The island of Martinique is called the Caribbean suburb of Paris. While this may or may not be true, it can go a long ways in gaging how you will respond to the tiny French enclave – though infused with trademark Caribbean style, Martinique culture is far more influenced by France than surrounding islands. What you won't find in Paris, however, are the mountainous landscapes and lush forests of the northern section of the island of Martinique – here you can see the tallest volcano in the Caribbean or the colorful scenery that inspired Gauguin over a hundred years ago.
Though the island of St. Martin is geographically distant, it shares more than just a strong French heritage. Martinique culture also revolves around more than just beaches – of which there are plenty, don't worry – with highlights including shopping, nightlife, and rich creole cuisine. The collision of European and Caribbean lifestyles is enchanting, for those who cannot get enough of either. Still the cultural and social center for much of the Caribbean, the tales of Martinique history are a jumble of foreign aristocrats and dignitaries – the island has one of the highest standards of living in the entire world.
Hotels in Martinique offer a wide variety of styles and price. The mixture of sophistication and hospitality is a Martinique staple, from simple, utilitarian models on the beach to the more luxurious Martinique resort, you shouldn't have a problem finding a place to stay that fits your budget. Especially during the off-season – unlike many places in the Caribbean, the island of Martinique has a reputation for virtually shutting down during the late autumn months. The larger hotels in Martinique are reminiscent of those you might find in the south of France. Friendly, colorful and extremely busy. Whether visiting during the busy winter months or the off-season, it would behoove you to check out availability in advance.
Inexpensive French wines can be found on nearly any menu, and the impressive Creole cuisine that is ubiquitous on the island is another indicator of the source of Martinique culture. The collision of European and African cooking results in a fascinating collage of flavors, and the location predictably lends itself well to tasty seafood dishes. And while the finest restaurants are often far away from the hotels in Martinique, they are definitely worth seeking out, especially those just outside of the capital city of Fort-de-France.
