Where to stay in Martinique: guide to the 3 best areas

Tourist tips
Where to stay in Martinique: guide to the 3 best areas

Summary in 3 seconds

South (Trois-Îlets, Sainte-Anne): Paradise beaches, charming hotels, nightlife

North (Caravelle, Saint-Pierre): Wild nature, hiking, authenticity

West (Anses d'Arlet): Peace and quiet, snorkeling, fishing villages

For an authentic wellness break: Bambou Resort (South) combines a family-friendly 3-star hotel with a 4-star boutique hotel for adults only, an intimate Creole spa, and local cuisine. Budget: $170-320/night depending on the season.

Where to stay in Martinique: guide by area

Martinique offers very different experiences depending on your location. Here's how to choose the area that best suits your expectations.

1. Southern Martinique: beaches and authenticity (Trois-Îlets, Sainte-Anne)

Why choose the South?

The south of Martinique is the preferred destination for travelers seeking relaxation and comfort. This region boasts the island's most beautiful beaches, with turquoise waters and white sand. It is also the tourist hub, offering gourmet restaurants, trendy bars, shops, and a lively nightlife.

Specific benefits:

  • Most accessible and well-equipped beaches
  • Drier climate (less rainfall)
  • Comprehensive tourism infrastructure
  • Proximity to the international airport (25-30 min)
  • A wide range of accommodation options for all budgets

Disadvantages:

  • More touristy and lively (less peaceful)
  • Higher rates during peak season
  • Beaches sometimes crowded during peak season

Recommended accommodations: Bamboo Resort

🌴 Why Bamboo Resort stands out:

Bambou Resort is the ideal choice for a stay combining authentic Creole culture and comfort. Located in Trois-Îlets, right on the beach at Anse Mitan, this family-run, independent 3-star hotel offers bungalows with views of Fort-de-France Bay, an intimate Creole spa, and cuisine combining Creole and international flavors. Perfect for families (children under 11 stay free), couples looking for a change of scenery, or solo travelers wishing to discover the Caribbean way of life.

Recommended high-end accommodations:

Establishment Type Features Estimated budget
Bambou Resort 3★ Hotel + 4★ Boutique Hotel Direct access to Anse Mitan beach, spa, 3 restaurants, children under 11 stay free, boutique hotel Creole culture, adults only $150–$280/night
Carayou Hotel & Spa 3-star hotel Spa, 2 swimming pools, facing Fort-de-France Bay, 132 rooms $130–$220/night
Diamond Beach 2★ residence View of Diamond Rock, infinity pool, 49 Creole-style apartments $80–$150/night

💡 Bambou Resort is the only establishment in the area to offer direct access to the beach, a spa, and free stays for children up to 11 years old.

2. Northern Martinique: nature and authenticity (Caravelle, Saint-Pierre)

Why choose the North?

The north of Martinique offers a radically different experience: untamed nature, volcanic landscapes, authentic villages. This region attracts travelers seeking adventure and discovery, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.

Specific benefits:

  • Spectacular landscapes (Mount Pelée, tropical forests)
  • Exceptional hikes
  • Authentic, local atmosphere
  • Fewer tourists, more peace and quiet
  • More affordable rates

Disadvantages:

  • More humid climate (more rainfall)
  • Less developed tourist infrastructure
  • Distance from the airport (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • Less nightlife

Recommended high-end accommodations:

Establishment Type Features Estimated budget
Anse Couleuvre Residence 3-star hotel Old house dating back to 1660, black sand beach, 4 bedrooms + 4 bungalows, historic setting $150–$250/night
Prêcheur Cottages Vacation rentals Authentic setting, access to Mount Pelée hikes, proximity to waterfalls $60–$120/night
Saint-Pierre Villas Furnished rentals Sea view, close to distilleries (Depaz, Neisson), local atmosphere $80–$150/night

💡 The north mainly offers charming accommodations. For a stay with full hotel services, head to the south (Bambou Resort, an hour's drive away).

Must-do activities:

  • Hike to Mount Pelée (half-day to full day depending on route)
  • Visit to Saint-Pierre (former capital, volcanic history)
  • Snorkeling at Anse Couleuvre
  • Discovering the botanical gardens

3. West Martinique: tranquility and snorkeling (Anses d'Arlet, Anse à l'Âne)

Why choose the West?

