Jetsettersblog

 Martinique continues to expand and enhance its tourism product for 2009, welcoming two new boutique “hotels de charme,” improved airlift via American Airlines/American Eagle, and a new spa to entice visitors like never before. Located between the southern towns of Le Marin and Le Vauclin within easy walking distance of Macabou Beach, Cap Macabou (011-596-596-742-424;

email cap.macabou@orange.fr, www.capmacabou.com)  scheduled to open by the end of 2008.

The intimate, locally owned property features 44 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms (24 oceanview, 20 gardenview), each with a private terrace, dedicated parking and Internet access. Additional hotel amenities include a pool and on-site restaurant, L’Hacienda, with seating for 250 during regular dining, and 600 for buffets.

Villa St. Pierre (011-596-596-786-845, www.hotel-villastpierre.com) has only nine rooms in the heart of the historic northern town of St. Pierre, dubbed the Pompeii of the Caribbean following the 1902 eruption of nearby and now dormant Mt. Pelée.

The town’s historic attractions surround the property, making it ideal for history buffs. All nine rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with mini bar, flat-screen TVs and Internet access. An on-site restaurant with seating for 20 features French and Caribbean cuisine.

A third Martinican hotel, Le Domaine Saint Aubin (011-596-596-69-34-77, email reservation@ledomainesaintaubin.com  www.ledomainesaintaubin.com)  recently completed a major expansion growing from 11 rooms to 30, each espousing the same colonial look and feel evident throughout the historic 19th century property.

All 19 new rooms are housed in newly constructed or completely renovated freestanding cottages spread over a small hill facing the main entrance to the hotel.

All rooms offer air conditioning, a large colonial bed, authentic 19th century furniture and decoration, and mahogany-glass or mahogany-marble en-suite bathrooms. No telephones, televisions or radios enable guests to truly escape, though Wi-Fi Internet access is available throughout the property per request. Le Domaine Saint Aubin is located in the hills along Martinique’s northern Atlantic coast between the towns of Le Trinite and Sainte Marie.

Located in the Carayou Hotel (011-596-596-661-904, www.spa-josephine.com) in the seaside resort town of Trois Ilets is Martinique’s newest address for spa indulgence — Spa Josephine.

The facility opened in August 2008 with an expert staff professionally trained in the latest wellness and relaxation treatments. Fully equipped with Hammam Turkish bath, sauna and Jacuzzi, Spa Josephine’s massage menu features everything from California and Thai massages, to hydro-massage, Shiatsu and more. There’s even a one- to three-day total immersion French West Indian Beauty Package designed to melt away any and all stress.

For more information, call 212-838-6887 or visit www.martinique.org