Lux* Saint Gilles Resort
reunion, reunion · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Lux* Saint Gilles Resort is the finest resort option on Réunion Island, positioned on the west coast's protected lagoon beach with 147 rooms and suites in the signature Lux* style: sophisticated, playful, and genuinely warm. The resort's concept — whimsical cinema on the beach, hammocks under the palms, excellent food — translates well to a honeymoon context, and the location on Réunion's sunniest coast makes it an ideal base for volcano excursions, hiking in the cirques, and Indian Ocean beach life in equal measure. For couples who want a five-star resort experience on a destination that offers more cultural and landscape depth than a standard island resort, Lux* Saint Gilles is the clear choice on Réunion.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Want direct beach access
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
84/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Book a Junior Suite Ocean View or a Premium Room with direct garden and pool access for the honeymoon. The suites have separate living areas and private balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean lagoon. For maximum luxury, the Lux* Suite offers a large private terrace with direct pool views and upgraded bath amenities. The resort's beach access rooms provide the most direct connection to the lagoon.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $800/nt) | $5,600 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $8,400 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,120 |
| Total estimated | $18,420 |
Book Your Stay
Check availability
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Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival & Lagoon Afternoon
Réunion's Roland Garros Airport is 50 kilometres from Saint Gilles — taxi or shuttle takes around an hour. Check in at the Lux* reception and be escorted to your suite. The west coast lagoon beach is right outside: calm, warm water behind a reef barrier makes the first afternoon swim immediate and easy. Dinner at Kour restaurant introduces you to Réunion's rich Creole cuisine.
Cinema on the Beach & Lagoon Water Sports
Lux*'s signature cinema on the beach is an extraordinary detail — an outdoor screen with hammock seating, curated film programme, and cocktails. Morning is best spent on the water: the resort's water sports centre offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling in the protected lagoon. Afternoon at the spa introduces the Lux* spa rituals menu.
Piton de la Fournaise Volcano Excursion
Réunion's active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, is among the world's most accessible volcanoes and the island's single greatest attraction. A full-day excursion (around 3.5 hours by car each way across the island) reaches the summit caldera and, when the volcano is active, glowing lava flows. The landscape is otherworldly — a date-worthy adventure unlike anything a beach resort alone can offer.
Cirque de Mafate Helicopter Flight
Réunion's three volcanic cirques — Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie — are among the most dramatic crater landscapes on earth, and Mafate is accessible only by foot or helicopter. A private helicopter flight from the Saint Gilles helipad circles the cirques and offers aerial views of the island's extraordinary interior. Back at the resort, an afternoon at the pool and spa.
Snorkeling the Marine Reserve
The Saint Gilles lagoon is protected within a marine reserve. A guided snorkel tour with the resort's marine team explores the reef sections richest in coral and fish life. Réunion's waters host Napoleon wrasse, hawksbill turtles, and a variety of tropical reef species. Afternoon is devoted to a couples massage at the Lux* Me Spa.
Saint-Denis Cultural Day
Réunion's capital Saint-Denis is worth a half-day for its vibrant Creole architecture, the colourful covered market, and the authentic local restaurant scene. The mix of French, Indian, Chinese, Malagasy, and African cultural influences makes for a fascinating street food and cultural exploration. Return to Saint Gilles for a sunset cocktail and the resort's best dinner experience.
Farewell Morning
A final swim in the lagoon, breakfast on the terrace overlooking the pool, and a last espresso in the Lux* style. The resort can arrange an airport transfer back to Roland Garros for your onward flights home or to Paris.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Réunion is primarily a French-speaking destination — outside the resort, English is limited. Basic French phrases will be warmly received and practically useful in restaurants, markets, and on excursions.
The west coast lagoon is calm but the east and south coasts of Réunion face open ocean and are unsuitable for swimming — plan excursions accordingly.
Lux* Saint Gilles is a resort of 147 rooms and can feel busy in peak season (French school holidays, July–August, December–January) — it does not offer the seclusion of a boutique property.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Lux* Saint Gilles Resort Dear Lux* Saint Gilles team, My partner and I are planning our honeymoon and are very interested in staying with you from [DATE] to [DATE] ([X] nights). We are particularly interested in: a Junior Suite Ocean View or Lux* Suite Could you please let us know: - Current availability for our dates - Any honeymoon packages or complimentary upgrades - Whether you can assist with booking the volcano excursion and helicopter flight Thank you for your time. [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Lux* Saint Gilles good for honeymooners?
It is the best resort option on Réunion and provides a genuinely romantic base, particularly in a suite with ocean views. The island itself is exceptional for a honeymoon that combines beach luxury with adventure — volcano hiking, helicopter rides over the cirques, and Creole culture add depth that pure beach resorts cannot match.
What is the best time to visit?
May through October is the dry austral winter — warm days, cooler evenings, excellent visibility in the lagoon. July and August are peak French holiday season and the resort is busier. April, September, and October offer good weather with fewer crowds.
What should we book in advance?
Ocean view suites, the volcano excursion (licensed guides book up fast), the helicopter Cirque flight, and couples spa treatments all benefit from advance booking. Peak summer (July–August) requires hotel reservations several months ahead.
Is it adults-only?
No, Lux* Saint Gilles is family-friendly and welcomes children. The resort is notably popular with French families during school holidays, which shifts the atmosphere during those periods. Outside peak family season, couples dominate the guest mix.
What's the best room for a honeymoon?
A Junior Suite Ocean View or the Lux* Suite with private terrace gives the most romantic in-room experience. The suites have separate living areas, upgraded linens, and large balconies ideal for private morning coffee overlooking the lagoon.
How do we get there?
Fly to Réunion's Roland Garros Airport (RUN) — there are direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly with Air France and Air Austral, and connections via Mauritius, Nairobi, and Dubai from other origins. From the airport, a taxi or private transfer to Saint Gilles takes approximately 50–60 minutes.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
