Arriving in Réunion Island and opening the shutters to views of the lagoon, green hills or the garden of a Creole house immediately changes the rhythm of your journey.
To make the most of your stay, however, it helps to know how to choose a holiday rental in Réunion Island. Beautiful photos matter, of course. Yet they do not tell the whole story.
Microclimates, distances, mountain roads and different travel styles all influence the choice of accommodation.
A well-chosen property becomes much more than somewhere to sleep. It is both the starting point for your adventures and the place you look forward to returning to at the end of the day.
Choose a Holiday Rental to Match Your Travel Style
The first question is not simply “where should we stay?” Instead, ask yourself: “how do we want to experience the island?”
Réunion Island is remarkably diverse. Within a few kilometres, you can move from the warmth of the coast to the cooler air of the highlands. A beach lined with casuarina trees can quickly give way to a winding mountain road.
Your holiday rental should therefore match the rhythm you want for your stay.
Choose the West Coast for the Lagoon and a Relaxed Lifestyle
If your holiday is mainly about relaxation, swimming and sunsets, the west coast is an excellent choice.
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, La Saline-les-Bains, L’Ermitage-les-Bains and Saint-Leu offer convenient access to the coast, restaurants and water activities.
A villa close to the sea also gives you greater freedom. You can start the day with a swim without having to plan every journey.
This is particularly convenient when travelling with young children. It is equally appealing for anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed holiday.
Choose the South and the Highlands for a Different Experience
Travellers interested in hiking, volcanic landscapes and Creole villages may prefer the south or the highlands.
These areas offer a different side of Réunion Island. The atmosphere is often quieter, the vegetation is lush and the scenery can be spectacular.
However, journeys to some west coast beaches and attractions may take longer.
This is not necessarily a disadvantage. Rather, it is a choice to make according to your priorities.
For a first visit, staying on the west coast or in the south-west often provides a good balance.
You can enjoy the coastline while keeping convenient access to the Cirque de Cilaos, the volcano, the Saint-Pierre market and the landscapes of the south.
Consider Distances and Mountain Roads
Réunion Island may look compact on a map. In reality, the mountains and traffic can quickly affect journey times.
Mountain roads also require more time. In addition, you will often want to stop along the way to enjoy a viewpoint, discover a village or visit a market.
A holiday rental close to the main roads is therefore practical if you plan to explore a different area every day.
On the other hand, a more secluded house will better suit travellers looking for peace, privacy and the pleasure of spending time at the property itself.
Do Not Try to See Everything from One Base
If you have an ambitious itinerary, avoid trying to explore the entire island from a single location.
A beautiful holiday home also deserves time to be enjoyed.
Leave a few days without a fixed itinerary. A morning by the pool, lunch on the veranda or a quiet late afternoon in the garden can become just as memorable as an excursion.
Choose the Right Setting, Not Just the Best View
An ocean view can be beautiful. However, it does not define the overall comfort of a holiday rental.
Instead, think about how you will actually use the house.
Early risers may appreciate a garden filled with morning light. Families and groups of friends may care more about comfortable shared spaces, shade on the terrace and enough room for everyone to eat together.
Lagoon or Hillside: Two Different Experiences
Staying close to the lagoon makes it easy to walk to the beach. This is a real advantage if you want to swim several times during the day.
A house higher above the coast offers different benefits. You may enjoy cooler temperatures, greater tranquillity and more open views.
In the highlands, evenings can become noticeably cooler, especially during the austral winter.
A swimming pool, shaded terrace or kitchen opening onto the outdoors will therefore have a different importance depending on the location and season.
Understand the Microclimates of Réunion Island
The local climate also deserves attention.
The west coast is generally drier and sunnier. The east, by contrast, is known for its particularly lush vegetation and more frequent rainfall.
This diversity is part of the charm of Réunion Island.
You simply need to adapt your expectations. A house near a tropical forest offers a very different holiday from a villa just a few steps from a calm lagoon.
Check the Facilities That Really Matter
A good holiday rental should make you feel at home quickly.
Photos provide the first impression. However, the detailed description often reveals what will truly matter during your stay.
Check the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the quality of the bedding, kitchen facilities and the layout of the outdoor areas.
Match the Facilities to Your Group
For a couple, a character home with a beautiful veranda may be more appealing than a large property with several unused rooms.