Western Martinique is the ideal area for travelers seeking a balance between accessibility and tranquility. Fishing villages, small sheltered bays, and exceptional seabeds make it a prime destination for snorkeling and relaxation.

Specific benefits:

  • Calm, crystal-clear waters (ideal for snorkeling)
  • Village atmosphere, less touristy
  • Spectacular sunsets.
  • Good tourist infrastructure

Disadvantages:

  • Fewer white sand beaches
  • Less variety of accommodation options
  • Fewer activities and restaurants

Recommended high-end accommodations:

Establishment Type Features Estimated budget
Residences of Anses d'Arlet Vacation rentals Authentic fishing village, 5 beaches, snorkeling with turtles $80–$180/night
Petite Anse Cottages Charming cottages Sea view, quiet, walking distance to the beach, intimate atmosphere $110–$200/night
Grande Anse Apartments Furnished rentals Close to the beach, exceptional seabed, ideal for families $70–$150/night

💡 The West mainly offers independent rentals. For a stay with a restaurant, spa, and hotel services, the Bambou Resort in Trois-Îlets is a 20-minute drive away.

Must-do activities:

  • Snorkeling at Les Îlets in Cabrit
  • Boat trip to Oscar Islet
  • Sunset dinner
  • Visit to fishing villages

🌴 Why Bamboo Resort stands out:

Bambou Resort is the ideal choice for a stay combining authentic Creole culture and comfort. Located in Trois-Îlets, right on the beach at Anse Mitan, this family-run, independent 3-star hotel offers bungalows with views of Fort-de-France Bay, an intimate Creole spa, and cuisine combining Creole and international flavors. Perfect for families (children under 11 stay free), couples looking for a change of scenery, or solo travelers wishing to discover the Caribbean way of life.

Comparison: which zone should you choose based on your profile?

Profile Recommended area Reason
Couple on their honeymoon South (Bamboo Resort) Authentic charm, intimacy (adult Creole culture), attentive service, beaches
Family with children South (Bamboo Resort) Free for children up to 11 years old, baby equipment, adapted swimming pool, safe beaches
Adventurers / Hikers North Nature, Mount Pelée, tropical forests, authenticity
Divers / Snorkelers West Exceptional seabed, turtles, calm waters
Travelers seeking peace and quiet North or West Less touristy, unspoiled nature, authentic villages
First visit (short stay) South (Bamboo Resort) 25 minutes from the airport, complete infrastructure, ideal starting point
Wellness/spa stay South (Bamboo Resort) Le Cocon Spa, massages, couples' rituals, Creole cuisine

💡 From Bambou Resort, the concierge service can organize your excursions to the north (hiking) and west (snorkeling) to combine the best of each area.

Where to stay in Martinique: our favorite

Bambou Resort: authentic Creole style right on the waterfront

Location: Anse Mitan, Trois-Îlets, southern Martinique (25 minutes from the airport)

Why it's our favorite:

Bambou Resort embodies the authentic Creole way of life. This family-run 3-star hotel, owned by the Rivéti family since 1960, combines traditional bungalow architecture, modern comforts, and attentive service. The hotel enjoys direct access to Anse Mitan beach, with breathtaking views of Fort-de-France Bay and the Pitons du Carbet.

What makes Bambou Resort unique:

🏷️ Labels of excellence:

  • Clef Verte: the only hotel in the Caribbean to hold this international environmental label
  • Tourism and Disabilities: 22 accessible rooms (4 disabilities)
  • Qualité Tourisme: national quality of service label

🧘 Spa Le Cocon by Tropical Spa: traditional treatments, massages, foot reflexology, couples' rituals in an intimate setting

🍽️ Creole cuisine: 3 restaurants including BòdlanmÈ with its lobster tank (September-February), authentic Creole and international cuisine

🏖️ Direct access to the beach: deck chairs, parasols, beach bar, shuttle boat to Fort-de-France from the pontoon

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families welcome: children under 11 stay free (accommodation and meals), full range of baby equipment free of charge, swimming pool with shallow area

🌴 Atmosphere: friendly and welcoming, loyal Martinican team (some employees have been there for 30 years)

Practical tips for choosing your accommodation

Average budget per area

Zone Low budget Average budget Luxury budget
South $100-$150 $200–$350 $300-$500+
North $60–$100 $115-$210 $150-$250
West $80–$130 $130–$220 $220–$350

Budget per person, per night, in low season. Increase by 30-50% in high season (December-February).

