Guadeloupe has a great amount of variety along its coastlines, offering good surf breaks on the South East and North West Coasts of Grande Terre.

Favourite surf spots are Sainte Anne, Saint Francois, Port Louis, Le Moule and Anse Bertrand.  But the best spot is St. Francois, with a very good watersports centre, renting windsurfs, jet skis and kayaks. And of course a great “surfer camp” not to be missed.

Located in Destreland Mall, this is the only Decathlon outlet in the whole Caribbean; offering on more than 20,000 sq ft, the same amazing choice as the ones in France, at very attractive prices. From watersports to fitness training, horseback riding to biking, running, tennis, golfing, fishing… their choice is quite amazing. They also have a great selection of sports wear and wet suits, including prestigious name brands, and their own trendy brand. They are open non stop Monday to Saturday from 0830-2100hrs and have English speaking staff.

This is the largest shopping centre in the Lesser Antilles with more than 180 shops, including superstores such as Carrefour hypermarche (the largest in the FWI), Mr Bricolage for hardware, Decathlon for sports equipment, and a great selection of French fashion stores, several restaurants etc… An absolute ‘must stop’ whilst in Guadeloupe! They close on Sundays. Most of the shops are open from 0830-2000hrs.

Tel: +(590) 590 261010

With its turquoise blue and shallow water lagoons, located close to Marina Bas du Fort, Guadeloupe is a first class destination for kitesurfing. Michelle Baillot is a certified kitesurfing instructor and used to be one of the top 10 female international competitors. She used to teach in Dominican Republic and speaks perfect English and Spanish. She offers individual or group lessons from 3 hour sessions to several days’ packages and for any level. Friendly and flexible, she can even come to pick up her clients to the marina and take them to the best spots on the island.

Saint Francois - on the southeast corner of Grande Terre - is Guadeloupe's only golf course. It is an 18 hole, par 71, international course designed by Robert Trent Jones and features massive bunkers and water traps. Tee times are 0730-1830hrs. The public course is fringed by a 790 acre lagoon which is home to windsurfers, water-skiers and sailing boats alike.

Tel: +(590) 590 884187

Located in the Cousteau Marine Park (the best diving spot of Guadeloupe) at Ilets Pigeon in Malendure (Basse Terre south of Deshaies), the CIP dive centre is a 5 star ‘PADI Gold Centre’ with all instructors certified, highly experienced and speaking English / Spanish.

Located close to the beautiful beach in St.Francois - one of the best spots for kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing on the island - The Sunset Surf Camp is a ‘back-packer’ type hotel, offering 8 rooms set in a tropical garden that can be converted into single, double or triple rooms, each with its own bathroom.

A ‘surf taxi’ runs twice a day to take advanced surfers to extreme spots, and work with the best surf and kite-surfing schools in the area. Other activities that can be organized include scuba diving, golf (with a course close by), hiking, paragliding, tennis, and more…

This authentic 18th century colonial house nested in a tropical park offers a great opportunity to ‘go back in time’. Once a 200 acre coffee plantation, it is now a museum showing original coffee artifacts from around the world - tastefully displayed - and the elegant simplicity of the family fine Mahogany furnishings help create a most charming atmosphere. It is a nice place to visit, offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

A visit to the wonderful Botanical Gardens located at Deshaies is a nice shoreside attraction. Besides a large display of tropical flowers and trees, the park also features rivers and ponds, and hosts a collection of flamingos, parrots and tropical birds. Allow 60 to 90 minutes for a complete visit. The park has a panoramic restaurant (open for lunches only) and a gift shop. Opening hours are from 0930 to 1730hrs, 7 days a week.

Tel: +(590) 590 284302
www.jardin-botanique.com

The spa at the Creole Beach Hotel (close to the marina at Gozier) came well recommended this year. With three massage cabins right by the waters edge, the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. Payot treatments, steam baths, a sauna and fitness centre, are just some of the services available. The spa is open from 0900–1300 and from 1500–2100hrs.

Tel: (590) 590 904646
www.creolebeach.com