On your Caribbean honeymoon, take a walk on the wild side and enjoy romance, adventure and pampering in these rich, tropical environments.
By: Jill FergusGuadeloupe
This butterfly-shaped French West Indian island has it all — black sand beaches, sprawling sugarcane fields, historic forts and mouthwatering Creole cuisine. And did we mention Guadeloupe National Park, home to Soufrière, the island’s active volcano?
What to Do:
Guadeloupe’s 54,000-acre national park offers hikers a treasure trove of scenic trails for every level throughout its rainforest. Take one that leads to the park’s mineral-rich sulphur spring pools and cascading waterfalls.
Hint: The most famous waterfall is the three-tiered Les Chutes du Caret. And trek up the island’s dormant volcano to its summit and crater. Though it’s often mist-covered, on a clear day you’ll be rewarded with views of the surrounding emerald mountains and the sea beyond.
Where to Stay:
After a day traipsing through the jungle, you’ll look forward to getting back to the Langley Resort Fort Royal in Deshaies, where you can take a refreshing dip in the sea just steps from your bungalow or in the hourglass-shaped pool (room rates start at $279 a night; fortroyal.eu).
Activities include tennis, kayaking and beach volleyball and there’s also the always-buzzing Kawaan beach bar. Located in the former Great House of a sugar plantation, nine-room Habitation du Comte is a charming colonial-style hideaway amid flamboyant, palm and mango trees (room rates start at $152 a night; hotelducomte.com).
