We received some very good feedback for this rum distillery, as being a "must stop" venue. It is one of the oldest rum plantations on the island, established in the 17th century by the first governor of the island, once destroyed during a volcanic eruption and entirely rebuilt afterwards. Set in beautiful grounds and magnificent surroundings up at St.Pierre on the west coast - just a short taxi ride out of town, on the lower slopes of Mount Pelee - where one can enjoy a free glass of their local rum, after a 'self guided' tour ! Opening hours Mon-Sat 1000-1700hrs (1600hrs on Saturdays).
Set in Le Francois on the east coast, this is one of the most famous and most beautiful Plantation Homes in the Caribbean, transformed into a museum. The spectacular House of Masters, classified historic building, is open to the public and offers the unique opportunity to be immersed in the way of life of the growers of the 18th century and to discover architecture and Creole furniture from that era. The dwelling accommodates also an old rum distillery now turned into a museum explaining how the sugar cane is processed to produce rum.
A growing number of Superyachts are now choosing to stop in Martinique specifically to take advantage of this first class facility and the expertise of its team. Incidences has the largest sail loft in the whole Caribbean, located within the superb Artimer complex, next to Le Marin marina. In their 600 m loft, they can fabricate or repair sails with no limits in size. The loft itself is positioned alongside a large dinghy dock, and a custom crane has been installed at the end of the loft to enable them to lift sails directly from the yacht's tender...
Well known local figure Eric Baray is one of the best racing sailors in the Caribbean. He also has a wealth of experience in his field and comes year after years strongly recommended to us by a number of Captains. He has worked on a number of famous and high profile sail yachts and his outgoing and friendly personality always does wonders.
A highly respected canvas / covers company, run mainly from a specialist canvas loft in Les Trois Islets, but also from the main Incidences sail loft in the Artimer complex in Marin.
Tel (Artimer): +(596) 596 747747
[email protected]
Tel (Trois Ilets): +(596) 596 660724
Great news for all the yachts calling in Martinique. The well known Carrefour chain have opened a full size Hypermarket in Ducos, much closer (about 15/20 minutes drive and before the usual traffic jam) from Le Marin or Marina du Bakoua than the shopping center of Le Lamentin. Located in “Genipa” zone, on the left when going toward Fort de France from the south, this brand new store offers the same incredible choice as on mainland France, plus a great selection of local products.
Set in La Galleria Shopping Centre, just two minutes past the airport off the main road into Fort de France, this Hypermarche really has it all. The choice offered here is exceptional, including babby veggies, off season fruits, berries…
Conveniently located adjacent to the main Le Marin to Fort de France road, close to the airport, this is one of the largest shopping malls in the Caribbean and - be prepared - for this Mall is big enough to set you on a wild spree! There really is great shopping to be had in almost every department, and we heard how the Gallerie Lafayette - one of the most popular names in France – is just one amongst the myriad of fashion stores to be found here.
Year after year, we keep on receiving the most enthusiastic feedbacks for Thierry Belon who is said to be the most "Punctual, courteous and classy” taxi driver one can wish for, truly the ideal choice to pick up owners / VIP's. He has a very smart immaculate 9 seater vehicle - based out of Le Marin and takes a pride of always being perfectly dressed and keeping his van in pristine condition. He is available 24hrs a day 7 days a week for any taxi run one might need.
Philippe is a long time Captain’s favourite taxi driver. His English is excellent and his friendly and outgoing attitude does wonders. He loves Martinique... knows the island very well, and also came highly recommended for his custom island tours. He has a smart 8 seater SUV Mercedes vehicle, is available 24/7, and was said to be a wonderful guide, who can be hired to tour all the ‘prime’ island sites, giving a direct insight on history and sharing all his knowledge.
Cell: +(596) 696 253404
Yvon Icare is a highly experienced and renowned technician, who used to work on Superyachts in the French Riviera. He will service yachts wherever they are on the island, and is an agent for Caterpillar, MAN, IVECO, nanni diesel, ZF drive gear, aifo, and Desalator watermakers; and carries a good stock of spares for all these lines. He can also look after watermaker and electrical repairs, as required. His workshop is located within Artimer facilities in Marin (accessible by tender from the Marina) and last season saw us receiving excellent feedback for his competence and professionalism.
This company is located in the Artimer facility (next to the Incidences sail loft). They came well recommended for their ability to source and supply any new electrical systems / spares... for which they carry a good stock 'in-house'. They can also supply / repair watermaker systems. Manager Thierry Chapelan has been in Martinique for over 13 years, and was said to be very knowledgeable and helpful... as was Cathy, on the front desk.
