FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHAT’S NEW IN MARTINIQUE FOR 2015
New luxury villas and attractions, hotel renovations, expanded activities and excursions
Martinique stands ready to welcome the world to her shores in 2015 with expanded and enhanced options across all segments of its tourism product – from accommodations and attractions, to excursions, activities, educational tours, and more!
NEW + ENHANCED ACCOMMODATIONS
New Exclusive Luxury Villas
Upscale travelers seeking an all-new luxury experience this winter will delight in Alice Bay and Le Domaine des Fonds Blancs, the two newest additions to Martinique’s celebrated collection of exclusive villa properties. Both properties debuted in 2014 along the windswept shores of Le Francois on Martinique’s Atlantic coast. The seven-bedroom/six-bathroom Alice Bay villa sleeps 14 comfortably, while the sprawling 7,000 square-foot Domaine des Fonds Blancs is capable of hosting 18 guests. Both properties espouse a modern, chic style with uncompromising service and all the comforts and amenities befitting the very apex of luxury travel.
New Budget Friendly Cottage Options
For travelers on a budget, Martinique offers the all-new Village de la Pointe. Located on Pointe Faula Beach in Vauclin on Martinique’s breezy Atlantic coast, the village consists of 80 cottages priced between 70 € and 100 € per-night. All Village de la Pointe cottages offer two or three bedrooms within easy walking distance of shopping, and a wide array of watersports– kiteboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, jet ski rentals, windsurfing, and more.
New Fort-de-France Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown Fort-de-France directly facing the famed La Savane Park, the all new Fort Savane Hotel welcomes both business and leisure travelers with 15 luxurious guestrooms – four single rooms, nine studios, and two suites. All rooms feature modern and comfortable styling, air conditioning, LCD TV’s, private baths, espresso machines, mini-bar, in-room safes, and more. Select studio units also offer balconies overlooking a quiet courtyard. Nightly rates start at 150.00 € for two persons sharing studio accommodations.
Hotel Renovations
Always keen to maintain the highest standards, Martinique hotels are rolling out the red carpet for visitors in 2015 with an array of enhancements. Newly renovated properties include the stylish and romantic Plein Soleilboutique hotel nestled in the hills above Le Robert, Le Panoramic and Hotel Bambou, both located in Trois-Ilets. In recognition of their investment and sustained excellent service, another Trois-Ilets hotel that underwent comprehensive renovations recently, La Pagerie, has been elevated to four-star status for 2015.
NEW ATTRACTIONS
Fort Saint Louis
Originally carved from a rocky promontory jutting out into The Bay of Fort-de-France, Fort Saint Louis dates back to 1640. Closed since 9/11 when it was reinstated as an active military installation, the Fort reopened to the public July 2014. Fort Saint Louis is open for tours Tuesday–Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Guided tours are available with commentary provided in English, French, Spanish, and Italian. Tours are not recommended for pregnant women, people with walking disabilities or those confined to wheelchairs. Walking shoes are also highly recommended. The entry fee is 8€ for adults and 4€ for children, who must be at least six years of age and accompanied by an adult to gain entrance.
Latouche Plantation Zoo
A unique zoological experience featuring monkeys, jaguars, pumas, Lories, giant anteaters, and more, Latouche Plantation Zoo is located in a pristine, rainforest setting within the former Habitation Latouche. The plantation, which dates all the way back to 1643, is among the oldest in Martinique. Low-impact walking trails wind throughout the property in the shadow of the towering Pitons du Carbet, affording visitors the chance to easily explore wildlife from Australia, Africa, South and Central- America in a truly singular setting.
NEW ACTIVITIES + EXCURSIONS
Skydiving
Taking the plunge in Martinique has always meant enjoying its undersea wonders while scuba diving or snorkeling… until now. A new adventure operator called Air Colibri recently launched new skydiving excursions in Martinique.
Gourmet Cooking Classes
Martinique has long ranked among the top culinary travel destinations in the Caribbean for the quality of its many fine restaurants, its inventive homegrown chefs, and unique French-Creole cuisine. Now, thanks to new packages from Les Ateliers Médélices, traveling foodies can take their “joie de la cuisine Martiniquais” a step further and learn the secrets to preparing their favorite local dishes while vacationing in Martinique. The new program offers a range of cooking classes and culinary-themed experiential travel opportunities designed to give food-loving travelers a fun and immersive introduction to cooking in the grand tradition of Martinique. Among the highlights of the program are cooking classes with Chef Jean-Charles Bredas, a Gault and Millau Clef D’ Or Award winner and member of the Academie Nacionale de Cuisine who has been cited as one of the “Four Best Caribbean Chefs” by Bon Appetit Magazine.
Guided Tours of Fort-de-France
Touring downtown Fort-de-France will never be easier than in 2015 thanks to new CycloComm' electronic tricycles. Resembling a modern rickshaw and capable of carrying three persons, the CycloComm' are available for rental in the downtown Fort-de-France area. Drivers also serve as guides citing useful and insightful information on attractions viewed along the way. New audio guides are also now available in English, French, Spanish and Italian for rent via the Fort-de-France Tourist Office located in The Savannah Park, making it easier than ever for visitors to explore downtown area attractions on their own.
For more information on travel to Martinique, please visit www.martinique.org.
About Martinique The Caribbean Island with French Flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – Martinique ranks among the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. As an overseas region of France, Martinique boasts modern and reliable infrastructure – roads, water and power utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications services all on par with any other part of the European Union. At the same time, Martinique’s beautifully unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, rainforests, 80+ miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders are the equal of neighboring Dominica to the north and St. Lucia to the south, so visitors here truly get the best of both worlds.
The currency is the Euro, the flag is Le Tricolour, and the official language is French, but Martinique’s character, cuisine, musical heritage, art, culture, common language, and identity are of a distinctly Afro-Caribbean inclination known as Creole Martiniquais. It is this special combination of modern world conveniences, pristine nature, and rich heritage that has earned for Martinique several notable distinctions in recent years, including being named “Best Caribbean Destination” by About.com, and “Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining” by Caribbean Travel + Life. The Bay of Fort-de-France, which fronts Martinique’s charming capital city, was also recently inducted into The Club of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World.
Martinique’s storied history further stirs travel passions. Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised in Martinique, while the majestic Mt. Pelée volcano and St. Pierre, The Pompeii of the Caribbean, are found here.
A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c’est magnifique!