As my plane descended into Pointe-a-Pitre, in the French Antilles, I felt like I was flying into a dream. There it was: a sun-kissed island covered in green hills, jungle-clad mountains, waterfalls and rocky cliffs, fringed by sandy beaches and the sparkling waters the Caribbean is known for. The French islands that form “The Butterfly Island,” Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, are connected by a bridge and fan out in opposite directions—making it look like a butterfly from the sky. And even in a dream, there’s something special about finding a place that feels like home. Enter Club Med Caravelle, which just underwent a $50 million renovation and expansion.
Fall Asleep by the Sea
Today’s Club Med Caravelle immerses guests in Guadeloupe with island-inspired details at every turn. Renovated superior and deluxe rooms—which debuted in November—have bold Caribbean colors, local woods, plush beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood rooms with natural sunlight. For those traveling with children, family rooms and suites bring the outdoors in. Two en-suite bedrooms (one for parents and one for kids) boast all-glass bathrooms with teal wall tiles, brightly colored tapestries, starburst mirrors and direct views of the Bay of Sainte Anne.
The diamond of all its unveiled treasures is no doubt the new Zen Oasis, an adults-only enclave rooted in its name: zen. That’s amplified in 30 deluxe rooms, with private terraces and balconies, furnished lounges and garden or ocean views. Across the
top, you’ll find 12 exclusive suites, with plush beds, terraces and stately bathtubs with views of the colorful landscape.
Eat Like a King or Queen
Of course, the draw of any all-inclusive is the endless food and drink, but in true Club Med fashion, Caravelle even manages to take that to the next level.
The Hibiscus, which sits in a gazebo-like setting just steps from the bay, is the main buffet restaurant. From morning to night, find daily-changing spreads, and adults who want to spice up their meal with a bottle of wine from the restaurant’s new wine cellar, L’Hibiscus, can do so for an extra charge. Recommend couples splurge for an a la carte dinner and wine on La Cave’s exclusive, light-strung terrace under the stars.
Near Zen Oasis, the new Allamande Beach Lounge takes up a 2-story Creole house right on the edge of the sea. The vibe here is exclusive and cozy, but not stuffy. Creole dishes are served a la carte or buffet-style, and all are included. At sunset, clients can saunter upstairs to the rum cellar, where dazzling handcrafted cocktails pair well with those surreal French Caribbean views.
Relax, Play or Explore
There is no shortage of activities at Club Med Caravelle, and the recent expansion only added more. There’s now a children’s water play park, a new Baby Club for children 4-23 months and kids’ clubs for different age groups. Along with Club Med’s usual trapeze lessons, tennis, golf, beach volleyball, watersports and more, adults can now spend the day in Zen Oasis’ infinity pool, hot tub or lap pool, or under a yoga hut on its quiet beach. Get a massage at the new Club Med Spa by Sothys (we recommend booking one in the over-the-water palapa), and follow with a drink at Mango Bar on the beach. At night, watch Cirque du Soleil-esq performances in the Theatre, and when the music starts playing, join the G.Os and guests for “Les Crazy Signs”—it’s Club Med’s signature dance.
“For me,” says Carolyne Doyon, Club Med president & CEO, North America and the Caribbean, “the fact that we’re able to have these experiences for both adults and children, which is exactly what the customer is looking for, makes Club Med Caravelle an ideal destination for all.”
What’s In it For Travel Advisors
Travel advisors get tons of benefits when they book a Club Med vacation for their clients, such as co-op marketing dollars to promote Club Med in their local markets, a loyalty program (one point per dollar sold) that they can use towards free stays, rewards, exclusive discounts on personal Club Med travel and invites to FAMs. Check out the dedicated advisor portal—clubmedta.com.
Contact Information
Club Med Caravelle: clubmed.us
