From volcanoes to coral reefs The essentials of Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe spreads its butterfly wings over the Caribbean Sea. This three-part journey begins in Basse-Terre, the left wing. Green, green and more green. A green so intense that it feels nourishing, a green that quenches the body and spirit. Tropical forest, stony paths, exuberant giant plants. A thick heat that calls for a dip in the cool, fresh river water... And behind its veil of sulphurous vapours stands the old Soufrière volcano. The high-altitude forest is an inextricable tangle of vines, mosses and ferns, which extends to another forest, with its feet in the water: the mangrove swamp. Then, head to Grande-Terre, the right wing, for the last few days. Here, the vegetation is sparser and the coastline more rugged. Sugar cane plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, providing the archipelago with one of its most precious treasures: rum. There is no shortage of idyllic beaches either. The turquoise lagoons protected by coral reefs and surf spots where the waves break are a delight for both sunbathers and surfers alike. We have added the ascent of the Soufrière volcano, the highest point in Basse-Terre, to your itinerary. The rest is up to you to choose at your own pace as you explore the islands, with a rental car and our recommendations at your disposal. And in case of any unforeseen events or last-minute changes, our on-site Concierge is available at any time. The concierge works with your travel specialist and can also make changes to your trip as you go to suit preferences.

Your Guadeloupean retreats

Your first stop is an eco-lodge nestled in the heart of nature in the hills above Deshaies, north of Basse-Terre. A dozen bungalows blend perfectly into the natural surroundings, bearing the sweet Creole names of Doudou a mwen, Bougresse, Mamoun, etc. There is no television, room service or air conditioning here, but you get an authentic experience of a guest house nestled in a preserved environment. The owners concoct their secret recipes and ensure the comfort of their guests. For your well-being, the spa offers treatments and massages with tropical scents. Below lies Grande Anse beach, one of the most beautiful on the island. To reach your second home, you will need to head south of Basse-Terre to Trois-Rivières. The garden stretches out among lemon, mandarin, guava and mango trees, overlooking the Les Saintes archipelago. The rooms are divided between the colonial building of an authentic planter's house and three cottages. Inside, the decor is understated, with a predominance of wood. We also love the infinity pool, surrounded by beautiful tropical vegetation. The location is an excellent starting point for visiting Les Saintes, paradise islets concealing the most beautiful bay in the world. For your third and final stop, in Sainte-Anne, you will need to cross the Rivière Salée to reach Grande-Terre. Your accommodation is organised around an 18th-century mill, surrounded by a two-hectare tropical garden. Inside, a library rich in works on the history of Guadeloupe also hosts exhibitions by local artists. The bungalows around the grounds are designed to let in light, integrating the vegetation as an integral part of the decor. Everything is there: a refreshing swimming pool, a shaded terrace, a cocktail bar and a semi-gourmet restaurant. The spa takes care of your well-being. A final stop to round off your trip in style.