Known affectionately as the Isle of Flowers and the Rum Capital of the World, the French island of Martinique is ready to welcome travelers seeking warm weather and vibrant culture. American visitor numbers are rising sharply this season, building on a 149 percent increase recorded between 2015 and 2016. Unlike many Caribbean destinations, Martinique has kept large resort development to a minimum, preserving an intimate, authentic atmosphere while adding select luxury accommodations.
New upscale options include Villa HoneyMoon, located opposite Diamond Rock in the village of Le Diamant, and Villa de la Baie du Golf in Trois-Îlets. For those who prefer the personalized service of a guesthouse, Habitation Apolline sits among mature trees and lush gardens, overlooking the capital and offering sweeping views of Fort-de-France Bay. Boutique properties are also a highlight; the five-star La Suite Villa pairs elegant rooms with a restaurant that excels in French and Créole cuisine.
Martinique’s landscape is remarkably diverse: rainforests, waterfalls, sandy beaches and volcanic peaks such as Mont Pelée and the historic town of Saint-Pierre, often called the Pompeii of the Caribbean. The island was the birthplace of Empress Joséphine, who later became the wife of Napoleon. Today, visitors can explore more than 80 miles of hiking trails and an abundance of natural scenery, from coastal paths to rugged interior routes.
Getting to Martinique is increasingly convenient thanks to expanding air service. Air France offers multiple routing options; American Airlines operates year-round nonstop flights from Miami (MIA); Air Antilles provides year-round direct service from San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU); and Norwegian Air has added service from Providence (PVD) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), along with a fourth weekly flight from New York (JFK).
Whether you seek quiet beaches, adventurous hikes, historic sites or refined dining, Martinique delivers a compact island experience that blends French and Caribbean influences. With a growing selection of small luxury hotels, charming guesthouses and well-connected air routes, now is a great time to discover the island’s flowers, rum and natural beauty.