“Karukera,” the name its original inhabitants used, means “island of beautiful waters” by most accounts. However, its modern handle “Guadeloupe” is the result of a 1493 visit from Christopher Columbus. France, which later imported African slaves to cultivate tobacco and sugar, laid an early claim in the 1600s, but played tug-of-war with England for years. Today, Guadeloupe Islands is a French overseas department, with parliamentary representation. The face of its U.S. campaign, French-born model Willy Monfret, known for his work with Ralph Lauren and Sean John, has deep roots in the region on his dad’s side. “Let Me Show You My Islands” is his tagline; and, boy, is there ever a lot to see.
ROUGHING IT
Nature lovers flock to La Soufrière, a rugged national park accessible through the village of Saint-Claude near Basse-Terre. Hiking the volcano or leisurely exploring the many trails is often capped by relaxing in the hot springs of Bains Jaunes or Yellow Baths (many swear it possesses healing powers). For a slightly dialed-down eco- experience, the family friendly Mangofil, with its memorable zip-lining experience and kidapproved ropes course, scores big. An added bonus is the quaint on-site restaurant anchored in an old French country stone house with a wooden water wheel nearby. Not only is the appropriately allnatural menu delish, but the tree canopy table, with a netted walkway, is quite couplicious. Tip: Find cozy accommodations right in Saint-Claude at the eco-lodges of Vert Intense.
UNWIND
Completely unplugging is easy at Tendacayou , the eco-lodge boutique hotel and spa tucked away in Morne-Bois d’Inde in the splendidly unspoiled Basse- Terre wilderness of lovely Deshaies. Colorful and eclectic, housing options range from bungalows made for five guests to treetop lodges tailor-made for two. Red Fish, the onsite resto named for the popular catch, has a funky decor mixing naturally finished and brightly colored wood, and the views are “pinch-yourself” unreal. Bringing the best of the outdoors in makes the spa especially noteworthy. Along with wraps using seasonal fruit and honey and sugar exfoliation body treatments, it even has its own mini-waterfall. The town, where the BBC crime dramedy Death in Paradise is filmed, might be a tad more populated, but the overall breezy vibe still prevails.
BEACH PERFECT
Sandy relaxation is extremely diverse in Guadeloupe. Stay at Auberge de la Vieille Tour in the heart of Gosier, Guadeloupe’s largest seaside resort city, and stroll to authentic eateries and one-of-a-kind shops, as well as the beach, Plage de Gosier—a local hang for the younger set. A short taxi away is Sainte-Anne, a sort of Coney Island or Venice Beach, where, in addition to plush sand and cool people watching, visitors can purchase any infused rum imaginable (along with fresh sugarcane juice and arts and crafts). Les Saintes, which requires a ferry ride, is a sophisticated outing where history, casual gourmet fare (like that at Ti Kaz’ la, which literally sits on the water) and sailing in Les Saintes Bay (some of the best in the world) easily mesh. Tip: For a longer trip, the stylish Les Petits Saints Hotel is close to the action, while Le Jardin Malanga, surrounded by fruit trees and lush vegetation, is more hushed. Want a more rural or reclusive experience? Ferry over to either Marie-Galante or La Désirade.
THE SUITE LIFE
Not far from Sainte-Anne on Grande-Terre, La Toubana Hotel & Spa is its own slice of paradise. Hole up in one of the 32 bungalows, which come with private terraces; chill on the private beach; or lounge at the infinity pool, where part of Le Bar de la Mer literally perches over a cliff—so be especially careful with the island fave, Ti’Punch, made with strong rum and little else.
DO KNOW
French is the main language, so brush up with Rosetta Stone. December to May is the dry season. Be prepared to spend lots of euros, and factor in hired transportation when planning. And, for the best visit, seek guidance from the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board.
Photo credits: La Toubana Hotel & Spa Plage de Caravelle, ctig, gitb