I was drawn to the French Caribbean island of Martinique for its world-class vanilla, cocao, and rum. But on a recent trip what really made me smile was the sweet Hotel Bambou in Trois-Ilets. The hotel was in the process of upgrading from three stars to four and I could see why.
It offered easy beach access (all beaches are open to the public in Martinique), two pools, excellent food, and brightly colored bungalows snug together in a tropical garden setting. Cozy and chill, it was one of the most appealing places I stayed at during my week-long visit to the island.
There were a few reasons why this hotel was very different from hotels in Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas, a former British colony.
Upon checking in I told the reception clerk I was Canadian. She informed me that French-speaking Canadians from Quebec loved to stay there as well. An overseas department of France, Martinique’s first language is French. I could see the appeal for my Quebecois countrymen. I’m an Anglo from Ontario, so my challenge was to dust off my rusty high school French while there. It worked out just fine.
Adult Only and Family Accommodation Options
A clerk showed me to my room in the adults-only Creole Culture section of Hotel Bambou. Walking down a leafy pathway, I found my room on the second floor of a two-story wooden unit. Two inviting rockers were on the porch, beckoning me to take a load off once I had unpacked.
To get to my room, I had to walk up a flight of stairs. This would be difficult if you had mobility issues. Also, it’s not a great idea if you have large, heavy bags. I was traveling with a carry-on, so I was good. Otherwise, I’d ask at the front desk for a first-floor room or for assistance with your bags.
My Premium Adult room was spacious, with rustic wood paneling on one wall and cool tile floors. A handcrafted settee and armchair sat in one corner. The bed headboard and coffee table were also made by local artisans. Facing the bed was a flat-screen TV and a credenza holding a mini fridge and topped with a coffee and tea maker.
Separate Pool for Adults at Hotel Bambou
After a rest in the porch rocker, I took off to explore. The adult area had 32 of these two-story buildings, with one unit per floor. The paved path ended at a quiet eternity pool that looked out over Anse Mitan beach.
I could see rooms that overlooked the pool and had side-sea views. When I asked about them later, the clerk at the front desk told me they were Mini Suite Premium Adult rooms. She also noted the pool closed around 8 p.m., so noise would not be a factor if you booked one.
The pool was accessible only to those who stayed in this section. You had to use your room key to open a gate into the Creole Culture area and the pool.
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Bungalows Side-by-Side like a Village
Exiting the section, I went into the main guest area, which felt like a village. There were 153 bungalows huddled together and most had little front porches. In addition, I learned there were 22 accessible bungalow rooms that would suit guests with sight, mobility, and hearing challenges.
I got a map of the grounds from the front desk and spotted a three-story building called Gran Kay. However, the majority of units were standard rooms in the bungalows that held a maximum of three people. You could get different bed configurations, including King, Queen, and single beds.
All units had a fridge, terrace or balcony, and satellite TV. Plus, free Wifi was available throughout the grounds.
Amenities, Spa, and Off-site Villas
The amenities were generous. There was a main pool where children were welcome, with deck chairs and umbrellas. To get into a wellness vibe, there was a jacuzzi, steam room, and cold showers to bring down the day’s heat. Towels could be picked up at a kiosk close to the pool.
For families or larger groups, I was informed that Hotel Bambou also had three off-site villas with three to four bedrooms that could accommodate up to eight people.
Hotel Bambou sells itself as a wellness oasis, pointing to its Tropical Spa. I checked out the menu and saw it featured massages, facials, waxing manicures, and pedicures. I wasn’t there long enough to indulge, but I would have loved to try the Californian massage, which claimed to use slow, fluid movements to “relax and awaken the senses.” Next time.
Breakfast and Dinner Included at Hotel Bambou
Hotel Bambou provides half board as part of your stay. That means breakfast and dinner are included. The main restaurant is Bodlanme. When I arrived for breakfast, I was met with a sumptuous buffet of cereals, fresh fruit, charcuterie, cheeses, bread, pastries, and hot dishes such as eggs, sausages, and bacon. Coffee, tea, and fresh-squeezed juice were also available.
Dinner is ordered from a menu with items such as cod fritters, Colombo goat, salads, red snapper, and grilled prawns. Plus, you can choose your own lobster from a tank. They’ll grill it up for you and top it with a tangy Creole sauce. Lobster is an extra fee, as are beverages.
Another Restaurant and Dining Area
Another casual choice is Le Karayib, with snacks like burgers and salads and outdoor grills depending on the season.
O’Deck is for guests staying in the Culture Creole rooms and is on the deck of the Bodlanme, facing the bay of Fort-de-France. It’s open for breakfast and dinner.
What makes Hotel Bambou especially attractive is the location. It is a 25-minute drive to Aimé Césaire International Airport and a 20-minute boat ride to the capital city of Fort-de-France.
Rates at Hotel Bambou
Standard rooms start at $275 per night, and prices dip in the slower summer season. Premium Adult rooms start at $300, and Mini-Suite Premium Adult rooms start at $315.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. The Martinique Tourism Authority arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
