Les Merveilleux Flots de la Mer

We loved having an upstairs apartment with a big balcony and a well-equipped kitchen. M Jalet welcomed us with rum punch and some food, and the apartment was clean. The night showers drumming on the metal roof usually gave way to a rainbow in the morning. On our departure day, he returned our $300 deposit and took us to the airport after spending the night at the hotel, as promised. But the uncertainty beforehand hung over the stay. He had offered to meet us at the airport, and we'd requested it. After my January 25 email and reminder the day before we arrived, he wasn't there. We paid 122 euros for a taxi at the evening rate. M Jalet said no arrangements had been made. Two days later I asked about getting back to the airport at week's end; he offered to drive for 60 euros, if he could. When I asked for a firm answer, he said he would stay overnight at the hotel and take us in the morning. We worried he might not follow through. The night before we left, M Jalet did a "white glove inspection" (sans glove). He rearranged pots and pans until they suited him, then said he was a "maniac" about cleanliness. The swimming pool still looked like it was under construction. Les Flots is several long miles from Deshaies, the nearest ATM, and the post office. Around a mile north, in Ferry, there's a small beach and a delicious boulangerie/patisserie/luncheonette across the road, closed Tuesdays. A little farther on is a grocery/epicerie that accepts VISA. About a mile south there's another small beach and a modest dive shop, nauticaplongee.fr. Ferry and Leroux have plenty of vacation rentals. The bus between Deshaies and Pointe Noire runs very infrequently, but the driver can give you the exact times. We couldn't find any tour excursion outfits in Basse Terre. Having a car and knowing some French is highly recommended. Bring ponchos, as it can shower at any time. M Jalet doesn't live on the property, so ask him for a blanket before he leaves.

The location was good, but our room looked quite different from the online photos. There was nothing in the kitchen, no dishes, pans, or glasses, and the Wi-Fi didn't work. They don't speak English. When checking out, you're expected to clean the house or pay extra.

The view over the sea and surrounding greenery was beautiful, and we especially enjoyed having a pool and parking. We stayed for 10 days, five of us in an apartment with two bedrooms, and had a very pleasant holiday. It's a basic place that could use some bathroom updates, but it suited us fine. The location worked perfectly for exploring Basse-Terre, with both Malendure's beaches and Sainte-Rose about 30 minutes away. Thank you!

The owner was helpful, easy to reach, and accommodating, and we had a pleasant stay. Our rooms were spacious and well-equipped. Getting into the shower in our rental took a bit of acrobatics, but everything else was fine.