3 Best Hotels in Les Trois-Îlets, Martinique

This hilltop boutique hotel gives Les Trois-Îlets some art-infused glamour and manages to maximize the Caribbean views from every room—even the bathrooms. Its vantage point allows for spectacular nighttime views, the star-spangled sky, and the lights of the village below, and recent renovations have redecorated all rooms and added terraces with Jacuzzis to suites. There is now 24-hour room service throughout and a small spa. The cascading infinity pool and bar are both highlights, as is breakfast. The six smaller suites have the superior views and gaze down on nine private villas with tropical gardens, covered terraces, solariums, outdoor showers, and Jacuzzis. French élan extends throughout, and two talented French chefs make their culinary magic at the alfresco, table d'hôte restaurant, where reservations are essential. Boat trips and other excursions can be arranged.

Wrought-iron gates open to this lovely beachfront hotel, a throwback to gracious estate living, where you can cocoon yourself in colonial-era style. From the circular bar and the adjacent infinity pool, the views of the mountain peaks juxtaposed with the yachts in the bay are magical. Walk down the pier to the thatch-roof rotunda that shades the Coco Bar. (Lunch here is inexpensive, and the tropical drinks are super.) The bountiful breakfast is not included in the rate, but it's definitely a must-do. Suites offer down pillows and European linens, as well as comfy window seats, giving even the smallish beach-level rooms a sumptuous feel. Alas, they can be damp, and on weekends, when people party, are too loud. At night, entertainment makes this one of the island's social centers.

Ideally located in Pointe du Bout, this affordable hotel with a palm-lined swimming pool and lots of local art is one of the area's best. Its lobby is inviting, with its gray Euro-furnishings, vases of fresh, and flowers, and the lively Palm Bar churning out tropical cocktails has become a local gathering place. (Martinique's folkloric ballet, Tifermasc, performs there weekly.) Among the happenings are flower arranging classes. Breakfast offers plenty of protein choices; fresh breads and pastries; and dried, preserved, and fresh fruit for an extra fee. The stunning pool has been creatively designed with a palm-studded island and dramatic colored lighting. The poolside restaurant serves award-winning "bistronomic" cuisine for dinner.