Tel: +(596) 596 650524
[email protected]
This welding / fabrication business is run by Franck Ballossier; who had previously spent 20 years as a professional yacht Captain and Project Manager of new builds in France - so has a real understanding of the needs of the professionally crewed yacht market. He has now been running his custom welding / fabrication shop - here in the Carenantilles Boatyard - for the past 6 years; where, with his team of ten staff, they offer the full range of services including fabricating bimini frames, helm wheels; welding and pressurized pipes..
Francoise Vandenberghe who can boast 30 years experience in beauty therapy - the last 20 of which, in St. Barth, runs this lovely, clean, relaxed salon ideally located just a short walk from the harbour. She offers facial and body treatments, manicures, pedicures, and waxing; and always takes the time to offer a very personalized treatment. She uses Joelle Ciocco cosmetics and came again recommended to us through guests who had really appreciated being pampered by her last season.
Guillaume of Turbe’Car Rental offers cars for business or holiday and will greet their customers at the port or airport upon arrival... or anywhere on the island. In the case of a delayed arrival, Turbe’ guarantees holding the pre-ordered vehicle without any additional cost. Turbe’Car Rental offers a fleet of new model cars, from Mini Cooper convertibles to sporty Wrangler jeeps, taking in the Suzuki Jimny stick shift and automatic range with soft or hard tops and A/C, and the Daihatsu Terios range of 4x4’s.
Located on the Rue du Roi Oscar, Gustavia, this company came well recommended to us.
Besides being the best and most sough after gourmet deli on the island, Maya’s to Go also offers catering services. A wide range of mouth watering and creative menus is available, from gourmet fares to delicious handmade food, always using fresh ingredients of the highest quality. They have taken care of major cocktails and dinner parties in past years, and they can arrange an unforgettable reception from start to finish, right down to the smallest detail, including all the material, tables, chairs, elegant table and glass ware, linens, service people etc.
Yo is the renowned sushi chef of the Nikki Beach, who has created Yosushimania, a catering service exclusively delivering sushis! Last season, many chefs have ordered their sushi and they couldn’t praise enough their quality and freshness. Yosushimania offer a wide selection of delicious sushi, sashimi, maki, tataki tartare and rolls. They are delivered to the yacht on a nice wooden boat model, loaded with ice, to keep them cool, which will be picked up the next day. Orders have to be placed before 1700hrs and they only deliver in the evening.
This chandlery located across the Quai d’Honneur above the Repaire des Boucaniers restaurant is very popular among Superyacht crew. Here, they can find a good range of Superyacht oriented maintenance and chandlery equipment, cleaning materials, paint / varnish, fuel / oil filters, running rigging, hardware tools, batteries, electrical spares, pumps and spares, books and charts… They also have some stylish nautical inspired gifts including old brass clocks, barometers… and an excellent choice of snorkeling / dive equipment, fishing gear, watersports kit and more.
This superb and sophisticated shop situated on the Rue du Gl. de Gaulle is a must stop for any cigar lover! Here can be found an amazing selection of the finest Cuban and Dominican cigars, perfectly stored to ensure the maximum long lasting flavour. Owners Jannick and Patrick Gerthofer are really passionate experts in their field, who personally travel abroad to find the best products. They also have a wonderful choice of Panama hats, ladies handbags and refined accessories. The shop is open from 0900-1930hrs and it is not surprising that it is one of the owners / guests favourites.
Bete a Z’Ailes (the beast with wings!) also called “BAZ” or “Jean Marc”, is - when the night comes - one of the most popular social focus points on the harbour. They have great international live bands playing several times a week, which even gets people dancing … on the tables! Other highlights of BAZ are their fabulous sushis, not to mention their great Espresso Martinis! The are also vegan friendly and the chef offers several veggie sushi, edaname, seaweed salad...
Le Repaire is a local institution, situated on Gustavia’s waterfront (under the Shipchandler). It comes regularly recommended as a fun place to enjoy a cocktail or have a nice meal. They serve breakfast from 0700-1100hrs, lunch and dinner non stop (from 1200-2230hrs); with a good selection of cocktails, salads, fish, lobster, ice cream, homemade sherbets and fresh juices. Free Wi-Fi is also available for clients; the service is fast and efficient. Tel: +(590) 590 277 248