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the House of Bourbon fell again in the 1848
French Revolution and the island was once
again, and finally, re-named Réunion.
Given that the island had no indigenous
population, the current majority mixed race
population and creole culture are the result
of centuries of immigration by a variety
of people of different race and ethnicity.
Réunionnaise nationals can trace their
origins back to France, Africa (particularly
Madagascar), China, Malaysia and India,
among other places. The island's estimated
population as of January 2012 is 837,868.
As a French department, Réunion is
under French rule. Didier Robert, incumbent
of the title President of the Regional Council
of Réunion, represents the country in the
National Assembly of France. He has held
this office since 26 March 2010 and is a
member of the French political party, Union
for a Popular Movement.
travel to réunIon
South Africans visiting Réunion for short
stays of up to 90 days do not require a visa
to visit the island. The island is part of the
Eurozone and the currency used is the Euro.
In addition to being up to date on their
standard vaccines, visitors to the island
are encouraged to be vaccinated against
Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Rabies is only
present in bats on the island and the rabies
vaccination is therefore only recommended
for people who will be involved in research,
caving or adventure sports that may bring
them into contact with bats. Yellow fever is
not present on Réunion and the country only
requires proof of yellow fever vaccination
from those travellers arriving from countries
with a risk of yellow fever.
Travellers flying into Réunion will land
at the Roland Garros Airport in the capital
city of Saint-Denis, located at the northern
most point of the island. The city is the most
populous on the island and is itself well
worth a visit, with its stunning architecture,
fabulous restaurants, art galleries, museums
and the Le Barachois seafront park.
Réunion provides a superb mix of
unspoiled and awe-inspiring landscapes
for eco-tourists and, for intrepid adventure
seekers, a plethora of adrenaline-fuelled
adventure sports that range from the
mainstream to the extreme. Finally, for those
who want to discover the soul of Réunion,
there are ample opportunities to mingle with
the colourful locals and enjoy the creole
culture and cuisine that is unique to this
original island.
Opposite: Cirque de mafata caldera
This page top: LUX* offers the island's only
five-star resort
This page bottom: The resort's stunning 1100
square-metre pool
Lifestyle members earn 20% off
and earn further rewards on
accommodation and dining.
www.TravelByLifestyle.co.za
Grand Café
and Rooms
IS A LEGACY LIFESTYLE PARTNER
TO BOOK VISIT:
Travel
by Lifestyle
Is a legacy lIFestyle
partner hotel
lifestyle members receive 20%
off and earn further rewards on
accommodation and dining
lux* Ile
de la réunion