French Coco

We are only on our second day at French Coco Hotel in Martinique, and I must say—it is truly an enchanting setting. Modest from the outside yet remarkably luxurious, natural, and comfortable on the inside, the hotel strikes a beautiful balance between simplicity and elegance. The staff, including Laeticia and Axel, have been nothing short of wonderful—kind, supportive, and sweet as honey :). The food has been absolutely out of this world, though on the pricier side, thanks in part to Martinique’s economic and administrative connection with France. I still find it hard to believe that this colonial relationship continues to exist today. The amenities rival those of any high-end hotel, and then some: a private outdoor pool, an inviting coffee setup, and an outdoor lounge—all designed for your enjoyment. Our room opened up to a lush hillside garden—just heavenly. We are visiting during the rainy season and are still working on finalizing our itinerary. There is so much to do, it is going to require struck prioritizing. Be warned: the mosquitoes are ubiquitous, so bring plenty of strong repellent (DEET is essential). You can also expect rain most days, at least in short bursts. Still, I look forward to discovering more of this magical island—its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and layered history. I brought with me Cahier d’un retour au pays natal by Aimé Césaire, a must-read for everyone in the diaspora and beyond. So excited to be here!

I WOULD stay here again because it has a cool luxury vibe and the service is top notch. This having been said, the rooms were smaller than expected. None of the pools shared or private have any heating. The upscale restaurant was not up to our expectations, despite very nice presentation and an excellent cocktail. Also the staff that we met are warm and genuinely friendly.