Are These Idyllic Islands The Caribbean's Best-Kept Secret?

Forget about Barbados or the Bahamas if you want a Caribbean island getaway – there’s a relatively unknown piece of paradise that you should explore instead. Guadeloupe is the new hot spot that’s even more beautiful…

Don’t know much about it? Well, that’s because it’s the region’s best-kept secret. The island nation is made up of two large islands and three smaller ones, all absolutely beautiful.

It’s not as popular with tourists, so still has a rustic vibe and is less pricey than neighbouring St Barths – a win-win.

The French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe have white sandy beaches…

Choose to stay on any of the islands: Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La Desirade. Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre are the largest, and both have lush rainforest, waterfalls and boutique hotels.

You can have dramatic views of both the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans, with crystal blue waters and postcard-perfect strands of beach.

An overseas department of France, Guadeloupe has long been a popular destination for the French

And you just know that if the French think it’s something special, it really is.

The Guadeloupe islands enjoy a temperate tropical climate. AKA, perfect cocktail weather. Throughout the year, the air and water temperatures vary between 24 °C and 30 °C.

Basse-Terre

Basse-Terre is set on a volcano range, topped by La Soufrière at the heart of dense tropical vegetation. Hike through the rainforest that covers the mountain range as part of the National Park, and cool down in waterfalls.

Grande-Terre

Grande-Terre is bordered by perfect beaches, turquoise lagoons which share the coastline with amazing surfing spots and unforgettable landscapes. Glamorous restaurants and hotels line the Riviera and it’s famous for its lively beach bars.

It’s now easier than ever to get there – JetBlue has just started flying direct from northeastern United States

It’s the only non-stop flight from NYC, so it’s pretty handy. JetBlue has a new nonstop seasonal winter service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Guadeloupe’s Pointe-àPitre International Airport (PTP).