Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe The butterfly-shaped islands of Guadeloupe warmly welcome you to the Caribbean! Riddled with sun-drenched sandy beaches, encircled by a coral reef and blessed with lush interior terrain full of spectacularly beautiful scenery, a wide range of attractions and a plethora of active pursuits, like deep-sea fishing, hiking, scuba diving, golf, tennis, windsurfing and much more Guadeloupe is a fascinating dreamscape destination for singles, couples, families and all kinds of holidaymakers from all over the world. Add to this, the tempting smells of Caribbean's traditional Creole culture, rich architecture, year-round sunshine and friendly locals. Guadeloupe is also home to lush orchid-filled rainforest teeming with wildlife and the highest waterfall in the Caribbean. There is so much to see and do that it would take more than one vacation to cover it all.

Part of Lesser Antilles, Guadeloupe is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and is composed of the twin islands of Basse-Terre (943 sq km) and Grande-Terre (585 sq km), united by a narrow mangrove channel. Administratively, the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe comprises eight islands and numerous islets. Being in the center of a cyclonic area, Guadeloupe experiences a humid tropical climate with constant temperature of 26C from one season to another. Christopher Columbus was the first to discover Guadeloupe in the mid 15^th century.

Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe's western 'butterfly wing' is a thrilling experience for nature lovers. It is a rugged mountainous island, covered with beautiful rainforests and dotted by banana plantations and is dominated by the still arrive volcano of La Soufriere (1,440m). Here you will find the National Park, offering some great hiking trails to discover and experience the fern-covered hillsides and lush green rainforest, boasting a variety of plant species. At the end of the park there is also a zoo with an interesting trail where you'll have the unique chance to see tall ferns alive with topical birds.

Other sites famous in Basse-Terre include miles of beautiful beaches, including Deshaies Beach and Malendure Beach, ideal for underwater enthusiasts, colorful outdoor market, and several monuments that remind the island's colonial past. At the Chutes du Carbet, you will catch stunning views of the two majestic waterfalls, one of the main attractions in Guadeloupe.

Flatter than Basse-Terre, the Grande-Terre, surrounded by gorgeous white sandy beaches, fine surfing spots and peaceful lagoons,, is made of undulating hills and even landed plains, featuring countryside perfect for sugar cane production. Pointe-a-Pitre is the island's main city, an interesting place to explore on foot. Open-air and covered marketplaces in Pointe-a-Pitre are really worth a visit. The modern Center Saint John Perse is a elegantly designed commercial complex with shops, boutiques and restaurants. Grande-Terre is also home to a wide selection of accommodation options that guarantee nocturnal activity opportunities, including shows, dancing, gambling and much more.

In Guadeloupe you will find many of the world's best restaurants and bars, offering excellent French and Caribbean cuisine. Plan your active stay in the islands of Grand-Terre and Basse-Terre but if it's quietude and extreme tranquility you seek, head to the islands of Marie-Galante, the most pristine island with sleepy fishing villages, Les Saintes, offering sea, sun, nature and lots of charm and La Desirade or the isles of pettier Terre.

The archipelago of Guadeloupe is a dream destination for sailing, catamaran sailing, diving, snorkeling and fishing. Land on the stunning islands of Guadeloupe and stimulate all your senses! No matter you arrive by plane or by sea, you'll be greeted warmly with a taste of 'Ti-punch' and the sound of local 'beguine' music.

Guadeloupe offers a wide choice of accommodations options from cheap budget hotels to luxury all-inclusive resorts and something in between. Nearly all hotels offer are set in ideal spectacularly beautiful places, offering top-notching service, warm hospitality and modern amenities to make your stay long a lifetime.

Sofitel Christopher or Le Tom Beach Hotel is a luxury 4-star hotel, nestled on the water's edge in Pointe Milou, St. Barths with views to St. Martin and a number of desert islands. The hotel boasts offers 41 air-conditioned rooms with French-colonial decor. Hotel amenities include non-smoking rooms, meeting rooms, family rooms, data port, room service, free breakfast, restaurant, fully-equipped fitness center and one of the island's swimming pools. Pets are accepted. Recreation facilities offer a plethora of land and water activities, like gambling, golfing, horseback riding, museum/gallery viewing, nature preserves and trails, night clubs, as well as jet skiing, scuba diving, sailing, boating, surfing, water skiing and much more. You can also indulge in massage treatments.

One of the most pleasant hotels of Guadeloupe archipelago located 12 km away from Pole Caraibes International Airport; La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa guarantees a perfect relaxing stay. Situated in the middle of a lush tropical garden, surrounded by palm trees, hibiscuses and bougainvillea, the hotel features wood and vegetation architecture that will surely dazzle you. The hotel features 218 garden view, sea view and beachfront bedrooms decorated with vibrant fabrics. The hotel boasts 24-hour front desk and security, handicapped facilities, wake-up service, fitness center and spa, elegantly designed outdoor pool, in house bar, safe deposit box and babysitting/child services. If you want to discover unforgettable landscapes, to practice a huge variety of sports and taste refined Creole cuisine, La Creole Beach Hotel is an ideal getaway right for you. Here you will find ambience conducive to well being.

Canella Beach Hotel, Le Gosier is a perfect destination for honeymooners who plan their once-in-a-life experience in the stunning island of Guadeloupe. Part of the T2 chain, the hotel is set in a large tropical garden near the gorgeous sandy beach, featuring colorfully decorated 145 guestrooms with modern amenities and facilities, including air conditioning, wi-fi internet, satellite television, private bath, kitchenettes and fridge. This self-catering property offers a restaurant and a bar/lounge, an outdoor pool and a kid's pool, as well as a picnic area. Nearby attractions include Plage de Gosier, Place de la Victoire, Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul and Musee Saint-John Perse. You can engage in a wide range of activities including massages, scuba diving, catamaran excursions, windsurfing, deep sea fishing and an 18-hole golf course.