We know Mauritius is great, but is Réunion better for us?

Planning a honeymoon is exciting, yet choosing between Reunion vs Mauritius, stunning islands, can feel overwhelming. Since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s only natural to want to make the right choice.

If you live in South Africa, you’ve probably either been to Mauritius or know someone who has. Mauritius has long been a popular holiday destination for South African families and honeymooners. 

But what about Réunion? Which island is truly the better honeymoon destination?

The answer depends on the kind of experience you envision for your post-wedding escape. Both offer pristine beaches and luxurious accommodations, but each appeals to different honeymoon styles. 

This guide will compare Mauritius and Réunion to help you decide which island is the perfect match for your dream honeymoon.

Mauritius: The Postcard-Perfect Paradise

Mauritius is what many imagine when they hear “tropical honeymoon.” It's the land of calm turquoise lagoons, soft white-sand beaches, and luxurious beachfront resorts designed with romance in mind.

Everything feels tailored for couples, whether you're enjoying a couples' massage, a private beachfront dinner, or simply relaxing in your overwater suite.

Top Things to Do in Mauritius:

• Beautiful Beaches: Relax on stunning beaches like Belle Mare, Trou aux Biches, or Le Morne.

• Island Day Trips: Take a boat to Île aux Cerfs for beach time and fun water sports.

• Sunset Cruises: Go on a catamaran cruise to watch the sunset or see dolphins.

• Nature & Animals: Walk in the green Black River Gorges or meet lions at Casela Park.

• Culture & Shopping: Explore colorful temples, old buildings, and busy markets in Port Louis.

• Spa Time: Treat yourselves to massages and spa days—many resorts offer amazing services.

Reunion: The Untamed Adventure Hub

Reunion is bold, wild, and full of heart-pounding experiences—perfect for couples who crave adventure over sun loungers. The island is dramatic and raw, with cloud-piercing volcanic peaks, misty forests, and roaring waterfalls. 

Top Things to Do in Reunion:

• Volcano Hiking: Climb Piton de la Fournaise, a real volcano that is still active.

• Mountain Valleys: Visit the island’s big natural valleys—Cilaos, Salazie, and Mafate—with amazing views and trails.

• Beach Time: Swim and snorkel on the west coast at L’Hermitage.

• Sky Adventures: See the island from above in a helicopter or try paragliding.

• Local Life: Walk through Creole villages, taste local food, and visit markets.

• Scenic Drives: Rent a car and drive through the mountains to see stunning views from places like Maïdo.

Best Time to Visit

Timing your honeymoon right can shape your entire experience, especially in tropical destinations like Mauritius and Réunion, where the seasons affect everything from beach conditions to adventure activities.

Mauritius

• Best Season (May to December): Warm and nice weather (20–28°C), low humidity, clear skies, calm seas—perfect for beaches and snorkeling.

• Hot & Humid (Jan to March): It gets hot and rainy with possible cyclones, which might spoil outdoor plans.

• Busy Season (Dec to early Jan): Lots of tourists, higher prices, so book early.

• Quiet Time (May–June, Sept–Nov): Less crowded, cooler, and better prices—great for a peaceful honeymoon.

Reunion

• Best Season (May to November): Cooler and dry (18–26°C), perfect for hiking, waterfalls, and nature adventures.

• Cyclone Season (Dec to March): Rainy and wet, especially in the mountains and on the east side. Outdoor plans may be difficult.

• Busy Season (July to August): French tourists visit the most during these months, so expect larger crowds.

• Quiet Time (May–June, Sept–Nov): Like Mauritius, these months have good weather and fewer tourists for a calm honeymoon.

Getting Around the Islands

Mauritius

In Mauritius, it's a compact, easy-go location for which many couples opt for private taxis or which they arrange through their hotel. Also, you may rent a car to do the exploring at your speed; we have good roads and short distances. 

Public buses are there, which are very cheap but very slow and not really a comfortable option if what you are looking for is comfort or convenience, which you will get from many of the places you wish to see. 

Also, resorts provide tour packages to the top spots, which make for easy sightseeing.

Reunion 

Reunion is rough and large, which is why we recommend you rent a car to see it all. The roads are winding and steep, but the views are to die for! 

Public bus service between the towns is limited and doesn’t cover an extensive area, which means they aren’t very useful for most travelers.

Guided tours are highly recommended if you want to see the island safely and also learn about its secrets without hitting the road.

Food & Dining

In Mauritius, they serve a delicious mix of Indian, Creole, Chinese, and French cuisines. They have spicy curries and also very fresh seafood. Also very popular and at low prices is street food, which includes dholl puri and samosas.

Reunion's food scene is very French and Creole in flavor. We have rougail saucisse (spicy sausage) to try, Creole-style tapas, and also fresh baguettes from a small town bakery. Also, many restaurants put a tropical spin on French dishes.

Language

In Mauritius, English is in use almost everywhere, in fact, in hotels, shops, and tourist areas. We won’t have any issue with asking for help or out to read signs.

French is what you will mostly hear at tourist destinations in Reunion. Some people may speak a little English, but it is a good idea to learn some basic French if you are visiting out of the town centers.

Safety & Health

In terms of safety, both Mauritius and Reunion are great places to visit. Most travelers report no issues at all. Just out with the usual safety advice, which is to watch what you have with you and also to avoid certain areas at night. Also, it is easy to find basic health care and medicine should you require it.

Budget & Accommodation

Mauritius has many places to stay, from luxury resorts to budget hotels and guesthouses. Most honeymooners choose beachside resorts that offer meals and spa services, but these are pricier. 

If you want to save, consider small hotels or apartments where you can cook. Prices rise from December to January but drop from May to June or September to November.

Reunion focuses on nature and adventure. It has fewer beach resorts and more mountain lodges and guesthouses, which are cheaper and perfect for hiking. Some offer breakfast and are run by local families. 

You can spend less here than in Mauritius, especially away from the coast. Renting a car is an added cost, but it helps you explore better.

So, Which One’s Right for You?

Deciding which is better between Mauritius and Reunion for your honeymoon? We’ve put together this quick guide to help you choose what fits your personality best. When it comes to a comparison of Reunion Island to Mauritius, it is a matter of what type of trip you are in the mood for.

Choose Mauritius if...

• Your dream honeymoon is about relaxation, privacy, and pampering.

• You are into soft sandy beaches, spa days, and candlelit dinners by the sea.

• You are looking for a laid-back island getaway with a tropical feel and first-class hospitality.

Choose Reunion if...

• You love adventure like hiking, volcanoes, and mountain views.

• You want to explore forests, waterfalls, and lava trails.

• You prefer a wild, less touristy, outdoor-focused experience.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to which between Mauritius and Reunion to choose for your honeymoon, there is no wrong decision.

If you dream of long, lazy beach days at luxurious resorts with magical sunsets, then Mauritius is a picture-perfect escape.

If you and your partner are into adventure, the great outdoors, and exploration, then Reunion Island is what you’re looking for. No matter which you choose, what you get is going to be a trip of a lifetime, full of memories that will last forever. 

Think also about what type of holiday you both prefer to take, and let Computravel help you find the perfect island getaway. With personalized packages, start your journey today!