The Best Hotels in Guadeloupe for Every Traveler

Sat on a clifftop in the hip beach town of Sainte-Anne, La Toubana is the first five-star property in Guadeloupe. With 32 bungalows, 12 suites and three villas, the hotel is spread across the cliff. The heart of the hotel is the main building, accessed via a walkway across a fishpond, which houses a spa and poolside restaurant with views out to sea. Dark-wood touches, splashes of bright tropical print, and accent colours of red, set the tone across all of Toubana’s stylised interiors. An impressive new jetty on the small beach below has created a sheltered bay for swimming. There are also more sun-loungers than guests. Head into Sainte-Anne to try the best of Guadeloupe’s food trucks; we recommend bokit, Guadeloupe’s much-loved fried sandwich.

Wake early and run yourself a bath; you’ll be glad you did. The tub in one of Jardin Malanga’s three detached wooden cottages is the perfect spot from which to watch the sun rise above the nine islands that make up the Îles des Saintes, etching out the row of royal palms that line the property’s driveway as it dawns. The peak of La Grande Soufrière volcano looms above this former banana plantation, the town of Trois Rivieres sits below. You can also stay in the Colonial House, built in 1927 and once the centre of the plantation, beside which sits a pool with a view. The closest beach is 20 minutes away. The lure of a stay here is the tropical garden setting, and a sense of being out of reach of, and yet connected to, the lively town below. Catch the ferry to the Saintes if lounging in your hammock gets old.

Far away from any resorts – or any tourist traps at all – and close to Saint Francis on Grande-Terre, this feels like a well-kept secret you won’t want to share. This beautiful gingerbread-style mansion overlooks the bay of Anse à la Barque, where the little lighthouse keeps watch over fishing boats, coconut palms and deep blue waters. Ornate white lace-like lattice-work decorates the colonial-style building, which houses just 14 rooms. It’s easy to relax in the pool which looks out to sea, or ask the helpful staff where to head for a day of exploring.

Sharing some areas with neighboring resort, La Créole Beach Hôtel & Spa, the Mahogany’s key difference is its kitchen facilities. Each room or suite has its own kitchen or kitchenette giving you a little more independence. That said, you’ll have access to three restaurants and a bar – perhaps the most scenic of which is Le Zawag, which hovers over the sea on an enclosed wooden dock – and La Créole Spa, with its massage hut by the sea, Turkish bath, and sauna. Though looking on to the sea, the resort is somewhat enclosed by the town, so if you’re looking for complete escape, this may not be for you. For resort facilities and convenience, it’s an easy 20-minute drive to the airport.

There’s a strange magic in the air at the dramatic headland of the Pointe des Châteaux peninsula, which ends in a line of craggy, rocky teeth jutting out to sea. Climb to the cross on the hill and look out across the waves from this most easterly point of Grande-Terre. Not far away along the coast, you’ll find Hotel La Christophine, which has its own special atmosphere too. This boutique hotel has six spacious, garden-view rooms, surrounding a sleek infinity pool. There’s breakfast, but no restaurant. Instead walk 20-minutes into Saint Francis for a bite.

A convenient spot for golf lovers, and those who put up with them, La Métisse overlooks the 18-hole international golf course in downtown Saint Francis. The seven colorfully decorated rooms – some in deep chocolate with plush cushions, and curtains – have a private terrace facing the swimming pool. Order a gourmet food hamper to enjoy while out exploring, with a Creole option of accra, chicken, and spiced sausage a favourite. Save room for the pineapple crumble.

Explore the best local beaches from this well-placed spot; the expansive sands of the Salines is three-minutes away, while la Gourde and Tarare beaches are nearby. Four bungalows and four rooms in the main house look out onto a quiet garden and impressively-sized pool. If you want to self-cater, opt for the bungalows which have their own kitchenette. Located in the lush countryside, you’ll need a car to zip about – but your very friendly hosts are primed with suggestions for a day’s exploration.

If you want the old-school, unhurried, rural Caribbean, choose Basse-Terre as your base. Of the two main islands, the pace of life is far slower here, and the land which slopes down from the peak of La Grande Soufrière to the sea is far more sparsely populated. Le Rayon Vert on the north-west coast has simple but comfortable rooms, and views towards Montserrat. Indeed, the view from the pool alone is worth stopping by for. With the restaurant by the pool, you can enjoy the view over a Creole dinner. Start with the cod accras – they’re a must.

Food-truck capital Sainte-Anne is on the doorstep of this historic pile, which has a sugar mill at its centre, a reminder of the island’s past. Today, the estate has sixty bungalows scattered through its gardens, in three room categories extending to a junior suite and superior suites, the latter of which have their own hot tubs. Overall, the vibe is quiet and restful; don’t expect loud party nights. That said, don’t miss lobster night, or Méchoui evening which includes a roasted suckling pig or lamb and live music.