One of the Best Guadeloupe and Caribbean Small Retreats is Le Jardin Malanga

Guadeloupe is shaped like a butterfly, two wings with a small body in between, and the two wings of the island are as different as chalk from cheese. One suffers from mass tourism, and the other is very mountainous.

The mountainous side is called rather strangely Basse-Terre, and at the southern end is a volcano La Soufriere.

Quite high up on the mountain you will find Le Jardin Malanga, a very nice very small Inn type retreat with breathtaking views of the sea. It is somewhat out of the way, and somewhat extraordinary. It is the original long and winding road, possibly not to be tried after darkness and a few drinks!! When you finally arrive you will quickly understand why this is one of the best Guadeloupe and Caribbean small retreats.

The building is a beautifully restored Creole plantation house dating from the 1920’s owned and run Joel & Anicette who are quite delightful.

The rooms are in several chalets in the six acre grounds, split into two units, all very attractive in dark wood with air conditioning and fans.

There was a king size bed, a sundeck with hammock and lounging chairs, a large bathroom with separate toilet, and fluffy towels and toiletries..

There is an upstairs with twin beds, so suitable for children, except this definitely isn’t really a family type place, it is however ideal for couples, especially honeymooners.

The day’s menu is chalked up outside the kitchen with offerings like monster crayfish, and the contents of the orchards and vegetable gardens. Whatever you are offered is definitely healthy, and the buffet style breakfast always included fresh baked bread.

Between the gardens, the views, the pool, the peace and tranquillity, plus the hammock Le Jardin Malanga was a perfect retreat from the pressures of life. There is little or nothing to do, but perfect for relaxing, although a visit ti Iles des Saintes and the Corbet waterfalls are a must do.