Where to drop your bags in the West of Reunion Island? Each area has its personality. Here is a comparison to choose your base by profile.
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains — for the buzz
The liveliest resort: supervised beaches, marina, restaurants and boat trips. See Saint-Gilles.
Boucan Canot — for the chic beach
An iconic beach, an upscale vibe and beautiful sunsets. See Boucan Canot.
L’Hermitage & La Saline — for the family lagoon
The large lagoon, shaded beaches and calm waters: ideal with children. See l’Hermitage · See La Saline.
Saint-Leu — for nature and surf
More authentic and sporty: surf, paragliding, diving and Kélonia. See Saint-Leu.
La Possession & Le Port — for convenience
At the gateway to the West, more residential, perfect as a base camp. See La Possession.
Our tip by profile
- Family: l’Hermitage or La Saline.
- Couple: Boucan Canot or Saint-Gilles.
- Surfers & nature: Saint-Leu.
- Budget / practical: La Possession, Le Port.
Need help? Contact our local concierge, we will guide you.
With or without a car?
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is the only area where a stay without a car is genuinely realistic: beaches, restaurants, shops and the marina are all within walking distance. Everywhere else, a vehicle is needed day to day.
Whichever area you choose, a car is essential for visiting the rest of the island: the cirques, the volcano and the highlands are not conveniently served by public transport.
Budget by season
Rates follow the seasons: the austral winter and local school holidays concentrate demand and the highest prices. The austral summer and shoulder seasons offer more accessible conditions.
Location matters too: for a comparable property, one within walking distance of the lagoon sits higher than a better-equipped place up in the hills.
Rental or hotel?
Holiday rentals dominate the offer in the West, particularly for stays of a week or more. They bring a fitted kitchen, space and an outdoor area — three things that count for a lot in this climate.
Going through a local concierge rather than a platform mainly changes the welcome and the responsiveness during your stay: someone on the spot, reachable, who knows the area.
How long to stay in the West?
Three to four nights are enough to enjoy the coast and a few outings. A week lets you add one or two days towards the cirques or the volcano without changing accommodation repeatedly.
The West works well as a single base: most of the island’s major sites can be reached on a day trip from the coast.
Want to stay in the West of Reunion Island?
Austral Concierge Services supports you, directly and locally.
Contact us