April 2024
A Quick Getaway to Réunion Island: A Memorable Mother-Daughter Adventure
01
Sometimes, the best trips are the ones that happen unexpectedly. What was meant to be a brief, urgent visit to Réunion Island turned into an unforgettable adventure for my mother and me. This was our second time visiting Réunion, the first being 16 years ago, and it was the first time we had traveled together as just the two of us since then. The whole experience was a beautiful blend of nostalgia, discovery, and bonding.
Our trip began with a whirlwind of last-minute arrangements. We were informed that we needed to be in Réunion Island in just three days, so we quickly booked our air tickets through Air Mauritius and secured our accommodation. We found a charming B&B, Maison Le Patio, which turned out to be a great choice. Located conveniently near restaurants and the bus station, it offered a clean and cozy room that allowed us to work and relax in comfort.
We arrived in St Denis late at night, tired but eager to explore. After checking in and dropping off our luggage, we ventured out in search of a meal. We stumbled upon Vapiano St Denis and decided to try their Creole-style pizza with sausages and chili, along with a bruschetta starter. The meal was satisfying, setting the tone for the rest of our stay. We called it a night, knowing we had an important appointment the next morning.
The following morning, our appointment went smoothly, leaving us with the rest of the day to start our holiday. We decided to indulge in some local cuisine and headed to "Le Vieux Kréole," a buffet-style restaurant in St Denis. The buffet was a culinary delight, offering a wide variety of dishes from chicken and pork to vegetables and pickles. It was a true feast that allowed us to savour the rich flavours of Réunion's local cuisine.
In the afternoon, we drove to Saint-Gilles Les Bains, and it was love at first sight. The stunning landscape, the vibrant sea, and the warm, welcoming people left us utterly charmed. We spent the day shopping and exploring, and I even found a shop specializing in truffle-based products, "Signorini Tartufi," which was a delightful surprise.
While in Saint-Gilles, we also had the chance to learn about the efforts to protect the coral barrier and address shark-related issues in the area. We spoke with locals who work on the initiative to ensure surfers can enjoy the waves safely, a fascinating insight into the local environmental efforts.
Back in St Denis, we were fortunate to have a variety of dining options near our apartment. One evening, we discovered a cozy pub/restaurant called La Comédie, which quickly became a favorite. We arrived just in time for Happy Hour, enjoying a glass of white wine with some tapas. For dinner, I had a delicious beef tartare, while my mum opted for a perfectly cooked tuna. We ended the evening with another drink, thoroughly satisfied with our day.
The next day, we decided to explore St Denis like locals—by bus. The public transport system in Réunion is well-organized and clean, making it easy to get around. We traveled to Sacré Coeur for some shopping, although we found it a bit pricey and didn’t make too many purchases. However, the experience of navigating the city by bus and immersing ourselves in the local way of life was rewarding in itself.
For our last evening, I wanted to treat my mum to something special, and we found the perfect spot just minutes from our apartment—Le Bar à Huitres. The owner was incredibly welcoming, and the food was nothing short of extraordinary. We started with a sardine dish from 2019, paired with a perfect white wine. For the main course, we indulged in a seafood platter with oysters, bulots, and prawns, all accompanied by another exquisite wine. To top it off, we savored the best île flottante we’ve ever had. It was a culinary experience we’ll never forget.
On the morning of our departure, we had time for one last walk around St Denis. We stumbled upon a beautiful cathedral and decided to attend the Sunday mass. The service was lovely, with soulful songs sung in Réunion Creole, adding a special touch to our last day. We continued our walk through the city, stopping at a supermarket to stock up on some local goodies, like my favorite Oasis drink and some biscuits. Since everything was closed on Sundays, we had a quiet lunch at our apartment before heading back to Mauritius.
Although our trip was short, it was rich in experiences. From discovering local cuisine and exploring the cultural landscape to connecting with the warm and friendly people of Réunion, every moment was filled with joy. The island’s hospitality and vibrant culture left a lasting impression on both of us, and we can’t wait to return for a more elaborate adventure in the future.
Until next time, Réunion Island!