For a family, a washing machine, a well-equipped kitchen and a secure outdoor area provide valuable freedom.
For a group of friends, the arrangement of bedrooms and bathrooms becomes especially important. Well-designed spaces make the stay more comfortable for everyone.
Before booking, check:
- air conditioning or ventilation in the bedrooms;
- a reliable Wi-Fi connection;
- parking facilities;
- a swimming pool or comfortable outdoor area;
- a pleasant, sheltered outdoor dining space;
- facilities suitable for children;
- any safety measures around the pool or garden.
The level of equipment is not simply about material comfort. It directly influences how you experience the house.
Preparing a Creole curry after visiting the market, enjoying coffee in the garden or letting the children play while lunch is being prepared creates a very different experience from simply having somewhere to sleep between excursions.
Creole House, Contemporary Villa or Character Home?
The style of the property also plays an important role in your experience.
A traditional Creole house appeals through its character, generous proportions, veranda and connection with the history of Réunion Island.
It is particularly attractive to travellers who enjoy properties with a story and architectural details that are not always found in newer buildings.
A Contemporary Villa for Indoor-Outdoor Living
A contemporary villa often features large openings, clean lines and an easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
This style works particularly well for families and groups of friends who want the terrace, garden or swimming pool to be at the heart of their holiday.
Character homes, meanwhile, offer their own balance between heritage, comfort and personality.
No style is better than another.
The right choice is simply the one that creates the atmosphere you want to return to each evening after a day of exploring.
Read the Listing Carefully Before Booking
A transparent property listing should not promise the impossible.
It should explain the strengths of the house while also describing its surroundings and particular features.
A property in a lively neighbourhood will not offer the same tranquillity as a secluded house. Likewise, an older property may have plenty of charm along with certain architectural features that are part of its character.
These are not disadvantages when they are explained clearly. On the contrary, transparent information allows you to book with realistic expectations.
Ask the Right Questions
Before confirming your stay, ask about the details that genuinely matter to you.
- Can you walk to the beach?
- Is the swimming pool secured?
- Are the bedrooms air-conditioned?
- Is there a comfortable place to work?
- Are shops within easy reach?
- Is parking straightforward?
These simple questions help prevent disappointment. They also allow the host to guide you towards the property that best suits your stay.
Pay Attention to the Quality of Communication
The quality of communication before booking is another useful indicator.
A clear, warm and prompt response is especially reassuring for international travellers who may be planning their holiday from thousands of kilometres away.
At La Kaz Bourbon, this personal approach is part of the way we welcome our guests.
Our aim is simple: to make sure you arrive with clear information and can then enjoy Réunion Island with complete independence.
Choose a Holiday Rental for the Right Season
Réunion Island can be visited throughout the year. However, the atmosphere and weather conditions change with the seasons.
Austral Summer
From November to April, temperatures and humidity are higher. Periods of heavier rainfall can also occur.
A well-ventilated or air-conditioned house is particularly comfortable at this time of year. Shaded outdoor areas also make it easier to enjoy the garden or terrace.
In return, the tropical vegetation is especially lush during these months.
Austral Winter
From May to October, the west coast generally experiences drier weather and milder temperatures.
In the highlands, however, evenings can become quite cool.
This season is particularly popular for hiking. It also coincides with the period when whales can be observed around Réunion Island.
Depending on the location and your preferences, a heated swimming pool can provide additional comfort.
Book Early for More Choice
Booking ahead is recommended for school holidays, the festive season and other popular travel periods.
This gives you more choice between a house by the lagoon, a villa with a swimming pool or a more secluded property surrounded by nature.
Booking early also allows you to choose according to your real priorities rather than simply selecting from the last remaining properties.
Find the Holiday Rental That Suits You
Knowing how to choose a holiday rental in Réunion Island is about much more than counting bedrooms or finding an attractive façade.
Your holiday home is also where you return after hiking in Mafate, admiring the Piton de la Fournaise or swimming in the clear waters of the lagoon.
Choose a house that sometimes makes you want to return a little earlier, simply to enjoy the terrace, the garden or the calm of the evening.
Planning a holiday in Réunion Island? Discover the homes of La Kaz Bourbon, check availability and choose the holiday rental that best matches the way you want to experience the island.
