PERFECT ISLANDS
RÉUNION, FRANCE
OPOPULATION 845,000
OSIZE 970 square miles
The notion of an Indian Ocean
island suggests turquoise
lagoons, infinity pools and
all-inclusive resorts. Well,
Réunion is nothing like that.
A piece of French soil detached
from the mainland and 400
miles adrift off the coast of
Madagascar, Réunion looks
more like a wild island outof comic book fantasy, with
smouldering volcanoes,
thundering waterfalls and
a jungle-clad, mountainous
interior criss-crossed by hiking
trails. The king of all these
trails is the five-hour slog up
the Piton de la Fournaise – an
active volcano that
periodically sends smoke
spiralling to the heavens and
lava streaming towards the sea.In the intervals between
eruptions, walkers
can hike to the rim for views
overlooking plains of volcanic
ash and green foothills, with
the Indian Ocean beyond.
OGETTING THERE Fly AirAsia from
Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to
Chennai, India first. Then fly Air
Austral to Réunion (from US$350;
air-austral.com).Best for Walking