The Martinique Honeymoon Guide for a Dreamy Island Getaway

A Martinique honeymoon is far more than a standard beach getaway. Couples who venture to the romantic destination will experience interesting history, culture, and the pristine natural beauty that permeates the eastern Caribbean island. Swaying palm trees, volcanic mountains, lush rainforests and turquoise water further encourage that remote island feeling, but there's much to experience across Martinique for newlyweds. For eco-conscious couples, Martinique is also known for its biodiversity, serving as home to endangered species like green turtles and blue-headed hummingbirds.

Is Martinique Good for a Honeymoon?

The destination is a relatively under-the-radar choice in the Caribbean for couples from the US. "Martinique is a great destination for honeymooners who want to experience an eco-destination given its natural beauty, magnificent beaches, a rich history and adventure," says travel advisor Margie Hand of Andavo Travel Affiliate.

The Pros of a Martinique Honeymoon

Martinique's scenery couldn't be more spectacular with its towering mountains, lush vegetation, and the surrounding Caribbean Sea. With such beauty abundantly available, honeymooners can unwind on the beach or explore via diving, hiking, or surfing. For some indulgence, they can sip the island's famous rum, dine on Creole cuisine, and rest their heads at top-notch resorts.

The Cons of a Martinique Honeymoon

As is the case with any international destination, islanders across Martinique tend to speak the local dialect of Creole and French rather than English. Some couples might struggle to communicate. Plus, getting to Martinique can be a bit tricky. "There is a nonstop flight from Miami on Saturdays through the high season, although flights are constantly changing," Hand says.

The Best Times of Year to Go on a Martinique Honeymoon for Good Weather

For ideal honeymoon weather conditions, couples should visit during the dry season or December through May. However, if you happen to come during hurricane season (June through October), you'll still experience temperatures in the seventies and eighties often with more affordable prices.

Things to Do During a Martinique Honeymoon

Experience a Variety of Beaches

While beaches on the southern and western coasts feature white sand, beaches up north are lined with black sand with the presence of Mount Pelée, the island's active volcano with a tragic history. The Atlantic coastline tends to be more rugged too. Arguably, the most popular beach is the Grande Anse des Salines (or Salines Beach) located on the Southern part of the island.

Enjoy Creole Cuisine

"The cuisine in Martinique is a vibrant blend of French, African, South Asian, and Creole food," says Hand. She insists newlyweds try the boudin (blood sausage), accras de Moure (fish fritters), chatrou (octopus), colombo (lamb or chicken curry, with rice, vegetables, plantains, and beans), and conch stew.

Taste Rum

Martinique produces rhum Agricole, made with fresh sugarcane juice versus the molasses or syrup used for other Caribbean rums. Honeymooners can taste these spirits for free at all 12 of the island's distilleries. At the historic distillery, Habitation Clément, couples can taste-test rum and stroll through the property's gardens and art installations known as the "Fondation d'Art Contemporain."

Hike Mount Pelée

Two-thirds of Martinique consists of protected park land. Among the 80 miles of hiking trails, newlyweds should explore the active volcano, Mount Pelée. Along with a seven-mile hike, which rewards the active with 360-degree views, couples will want to experience the rainforest trek to Gorges de la Falaise, a "wondrous waterfall."

Dive and Surf

History buffs and water enthusiasts can explore 14 different shipwrecks caused by Mount Pelée (which moored ships and devastated the island with its deadly eruption in 1902). Along with the ships, couples can dive through rock tunnels filled with coral and anemones or explore Diamond Rock. Meanwhile, eager surfers can challenge themselves at Anse Bonneville and Anse Couleuvre.

Visit Fort-de-France

Consider stopping by the island's largest town in the late afternoon to stroll through the shops, then stay for the nightlife.

Where to Stay for a Martinique Honeymoon

Club Med Buccaneer's Beach, Sainte-Anne

This all-inclusive property located in the Southeastern corner of the island offers scuba diving, sunset yoga, spa services, kite surfing, water skiing, and tennis.

Diamant Les Bains, Le Diamant

Reopened in May, this four-star property offers bungalow suites and studios, plus a convenient location in the center of a village.

La Suite Villa Hotel & Spa, Les Trois-Ilets

On a hillside in the town of Les Trois-Ilets, this five-star boutique hotel features a pool and jacuzzi, spa, suites, and villas.

French Coco Hotel, La Trinité

On the Atlantic Coast, bordering a nature reserve, this luxurious boutique hotel includes 17 rooms—16 with private pools opening into small gardens.

Hotel Bakoua, Les Trois-Îlets

This four-star property with 138 rooms or suites is set against a backdrop of the Pitons du Carbet mountains. Rooms feature balconies or terraces plus views of the bay or gardens.

Carayou Hôtel & SPA - Hôtel, Les Trois Îlets

On a peninsula overlooking the ocean, this all-inclusive resort with 133 rooms and one suite boasts pools and a location close to the beach. Plus, it's a short walk to a casino with a disco.

Archipel Evasion

This villa reservation and concierge service allows couples to rent a private home from a 100-property collection.

What to Pack for a Martinique Honeymoon

Bring your passport and a French-English dictionary. As it's a tropical getaway, couples will want to pack standard honeymoon beach gear like hats, swimsuits, sunscreen and bug spray.