Fodor's Expert Review La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa

The magic of this 10-acre complex—with a contemporary, colorful lobby, cosmopolitan bar, and dual pools—lies in the fun atmosphere that the staff is able to create as they unite the disparate, mostly French clientele. All of the rooms have been renewed and boast new artwork by a painter known for his rendition of tropical fauna. The separate Mahogany section is the hotel's pride, holding the fully renovated, minimalist, standard rooms and one- and two-bedroom bi-level suites. Large terraces with kitchenettes have sea views. Expert, Parisian-trained technicians staff the spa, which also welcomes nonguests. So do the laudable, moderately priced restaurants: Le Zawag and the Route des Épices buffet. Whether you enjoy aqua aerobics, yoga stretch, playing pétanque (French boccie), or moving to a zouk band, there's always something to do. The bar serves the best rums from throughout the Caribbean.