In a serene cocoon or a club for tribes, the hotels of Guadeloupe continually refine their style through renovations, blending Creole influences, a reimagined past, and contemporary design. Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel, an all-inclusive resort, or a guesthouse, here are six places to immerse yourself in the vibrant blues and greens of the butterfly island!
For boutique-hotel style: La Toubana Hôtel & Spa*****
Bet upheld: Following a successful renovation, La Toubana Hôtel & Spa***** in Sainte-Anne has become the first (and currently the only) 5-star hotel in Guadeloupe! With a new decor featuring vibrant blues and greens, a redesign of the 32 bungalows that offer spacious dimensions inviting relaxation, and the creation of new areas like a zen lounge and an open kitchen, this flagship of the Des Hôtels et des Iles group continually enhances its boutique hotel charm.
Whether with family or as a couple, you can choose from 12 suites designed like apartments. For larger groups, the 4-bedroom villas with suspended terraces overlooking the sea provide endless opportunities to enjoy the beautiful blue.
For a mix of club spirit and Zen atmosphere: Club Med La Caravelle 4 tridents
Just renovated, Club Med La Caravelle has thought of everything on the beautiful beach of Sainte Anne! For adults in search of well-being, the new ‘Zen oasis’ area promises calm and relaxation, with 12 suites and 30 Deluxe rooms and an infinity pool. For groups and families, a dedicated area now features 12 suites and 68 superior rooms, children's areas (including a baby-club from 4 months) and a water play area.
And for everyone, it's off to the beach! Treat yourself to a massage in a cabin on stilts at the Club Med Spa by Sothys, sip a drink with your feet in the sand at the Mango Bar and indulge in Creole flavours at the Allamanda Beach Lounge overlooking the sea. What more could you ask for?
In the heart of nature: L'Habitation La Manon
To the west, the Caribbean Sea paints the horizon in rich shades of blue, while to the east, the mornes showcase a vibrant array of greens. Nestled on a hill in Gros Morne, Basse-Terre, Habitation La Manon embraces nature and authenticity with its two bedrooms and three houses—each featuring a private pool—that beautifully blend Creole charm, antique furnishings, and contemporary design.
Embark on a journey into the plantation's origins by visiting the quaint eco-museum dedicated to the history of coffee, vanilla, and cocoa. And to build up your appetite, indulge in the local flavours offered at the estate's table d'hôtes (reservations required).
For great stories: Le Relais du Moulin Hôtel de charme & Spa* (charming hotel & spa)
Dining in a charming cobbled square at the base of a historic sugar mill speaks volumes about the character of this boutique hotel! Featuring 20 suites and 40 vibrant bungalows nestled within a stunning tropical garden, just a short stroll from Helleux beach, Le Relais du Moulin Hôtel & Spa**** embraces both charm and history. Its library serves as a mine information on the rich past and heritage of the Guadeloupe Islands.
For those seeking relaxation, worry not: whether you're indulging in spa treatments by the pool or participating in open-air yoga sessions, there are countless opportunities to unwind at the foot of the Moulin!
A haven from the world: Coco Cannelle villas
The name sounds like a nod to Coco Chanel, the iconic French fashion designer, but it's the word cocoon that springs to mind when you discover the three villas with 2 to 4 bedrooms, the Prestige villa, the 2 cottages and the 2-bedroom annex overlooking the village of Deshaies in Basse Terre. A contemporary version of the Creole house, each of the villas has been designed as an out-of-the-way refuge where the terrace acts as an open-air lounge amid the tropical vegetation.
Looking for privacy for two or a group? Take advantage of the private swimming pool, fully-equipped kitchen and home-delivered meals to get away from it all. And if you change your mind, ‘pa ni pwoblem’, the village and the beach are just a stone's throw away!
For a stopover at the foot of the volcano: Hôtel Saint-Georges***.
Welcome to the tropical paradise of La Soufrière volcano's slopes in Saint-Claude! The Hôtel Saint-Georges*** offers a delightful Creole-inspired atmosphere with 40 rooms, including 2 suites designed for guests with reduced mobility. It’s the perfect retreat for hiking enthusiasts and seminar attendees alike. Enjoy local cuisine, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a squash court - making it an ideal stop for sports lovers! Nature enthusiasts will also find ample opportunities to explore the island and the hotel’s verdant gardens.
Find out more :
Preparing your trip to Guadeloupe
Read also: Guadeloupe: 4 good reasons to climb La Soufrière
By Anne-Claire Delorme
Globetrotting journalist [email protected]
