PARADIS TROPICAL appart'hotel

The views were fabulous and it was so peaceful, a lovely break. The chalets were great, and the facilities and pools were lovely too. The main drawback is how far you are from everything. There are no restaurants, bars, or shops nearby, so you'll need a car and should stock up before you arrive.

We loved the outdoor kitchen and the general feel of the place, and the covered porch had an excellent view. The aubergist was hard to track down when we arrived, so we had to find him ourselves to get into our room. We couldn't find him at checkout either, so we just left.

The manager was a great host and knew a lot about the island. The two staff members we met were excellent, and the best sights are on this side: Les Santes, the volcano, the waterfalls, and snorkeling at Isle de Pigeon. The accommodation is very rustic, up in the hills, with two pools that both have lovely sunset views. It's reasonably priced and gives you a down-to-earth experience of Guadeloupe, but don't expect luxury. I took stars off for weak wifi, a shower with nothing to stop water splashing onto the floor, and staff availability. The posted bar and reception hours seemed more like rough guidelines.

Ludovic was an excellent host, happy to help with anything, and he speaks fluent English. We loved our stay. The apartments are spacious, with well-equipped kitchens, and the pool has a stunning view. The property is large, with a bar and an outdoor gym as well. Matouba waterfall, some beaches, and Basseterre are close by if you want to explore more of the island. A wonderful place to spend time.