Loterie Farm

High on the flank of Pic Paradis on the French side, Loterie Farm is a 135-hectare former sugar estate turned over to forest trails, a zip-line course, a pool and a restaurant, so it can fill a whole day or just a morning hike.

The original Fly Zone treetop course is closed while a new one is planned. What runs is the Fly Zone Extreme, a circuit of longer, higher zip lines and obstacles with departures in the morning, at midday and early afternoon. It suits fit adults: riders must be at least 1.4 m tall and weigh between 55 and 100 kg, anyone under 18 goes round with a parent, and the briefing is in English or French only. Wear shoes that strap on, not sandals.

The hiking is self-guided. The short trail takes about an hour; the long one climbs about two and a half hours to the top of Pic Paradis, the island's highest point, and is moderate to hard. A third path reaches La Source, a spring that can dry up in the dry months, and monkeys are often seen. Afterwards there is the jungle pool with shaded cabanas, lunch at the Jungle Room from noon, and a separate kids' play area with its own small pool. Outside food and drink are not allowed. From September to November the farm opens Wednesday to Sunday only, and on the last Saturday of each month a pool party takes over and the Extreme course shuts.