Martinique stands out as somewhere different in the Caribbean. It is an island that is so lush it is known as “The Island of Flowers”. It is famed for the warmth of its people, as well as the warmth of its winter weather. It has a rich, mixed cultural heritage and its history has led to it being a little bit of France in the Caribbean: Martinique is an overseas region of France and Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised here. Which naturally also means that is a heaven for foodies – its cuisine is arguably the finest in the Caribbean.
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You can also discover the finest French products from 18 carat gold, fashion items at Galleries Lafayette, and the many treasures found at the market. Martinique offers chic sophistication and fine resorts and hotels. The French influence continues with “La Route des Rhums”, a tour of the world’s finest rum distilleries based on France’s famed Route des Vins.
Martinique is 40 kms north of St Lucia in the in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago. It enjoys a mild climate and the heat is never excessive. With an average temperature of 26 degrees, Martinique is the island of the “never-ending summer.” The trade winds from the east and northeast provide a steady, refreshing breeze.
The geography of the island is dramatic, with breath-taking vistas at every turn – and it has an excellent road system, so that driving around the island is easy and fun. You can find almost every activity under the sun here, which is one of the reasons why this destination is so loved by couples, honeymooners and families alike.
Due to its tropical climate, Martinique is lush with vegetation: lavish tropical forests, groves, savannas, countless species of trees, fruits, plants and flowers - not to mention the mangrove forests. The island is an extraordinary garden!
The rugged mountainous landscape to the north includes the island’s highest peak, majestic Mt. Pelée at 4,500 ft. The nearby town of St. Pierre is known as “The Pompeii of the Caribbean”. Destroyed during the 1902 Mt Pelée eruption, today the town is the district capital of the Caribbean North district and has been officially recognized as a city of Art and History.
Throughout the island, Martinique boasts a wide variety of ecotourism activities with well-marked hiking trails, exceptional canyoning sites, backcountry routes for adventure and exploring, horseback riding, and much more. The north is characterized by dense forests, rivers and waterfalls. In the center, the Lamentin Plain transitions to the south’s gentler landscape of rolling hills. The southern coast is dotted with many picturesque bays and coves.
If your idea of a great vacation involves picture perfect beaches, then the island of Martinique is for you. In the south, a plethora of white sand beaches dots the entire southern Caribbean coast. Swimmers will especially appreciate the secluded lagoon feel of the clear waters along the southern Atlantic coast, which is protected by coral reef barriers. In the north, vacationers can enjoy the unique and lush setting of black sand beaches near Le Carbet and Le Prêcheur.
Martinique has a diverse population stemming from the cultural mix of the island’s successive inhabitants: Amerindians, Europeans, Africans, Indians, Levantines and Asians. Approximately one quarter of the population resides in the capital, Fort de France.
A land of tradition and culture, Martinique has a rich history of crafts, literature by renowned authors and poets, music and dance, lifestyle and gastronomy. The official language is French, although everyone speaks Creole, a language that is a blend of Old French, English, and African languages, as well as surviving Amerindian terms.
The Caribbean island with French flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – by any one of its many names Martinique remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c’est magnifique!
Fly to Martinique with Air Transat – offering weekly flights from Montreal on Thursdays between December 18, 2014 and April 09, 2015. The flight time is 5.25 hours, made all the more comfortable by travelling Air Transat who have been voted No 1 Leisure Airline in North America (3yrs in a row) and 2nd best in the World!
You can buy a package with Transat Holidays that includes flights on Air Transat plus transfers to and from the airport in Martinique, accommodation choices with a range of different meal plans and the services of a Transat Holidays representative in destination. Transat also offer excursions to help you explore the beautiful island of Martinique.
Transat Holidays Hotel Choices
Here are the details of some of the hotels on offer from Transat Holidays in Martinique – ranging from small boutique hotels to 5 star and all inclusive options.
5 star Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa
The Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa Hotel in Martinique is a luxurious resort located beachfront in Le François and approximately 23 km from the Martinique airport. The hotel offers a breakfast only plan. The hotel comprises 50 rooms made up by 18 bungalows of 2 storeys. The hotel offers one pool, 2 restaurants and a bar.
3 ½ star Hotel La Pagerie
The La Pagerie Hotel in Martinique is a property ideally situated in the heart of Pointe du Bout, in the town of Trois-Ilets. It is located next to the marina and just a 5-minute walk to the beach, approximately 25 km from the Martinique airport. The hotel offers two meal plans: Buffet Breakfast only or 2 meals a day plan that excludes drinks and gratuities. The hotel comprises 96 rooms. The hotel offers 1 pool, 1 restaurant and 2 bars.
3 ½ star Village Pierre et Vacances Sainte-Luce.
The Village Pierre et Vacances Sainte-Luce Hotel in Martinique is a white-sand beach paradise located directly on the beach, 1 km from downtown Sainte-Luce and approximately 31 km from the Martinique airport. The hotel offers two meal plans: 2 meals a day plan that excludes drinks and gratuities or European Plan where no meals are included. The hotel comprises 337 rooms made up by 15 buildings of 3 storeys. The hotel offers 2 pools, 3 restaurants and a bar.
3 star Carayou Hotel and Spa
Set in southwest Martinique’s Pointe du Bout in Trois Îlets, one of the liveliest and most touristic parts of the island, the Carayou Hotel and Spa guarantees fun and relaxation for everyone! The hotel offers an all inclusive meal plan. The hotel comprises 207 rooms. The hotel offers 2 pools, 1 restaurant and a bar.
3 star Residence Diamant Marine Hotel
The Residence Diamant Marine Hotel in Martinique is a picturesque resort located hillside, facing Diamond Rock, 10-minute walk from the beach and approximately 31 km from the Martinique airport. The hotel offers two meal plans: Continental Breakfast only or European Plan where no meals are included. The hotel comprises 149 rooms made up by 8 buildings of 2 storeys. The hotel offers 1 pool, a bar, 1 restaurant and a snack bar.
2 ½ star Hotel Bambou
The Hotel Bambou in Martinique is a charming retreat located directly on Anse Mitan beach, in Trois Ilets and approximately 26 km from the Martinique airport. The hotel offers 2 meals a day plan that excludes drinks and gratuities. The hotel comprises 153 rooms. The hotel offers 1 pool, 2 restaurants and a bar.