Reunion & Mauritius Adventures
Some birthdays deserve more than dinner out (or so I think anyway!), and this particularly significant one called for something a little more memorable. Two spectacular islands in the Indian Ocean, incredible food, dramatic landscapes, tropical beaches and just enough adventure to remind me that getting older certainly doesn't mean slowing down.
Our journey began on the French island of Réunion, a destination that many Australians know very little about, yet one that offers an extraordinary blend of European sophistication, Creole culture and breathtaking volcanic scenery.
After arriving late in the evening, we made our way to La Saline-les-Bains, on Réunion's beautiful west coast, where we settled into Hôtel Résidence Ness by D-Ocean for three nights.
Rather than rushing into sightseeing the following morning, we did what we often enjoy most when arriving somewhere new – simply setting off on foot to see what we might discover.
A leisurely stroll along the white sandy beach soon turned into a wander through the village's quiet back streets in search of snorkelling gear. Success came in the most unexpected place – the local service station! Not only did it have everything we needed, but it also served excellent iced coffees, so naturally we considered that a very successful morning's exploration. Finding a couple of beach beds available on our return, we spent the afternoon soaking up the beautiful shades of blue, snorkelling right in front of our hotel before wandering down to the local beach bar for lunch and ice creams.
The following day was one I had been looking forward to for months. Our wonderful guide greeted us at reception, and we set off to discover one of Réunion's most spectacular natural wonders – the magnificent Cirque de Salazie.
It's difficult to describe just how dramatically the scenery changes in such a short distance. Leaving the warm sunshine of the coast behind, we climbed into a landscape of towering volcanic cliffs covered in lush rainforest. Waterfalls cascaded from every direction, while a fine mountain mist created rainbows around almost every bend in the road. We stopped at a tiny roadside café and bridge to admire spectacular views across the valley and down to the riverbeds below. Absolutely worth the ensuing hair frizz!
Then, almost as quickly as we had entered the mist, we emerged once again into brilliant blue skies and arrived in the charming mountain village of Hell-Bourg, often regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
We wandered its quiet streets, admiring beautifully restored Creole houses painted in vibrant shades of turquoise, yellow and coral. Our walk eventually led us to the remains of the island's old thermal baths, once the reason visitors flocked to Hell-Bourg. Sadly, landslides and later the devastating cyclone of 1948 destroyed much of the original complex, leaving only gentle reminders of its fascinating past.
One thing we did discover was that our very limited French was nowhere near as good as we had confidently remembered after our trip to Canada a few years earlier! Ordering lunch and locating the local public toilets quickly became a team effort, and we were incredibly grateful to have our guide translate with patience and good humour. It's all part of travelling, and these little moments often become the stories you remember most.
Lunch was wonderfully simple – authentic French baguettes enjoyed under a shady umbrella in the warm sunshine, accompanied by wonderfully strong coffee while we soaked up the relaxed atmosphere of village life..
If Réunion captured our sense of adventure, Mauritius was all about slowing down and simply enjoying island life.
I've been fortunate enough to visit Mauritius several times over the years with my family, and it remains one of those destinations that never disappoints. Beautiful beaches, exceptional resorts, genuinely warm hospitality and a wonderfully relaxed pace of life make it one of my favourite tropical escapes.
For this visit, we chose The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa on Balaclava Beach, and it exceeded every expectation. The all-inclusive package was certainly a treat, but what made this stay truly memorable wasn't the food or the facilities—it was the people. Every member of staff seemed genuinely invested in making our holiday special, and their warmth and attention to detail were exceptional.
As this trip was to celebrate a milestone birthday, the resort surprised us with one of the most memorable evenings of the holiday. A beautifully decorated table was set up right on the beach for my family, where we enjoyed an incredible dinner featuring signature dishes from several of the resort's restaurants, accompanied by a lovely bottle of champagne. With the sound of the Indian Ocean only metres away, it was one of those moments that simply couldn't have been more perfect.
Evenings at the Westin quickly settled into a wonderful routine. Sunset drinks around the beach bonfire, live Creole music drifting through the warm evening air and fire dancing displays became the perfect way to end each day.
Of course, there was plenty of time to simply enjoy everything the resort had to offer. We wandered along the beach, hired paddleboards and pedal boats, snorkelled in the warm waters and found no shortage of beautiful spots to relax around the pools.
Although it would have been easy to spend six days without ever leaving the resort, we couldn't resist exploring a little more of Mauritius.
Our first adventure took us south to La Vallée des Couleurs, where we swapped relaxation for adrenaline. The day was packed with adventure—from soaring across one of the longest ziplines in the Southern Hemisphere to bouncing our way along rugged rainforest tracks and river crossings on quad bikes. Suspension bridges, spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking scenery completed what can only be described as a wonderfully "hectic" day that left us tired, dusty and grinning from ear to ear.
For something completely different, our second excursion explored one of Mauritius' lesser-known treasures—its tea-growing heritage. Visiting the beautiful estates of Domaine des Aubineaux, Bois Chéri and Saint Aubin offered a fascinating insight into the island's tea industry and colonial history. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch overlooking the gardens at Saint Aubin before finishing the afternoon with a rum tasting. Naturally, it would have been rude not to bring a bottle or two home!
Looking back, it was the perfect combination. Réunion delivered spectacular scenery and adventure, while Mauritius offered relaxation, celebration and just enough exploration to remind us why this island continues to hold such a special place in our hearts. Every visit feels a little different, but always amazing.