Martinique Honeymoon

Experience the cultural heart of the French Antilles with a romantic honeymoon getaway to Martinique.

With its exotic mix of French and Creole heritage, a lush volcanic landscape, gorgeous white-sand beaches, haute couture shopping, vibrant nightlife and a range of excellent accommodation options, Martinique offers all the ingredients you need for a unique Caribbean honeymoon.

Martinique’s verdant terrain is perfect for hiking and mountain climbing, especially in the mountainous northern part of the island. In the south, rolling green hills descend to a rugged coastline indented with large bays and secluded coves fringed by white-sand beaches. The surrounding crystalline waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling adventures.

Things to do and see
Explore the island’s mountainous region by hire car, driving from Fort-de-France to St Pierre on the Caribbean coast or via Morne Rouge to Brasse-Point or Le Lorrain on the Atlantic coast.

Stop to hike rainforest trails loaded with colourful hibiscus and poinsettia flowers, admire tumbling cascades and hike the slopes of Mont Pelée (1397m), Martinique’s dormant volcano, which last erupted in 1902.

Once known as Madinina (‘island of flowers’) by the native population of Arawak and Carib Indians, Martinique is covered with lush forest, colourful native plants and numerous sugar, palm, banana and pineapple plantations.

In the bustling capital of Fort-de-France, stroll wide palm-lined boulevards and explore steep and narrow alleyways lined with colourful buildings adorned with flower-filled wrought-iron balconies. The city sprawls up steep green hills overlooking a large bay.

Ponder the large statue of Napoleon’s Empress Josephine, a native of Martinique, which stands in the centre of La Savanne, a large garden surrounded by cafés in the heart of the city.

Pop into the Cathedral of St Louis, a late 17th century cathedral featuring a Roman-style bell tower then stroll the ramparts of Fort St Luis, which stands guard overlooking the busy port. See traditionally dressed singers, musicians and dancers bring the island’s history to life at the Les Grands Ballets Martiniquais, with vibrant choreographed mazurka and exotic beguine dances.

To learn more about the island’s ancient history, visit the Musée Departemental d'Archeologie et de Prehistoire de la Martinique.

See the remains of St Pierre, known as the ‘Paris of the West Indies’ before its destruction by the eruption of Mont Pélee in 1902; the Musée Volcanologique contains an exhibit that reveals the story of the disaster.

Discover mementos of Empress Josephine at her former home, La Pagerie near Trois-Îlets. At the Centre d’Art Paul Gauguin, set in the restored plantation of Leyritz near Le Carbet, see an exhibition of the artist’s work, created while he lived in Martinique.

Savour delicious Creole cuisine, sample the island’s rum (considered by many to be the best in the world) at a local bar or in one of the many fine distilleries, and sway to the distinctive beat of the zouk – a musical beat unique to the French West Indies.

Accommodation
Martinique offers a range of accommodation options, including the island’s most exclusive hotel, the Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa, which sits on a palm-fringed beachfront. Or try the historic Manoir de Beauregard, which lies close to the beautiful Plage des Salines.

Best time to visit Martinique?
The best time for a romantic honeymoon getaway in Martinique is during the dry season from December to July, with an average temperature of 28°C and cooling trade breezes known locally as alizé. The island is cooler at higher elevations.

April to September are the hottest months, while late August to November is the rainy season, during which showers are frequent but short-lived. For more climate info: Martinique Weather Guide

Location – Martinique is part of the Lesser Antilles, a French territory since 1635. Its western shore faces the Caribbean Sea, while its eastern shore edges the more turbulent Atlantic Ocean. The island has an area of 1128km² and is approximately 34km at its widest point and 80km at its longest point.

Getting there – By air, Martinique’s Lamentin International Airport receives daily flights from several Caribbean nations as well as from North America and Europe. How to get to Martinique . . .