Tranquil escape

If you are looking for a relaxing international holiday, without the hassle of overnight travel, you have to head to Réunion.       Diana Dea Lodge, set on the East Coast of the unspoilt island, is the perfect haven for those looking for an escape.

The narrow, winding road to Diana Dea Lodge has a thicket of trees and bushes on either side, hiding the beauty that awaits you when you reach an altitude of 650 metres. Upon arrival you notice the breath taking views first. The hotel, built in typical hunting lodge style, overlooks the Indian Ocean and the East Coast of Réunion, set between Salazie and the Plain of the Palmistes. It is a 360-degree wonderland.

This lodge exudes discreet luxury with leather, stone and other natural materials used in the decor. The sitting room and restaurant is formal, yet comfortable, with expansive views and an integrated fireplace for cosy evenings.

They have three different types of rooms, with the privilege-option on the garden level being the premium choice as you then have a veranda with deck chairs overlooking the ocean. The rooms are designed in keeping with the natural themes of the hotel and is luxurious and comfortable with expansive views from the bed and bath.

Here you can enjoy local delicacies prepared with Réunionaise flair in the fine dining restaurant which offers a carefully curated wine list with an excellent selection of French and international wines. The sophisticated, traditional menu combines regional produce with local spices and flavours to create a contemporary cuisine with an abundance of flavour and colour.

We were treated to a perfectly seasoned snail mousse with lemon for starters – richly smooth with hints of fresh citrus. The stage was set! The rest of the menu was equally impressive and included duck breast with foie gras sauce, salmon with beurre nantais, green pea and parmesan risotto and a vanilla dessert served with fig compote.

Diana Dea Lodge was designed for relaxation – you can lounge outside by the infinity pool that overlooks the Indian Ocean, take a walk on one of two walking routes to spot deer or spend a day in the spa.

The spa is a particular highlight – with all the luxuries that goes with the Cing Mondes accreditation. The Cinq Mondes is France’s pioneering specialist provider of treatments, massages and professional cosmetic products for spas, inspired by ancient indigenous cultures. They also have a hammam, which I would recommend you start your spa experience with.

Diana Dea Lodge is the perfect destination for a relaxing retreat – especially if the plan is to unwind for a couple of days after exploring the action packed activities that the rest of Réunion Island has to offer.

Good to know:
South-Africans don’t need visas to visit the island and its just a short flight on Air Austral from O.R Tambo International.

More about Diana Dea Lodge: www.diana-dea-lodge.re
Réunion Island Tourism: en.reunion.fr
To book flights on Air Austral: www.air-austral.com

Written by Mart-Marié du Toit

Images: Supplied