Richard_Davies

Has anyone been to Club Med La Caravelle recently to see if there was any damage from the 2004 hurricanes?

Thanks

doug_stallings

I'm not aware of any hurricane damage in Guadeloupe. I've never stayed in the resort myself, but our Guadeloupe updater, who visted recently, likes it tremendously, especially for families. Just be aware that few Americans go to Guadeloupe, and if you are easily frustrated by an inability to communicate quickly in French, you may be disappointed.

Richard_Davies

Thanks for the information regarding hurricane damage. I wasn't sure if they were hit or not. If there are any easy to follow online hurricane sites, I'd like to know about them. The one's I've looked at aren't very helpful.

As far as La Caravelle is concerned, this will be our sixth vacation there. We speak a little French, mostly the politeness things like bon jour, merci, etc. Most of the staff there speak at least a little English, and many of the French guests do as well. In those situations where we can't communicate at all, a smile and friendly attitude usually make things OK, and we all get on with life. We've never had any problems from anyone with the exception of a very few French Canadians that come to the French islands to get away from the English speakers. For the most part, it is live and let live. As Club Meds go, we think La Caravelle is great. Its not five star, but none of them are.

doug_stallings

Club Med Les Boucaniers on Martinique may prove to be even nicer than La Caravelle, if it has reopened yet. I'm not sure if it has.

Richard_Davies

Thanks. We went to Boucaniers four times in the 90's. The crowd was much younger, louder, ruder (mostly the Americans, unfortunatly), and not really what we're interested in in a vacation. We like the cultural interchange with the Europeans at Caravelle. The beach at Caravelle is superior, in our opinion.

marilena

i've seen you've been to la caravelle a couple of times before. could you give me some more info of what to expect compared to other clubmeds. also what you think is a must on the island. thanks in adcance

Richard_Davies

We leave for our sixth visit next week. I think the rooms are typical for Club Med, nothing special. We ended up in a more expensive room once when we didn't plan in advance, and I don't think it was really worth the extra cost. Had a little sitting area that the cheap rooms don't have, but that was about it. If you've been to other Club Meds, you know that they don't spend a lot on the rooms. They have some cottages and even more upgraded rooms that I haven't stayed in, so there might be some interesting options. Maybe I'll ask to see some of them this time.

Our main attraction is to the beach. It is beautiful, in my opinion. Lots of sand, and lots of palm trees. There is sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, sports, etc. Also, trapeze, if you're so inclined. There is scuba, where they take you off site, but doesn't seem to be all that popular with most of the guests. There is a reef, but it is mostly dead now due to too many people. We sometimes snorkel out there - there are still some fish and reef plants, etc., but not what real snorkelers are looking for. The club does not advertise itself as a snorkel destination. So, anyway, we just like the beach for looking at and swimming in.

The main dining area is typical Club Med buffet. The food is usually pretty good. There is another reservation only restaurant which we go to a lot. It is great for lunch, very laid back and quiet. Dinner is also good, but there are only two or three different menus that they rotate through. We go for two weeks, so don't eat there more than three or four times to avoid repetition. However, if we really like a particular menu, we go back.

The grounds of the club are also very attractive.

Most of the guests are from France, a few from Canada, and others from all over. Not too many from USA. Many of the Europeans speak some English, but some don't. It's never been a problem for us, as it seems like even if you don't speak the language, you can at least smile and get along. We speak enough French to be polite, and that goes a long way, I think.

We took a 4 wheel drive tour of Basse-Terre one year. Visited cane fields, rum distillery, rain forest, snorkel beach, fresh water waterfall and swimming hole, great little restaurant, etc. They had two land rovers, one English, one French. We had a great time. We bought this from an off-site vendor, but I think Club Med offers something similar. We've also walked to Ste. Anne each year for shopping and looking around. About a half hour walk, probably less. Not much to see, just something different.

Anyway, the club and island suit our needs, somewhere pretty to go to relax and unwind. Read a few books. Talk to (or attempt to) some folks from France with different culture and different ways of looking at things. If you're looking for the nightlife, casinos, disco all night, then this is not the place for you. Also, the club has programs for young kids, so there are more of them than at some clubs. Doesn't bother us, but might bother others.

Email me at [email protected] if you want. I can send you some pictures, or answer specific questions.

Hope this helps.