By Ishena Robinson
All photos provided by Ishena Robinson.
Martinique is a gem in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, sitting prettily with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. That means an enchanting contrast of white sand and black sand beaches, warm blue waters and volcanic formations, lush green scenery, and charmingly warm people. There’s so much to see and experience on the French-speaking island, which also has a French department.
Here is a quick list of must-do experiences that will give you a taste of the paradise that Martinique promises.
Grab a drink at Ti Plage, a local bar outside the Aime Cesaire International Airport.
After getting off the plane at Fort-de-France, Martinique's capital, the heat and humidity of the Martinican air immediately let you know you are in the Caribbean. Another sign? The vibrant two-story establishment called Ti Plage stands conveniently next to the curb at Arrivals and Departures and provides Ti' Punch—Martinique's national drink made of rum agricole, brown sugar/syrup, and a squeeze of lime)—Lorraine beer on draft, and anything else your heart desires. All the imbibing takes place amid an atmosphere of relaxation and welcoming warmth, which is exactly what you want to feel when you are ready to begin your adventure on the island.
Have an ice cream cone at Ziouka Glaces
Speaking of warmth, the high temperatures in Martinique often call for a sweet treat. The options are endless: coconut water, sugarcane juice, a nice cold glass of Planteur's Punch, and the like. For a special treat all can enjoy, look no further than the ice cream and sorbets at Ziouka Glaces, the homemade ice creamery in the small town of Le Carbet on the north side of the island. With inventive flavors like corn, passionfruit, mango, and mojito, there’s guaranteed to be just the right taste to satisfy any of your tropical cravings. You may even meet Claude Ziouka, the owner and artisan behind the brand and frequently at the ice cream counter.
Have a meal and a swim at Le Petibonum
Le Petibonum, a beach bar establishment run by Chef Hotpants (a proprietor who, as his name suggests, regularly dons short shorts!) is quintessential Caribbean relaxation. Laid out on a black volcanic sand beach, there are beach chairs and wooden tables alike for enjoying the copious drinks, vibes, and crispy plus fluffy balls of accra served by the platter at this restaurant. Go in the water for a dip before trying the finger-licking creole lobster on the menu, and remember to sample the bar's wide variety of Martinican rum.
Visit the Saint James Distillery
Martinican rum agricole, named for the unique distillation process the sugar cane juice goes through, is certified Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée by the government of France and is the key ingredient in many of Martinique's heavy-hitting cocktails. Saint James is a top-shelf brand that boasts a rum museum and beautifully renovated distillery that houses all the traditional mechanisms for harvesting the lovely stuff. The air in their warehouses—where rum is barrelled in American bourbon casks—smells redolent of sugary liquor, and beneath their cellar, you can even view bottles that are over one hundred years old. It's worth a visit and a bottle to pack in your suitcase and bring back home.
Visit La Savane des Esclaves and the Memorial at CAP 110
Martinique was the site of 400 years of slavery in the transatlantic slave trade. Today, entrepreneurs and artists highlight this tragedy's legacy, telling the story of enslaved Africans and other groups who inhabited the island. La Savane des Esclaves captures the journey of these groups to Martinique, following the Arawaks, Caribs, and European settlers. Gilbert Larose constructed a compound mirroring villages and gardens of indigenous and Martinican people who lived on the island after slavery's abolition. Sculptor Laurent Valent carved the memorial CAP 110 at Anse Caffard to honor enslaved Africans who died in a ship that sank off Martinique. This art installation, constructed of white material reflecting Martinican mourning, points towards the Gulf of Guinea.
Comments