Best season to visit

Period Climate Benefits Disadvantages
December–February Dry, 77-82°F Better climate, celebrations High season, high prices
March-May Dry, 26-30°C Good climate, less expensive Start of hot weather
June–November Humid, 80–90°F Low prices, less touristy Hurricane risk (August-October)

Choose December-February or March-May for the best climate/price ratio.

Tip: Choose December-February or March-May for the best climate/price ratio.

Distance from the international airport

Zone Distance Travel time
South (Trois-Îlets / Bambou Resort) 22-28 miles 25-30 min
West (Anses d'Arlet) 40-50 miles 50-60 min
North (Saint-Pierre / Caravelle) 70-80 miles 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

💡 Le Bambou Resort is ideally located just 25 minutes from Aimé Césaire Airport, perfect for a first stay or a short stopover.

Activities by area

South: Beaches, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, spa, diving

North: Hiking, history (Saint-Pierre), nature, snorkeling, authentic villages

West: Snorkeling, islets, sunsets, fishing, tranquility

How to book

Reservation options:

  1. Directly with the resort (best rates, personalized services)
  2. Booking platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia)
  3. Travel agencies (packages, flights + hotel)

💡 Tip: For high-end resorts such as Bambou Resort, book directly to benefit from additional services and preferential rates.

Formalities and access

  • EU citizens: Valid ID card or passport
  • Other nationalities: Valid passport + visa depending on nationality
  • Vaccines: None required for Martinique. Yellow fever certificate required only if transiting through a high-risk country.
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Language: French

FAQ: your questions about where to stay in Martinique

What is the best area for a first visit?
The South (Trois-Îlets, Sainte-Anne). Here you will find the most beautiful beaches, the best tourist infrastructure, and proximity to the airport. Bambou Resort is ideal for discovering authentic Creole culture while enjoying every comfort.
When is the best time to visit Martinique?
December-February for the best weather, or March-May for a good compromise between weather and prices. Avoid August-October (hurricane season).
How many days does it take to visit Martinique?
Minimum 5-7 days to explore one area in depth. 10-14 days to discover several areas.
What budget should you plan for a comfortable stay?
€120-250/night for accommodation (quality 3-star hotel), plus €40-80/day for meals and activities. Half-board at Bambou Resort is recommended to keep your budget under control while exploring the island.
Is Bamboo Resort suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! The Bambou Hotel is particularly suited to families: children up to 11 years old stay free (accommodation and meals), a full range of baby equipment is available free of charge (cots, travel cots, high chairs, strollers), there is a swimming pool with a shallow area, and a babysitting service is available on request. For couples without children, the Culture Créole boutique hotel is reserved for adults (18+).
Should we rent a car?
Yes, highly recommended for exploring the island. Public transportation is limited. Expect to pay €30-50/day for a rental. Bambou Resort has free parking and offers car rentals on site.
Which area is best for snorkeling?
The west (Anses d'Arlet, Anse à l'Âne) offers the best seabed and the calmest waters. The Bambou Resort concierge service can organize snorkeling and glass-bottom kayak excursions.
Can we visit several areas during one trip?
Yes, but it's tiring. Choose a maximum of two areas (e.g., south + west) for a 7-10 day stay. From Bambou Resort in Trois-Îlets, you can easily explore the surrounding area: Fort-de-France is 20 minutes away by shuttle boat, Rocher du Diamant is 19 km away, and Balata Garden is 30 minutes away by car.
How to get to Fort-de-France from Bambou Resort?
A water shuttle departs directly from the pier in front of the hotel. The crossing to the capital takes 20 minutes and offers magnificent views of the bay.
Does the hotel accept pets?
No, pets are not allowed at Bambou Resort.
What are the arrival and departure times?
Check-in from 4 p.m., check-out at 12 p.m. Luggage storage and transit showers are available if needed.

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