Itinerary for your trip to Réunion: where to sleep and what to do?
Are you planning a trip to Réunion and looking for a complete itinerary to explore this intense island? Whether you’re coming for 3, 5 or 7 days, we’ve put together an optimised guide to discover the must-sees. From Saint-Denis to Saint-Gilles, via Cilaos and Piton de la Fournaise, take advantage of a well thought-out itinerary while staying at Exsel hotels, ideally located across the island.
Itinerary for 3 days: the essentials of La Réunion
Day 1: Discover Saint-Denis, the capital to the north
- Arrive at Roland-Garros airport and head for the Exsel Créolia hotel.
- Discover the historic centre of Saint-Denis: The Barachois, rue de Paris, Léon Dierx museum.
- Lunch at the hotel restaurant Le Kaloupilé
- Hike along the Colorado trail for a first taste of nature.
Overnight at the Hôtel Exsel Créolia, perched on the heights of Saint-Denis with a panoramic view of the city. The hotel has a 500 m² infinity pool and a Créolia well-being spa for a cocooning break. Take advantage of the hotel’s modern and spacious rooms, as well as its restaurant Le Kaloupilé offering refined local cuisine.
Day 2: Cirque de Salazie and the verdant east
- Drive to Salazie, stopping off at the Voile de la Mariée waterfall.
- Discover Hell-Bourg, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
- Typical Creole lunch in the village and return to the west coast.
Overnight at the Hôtel Exsel Alamanda in Saint-Gilles les Bains, just a stone’s throw from the Hermitage lagoon. The hotel offers functional rooms and its restaurant, Le Grain de Sable, facing the swimming pool, for a relaxed tropical atmosphere.
Day 3: Beach and relaxation at Saint-Gilles les Bains
- Lazy morning on the Hermitage beach, just a stone’s throw from the hotel.
- Boat trip to see dolphins and turtles.
- Lunch at the La Marmite de Saint-Gilles restaurant on the beach, where you can discover Réunionese gastronomy with an all-you-can-eat buffet of Creole curries.
End of your stay and return to the airport
Itinerary for 5 days: between land and sea
Want more time to discover Réunion Island? Following on from day 3, continue with a free afternoon and return to the Exsel Alamanda hotel.
Day 4: Etang-Salé
- Drive to the Exsel Floralys hotel
- Stroll along the black sandy beach of Etang-Salé and relax.
- Lunch at the Oasys restaurant, for a metropolitan brasserie
- Visit of the Etang-Salé forest and its abyss.
- Dinner at the La Marmite restaurant, for an all-you-can-eat Creole curry buffet
Overnight at the Hôtel Exsel Floralys, nestled in a lush green setting with rooms in bungalows for privacy surrounded by greenery and a refreshing swimming pool. The hotel also has two restaurants, one offering local cuisine (La Marmite Étang-Salé) and the other brasserie-style (Oasys).
Day 5: Cilaos, the jewel in the crown
- Vertiginous ascent to the cirque of Cilaos.
- Hike to the foot of the Piton des Neiges or relax at the thermal baths.
- Tasting of Cilaos lentils and wines.
Return and overnight at the Hôtel Exsel Floralys, perfect for a lively evening in the south-west.
Itinerary for 7 days: Complete immersion in Reunion Island
Day 6: Piton de la Fournaise
- An early morning climb to the volcano for the more athletic.
- Visit the Cité du Volcan.
- Lunch at the restaurant Le Rivage
- Relaxation on the beach in Saint-Pierre.
Overnight at the Hôtel Exsel Victoria in Saint-Pierre, set on steep cliffs overlooking the ocean. This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a pleasant swimming pool and the Le Rivage restaurant, which serves tropical cuisine combining traditional recipes from Reunion and elsewhere. The Saint-Pierre seafront is nearby.
Day 7: Wild south and lava flows
- Visit the Rum Saga
- Visit Saint-Philippe and its exotic gardens.
Return to the hotel and airport
A successful itinerary and stay with Exsel Hotels
Whatever the length of your stay, Réunion Island guarantees an intense experience combining nature, culture and gastronomy. When you choose Exsel Hotels, you’ll enjoy ideal comfort after your days of adventure. Each establishment is strategically located to offer you easy access to the main attractions, with restaurants serving quality local produce and comfortable rooms. All you have to do is pack your bags for an unforgettable immersion in the island of a thousand facets!
Book your stay at one of our hotels now. We look forward to seeing you!
