Hot from Martinique
INTRODUCTION
The French West Indies’ Island of Martinique—a dream destination for nature lovers, foodies or those passionate about history—never ceases to astound.
Nestled at the heart of the Caribbean archipelago, this 50-mile long and 25-mile wide French island which is unapologetically creole, is explored with the greatest of ease. The island’s 450 square miles offer idyllic beaches, dense tropical forests, pristine rivers and the iconic and majestic Mount Pelee volcano—a candidate, along with the nearby Pitons du Carbet, for UNESCO’S prestigious World Heritage list.
This is a land that has nurtured world-renown intellects and writers like Aime Cesaire or Frantz Fanon, invites visitors to experience not only its natural beauty but its daring contemporary art scene, its flamboyant culture and lasting authenticity.
AIR SERVICE
This winter, like always, Martinique will welcome North American visitors with open arms. Canadians will once again enjoy frequent service to discover or rediscover the Isle of Flowers.
American Airlines offers year-round service from Miami. American offers up to 7 non-stop flights weekly, from Miami International Airport which is a convenient hub to connect to from Boston, New York and even Los Angeles
Air Canada, which offers year-round flights to Martinique, is scheduling for the winter and summer season three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport to Fort-de-France’s Aime Cesaire International Airport. This non-stop service from Montreal offers many possibilities for connections to and from Boston, Toronto, Quebec City, Calgary or Vancouver.
Air Transat also offers two flights weekly, also from Montreal, on Wednesdays & Saturdays.
Ticker: Wednesday flight operated on a A313 (250 seats) from December 18 to January 1 2020. Starting January 8 on the new 199-seat A321
VILLAS & CONCIERGE SERVICES
A wide variety of lodgings
To accommodate its visitors, Martinique offers a wide variety of lodgings; this includes 3-star hotels like the freshly renovated Hotel Bambou—known for its waters-edge location and verdant surrounding on the Anse Mitan beach or elegant 5-stars like La Suite Villa, a trendy boutique hotel boasting a gastronomic restaurant and breathtaking views of the magnificent Fort-de-France Bay
An all-inclusive stay
And for those preferring an all-inclusive stay, the Club Med Buccaneers Creek, tucked in its beautiful coconut grove by the sea, offers guests a soothing stay to punctuate with water-sports and fun excursions.
Airbnb and cottage rentals
Airbnb and cottage rentals, a popular option in Martinique, are complemented by a wide array of villas
Family retreat or a romantic getaway
Whether for a family retreat or a romantic getaway, by the shore or secluded in the countryside, there will always be a villa to satisfy your privacy longings. And to do so a large selection is offered by villa rental services such as Locations Vue Turquoise, Antilles Françaises, or Archipel Evasion. And VillaVeo, with its myriad options and personalized assistance will soon become your go-to vacation service.
There is no better way to have a carefree sojourn than to top it off with a concierge service. Sweet Caribbean Holidays will offer its guests an untroubled, authentic and unforgettable stay.
WHAT’S NEW
Frank Perret Museum
May 8 this year saw the re-opening of the Frank A. Perret Museum, situated since 1933 at the heart of Saint-Pierre, Martinique’s former capital, a city of art & history. This completely redesigned and expanded museum now called the Memorial to the 1902 catastrophe is dedicated to the memory of the violent eruption that took place on May 8, 1902 of Mount Pelée that destroyed Saint-Pierre and since dubbed the Little Pompeï of the Caribbean.
House of Rums
On the lighter side, the prestigious rums of Martinique have a new showcase with newly opened House of Rum boutique, located at the heart of Fort-de-France, the island’s capital. Rum lovers from visitors to cruise passengers will get a unique opportunity to taste all the AOC rums of Martinique.
Best Rum Master Distiller
Cementing its reputation of Rum Capital of the World, one of Martinique’s leading cellar masters, Daniel Baudin, was voted in September the world’s Best Rum Master Distiller at the 2019 International Rum conference held in Coral Gables, Florida. Not only was his creativity and know-how rewarded, but it highlighted once again the excellence of the island’s rums.