Palm Hotel & Spa
reunion, reunion · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Palm Hotel & Spa is the most romantic address on Réunion Island and one of the most underrated honeymoon hotels in the entire Indian Ocean. Perched on a clifftop above the ocean in Petite-Île on the quiet south coast, the 60-room property offers a level of intimacy and sophistication that the larger west-coast resorts cannot match. This is the off-the-beaten-path side of the island — far from the crowds of Saint-Gilles, with views that stretch uninterrupted across the Indian Ocean and an atmosphere that is deeply French in cuisine and service while remaining unmistakably tropical. For couples planning a honeymoon that combines Michelin-level food, a Cinq Mondes spa, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and a sense of being somewhere genuinely undiscovered, Palm Hotel & Spa is exceptional. Réunion itself is a French overseas department, which means euros, French wine lists, French-trained chefs, and Parisian standards of service — all in a tropical setting that combines black-sand beaches, an active volcano, and the most spectacular volcanic cirques on earth. Honeymooners who want the cultural and culinary depth of France with the landscape drama of Hawaii find Palm Hotel a uniquely rewarding base, and the south-coast location keeps the property quiet even during European school holidays.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
89/100
Book Your Stay
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At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Book the Suite Présidentielle with ocean panorama for the honeymoon — a generous suite with private terrace, large soaking tub, separate living area, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Indian Ocean. The Suite Junior Vue Mer is an excellent step-down option with the same uninterrupted ocean views and direct access to the clifftop infinity pool. All ocean-facing rooms benefit from the property's clifftop position and the morning light over the open sea is one of the defining experiences of staying here.
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 $750/nt) | $5,250 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $7,875 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,050 |
| Total estimated | $17,475 |
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival & Clifftop Sunset
Réunion's Roland Garros Airport sits on the north coast — the drive south to Petite-Île takes around 90 minutes through sugar-cane country and small Creole villages. Arrive at Palm Hotel & Spa, check in, and unwind on your suite's terrace as the afternoon sun settles over the ocean. Dinner at the property's signature restaurant introduces you to the French-Creole fusion that defines the island's high-end cuisine.
Cinq Mondes Spa Day & Lazy Pool Afternoon
Begin the honeymoon properly with a couples ritual at the Cinq Mondes Spa — the brand's signature ceremonies blend Polynesian, Indian, and Japanese traditions. Lunch poolside on the clifftop terrace, then spend the afternoon at the infinity pool watching the ocean below. The south coast is markedly quieter than Saint-Gilles and the rhythm of the day naturally slows.
Piton de la Fournaise Volcano Hike
Réunion's active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, is a 90-minute drive from Petite-Île up through the Plaine des Sables — a Mars-like high-altitude desert of volcanic ash. The full hike to the summit caldera takes around 5 hours return; shorter viewpoint walks are equally dramatic. Pack layers — the altitude is over 2,500 metres and temperatures drop sharply. Return to the hotel for a hot bath and a celebratory dinner.
Cirque de Cilaos Day Trip
The Cirque de Cilaos is one of the three great volcanic crater bowls of Réunion's interior — a winding mountain road of 400 hairpin turns climbs into a hidden valley of vineyards, embroidery workshops, and thermal baths. Lunch on a Creole table d'hôte in the village. The drive is slow and dramatic; allow a full day.
South Coast Lava Beaches & Black-Sand Coves
The south coast around Saint-Philippe and Sainte-Rose is shaped by recent lava flows from Piton de la Fournaise — black-sand beaches, lava tube caves, and the remarkable Notre-Dame des Laves church spared by the 1977 eruption. Picnic on a quiet cove. Return to Palm Hotel for sunset cocktails on the clifftop.
Whale Watching or Bassins Hike (Seasonal)
From June to October, humpback whales gather off Réunion's southern and western coasts — a half-day boat trip from Saint-Pierre offers excellent sightings. Outside whale season, a hike to the spectacular Bassin des Aigrettes or Trou de Fer waterfalls is unforgettable. Afternoon couples massage at the spa.
Farewell Breakfast on the Terrace
A final breakfast on your suite's terrace overlooking the ocean. The drive back to Roland Garros takes around 90 minutes — many couples choose to break the journey with lunch in Saint-Pierre or a final swim at one of the southern lagoons en route.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Cyclone season runs January through March — flights can be disrupted and outdoor activities curtailed. May through October offers the most reliable weather and is the prime honeymoon window.
Réunion's interior roads are spectacular but narrow and winding — driving times are longer than map distances suggest, and motion sickness is common on the cirque routes.
Flights to Réunion are almost exclusively via Paris (around 11 hours non-stop) or via Mauritius — there are no direct connections from North America. Plan a stopover or factor the travel day carefully.
Palm Hotel is not on a swimming beach — the property is clifftop, and the nearest swimmable beach is 15 minutes away by car. Couples who want to step from room to sand should consider a west-coast lagoon hotel.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Palm Hotel & Spa Dear Palm Hotel & Spa 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: the Suite Présidentielle with ocean panorama Could you please let us know: - Current availability for our dates - Any honeymoon packages including a couples ritual at the Cinq Mondes spa - Whether you can assist with a private transfer from Roland Garros and a volcano excursion 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 Palm Hotel & Spa good for honeymooners?
It is the most romantic hotel on Réunion. The clifftop position, intimate scale, Cinq Mondes spa, and quiet south-coast setting make it ideal for couples who want privacy, exceptional food, and a sense of place. Honeymoon packages typically include a couples ritual at the spa and a romantic dinner.
Réunion vs Mauritius for a honeymoon?
Mauritius is the classic Indian Ocean beach honeymoon — long lagoon beaches, large resorts, predictable luxury. Réunion is the wilder, more cultural, and more dramatic alternative — an active volcano, three volcanic cirques for hiking, French overseas department food and wine culture, and far fewer tourists. Couples who prioritise beach lounging choose Mauritius; couples who want adventure with luxury choose Réunion.
When is the best time to see whales?
Humpback whale season runs June through October, with peak sightings in August and September. Boat trips depart from Saint-Pierre and Saint-Gilles and last around 3-4 hours. Sightings are not guaranteed but are very common during peak weeks.
What should we book in advance?
The Suite Présidentielle, the Cinq Mondes couples ritual, the volcano excursion with a licensed guide, and dinner at the signature restaurant are all worth booking before arrival. French school holidays (July-August, December-January) are the busiest periods and require the longest lead time.
Is it adults-only?
No, Palm Hotel & Spa welcomes families, but the small scale (60 rooms), quiet south-coast location, and food-and-spa orientation make it predominantly a destination for couples and discerning travellers rather than a family resort.
How do we get there?
Fly to Réunion's Roland Garros Airport (RUN) — direct flights from Paris with Air France, Air Austral, French Bee, and Corsair. From the airport, the drive south to Petite-Île takes around 90 minutes; the hotel can arrange a private transfer.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
