Guadeloupe

There's no denying that Guadeloupe has a certain je ne sais quoi – a spark that distinguishes its sun-kissed coasts from other Caribbean getaways. The imposing La Soufrière volcano is surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling white and black sand beaches. A few miles south, charming villages welcome visitors to centuries-old distilleries and remote sugar plantations. Simply put, Guadeloupe has a pristine natural setting with rustic charms. But that's not all this lovely group of islands has to offer. Where else can you smell the sweet aroma of sugar and rum wafting through the air, taste tantalizing French-Creole flavors, and stretch your towel along untouched stretches of sandy bliss?

But, before you can enjoy Guadeloupe's sun and splendor, you'll need to get acquainted with the island. Guadeloupe's "mainland" is made up of two distinct islands: Basse-Terre (the region's capital city) and Grande-Terre (the islands' luxurious resort haven), which form the shape of a butterfly when combined. The western wing is made up of Basse-Terre, while the eastern wing is made up of Grande-Terre. Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and Les Saintes form an outer island cluster that surrounds Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. Each isle is secluded, beautiful, and worth a day trip. If you're only here for a few days, don't pass up the chance to try a fiery Lambi (conch) dish or sail around the islands' arresting archipelago.