Ever wanted to sleep in a tree house, a transparent bubble, or a chalet without doors and windows? Now’s your chance, if you choose one of the island’s more unusual places to stay. This type of accommodation – which offers an original alternative to a conventional rental or hotel – is increasingly popular on the island. Elite Tours has hand-picked its eight favourites for you.
Bubble Dôme Village, Saint-Joseph
Bubble Dôme Village perfectly embodies ‘glamping’: the new trend for eco-luxury retreats in Reunion. Launched six years ago, it was one of the first on the island to offer a different accommodation experience. Here you can spend the night in a cosy dome outfitted with a bathroom; some even have a private kitchenette.
18 Chemin Ligne Des Quatre Cent Vingt, Saint-Joseph, +262 692 405 455, https://bubbledomevillage.com/en/accueil-saint-joseph.html
Kaz Insolite, Les Makes
This ‘bubble hotel’ in the south has become THE go-to for alternative accommodation in Reunion. Kaz Insolite’s concept is simple: you sleep in a transparent bubble, tucked away in the forest. With Reunion’s astronomical observatory nearby at Les Makes, the expression “sleeping under a blanket of stars” takes on a whole new meaning here.
393, Route Forestière Des Makes, Saint-Louis, +33 970 155 723, www.kazinsolite.re/en-GB/
Entre2Songes, Entre-Deux
This lush Creole garden has been developed into a campsite and not only accepts tents but also has a whole range of more quirky accommodation, lovingly hand-built by the owners. Options include ‘Case Mémé’, a wooden cabin built around the trunk of a large lychee tree, and ‘Le Nid’, a minuscule tree house that sleeps one person.
9 Rue Du Bras Long, Entre-Deux; to book send a text message to +262 692 825 775 or email entre2songes@orange.fr. http://entre2songes.re/
Des Cabanes Sur Une Île, Rivière Saint-Louis
Love the idea of spending the night in a wood cabin but aren’t willing to sacrifice your creature comforts? This collection of chic chalets, whose name literally means “cabins on an island”, could be just right for you. Flanked by foliage, they have king-size beds and are stylishly decorated; there’s even a swimming pool should you wish to cool off.
3 Allée des Marjolaines, Rivière Saint-Louis, +262 693 404 737 www.descabanessuruneile.com
Cottage Papangue, Sainte-Suzanne
After a night spent high up in a lychee tree, falling asleep to the sounds of Cascade Niagara, enjoy breakfast on the nearby house veranda with a panoramic view of one of Reunion’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Junction of Chemin Marancourt and Chemin la Croix, Sainte-Suzanne, +262 646 813 770
Bois Joli Coeur, Sainte-Anne
As well as ‘standard’ chalets, this east-coast campsite at Sainte-Anne features some unusual places to stay. Its triplicate of perfectly-proportioned chalets for just two people will make you feel as though you are lodging in a traditionally-built small Creole house. You can also eat a delicious carri cooked over a wood fire and visit the surrounding farm. 120, Propriété Payet, Chemin Ceinture, Sainte-Anne +262 692 725 391 https://www.campingleboisjolicoeur.re
Glamping Reunion, Chaloupe Saint-Leu
This out-of-the-ordinary campsite gives you the chance to sleep in either in a traditional straw hut, an A-frame cabin, or a tent. All three types of accommodation provide scenic views over the Indian Ocean.
438 Chemin Surprise, Chaloupe Saint-Leu, +262 692 075 045 http://glamping-reunion.com
Terre Rouge, Saint-Joseph
This trio of chalets, built using local cryptomeria wood and basalt stone, are set in a large tropical garden. What’s special about them? They have neither doors nor windows! Instead the owners have simply put up large curtains to give guests privacy. The decor is a mix of vintage furniture, trinkets, designer pieces, and works from local artists.
28 Chemin Terre Rouge, Vincendo, Saint-Joseph, +262 692 224 620 www.terre-rouge.re/en-GB/
To discover the many facets of Reunion Island take a look at our wide range of sightseeing tours.
