Martinique is a beautiful island in the Caribbean with French flair and a never-ending summer. Whether you’re a family seeking a tropical getaway or a history buff intent on learning more about the island’s rich past, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in . Thankfully, companies like Norwegian Air are making it very affordable for travelers looking to fly to this magnificent island. You’ll find rates as low as $79, with non-stop services to Fort-de-France out of New York, Boston, and Baltimore/Washington DC.
Read through to the end and I’ll be sharing a fabulous giveaway where you’ll have the chance to win two round-trip tickets to Martinique!
Martinique’s cultural heritage is a fascinating one and there are plenty of ways to learn about it while you’re staying on the island. In 1685, King Louis VIV proclaimed “Le Code Noir” which was the legal framework for the removal of Africans from their homeland for the purpose of transporting them to work as slaves on the French sugar plantations in the Caribbean. This was just the beginning of a tumultuous 200+ years of slavery on the island of Martinique. Today, you are able to visit some of those plantations, like Le Domaine de Fonds Saint-Jacques, in order to learn what life was like on the island for those slaves and to pay your respects to those who suffered and fought against slavery. While it’s a dark history, it is one that should not be ignored.
Martinique is truly a land of tradition and culture, with a fascinating history of crafts which include renowned authors, poets, music and dance, lifestyle and gastronomy. There are plenty of places on the island where you can enjoy great music with Afro-Caribbean roots. Carnival runs every year towards the end of Feburary, and it’s a great way to experience Martinique’s vibrant culture.
One thing you must not miss out on is tasting the famous Martinican rum. Unlike other rums, it’s not made from “mélasse” but uses the freshly pressed sugarcane juice instead. This juice, or “vesou”, gives it a sweeter, more complex flavor. Martinique’s rum is labeled AOC (Protected Designation of Origin), which gives it the same exclusive status like Champagne. Clement is the most expensive rum in the world and it comes from Martinique! Another popular drink on the island is coffee. The first coffee plant of the new world is from Martinique and dates back to 1723. Rest assured, you’ll be able to drink some of the best coffee in the world while vacationing in Martinique.
If you’re looking for a unique and fun place to stay, you must check out the Clear Bubble at Le Domaine des Bulles. This environmentally-friendly resort focuses on wellness and offers five bedrooms with quality amenities. You are essentially sleeping in a clear “bubble” room which should excite any nature lover and adventure seeker! Each bubble is surrounded by lush vegetation which offers guests a very tranquil and private experience.
Other than lounging on Martinique’s pristine beaches, there are plenty of outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy. I’d recommend hiking to La Fontaine de Didier, a stunning 100ft waterfall. It’s the perfect place for a photo op or a refreshing swim. You can also discover Mount Pelée on the northern end of Martinique, where you’ll find an active volcano! This is also the highest point of the island so you’ll be sure to experience some incredible views.
As I mentioned before, you have a chance to enter a sweepstakes giving away two round-trip tickets to Martinique! Click to enter. Whether you win or not, I hope you consider traveling to the beautiful, historic, and unique Caribbean Island of Martinique.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Martinique Tourism Authority.
Rosemary
April 17, 2017 at 8:16 pmHow picturesque! Would really love to explore the country and its rich heritage. Fascinating to read about the coffee and rum culture. What about the food? Are there any local specialties worth investigating? Great article and will give the contest a go. Wish me luck!!
Carmen Edelson
April 18, 2017 at 9:38 amGood luck, Rosemary! Their seafood is great so you can’t go wrong there. I’d also recommend Accra which is a type of fritter made with either seafood or vegetables.
Siddhartha Joshi
April 17, 2017 at 10:11 pmAn island with never ending summer…well that got me hooked to the story right from the beginning 🙂
Lovely post and some gorgeous picture here…
Carmen Edelson
April 18, 2017 at 9:36 amGlad to hear it! Thanks, Siddhartha 🙂
Suze - Luxury Columnist
April 19, 2017 at 11:23 amI’ve been to Guadeloupe but never to Martinique, so this would be amazing – wasn’t sure if it was open worldwide but I’ve entered anyway! The festivals, the rum and the Clear Bubble hotel all look fabulous
Carmen Edelson
April 21, 2017 at 11:04 amMy fingers are crossed for you, Suze! You’d love Martinique.
Tam Warner Minton
April 19, 2017 at 7:09 pmHow beautiful that beach is! I’m a scuba diver so I’m always happy to learn about islands!
Carmen Edelson
April 21, 2017 at 11:02 amI think you’d love scuba diving in Martinique, Tam 🙂
Debra Schroeder
April 20, 2017 at 6:15 pmMartinique looks gorgeous. It’s been on my bucket list for quite some time. The Clear Bubble looks like a fun hotel.
Carmen Edelson
April 21, 2017 at 11:01 amI hope you get to go, Debra!
Cat
April 21, 2017 at 2:07 amMartinique looks like a fascinating place to visit! It has so much history and culture worth exploring! I’d love to stay at the Clear Bubble!
Carmen Edelson
April 21, 2017 at 11:01 amI know, I just love a unique hotel room concept!
Danielle Desir
April 21, 2017 at 7:45 amNorwegian Air is making countries like Guadeloupe and Martinique so much more accessible and affordable to get to! I visited Guadeloupe last winter and hope to visit Martinique next winter.
Carmen Edelson
April 21, 2017 at 11:01 amI know, thank goodness for Norwegian Air! I hope you have a fabulous time when you make it to Martinique 🙂
Agness of Fit Travelling
May 3, 2017 at 11:52 amI love historic places but I’ve never been to Martinique! Excellent idea, Carmen!
Carmen Edelson
May 5, 2017 at 9:25 amIt’s a beautiful part of the world, Agness!
Boat Master
October 26, 2019 at 11:23 amYour beach photographs are amazing! They really add a lot to your article. Do you use a high end camera to get such great shots?
Carmen Edelson
November 21, 2019 at 3:17 pmThank you! I use a DSLR 🙂