The Canella Beach hotel is located in the Lesser Antilles, in Guadeloupe, more specifically in Grande-Terre, one of the islands of Guadeloupe. Guadeloupe is an archipelago made up of five groups of islands. Mainland Guadeloupe includes Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, separated by a narrow channel, the Rivière Salée, as well as the Saintes archipelago, La Désirade and Marie-Galante.
Basse-Terre, the first inhabited region of the archipelago, is dominated by the Soufrière volcano. This part of Guadeloupe is famous for its rainforest, waterfalls and rivers. You can also bask on beaches of black, ochre or pink sand, depending on the location. It’s also an island known for a wealth of flavours, where you can explore historic dwellings still home to many traditional farms, producing coffee, cocoa and vanilla in particular.
Less hilly, Grande-Terre is a paradise of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear lagoons. Grande-Terre offers a wealth of leisure activities on land, in the water and even in the air. But it’s also a dynamic cultural centre, where concerts and exhibitions are a wonderful way to experience Caribbean culture.
Off Grande-Terre and the Pointe des Châteaux in Saint-François, you can see La Désirade. This ‘much-desired’ little island includes two nature reserves. One is geological and the other, the Petite-Terre nature reserve, is described as an eco-gem because of the endemic species it is home to.
On the horizon to the south-east of Basse-Terre are nine islets, only two of which are inhabited: the archipelago of Les Saintes. Be sure to sample the heavenly ‘tourment d’amour’, the local pastry. Les Saintes is all about living life at a slower pace, especially at the bay of Terre-de-Haut, which belongs to the very select club of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Last but not least, to the south of Basse-Terre, Marie-Galante is proud about being authentically Caribbean. Boasting magnificent beaches with crystal-clear waters, this is an unspoilt island where local traditions remain unchanged. This island has a vibrant way of life and you’ll be able to visit distilleries here that go back hundreds of years and sample some of the world’s most unique specialities.
Les Saintes
This archipelago, composed of the islands of Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, is a true gem. Known for its bay, classified among the most beautiful in the world by UNESCO, Terre-de-Haut captivates visitors with its colorful houses and peaceful atmosphere. Explore it by bicycle or electric cart, admire the breathtaking views of Grande Anse and Fort Napoleon, and let yourself be charmed by its idyllic beaches.
Take a detour to Fort Napoleon, with its museum and botanical garden – you won’t regret it. And how could you not visit Pompierre beach, perfect for a picnic in the shade of the cabanas?
More secluded, the island of Terre-de-Bas will charm you with its hiking trails. And of course, don’t forget to taste a freshly caught lobster, which will make for a wonderful culinary memory!
