Toronto Caribbean Newspaper’s curated list of the top villas to stay at in Martinique

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The biting wind howls outside, rattling the windows of your condo. Another grey, slushy day in the heart of a northern winter. The sun, a distant memory, seems to have abandoned us entirely. Your shoulders slump, the weight of the winter blues pressing down. You needed an escape. A real one.

Your fingers flew across the keyboard, a desperate search for sun, sand, anything but this. Then, you stumbled upon it: an island offering tailor-made tours, a place brimming with history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable personalities. A French overseas department, no less, promises a unique blend of people, culture, and cuisine. Your interest is piqued.

“No more bland winter meals. Instead, you are savouring the flavours of Creole cuisine.”

Suddenly, you aren’t in your cramped apartment anymore. The roar of the wind is replaced by the gentle lapping of turquoise waves against the shore. Instead of the incessant city noise, you hear the soft cooing of doves. Your eyes, tired of the grey monotony, feast on a kaleidoscope of colors: vibrant green foliage, the deep blue of the ocean, and the fiery orange of a sunset. You can almost feel the warm, humid air on your skin.

You picture yourself on a secluded beach, the sand warm beneath your feet. The only other being in sight is a pelican, perched majestically on a volcanic rock, fluffing his feathers and gazing northward across the mangroves. He seems as content as you are beginning to feel.

The thought of the food alone is enough to make your mouth water. No more bland winter meals. Instead, you are savouring the flavours of Creole cuisine: blaff de poisson, the delicate poached fish infused with lime and garlic; crispy, golden accras de morue; and the intriguing chatrou. Each dish, a symphony of flavors, accompanied by rich French sauces and exotic curry blends, and the fruit! Forget the imported, tasteless supermarket offerings. Here, you indulge in sun-ripened starfruit, juicy papaya, and the tangy sweetness of passion fruit, all grown organically on the island.

Martinique is calling.

You are invited to enjoy the volcanic visits and charming French-Caribbean towns of this tropical gem as you explore this remarkable island at your own pace. Picture gentle hikes, snorkeling through bright blue waters and sunset sailing, all complimented by lazy mornings and peaceful evenings by the pool. Enjoying the best of what Martinique has to offer, savouring every moment, and finding the right place to stay are essential.

Villas in Martinique are not just accommodations; they are luxurious havens designed to elevate your relaxation and enhance your experience of the island. Providing spots that exude opulence with a side of leisure, here is curated a list of some of the top villas to choose from, ensuring you feel pampered and indulged.

Antilles Exception

Enjoy Martinique your way with Antilles Exception, offering a staggering 180 villa rentals to choose from. Ranging in price points and destinations across the island, Antilles Exception lets you choose from an array of accommodations that suit your style, from secluded hideaways to breathtaking scenic retreats. Choose from a list of villas that were carefully designed for leisure in desirable destinations like: Le Marin, Tartane, Le Diamant, Le Robert, Sainte Anne, Les Trois-Ilets, Les Anses d’Arlet, Le François, Le Vauclin and Sainte Luce. You can explore your options at https://www.antillesexception.com/en.

Villa Veo

When it comes to weighing your options and choosing a rental, Villa Veo is there for you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience throughout your holiday. Understanding that Martinique is a multi-faceted island, their experts will personally curate a selection of villas that are available and perfect for you. Whether you prefer the South with white sandy beaches, or the North with lush vegetation and UNESCO sites, Villa Veo is determined to give you and your loved ones a memorable stay.  Uncover more about Villa Veo at https://www.villaveo.com/en/rentals/martinique.

Eden Roc and Palm Villa

With exceptional amenities, Eden Roc and Palm Villa offer cutting-edge comfort, transporting you to the high life. These two dream destinations feature sparkling swimming pools, breathtaking sea views, and access to Martinique’s most stunning beaches, providing an idyllic setting with immaculate vistas. They also offer a first breakfast and a welcome drink to ensure your arrival is as peaceful as possible. Unlock the secrets of Eden Roc & Palm Villa at https://www.villasmartinique.com/

You open your eyes…

Shoot! Back to reality. What you just imagined wasn’t just a vacation; it was a sensory reset. A chance to trade the drabness of winter for a vibrant, sun-drenched paradise. The grey skies outside all of sudden seem a little less oppressive. This island, this escape, is exactly what you need. You close your eyes again; the image of the pelican and the sound of the waves fill your mind. This wasn’t just a dream; it was a plan.