Reunion

An island of true contrasts, the French department of Reunion is unknown to many of the world's travellers.  This unique island in the middle of the Indian Ocean is simply one of the most intriguing spots on earth.  Not as well known as nearby Mauritius or the not so far away Seychelles, little Reunion seems but a speck in the vast ocean, dwarfed by Madagascar, located 500 miles to the west.

The French know the island well but only the very well travelled have ever stepped foot on Reunion's varied and enticing terrain.  With an active volcano on its south coast, 27 kilometres of warm, welcoming beaches in the west and lots of mountains and forests in between, Réunion Island offers vacation opportunities ranging from relaxing to adventurous.

Full Country Name: Reunion 
Area: 970 sq km
Population: 802,001(UN 2011)
Capital: Saint-Denis
Religion: The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism with Hinduism, Islam, Chinese folk religion and Buddhism also represented, among others.
Time Zone: Standard time is four hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Language: The official language is French.  Although not official, Reunion Creole is also spoken.
Country Dialling Code: +262

CLIMATE
Because of the high mountains, Réunion’s climate varies more than that of Mauritius.  It experiences only two distinct seasons: the hot, rainy summer from December to April and the cool, dry winter from late April to October.  The east coast is considerably wetter than the west, but wettest of all are the mountains above the east coast – around Takamaka, Plaine-des-Palmistesand the northern and eastern slopes of the volcano.  As with Mauritius, the cyclone season is roughly December to March.

Temperatures on the coast average 22°C during winter and 27°C in summer. In the mountains, they drop to 11°C and 18°C respectively.  Clouds generally cover the peaks and high plains from mid-morning.  The drier winter months are the most favourable for hiking.

CURRENCY & BANKS
The unit of currency in Reunion is the Euro, which is made up of 100 cents.  Full banking services are available in all the main towns although a commission is normally charged.  Euros are the common currency used in Reunion.  It is recommended to carry some cash in small denominations.

ELECTRICITY
The general voltage in Reunion is 220 and the frequency is 50 Hz. 

As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown.  It is useful to carry a torch.

HEALTH
Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice. 

VISA INFORMATION
At the time of writing, no visa for Reunion for stays up to 90 days is required for travellers on Australian Passports. Please double check this with your travel agent as this may change at any time. You must hold return or onward flight tickets.

We hope that you will find this country Information on Reunion useful for reference when preparing for your holiday.  All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only.  Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.

Here is a selection of the properties available in Reunion.

Hotel Le Recif

This charming hotel offers 146 rooms with furnished terraces set in 17 Creole-style villas, decked out in the colours of the Indian Ocean. Set amongst tropical gardens on the banks of the Hermitage lagoon, with its beachside location, there are two swimming pools, two restaurants and a pool bar, numerous land and water activities and a very friendly staff. For a fee guests have privileged access to an 18-hole golf course, with free shuttle service.

Departures	Twin	Single
Nov 11	$575	$1,010
01 - 16 Dec 11	$470	$805
17 - 23 Dec 11	$575	$1,010
24 Dec 11 - 02 Jan 12	$600	$1,065
03 Jan - 03 May 12	$470	$805
04 May – 30 Sep 12	$425	$715
Oct 12	$575	$1,010

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for four-nights in a Standard Room. Includes breakfast daily and return airport transfers. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

Grand Hotel du Lagon

With 174 rooms, the hotel is ideally located on one of Reunion’s most beautiful white sand beaches, on the island’s only lagoon. It invites you to rest and get away from it all in a haven of peace and relaxation. The elegant rooms, in creole-style villas with balconies or terraces, are decorated in a harmony of colours and contemporary materials and scattered amidst the coconut and Filao trees. There is a majestic colonial lobby, three restaurants and a pool bar.

Departures	Twin	Single
Nov 11	$860	$1,545
01 - 16 Dec 11	$750	$1,325
17 - 23 Dec 11	$860	$1,545
24 Dec 11 - 02 Jan 12	$915	$1,650
03 Jan - 03 May 12	$750	$1,325
04 May – 30 Sep 12	$590	$995
Oct 12	$860	$1,545

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for four-nights in a Standard Room. Includes breakfast daily and return airport transfers. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.