Martinique has a lot in store for those vacationers looking to stay at an upscale boutique hotel. Here’s a sneak peak at some of Martinique’s boutique hotels, all of which make a perfect fit for couples and families looking to head to this French-Caribbean gem.
Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa
The Relais & Châteaux property that is Martinique’s only four-star deluxe hotel boasts an award-winning pedigree. Prior to attaining Relais & Chateaux status in February 2004, and immediately following its grand opening in December 2002, the Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa was named one of the 80 best new hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. The property was also recognized as “Martinique’s Leading Hotel” at the 11th Annual World Travel Awards held in December 2004, and nominated for the 2010 edition. With 50 deluxe oceanview suites (35 of which have private pools), attentive service, incredible cuisine and amenities designed with the most discerning of travelers in mind, Cap Est Lagoon’s awards are very well deserved.
Visit www.capest.com.
La Suite Villa
Combining intimacy, luxury and convenience, this new boutique property boasts an ideal location across the Bay from the capital city of Fort-de-France in the hills above the scenic seaside village of Trois-Ilets. From here guests enjoy quick and easy access to Martinique’s only golf course (The Empress Josephine Golf Course), the island’s newest casino (Casino des Trois-Ilets), tennis, beaches and the shopping, restaurants, bars and nightlife in Trois-Ilets’ vibrant Point du Bout resort area.
In addition to the six suites, La Suite Villa offers nine private villas. Available in two- or three-room layouts, the colorful Creole-style villas offer exceptional privacy and comfort. Each villa has its own private garden, covered terrace, outdoor shower, solarium and Jacuzzi.
For dining, the La Suite Villa restaurant and bar features French-Creole specialties in a warm, friendly atmosphere. As an added special touch, the property invites local artists (painters and sculptors) to showcase their work and the passion they put into it. A magnificent infinity pool overlooking the Bay of Fort-de-France is also on-site. The seminar room located in the main house can fit up to 40 people.
Visit www.la-suite-villa.com.
Hotel Plein Soleil
High up in the hills above the charming town of Le François on Martinique’s alluring Atlantic coast, sits the Caribbean’s newest tres chic address for luxurious pampering, peace and serenity. Introducing Maison d’Hôtes Plein Soleil, which was recently re-born following a comprehensive six-month renovation, which saw the property expand its already renowned restaurant, add a new pool area, and increase its complement of luxury accommodations from 12 to 16.
Ideal for lovers and honeymooners, Plein Soleil has been a favorite of the jet set since its initial opening in 1998.
All 16 guestrooms and suites are spread among five colourful villas, each designed in the style of creole cases, or petite houses adorned with wooden fretwork. Though sharing the same architectural style, each villa is unique in its own special way, with some seemingly carved from the hillside, further accentuating the property’s transcendent union with nature.
Visit www.pleinsoleil.mq.
Domaine St-Aubin
A charming 19th-century hillside boutique hotel offers a total of 30 rooms, each espousing the same colonial look and feel evident throughout the historic property.
All 19 new rooms are housed in newly constructed or completely renovated freestanding cottages spread over a small hill facing the main entrance to the hotel. The 12 rooms furthest up the hill are set in three cottages, with each room offering 35 square meters (377 square-feet) of interior space, plus a sizable patio where guests enjoy a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Saint Aubin island located just offshore.
The seven new rooms at the foot of the hill closer to the main house measure 20 square meters (215 square feet) and offer garden views. Two of the seven rooms are configured as duplexes, creating comfortable triple and quad occupancy options.
All rooms offer air conditioning, a large colonial bed, authentic 19th century furniture and decoration, and mahogany-glass or mahogany-marble en-suite bathrooms. No telephones, televisions or radios enable guests to truly escape, though Wi-fi Internet access is available throughout the property per request.
Visit www.ledomainesaintaubin.com.
Villa St-Pierre
Villa St. Pierre is the new “petite princess” of hotels in Martinique – the property boasts only nine rooms; the perfect size for guests to receive exceptional pampering. Villa St. Pierre rests in the heart of the historic northern town of St. Pierre, dubbed the Pompeii of the Caribbean following the 1902 eruption of nearby and now dormant Mt. Pelée. The town’s historic attractions surround the property, making it ideal for history buffs. All nine rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with mini bar, flat screen TV’s and Internet access. An on-site restaurant with seating for 20 features French and Caribbean cuisine.
Visit www.hotel-villastpierre.com.