Few places in the Caribbean are as untapped as Guadeloupe. Still largely undiscovered by U.S. travelers, it boasts a distinct French culture to go with a rugged topography.
Club Med La Caravelle offers guests access to both, as I discovered during a stay this summer to check out the latest additions to the property.
The resort opened in 1973 on the picturesque Caravelle Beach, located on the southern shore of Grande-Terre. The resort's setting offers travelers the convenience of a beachfront getaway along with access to a historical downtown area, world-class diving and island-hopping via catamaran. Ideal for families, couples or solo travelers, Club Med La Caravelle offers an exciting balance of relaxation and adventure.
A guestroom showcases the 2019 design refresh. Photo Credit: Club Med La Caravelle
Spaces for kids and adults
The resort features 380 rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the pool, beach or resort grounds. In 2019, Club Med La Caravelle underwent a $52 million renovation, expanding its accommodations to include one-bedroom family suites with a separate sleeping area for kids.
Additionally, 42 rooms were designed for the adults-only accommodations and infinity pool area, christened as Zen Oasis. Situated on the quieter east end of the hotel, Zen Oasis accommodations are housed in charming whitewashed, gingerbread-style buildings.
I stayed in a second-floor Zen Oasis suite, which featured beachy details like polished wood floors, soft teal walls and wicker furniture. The oversize bathroom spanned nearly the entire length of the room, and the freestanding bathtub was a romantic detail that would appeal to couples celebrating a special occasion. I appreciated the suite's tucked-away location, though the trade-off was being farther away from the main restaurant and pool area.
Each morning, I savored breakfast at Le Hibiscus, the main all-day buffet restaurant, alternating between flaky croissants, warm French bread and johnnycakes, a local fried bread.
Many of my midday meals were spent on the restaurant's beautiful open-air terrace, enjoying local dishes like stewed chicken and accra, a salted codfish fritter.
The buffet at Le Hibiscus was accompanied by an excellent spread of cheeses and French desserts like macarons, fruit tarts and chocolate mousse.
For a more intimate experience, the Allamanda Beach Lounge is tucked away at the far end of the resort in a charming Creole-style home. This standalone restaurant transforms throughout the day. For lunch, it's a casual spot for burgers, but at night I made reservations to sample a curated menu featuring delicately poached snapper and fresh gnocchi.
Though the week had several culinary highlights, dinner at the Allamanda, accompanied by a crisp glass of chardonnay and views of Caravelle Beach, was the kind of moment you travel for.
The resort's beverage program is robust, offering options that also seamlessly transition from day to night. The Colibri Bar, situated near the main pool, served as the hub for daily activities like trivia and bingo, and the Mango Bar was my go-to stop for a rum punch.
Club Med La Caravelle also offers a house red and white wine with dinner, but there are a few more elevated options. For an authentic taste of the Caribbean, the Distillerie is a dedicated rum cellar offering guided tastings of local and imported rums. And wine aficionados can head to La Cave, located within Le Hibiscus, which offers an impressive collection of French and international vintages.
Caravelle Beach, where resort guests can participate in watersports like kayaking and sailing. Photo Credit: Club Med La Caravelle
Getting and staying active
It would be difficult to get bored at La Caravelle.
For guests traveling with kids, the resort offers a comprehensive program that caters to children, from infants as young as 4 months old to 17-year-olds. Led by the resort's signature GOs (Gentle Organisers), Club Med's children's programs include group tennis and sailing classes, sensory activities and group games, all included with a stay.
And for adults who simply want a little "me time," the Club Med Spa by Sothys offers five calming treatment rooms.
As a solo traveler, I used the Club Med app to fill my calendar with a few low-intensity activities. Yoga on the lawn? Check. Water aerobics? I also checked that on my list, though I lasted about 30 minutes before retreating to my lounge chair. The resort has a summer camp-like quality, which had me trying things like archery and considering trapeze lessons -- though my respect for heights kept me on the ground.
It was inspiring to see not only kids pushing their boundaries but also adults, with families often signing up for activities together, borrowing kayaks and making memories.
Going beyond the gates
To see the best of Guadeloupe beyond the resort gates, La Caravelle offers guided tours and daytrips. I booked a trip to Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe's main port city, and stopped by the Memorial ACTe museum, which is dedicated to telling the story of slavery in the Caribbean.
On my way back to the resort, I strolled the city's cobblestone streets, perusing Saint Antoine Marketplace (known as the Central Marketplace to locals) to purchase some nutmeg and cinnamon.
My first experience with the Club Med brand was nearly 10 years ago at Florida's Club Med Sandpiper. I spent a week with my then-family of three, and we loved the ease of staying at an all-inclusive property, which is a rarity in Florida.
My recent stay at Club Med La Caravelle reinforced what I consider to be the thing the Club Med brand does best: It gives travelers a frictionless vacation experience, where all the details are taken care of.