Top 10 waterfront hotels

One of the finest hotels on Réunion and without doubt the best in the seaside resort of Saint-Gilles. And although the competition is few and far between in this part of the island, the LUX* Saint-Gilles holds its own. Formerly the Grand Hôtel du Lagon, this 5-star hotel has plenty to offer.

In addition to its waterfront location, comfortable rooms, tasty cuisine and superb swimming pool, by becoming LUX* (formerly part of the Naïade group), the hotel is unveiling a new concept in upmarket yet friendly holidays. Whether it's privacy, entertainment, sport or relaxation, every holidaymaker will find their own little corner of paradise. The best-located luxury hotel on Reunion Island, with an atmosphere and character all its own. A real favourite!

This new address on Reunion Island opened in early 2019. We particularly appreciate its ideal location, right on the lagoon, the exquisite and original cuisine, the spa, and the superb infinity pool... Although the hotel was built in a U shape enclosing a small garden, it is in front of the hotel that the lawn planted with sumptuous palm trees and the view over the lagoon are the main assets of this address.

All the rooms in this sleek, elegant and modern hotel have a small kitchenette for preparing meals to enjoy on the terrace. A very good residence hotel that deserves its 4 stars and has nothing to envy from some 5-star hotels.

Well located, refined and with a very pleasant atmosphere, the Boucan Canot is recommended to those looking for a top-of-the-range hotel by the sea. However, the beach is not recommended for swimming, but the pool in front of the sea makes up for it. Its gourmet restaurant is well worth a visit.

The rooms at this 4-star hotel are spacious and tastefully decorated in wood and stone. 80% of the rooms have a sea view and a balcony with garden furniture. A great address with your feet in the water, but not in the lagoon!

The Palm is one of the island's most luxurious hotels. With its design style and clean lines, this hotel overlooking the sea is a real eye-catcher. The only drawback is that it doesn't have its feet in the water! To sum up, this 5-star hotel is not recommended for families looking for a cool, no-fuss place to stay, but it is perfect for couples, who can opt for the independent suites and lodges overlooking the sea.

It's outside that the show is most impressive. Two infinity pools, one on top of the other, flow into the ocean, forming a blue horizon! These pools have taken up residence in the middle of a vast palm tree park.

A charming and prestigious hotel, the Saint-Alexis combines comfort and authenticity. On the menu are all the ingredients for a successful stay: gastronomy, welcome, services and facilities. However, as the years go by, the sea air blows in and the infrastructure wears out... A little renovation wouldn't go amiss!

This 4-star hotel does have its feet in the sand, but it is not possible to swim in the sea here... However, the absence of a lagoon on the beach is compensated for by the turquoise lagoon surrounding the hotel. The hotel has two lovely pools for relaxing or unwinding, as well as a spa with sauna.

Opened in 2015, the Akoya is a beautiful structure with over 100 rooms and an infinity pool with breathtaking sea views. This 5-star hotel goes all out with a vast spa, two pools (one for lounging, the other for swimming), a playground, a large gym, all surrounded by a lush garden.

The sober, chic rooms perhaps lack a little personality. They offer a garden or sea view (superior rooms and suites also have a small swimming pool). Bonus: the hotel overlooks a lagoon with turquoise waters that is just a few minutes' walk away.

This beautiful Creole-style residence is an elegant hotel that deserves its 4 stars. With beautiful rooms, a swimming pool on a terrace overlooking the sea, the hotel attracts both locals and tourists with its ideal location in the heart of the town, just a stone's throw from the beach.

The uniquely designed rooms at Villa Delisle Hôtel & Spa are adorned with dark wood Creole furniture, large banana canvases and mantling. The hotel also boasts a spa, hammam, gym and even a casino!

The hotel Le Battant des Lames, named after the place where the waves crash against the island's reefs, lives up to its name. Set between land and sea, this three-star hotel is unique in that it has both its feet in the water and is close to the hustle and bustle of the town. This Saint-Pierre hotel offers both a seaside and urban stay, and boasts a wellness centre.

When it comes to rooms, opt for superior or deluxe sea-facing accommodation, so you can hear the waves crashing on the shore in the morning. All rooms are contemporary in style, with light furnishings and parquet flooring. A trendy land and sea atmosphere, but without the fuss!

A family hotel in the LUX* Resorts & Hotels chain, Le Récif is a very pleasant 3-star establishment in an ideal location. Spacious rooms, a beach right in front of the hotel, two swimming pools, a children's club and activities for all. All this in a green setting served by charming staff!

The rooms all face the sea (which you can't always see because of the vegetation!) and all have a covered balcony or terrace. The ground-floor rooms have less privacy, but for parents with children, the access to the large lawn is much appreciated.

In Saline-les-Bains, on the west coast, this hotel stands out for its unusual decor and friendly atmosphere. Here, every piece of fabric and every piece of furniture evokes Réunion Island. Dina Morgabine is what Arab navigators called the island in the 16th century.

Reminiscent of seaside varangue houses, the rooms at this 3-star hotel are comfortable. This warmly decorated, authentic hotel also boasts a 25-metre swimming pool and a spa. In short, a friendly, atypical hotel where holidaymakers can rediscover the soul of Reunion Island, with the added bonus of a panoramic view over the Indian Ocean!