Frommer's Review
Set on the island's east coast between the fishing hamlets of Vauclin and Le François -- 5km (3 miles) from either of them -- this is the poshest and most cutting-edge hotel on Martinique. Scattered across nearly 3.5 hectares (8 1/2 acres) of gently sloping palm-studded beachfront, it's composed of 18 veranda-fronted, one- and two-story villas housing 50 well-designed suites. This is as top-of-the-line as you'll find in the French West Indies outside of St. Barts. It's the only government-rated five-star hotel on Martinique, and the only Relais & Château in either Martinique or Guadeloupe. Clients include a string of celebrities, the most impressive of which was the Queen of Denmark.
The venue is very French, artfully permissive, and luxurious. No one will mind if you simply vegetate, recovering from the stresses of urban life. Topless sunbathing for women is permitted on the beach or beside any of the pools, but not in the other public areas. Views throughout the resort extend outward over a coral reef to the wide blue seas. Construction and design emulates Creole models elsewhere, making full use of open access to sea breezes, with ample use of louvered doors, exotic tropical hardwoods, and exterior color schemes of blue, salmon, and pale pink. Public areas contain unusual artwork, including a large-scale triptych titled Serenity. It was choreographed by Didier Lefort, who's well known within Gallic circles for his award-winning designs of hotels in French-speaking Tahiti and Mauritius. Each unit has a landscaped terrace or balcony, and separate bathtubs and showers. Besides the showpiece public pool, there are 36 plunge pools, some of them specifically associated with individual suites. Live music emanates many evenings from one of the two in-house bars throughout the dinner hour, and overall, the ambience is lighthearted, agreeable, and fun. The restaurants, Le Bélem and Le Campêche, are recommended in "Restaurants,".
Facilities:
2 restaurants; bar; outdoor pool; 36 plunge pools; lit tennis court; health club; spa; dock for mooring of private yachts and sailboats; fishing; library; car rental; salon; room service; helipad
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
