Martinique – a little bit of France in the Caribbean
New American Eagle non-stop service and reopening of Club Med make Martinique the most accessible region of France for American travellers
New York, NY, USA (October 19, 2005) – An island vacation in the Caribbean is a fantasy for many Americans, but when that island vacation takes place in Martinique it is even more special. Martinique is a little bit of France in the Caribbean, complete with all the things that make a French vacation so appealing – the food, the culture, the joie de vivre – but packaged in a unique island fashion.
Martinique is a destination with a rich Creole history, welcoming people, spectacular landscapes and all the comforts of home. Blessed with pristine beaches (all open to the public), incredible lush vegetation, an idyllic climate and a wealth of cultural, artistic and scenic attractions, this Caribbean island is unlike any other tropical destination. Martinique was named the “Island of Flowers” by the Carib Indians and that name rings true while visiting the breathtaking rainforests and botanical gardens dispersed throughout the island, two-thirds of which is protected as a botanical nature park.
Now this tropical paradise is closer than ever with non-stop service on American Eagle. Effective December 15, 2005, American Eagle will operate a flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Martinique every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
To attract American visitors, Martinique hoteliers are offering American tour operators guaranteed dollar rates (1 Euro = 1 US dollar.) Martinique offers a wide range of accommodations with more than 6000 hotel rooms ranging from budget to deluxe, including a Relais & Châteaux resort and a new Club Med property. For visitors to the new $60 million Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek Resort (opening December 17, 2005) there will also be a weekly non-stop charter from New York City’s JFK International Airport direct to Martinique. Visitors will be able to fly in the morning and get to the 55-acre coconut palm-dotted resort by the afternoon.
The capital city of Fort-de-France is undergoing a very ambitious development program with the aim of becoming one of the most exciting cities in the Caribbean. Ongoing plans include the renovation of the Savane Park, the construction of a spectacular waterfront promenade, the building of the Pointe Simon Business & Tourist Center featuring a 200-room Marriott Hotel and the construction of a 215,000-square-foot shopping mall in the heart of the city.
The entire island of Martinique is a dynamic cultural centre. There are yearly festivals including the celebrated Carnival in February, art exhibits, fashion shows and yachting races to be found on the island throughout the year.
And what vacation would be complete without souvenirs? Martinique has great shopping, including local crafts that reflect the rich Creole culture, wicker baskets, pottery, world-famous rums, 18-carat gold jewellery, locally grown spices and the latest duty-free items from Paris. There is even a Galeries Lafayette in Fort-de-France! An ideal souvenir might just be a zouk or biguine CD, a great way to relive the magnifique experience of visiting this glorious island.
Disclaimer: The information in this article/release was accurate at
press time; however, we suggest you confirm all details and prices
directly with vendors.
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