From the 5-star resort right on the Saint-Gilles lagoon to the rainforest lodge on the east coast, via the charming hotels of Cilaos. 10 upmarket hotels, sorted by area, view, atmosphere and budget.
Reunion Island has two clear luxury hubs: the west coast (Saint-Gilles, La Saline, Boucan-Canot, Saint-Leu) with its lagoon-front resorts, and the Hauts (the highlands: Cilaos, Plaine des Cafres) for charming hotels at 1,000-1,200m. On top of that, there are a few secluded gems on the east coast (Diana Dea Lodge) and in the wild south (Le Manapany). To organise the whole trip, agencies like GoVoyages bundle flights and hotels in Reunion Island into a single package.
Here's my pick of ten 4-5 star hotels, tried and tested or very highly rated (4.5/5 or more on Booking and TripAdvisor), with their strengths, prices and the kind of traveller they suit. Reunion Island, which the travel press describes as an exceptional Indian Ocean destination, deserves accommodation to match its landscapes.
A recent 5-star boutique hotel or the island's flagship resort. A spa, an infinity pool, a private dinner on the sand.
An upmarket kids' club, pools, entertainment. Lux* wins on luxury, Iloha on value for money.
Cilaos, at 1,200m: a base for hiking Piton des Neiges, canyoning and tasting Cilaos wine.
The east coast or the wild south. Secluded bungalows, fine dining and total peace, far from the bustle of the west.
The west coast's flagship luxury resort, right on the L'Hermitage lagoon. A Cinq Mondes spa, 3 pools, 4 restaurants including a fine-dining one and an upmarket kids' club. Modernised Creole architecture and tropical gardens, plus the island's most celebrated Sunday brunch.
Couples · honeymoons · well-off families
A recent boutique hotel (2018) that quickly established itself at the very top end. An MGM spa, an infinity pool and a fusion restaurant. More intimate than the big resorts, with a tropical design feel.
Couples · wellness stays
Boucan-Canot's iconic hotel, overlooking the beach. Tall Creole architecture, restaurants open to non-residents and a renowned Sunday brunch, with ocean and sunset views. Locals' first choice for a weekend getaway.
Couples · families · Sunday brunch
Further south, on the cliffs above Saint-Leu, with a panoramic ocean view (and whales to spot in season). Bungalows tumble down through the greenery, with a hillside pool and restaurants. More authentic than the hotels on the central stretch of coast.
Surfers · couples · sports enthusiasts
A secluded lodge in the rainforest of the east, above Sainte-Anne. Luxurious bungalows set in the greenery, a fine-dining restaurant and a spa in total peace and quiet. The 'tropical retreat' option, far from the bustle of the west. Over 1,000 sqm per bungalow.
Honeymoons · a nature retreat
A charming hotel in the wild south, 10 minutes from Saint-Joseph and 30 minutes from Cilaos. Oceanfront bungalows, a Gault & Millau-rated fine-dining restaurant, a spa and a pool. Calmer and more authentic than the big names out west.
Couples · the wild south · fine dining
Recently renovated with a modern Creole feel and direct access to Boucan beach. An infinity pool, a beachfront restaurant and a spa. A good base for combining Boucan beach, Saint-Gilles restaurants and whale-watching trips.
Couples · weekend getaways
The Cilaos cirque's charming hotel, at 1,200m. Traditional Creole architecture, an outdoor pool, a fine-dining restaurant and a spa fed by Cilaos's hot springs. Ideal for combining hikes, Cilaos wine and a helicopter flight.
Hikers · mountain getaways
A recent boutique hotel in the heart of Cilaos village. Stylish Creole décor, views of the cirque, a restaurant with a short menu and a spa using hot-spring water. More contemporary than Le Vieux Cep, with a peaceful retreat atmosphere.
Couples · charm · a hiking base
Smaller than its neighbour Le Saint Alexis, with a warmer family atmosphere. A row of bungalows facing the beach, a pool and a Creole restaurant. Good value for money in the Boucan area.
Families · getaways
A helicopter tour over the cirques, a try-dive in Saint-Leu, a whale-watching trip at sunset. The 4-5 star hotels work with the best operators to arrange tailor-made experiences.
Page updated on 25 September 2026.