SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM MARTINIQUE!
Season’s greetings and joyous holiday wishes to one and all from Martinique!
Martinique has hotel choices for everyone—including one of the finest getaways in the Caribbean. Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa recently earned a coveted 5th Star, the highest rating, from Le Comité Français d’Accreditation (COFRAC). This honor confirms the hotel’s ranking as Martinique’s top luxury property, a status it has held since opening in 2002. Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa features 50 ocean view suites, 35 with their own private pools. Complete information is available at capest.com
Why not make learning French your New Year’s resolution for 2011? Centre International de Sejour, a budget-conscious hostel on the outskirts of Fort de France, is offering a 6-night package (arrive Sunday-depart Saturday) that features 20 hours of language courses, with instruction available in beginning through advanced levels of French. The package includes all meals, 5 half-day excursions around the island and airport transfers. All rooms at the hostel have private baths, satellite TV and WiFi. You will find more details at cis-martinique.com
The 2010-2011 cruise season is expanding choices for Caribbean cruise enthusiasts who want to put Martinique on their itineraries. Three new ships are calling at Fort de France—Carnival Victory, Celebrity Century and Disney Magic join the list of cruise vessels that already visit our capital’s port.
Whenever passengers arrive they quickly discover why Martinique is judged the Caribbean’s top dining destination. New restaurants are always opening–recent additions include Le Cesaire in Fort de France, from Chef Harold Jeanville who worked in Paris with Pierre Herme and Alain Ducasse, and Lili’s at La Batliere Hotel on the beach in nearby Schoelcher, with a menu that strongly embraces fresh, local ingredients.
Another unique, happening spot is bringing extra energy, and a hip young crowd, into downtown Fort de France-Le Gossip is a combination restaurant, boutique and art gallery. Besides the good food, Le Gossip is a hot venue for artists’ receptions, poetry readings, fashion shows, wine tastings and more.
Visitors who want to venture farther into the island and do a bit of water-borne exploring should check out the catamaran tours offered by Les Ballades du Delphis. Each boat carries 24-27 passengers, departing from Le Françoise or Anse Spoutourne on the east coast, with stops at Isle Loup-garou, a sea turtle preserve, the iguana habitat of Isle Chancel, Bai de Tresor (Treasure Bay) and the white sands of Baignoire du Josephine.
Cost for the catamaran tour, which includes a shipboard Creole lunch, is around $100 depending on the exchange rate. For more info, go to catadelphis.com
And, one of the island’s popular attractions has more to offer as well:
The lush, tropical Balata Gardens in the mountains north of Fort de France has added aerial paths so visitors can get overhead, panoramic views the gorgeous plants and flowers.
We sincerely hope your holidays are happy and the New Year fulfills your dreams!
Anytime you would like additional information about traveling to Martinique, please visit www.martinique.org