Written by @lovefromleonaÂ
A winter getaway living rent-free in your head? With the thought of winters in Scotland being long and dark I knew this year I had to break it up with a getaway to the Caribbean, so I did exactly that!
12 days on the stunning island of Martinique, immersed in French Caribbean life was exactly what I needed but it had me wanting to see so many more of these islands, especially the British ones. So then came the idea for this destination de-brief! I feel so little is talked about the French Caribbean and this tiny island so of course I want to share this with you all! But also the possibilities for an amazing trip this archipelago has to offer, so let's go!
Contents
Where to stay
Whether you’re booking a Caribbean holiday for a client or wanting to soak up the sun for yourself I have the perfect locations for you. While on my trip, I visited some beautiful spots I'd love to go back and holiday in! Picture cocktails by the beach and sunsets over glistening water, oh la la, and I've hand picked a few locations I visited for my recommendation of where to stay:
Up first, Black Diamond
The perfect poolside getaway!
The area of Le Diamant is the perfect place for a quiet getaway. About an hour from the busy streets of Fort-de-France this sea-facing town is named so after the island it faces out to, The Black Diamond. Named after the way the rock looks like a diamond sitting out at sea, completely black as the sunset passes behind it.Â
I’d recommend staying in an Airbnb or holiday rental and using the pool and beach club Black Diamond by Philippe Hureau. While the sea looks stunning and is perfect for a quick dip you’ll much prefer the chilled laid-back vibes of this beach club.
Les Trois-ÃŽlets
Is snorkelling and sea swimming more your thing?
Les Trois-ÃŽlets, literally named the three small islands for its three scooping bays of white sand and rocky exterior this part of Martinique, is ideal for snorkelling, chilling by the beach and watching the sunset. Accessible by road or by the local ferry from Fort-de-France, this part of Martinique has everything you'd want out of a Caribbean getaway.Â
The small village-like centre has great bars for a cocktail, stunning boutiques and great restaurants. And the bonus part? That local ferry means you can hop into the city any time you like! #ShellYeah
This part of the island has every type of accommodation, from stunning resort hotels to smaller villas and AirBnB's.Â
Day trips
Rum in the SunÂ
Rum lover or a casual mojito drinker?
You and your clients will love this distillery tour! The Habitation Clermont is the most stunning rum distillery on the island, set in grounds of towering palm trees with modern art and sculptures nestled in between. Their galleries are filled with exhibitions so check what's showing when you’re there.Â
Here's what I loved most - tasting is included in your ticket price! Yep, and when you get to the end, of course you’ll be wanting to take some home with you! Shopping straight from the source means its so much cheaper than at the airport too plus, you'll be supporting the local distillery and community. It's a win win!
Fort-de-FranceÂ
The capital of Martinique is the hub of this island, with busy street markets, some of the best local Caribbean food you will ever eat and streets filled with markets of fresh fruit and souvenirs. The city carries so much history, named so because of the built the French to protect the original city. Known as the ‘Paris of the Caribbean’ for its cultural and commercial buzz.Â
Fancy a spot of Caribbean Island hopping?Â
Sites like Rome 2 Rio are great for checking ferry routes, sailing times and booking tickets, so here are some recommendations to help you hop around the Caribbean (as you do):
Ferries to St LuciaÂ
Operator: L’Express Des Iles
Schedule: Weekly
Journey time: 1hr 30mins
Ferries to DominicaÂ
Operator: L’Express Des Iles
Schedule: Weekly
Journey time: 2hr 30mins
I would also recommend checking out flights to Barbados, Guadeloupe, and Grenada to compare prices and routes too.
Cruise ship stop offÂ
Thinking of a Caribbean cruise? South Caribbean cruises are bound to stop at Martinique and if its one of your stop off’s you know you’re in for a treat!
My Top Tips
Brush up on your French and download the Google Translate app. Just like in mainland France, English isn’t widely spoken outside of the cities. This didn’t at all become an issue because I had trusty Google Translate on hand #TravelBestie.
I would highly suggest hiring a car too for stops at Pitons, Beach in the south and St Pierre - absolutely stunning spots to sit back, relax, and soak up the Caribbean.
Written by @lovefromleonaÂ
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