Recommend May 2014 - (Page 39)

DAVID GIRAL LUC OLIVIER Both photos: Martinique's natural wonders are awe-inspiring. A Quick Tour of the Island of Flowers Even Christopher Columbus, whose explorations had more of a mercenary than an aesthetic impetus, was inspired when, in 1502, he stumbled upon Martinique. One look at the lush, colorful vegetation lining this landfall's shores and hillsides, and he adopted the Carib Indians' name for Martinique, "The Island of Flowers." That label has stood the test of time for 500 years because it's still accurate. The range of natural habitats within this 50-mile-long island is remarkable. It includes the lowlands of the south, with their white-sand beaches; the rolling farmlands of the center; and the wilderness, much of it protected parkland, of the north, where the land climbs toward 4,600-ft. Mount Pelée and other peaks clad with majestic mahogany trees, giant ferns, bamboos, and profusion of blooms. Many of Martinique's 400,000 inhabitants live along the southern and western shores, with 100,000 clustered in Fort-de-France, tucked between a natural harbor on the west (Caribbean) coast and steep hills. Served by Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) and home to the Tourelles and Pointe Simon ship terminals as well as a new Cruise Village, this is a bustling city with historic sites such as Le Fort Saint Louis (1640), great architecture such as the Saint-Louis Cathedral and Schoelcher Library, a new promenade along the waterfront, La Savane Park, history and ethnographic museums, restaurants and clubs. It's a mecca for shoppers, too, with local markets (e.g. Marché Arti- sanal de la Savane, or Artisanal Market of the Savane), designer boutiques, and elegant stores stocked with luxury items. Other great shopping options include La Galleria, a trendy shopping mall located in Le Lamentin, les Galleries Lafayette and La Cour Perrinon, right in downtown Fort-de-France. The bulk of Martinique's hotels and villas are in Trois-Îlets and several other shore-hugging towns south of the capital city, on the other side of the Baie de Fort-de-France. Trois-Îlets is also the birthplace of Empress Josephine, and one of the stone buildings that was part of her family's sugar cane plantation is now the Musée de la Pagerie. Another must-see: the nearby Maison de la Canne, another plantation-turned-museum. On a peninsula to the west of Trois-Îlets lies Pointe du Bout, home to several of Martinique's largest resorts (which are mid-size hotels by Caribbean standards) and a marina that attracts sailing and motoring yachts. Continuing along southwest Martinique one enters Anses d'Arlet, a fishing village with colorful boats and small seafood eateries. Diamant, on the south coast, faces Rocher du Diamant (Diamond Rock), which rises an astonishing 575 ft. out of the sea. All these land- and seascapes attract photographers, while below the water line, the rock and its fish fascinate divers. East of Diamant, Sainte-Luce and yachtie favorite Le Marin have more hotels, dive operations, and proximity to the old Trois-Rivières Distillery, which offers tours and tastings. 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend May 2014

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Le Meridien
Tour Talk: Contiki Vacations
Tee Off in Spain
Tee Off in Scotland
Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: A (Short) Tale of Two Cities
AmaWaterways Sails into Myanmar
American Cruise Lines is on a Roll
Venturing Through Bordeaux With Viking
Martinique Travel Planner
Ecuador Goes Luxe
Mexico Destination Weddings & Honeymoons
Saint Lucia
Australia
Salamander Resort & Spa, Virginia
PGA National Resort & Spa, Florida

Recommend May 2014