Aqualodge

Aqualodge has bungalows in the aquamarine lagoon near the peaceful beach town of Saint-Francois and in the serene Bay of Les Saintes – both promise turquoise Caribbean waters, beautiful beaches and rugged coastline.

The comfortable rooms are much more like a hotel than a ship’s cabin, with double beds, wooden floors, and a cheerful red-and-white colour scheme complemented by colourful modern artworks on the walls, alongside bathrooms featuring powerful rain showers. The rooms open onto balconies which hang over the sea.

The stylish, spacious kitchens feature ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers, so there’s everything you need here to cook delicious meals at your leisure, which can then be enjoyed on the covered dining porch, combining the views of an oceanfront restaurant with the privacy of your own home.

You can even take in the ocean views while you cook - not just through the windows, but through a glass panel in the floor.

In addition to an oven, fridge and dishwasher in your kitchen, there’s also a barbecue, giving you another option when it comes to mealtimes. All bungalows have an upstairs solarium where you can catch some rays, and a dinghy which you can use to travel ashore – perfect for relaxing on the beach.

Needless to say, water-based activities are high on the agenda here, with surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving on the coral reef and fishing all on offer, with lessons from professionals also available.

At the other end of the spectrum, skydiving is an option for thrillseekers, while on dry land the islands of Guadeloupe are a natural paradise. Explore the black sand beach of Bouillante, trek up the La Soufriere volcano, or walk the cliffs of the Pointe de la Grande Vigie.