Exploring the French Caribbean

Highlights

The islands of Martinique and Guadeloup both have a distinctly French flavour - from familiar yellow post boxes to freshly baked baguettes every morning! Out walking, you'll enjoy verdant volcanic hills, swaying sugarcane, banana plantations and palm-fringed beaches.

Jardin Malanga, Trois Rivieres, Guadeloupe

The Jardin Malanga is a historical plantation house that was built by a local banana plantation owner in the 1920s. The 7 hectares of tropical gardens that surround the hotel today were once given over to banana production (although there are still some banana trees in the garden along with mango, guava, star fruit and other trees and flowers).

Headwater guests normally stay in the log cabins, which have been built in the garden, just opposite the main house. The three cabins each have two double bedrooms (with king size beds) and private terrace with hammock and patio furniture. The two rooms have completely separate entrances via patio doors but if you are staying with friends, it's possible to unlock the interconnecting door so that you can access each other's rooms internally.

All rooms have air conditioning and fan. The decor is in keeping with the cabin feel to the accommodation; expect dark wooden furniture contrasted by the brightest white linen and complimented by the vases of tropical blooms on the bedside table. In the bathroom, there is a shower over bath, and hairdryer.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

Hotel Plein Soleil, Le Francois, Martinique

The gorgeous Hotel Plein Soleil is a small 3 star family run hotel, which is discreetly situated near to Le Francois on Martinique's eastern shores.

This 16-room villa-style accommodation offers stunning views over Thelmont Bay. It is small and intimate, with exceptional service and eye to detail. The hotel is set in its own grounds, with the reception and restaurant in the main building.

The rooms themselves are situated in 3 creole style, brightly painted villas. Each room has its own separate entrance. The hotel only has double rooms but all are ensuite (shower only) with ceiling fan and hairdryer.

There are different categories of rooms; however all are very Creole in style - extremely elegant with either white washed wooden or brightly painted walls, tiled floors, pretty wooden furniture and beds with white drapes and pristine white linen.

The suites benefit from their own private individual pool; however there is a large pool with sun loungers for all guests to use.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.