore the botanical gardens at Domaine des Tourelles or Mare Longue.
Saint-Pierre : relaxation, lagoons and snorkelling
On Sundays, browse the stalls at the Saint-Pierre market, opposite the seafront.
The Saint-Pierre lagoon, which is quieter than the western lagoon, is an ideal place to relax. Enjoy a family swim, explore the coral reefs by snorkelling or simply relax on the beach.
The Bélouve forest and the Trou de Fer
From Victoria, head to the Bélouve primary forest for a nature break. Hike to the lookout point at Trou de Fer, an impressive chasm surrounded by waterfalls, or explore the family-friendly trails.
Grand Galet waterfall (Langevin)
Near Saint-Joseph, discover one of the island’s most emblematic waterfalls. The site is perfect for a picnic in the heart of nature and a swim in its refreshing pools.
The open sea: an encounter with cetaceans
Boat trips organised by local companies allow you to get up close to humpback whales and playful dolphins. An unforgettable experience, combining wonder and connection with nature, that will remain engraved in your memory.
Rivers: a fresh, natural break
On Réunion, it’s not just the beaches that make you dream. The island also abounds in rivers that invite you to relax and enjoy a little adventure. For a more peaceful atmosphere, other rivers reveal pools ideal for swimming and relaxation. Surrounded by lush vegetation and often adorned with magnificent waterfalls, these places are real havens of freshness where you can recharge your batteries.
Our advice for a successful family holiday
- Hire a car : this will allow you to discover the island at your own pace and vary the activities on offer.
- Plan suitable outings : choose short walks and supervised beaches for maximum safety.
- Stay flexible : with a family, the unexpected is part of the adventure! Take the time to savour every moment.
Experience intensity as a family with Exsel Hôtels
Réunion is much more than just a destination: it’s an intense experience for the whole family. There’s something for everyone, from adventures and cultural discoveries to relaxing by the sea. Our establishments offer the ideal setting for you to make the most of your stay.
So what are you waiting for to write the next chapter in your family memories of the Intense Isle? Book now on exsel.re and get ready for a memorable holiday.