REUNION ISLAND

The capital Saint-Denis (population 105,000) is on the north coast of the Island.Reunion, a French possession, lies between Madagascar and Mauritius.Saint-Denis has a number of dignified old French buildings, a hippodrome (horse racing), natural history art museums, and botanical gardens.

CLIMATE: May to October the temperatures average 65?F (18?c) to 86'F (30?c) on the coast while the inland hills are cooler.January to March it turns hot and wet during cyclone season.

HOW TO GET THERE: 7 weekly International flights from Paris and east Africa and daily flights from Mauritius.

____ 2 rue Doret, PO Box 43, Saint-Denis 97462, Reunion Island.

Tel: 21-80-20.

Type: Superior first class resort hotel.

Location: On the northern coast overlooking the Indian Ocean adjacent to the Gardens of Barachois.

Casino Games: blackjack, roulette.

Amenities: 112 rooms restaurant, coffee, bar, nightclub, freshwater pool, tennis courts, shops.

Rates: US$104 - 115.