Jetsettersblog

Martinique continues to expand and enhance its tourism product for 2010, welcoming two new boutique “hotels de charme,” as well as a new hotel renovation and enhancements to an ecotourism attraction to entice visitors.

La Suite Villa (visit www.la-suite-villa.com ) is a new boutique property across the bay from the capital city of Fort-de-France in the hills above the scenic seaside village of Trois-Ilets.

From here guests enjoy quick and easy access to Martinique’s only golf course (The Empress Josephine Golf Course), the island’s newest casino (Casino des Trois-Ilets), tennis, beaches and the shopping, restaurants, bars and nightlife in Trois-Ilets’ Point du Bout resort area.

In addition to the six suites, La Suite Villa offers nine private villas. Available in two- or three-room layouts, the Creole-style villas offer privacy and comfort.

Each villa has its own private garden, covered terrace, outdoor shower, solarium and Jacuzzi. For dining, the La Suite Villa restaurant and bar features French-Creole specialties.

A magnificent infinity pool overlooking the Bay of Fort-de-France is also on-site.

The Pomme Cannelle Village (www.villagepommecannelle.com ) in Martinique’s mountainous northern region in the town of Le Prêcheur, is one of Martinique’s newest boutique “hotels de charme” having celebrated its grand opening in May.

The property works for families, couples and independent travelers interested in exploring Martinique’s nearby rainforest, hiking excursions and other eco-/adventure-tourism pursuits.

Pomme Cannelle Village offers 16 guest apartments, with each including air-conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, color TV, and high-speed Internet service.

Seven of the 16 total guest apartments are also specially outfitted to accommodate disabled persons.

Guests can also enjoy the property’s cascading infinity pool overlooking the sea below and views of Martinique’s highest peak, 4,582-foot Mt. Pelee.

The Hotel L’Impératrice in the capital city, Fort-de-France, was built in the 1950s and named in honor of Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s wife and one of Martinique’s most famous figures.

Completely renovated in 2009, the property still retains much of its authentic Old World charm with antique furnishings and artifacts outfitting its 24 guestrooms.

The property is located along La Savane, a sprawling promenade currently undergoing its own facelift just off the Fort-de-France waterfront.

This is a city hotel popular with business travelers with balconies overlooking streets, and also among the best spots to experience the full pageantry of Martinique Carnival.

Located in Martinique’s lush central region in the town of Morne Rouge, La Maison de la Nature offers a peaceful, relaxing ecotourism experience with some of the island’s best views of Mount Pelee.

Recently expanded and renovated with the installation of new signage and information kiosks, the facility re-opened on Oct. 10. One hundred species of tropical plants are laid out along a two-mile hiking trail through the rainforest.

A wide range of hiking itineraries are available, stretching from a few minutes to a full hour, allowing visitors to enjoy La Maison de la Nature at their own pace.

Picnic areas and an exhibition hall are also available for special events.

For more information, call 011 (596) 596 52 33 49 or 212 838 6887, email info@martinique.org  or visit www.martinique.org