Eat, Stay, Do | Martinique

Martinique is a gorgeous, lush Caribbean island, rich in culture and natural beauty. Being a volcanic island, it has seen its' share of tragedy throughout history, but today is a very sought after destination for tourists. It's safe, scenic, and full of life. If you're planning a trip to Martinique, here are a few recommendations for how to make your vacation one to remember.

Eat

 La Table des Bougainvilliers - $$$

Martinique cuisine mixes elements of African, French, and South Asian traditions. You will also find exceptional Creole dishes, and one of the best spots in the country to dine is La table des Bougainvilliers. Walk through the pretty gardens to find your table under the gorgeous wooden bungalow and treat yourself to an assortment of menu options and fine wines. 

This restaurant is very popular with locals and visitors, and will only accept reservations 24 hours in advance.

Ti Sable - $$

This restaurant is sprawled across a beautiful golden sand beach, tucked away on a small road in Grande Anse. This is a very popular lunch spot, so be sure to make a reservation, as it gets very bus. You will have your own private cabana to enjoy your food and drinks, and will also have access to the beach for before or after your meal. Take your time and make an afternoon of your trip here, enjoying the sea, sand and incredible food

Soup and Cie -$

For a quick and cheap option, head over to this cute little eatery overlooking Diamond Bay. The friendly staff all speak English, and are very warm and welcoming. The grilled fish is always a favourite, as are the pork skewers. The food is tasty, and the view is beautiful, so find yourself a picnic table outside of the small restaurant, and enjoy the afternoon!

Stay

Residence Oceane Hotel - $

If you're looking to pinch a few pennies on your vacation, this hotel is a great option. The rooms have AC and the outdoor kitchenettes are great for eating breakfast while overlooking the ocean. You might even want to stop at the Geant Casino in Le Robert to pick up some snacks and supplies. There is a restaurant on the property, but you may need to bring your own toiletries and beach towels. Hang out by the pool, or explore the beach front area, but either way, you'll find yourself at peace and in full relaxation mode.

La Suite Villa - $$

Friendly staff, great food, and a view overlooking the bay. What else could you want from your Caribbean hotel? This is a small, artsy boutique hotel that puts an emphasis on personalized service. You'll feel as though the staff have been waiting for you to arrive, and that it is there duty to make sure you have an unforgettable experience. The view of the bay and the mountains give you the feeling that you're at one with nature, and this will be even more clear at night, when the stars shimmer over your private hot tub.

Field of the Palmeraie - $$$

If you have some cash to spend and want a luxurious, elegant accommodation, with private pool, spectacular views, and impeccable landscaping, this villa is for you. It will cost over $1000 per night, but worth every penny. This property is the definition of Caribbean serenity, located in the area of Palm Grove, just a short walk from the ocean. 

Do:

Jardin de Balata

If you're feeling like trekking through the high mountains of Martinique, this is the activity for you. The Jardin de Balata is the perfect place to take photos of the island, while also seeing some beautiful plants and wildlife. Stop and bask in the natural beauty of the island, and take some time to really explore the lush foliage. When you're done, you'll find a quaint little restaurant just a short distance away.

Habitation Clement

If you're a fan of rum, take a few hours out of one of your days and visit Habitation Clement. Even if you're not a rum lover, you'll still be interested to see how the Martinique rum is made in this old plantation style house. You'll have a garden tour and see the property first, then check out how the rum used to be made years ago. This interactive tour can take a few hours, so make sure you leave the whole afternoon open for it.

Le Memorial de l'Anse Cafard

Once you've seen the beauty of Martinique, you may be up for a history lesson. This memorial tells the story of slaves who were taken from Guinea and the shipwreck that took place just off shore. Each stone statue weighs over two tonnes and faces the ocean, toward Guinea. The views from the monument are quite stunning, so bring a camera with you for this journey. You'll have amazing views of Diamond Rock.

Take a Boat Tour

The waters surrounding the island are clear, blue and filled with life, so spend at least a day on the water. Make sure you book a tour with a guide who really knows the history of the islands you'll see. If you're lucky, you may even be treated to a Creole lunch on one of the tiny islets you stop at. You'll hang out on beautiful beaches perched inside coves, and have plenty of opportunities to dive into the various snorkel stops along the way.