The Wild South of Reunion Island is certainly a place not-to-be-missed during your holidays in Reunion Island. Well-known for its preserved and authentic atmosphere amid lush vegetation, the Wild South offers breathtaking landscapes and multiple activities.
1- Enjoying a picnic or admiring a sunset at Grande Anse Beach.
With its wide stretch of white sand lined with coconut trees, Grande Anse beach is without a doubt the most dreamy beach on the Southern coast of Reunion Island. This beach is a favorite spot for the organization of a family picnic during the week-end. You may also find a few food trucks for your convenience. Nonetheless, while it looks like a little paradise, heavy swell makes swimming very dangerous. Fortunately, a natural swimming pool will allow you to enjoy a safe refreshing dip. At the end of the day, the sunset over Grande Anse bay offers a spectacular sight. Grande Anse Beach is only a 5-minute drive away from PALM Hotel & Spa.
2 - Take a stroll in the primary forest of Mare Longue.
The primary forest of Mare Longue is considered as one of the most beautiful botanical trails in Reunion island. The small informative sheets along the botanical trail will allow you to learn more about the richness of this Reunionese natural heritage.
3 - Marveling at the impressive cliffs of "Cap Jaune" or "Cap Méchant".
Standing as a rare geological phenomenon, the “Cap Jaune” (“Yellow Cape”) offers a unique landscape with its golden dress. In order to discover this secret spot, drive to Vincendo marina in Saint-Joseph. A long flat path along the coastline will lead you directly at a viewpoint on the cliff in 1h to 1h30 forth and back.
A bit further down the road, the “Cap Méchant” offers the spectacular sight of waves breaking on basaltic cliffs. You will love the lush surrounding environment and may even catch a glimpse of numerous paille-en-queues, the emblematic birds of Reunion Island. The “Cap Méchant” is certainly the most representative landscape of the Wild South of Reunion island.
4 - Trying out canyoning at Langevin Waterfall.
The Langevin waterfall is certainly one of the most majestic waterfalls in Reunion island. You may either enjoy a refreshing dip or trying out a canyoning session with a specialized monitor. On the road leading you to Langevin Waterfall, you may also choose to stop before the metallic bridge. From this spot, a path along the river will lead you to “Cascade Trou Noir” (“Black hole waterfall”). Be careful, the road leading to Langevin can be narrow and steep.
5 - Let yourself be seduced by the charming Manapany-Les-Bains.
Between Petite-Ile and Saint-Joseph, Manapany-Les-Bains is especially popular for its natural swimming pool delineated by basaltic rocks. This charming little corner of the Wild South of Reunion Island is also the preferred habitat of the Green Lizard of Manapany, an endemic species of the island. If it’s around lunchtime, take a break at “Chez Jo”. This local restaurant offers a selection of delicious traditional creoles fares.
6 - Discovering the plants of Reunion at the Perfume and Spices garden.
Set on a former lava flow, the Perfume and Spices garden (“Jardin des parfums et des épices”) offers to visitors the opportunity to discover the natural heritage of Reunion Island. If you wish, you may join a 1h30 guided tour to discover the secrets behind the Ylang-Ylang, vetiver or particularities of fruit trees and local spices.
7 - Wandering through the unique tea plantation in France.
At 1100 meters altitude, “Le Labyrinthe-en-champ-thé” welcomes you on its tea plantation. During a guided tour, you will discover the secrets behind the tea preparation, from the tree to the cup. This tour will end with a tea tasting session. On top of the white tea, you will also be able to buy : essential oils, honey and other farm products.
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8 - Exploring the lava tubes.
A lava tube exploration is an activity not-to-be-missed in Reunion Island. Accompanied by expert guides, explore the bowels of the earth and discover some breathtaking underground sceneries. If you need any recommendation, do not hesitate to ask our concierge service for some recommendation.
9 - Tasting the "Blue Vanilla"
Acclaimed by pastry chefs, the “Blue Vanilla” is an exceptional product which takes its roots in the Wild South of the island. Thanks to an innovative production process, and contrary to other vanilla types, the Blue vanilla is entirely edible. Its sweet and subtle aroma improves with time.
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10 - Meeting with Mémé Rivière at the Turmeric House. ("Maison du Curcuma")
At Saint-Joseph, Mémé Rivière and his team invite you to discover the secrets behind the turmeric, one of the main spices of the traditional local “cari”. This “local saffron”, cousin of the ginger, gives to traditional dishes colours and flavours. On top of turmeric, Mémé Rivière also offers a selection of spices and products issued from responsible farming. It is also with Mémé Rivière, that Claude Pothin, executive chef at the PALM Hotel & Spa sources the turmeric used in his recipes.