Fodor's Expert Review Rougail Mangue

The wilder south coast, with its towering active volcano, forms the backdrop of this self-catering boutique guesthouse overlooking the ocean in St. Joseph. The boxy, modern European-style exterior seems plain compared to the colorful interior, where single and multi-bed rooms surround a communal lounge, kitchen, and living room. Tropical tones of yellow, red, and blue accompany dark wood floors and touches of local flora to create a chic, playful environment. A separate, more private bungalow is available for those seeking more solitude. There is also an impressive pool that overlooks the ocean. The kitchen is open to all for self-catering, but there is no restaurant on-site. The hotel's location also provides easy access to hiking and botanical trails, including the Piton de la Fournaise.