Guadeloupe

Thanks to its sheltered bay, Deshaies is a popular pitstop for yachters from across the globe, which gives this pretty little fishing village a surprisingly chic, cosmopolitan air. The city is home to the wonderful Jardin Botanique, a tranquil showcase of tropical flora. It’s also just minutes from the soft sands of the Grande Anse and Plage de la Perle. The Caribbean coastline is dotted with glorious beaches, as well as world class diving and snorkeling spots, such as the renowned Cousteau Reserve.

Guadeloupe is nicknamed “le papillon” – the butterfly – for the distinctive shape of its two main islands. The left wing, Basse-Terre is a lush, wild eco-paradise of great natural beauty. La Grande Soufriere volcano rises more than 4,800 feet over the verdant mountainous interior, most of which forms a vast, uninhabited rainforest preserve. Guadeloupe National Park is celebrated for its rich array of tropical flora -- trees, ferns, orchids and more – many birds, rivers, stunning waterfalls and challenging hikes.

A narrow waterway separates Guadeloupe’s two largest islands, whose wing-like shapes inspired the nickname – “le papillon,” or butterfly – for this overseas department of France. The busy port town of Pointe-à-Pitre sits on the eastern island of Grande-Terre near the bridges to Basse-Terre, offering easy access to both. Grande-Terre is known for beautiful sandy beaches, the most popular along the reef-sheltered southern coast, and restaurants serving Guadeloupe’s best Creole cuisine. Basse-Terre is forested and mountainous – the active volcano La Grande Soufrière is the tallest peak.

Les Saintes are a volcanic archipelago of two islands and seven uninhabited islets surrounded by thriving coral reefs and clear seas. Small at just over two square miles, Terre-de-Haut is the most developed of the group, thanks to an anchorage-rich coastline of scenic bays, natural harbors, quiet beaches and charmingly picturesque villages. The ambience is decidedly low-key, and days are devoted to beachgoing, hiking, snorkeling and diving.