Little bit of France in the heart of Indian Ocean

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Coins and Maps shares with you a unique destination – a holiday to which would be worth more than a solitaire.

If you have not guessed it by now, let us make it easier for you and straight away take you there. Ladies and Gentlemen, we present the Reunion Islands. And we give you Top 5 reasons to visit this place as a couple.

1. Exotic Natural Jacuzzi

The surroundings and the atmosphere make all the difference and that is why we travel in the first place. Reunion Island is ranked as one of the top 3 honeymoon destinations in the world alongside Mauritius and Maldives. With a perfect combination of both ocean and mountains which give you the best of both the worlds, you don’t have to look further. You could just laze around and soak up the sun by the edge of one of the lagoons where you will see fish in a variety of colors. Or you could just sip on the glass of champagne while watching the orange colored sun kiss the deep blue ocean and finally disappearing as if it was just waiting for this moment the entire day like a passionate lover; while the warm waves lap at your feet.

     2. Where Sea Is Your Playground

Surf

Plongée fonds marins

If you love water then, of course, you have a lot to keep busy at the Reunion Island and when you do something as a couple then it is double the fun. You could look at snorkeling, diving, surfing, sea kayaking, tours in glass bottom boats, paddle boarding or deep sea fishing; all these activities can be enjoyed with world class safety standards and if you are lucky enough you could also enjoy a romantic sunset cruise in the company of dolphins and whales. You could also do a paragliding, parachuting and for the more adventurous at heart, you can go for lava cave visits.

     3.Rejuvenating  your Spirit and Soul in Nature

If you are into spa treatments and relaxation therapies then you are in for a treat as Reunion Island offers various relaxing treatments amidst nature as Reunion Island is known for the exotic flowers like geranium, vanilla, ylang ylang and many more. In the Cilaos mountain crater you can enjoy the rich natural mineral water springs which feed the island’s natural spa.

        4. Culture Gully and Culinary Delights

Reunion Island is a mélange of cultures and gastronomy and as a result is a blast of flavors from all over the world. The rich and ethnic diversity of the people of the island contributes to the beauty of the place. The architecture of many Hindu temples, mosques, churches and rich colonial mansions speak for themselves and also of harmony and unity in diversity.

       5. UNESCO World Heritage Site

Reunion Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers an unmatched experience to a traveler. There are volcanoes to be seen; or you can glide over imposing landscapes by the gilder, ultra light airplanes or helicopter or just explore the island at your own pace.

The Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes and puts up a grand show for visitors every now and then, with no threat whatsoever to the population.  You could hike in the Mafate crater which is accessible only on foot and you could enjoy a swim at the foot of one of the mountain waterfalls which lies tucked secretly somewhere in the folds of nature.

Things to Know:

Location:

Located 180 kms from Mauritius, Reunion Island has 40 per cent of its territory classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. It is an island and region of France in the Indian Ocean.

Climate:

Reunion Island has a tropical climate as it is located in the Indian ocean in the southern hemisphere. In summers from November to April the average temperature at the coast is 30 degrees Celsius but at altitude say at the volcano the temperature drops dramatically and averages around 15 degree Celsius. However, in winters i.e. from May to October the average coastal temperature is 20 degree Celsius but at altitude, it can drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius.

Visa:

For travelers from India, there is a provision of 15 days free visa (T & C applied)

For details click: Reunion Island

Transport within the Island:

The best way to enjoy the island is through self-drive and car hire options are readily available. You need to have an international or French driver’s license. Driving is on the right hand side and the road network is well maintained.

Currency:

The currency here is Euro.

How to reach Reunion Island:

Air Austral, the French airline of the Indian Ocean has non-stop flights between Chennai and the Islands. For more information: Air Austral

Air Mauritius is well connected to Reunion Island from Delhi and Mumbai. For more information Air Mauritius

Picture Credits: IRT