Habitation Grande Anse

The grounds and pool are lovely, and the staff are friendly. We had a great time and plan to come back, despite a few problems. We also had two power cuts. The first was during the day and was fixed as soon as I reported it. The second began at 10:20 pm. The room phone stopped working, and when my husband called the lobby's posted “emergency number” on his cell, nobody answered. Thankfully, it wasn't a serious emergency. The room was hot all night, but the front desk restored power within minutes of opening in the morning. The resort is a short walk from one of the world's premier beaches and from a gas station with the groceries you might need. The grounds and pool are fantastic, though a simple handrail would help people getting into the pool. Our room was adequate, but the kitchenette was missing basics like a large pot and a spatula. My husband left a spatula for whoever stays in our room next, and we took the pot home. We also knew about the hill up to the rooms from other reviews, and can confirm it's still there. It may be a tough climb for older guests or anyone with mobility issues. The on-site restaurant was a letdown. My husband ordered fish and chips and got bait with soggy fries. Also, the restaurant had offered us a breakfast plan for the week, then closed for the rest of our stay without warning. Still, the beauty of the resort and the friendly staff outweighed these hiccups for us.

The complex has been fully renovated and is probably one of the most beautiful places in the lowlands. Breakfast was delicious, and dinner at the restaurant was exquisite.

Our junior suite, number 30, was thoughtfully designed, private, and had a lovely balcony overlooking the garden. The metal roof got noisy now and then, but that was a small issue. Room choices seem to vary a lot, from attractive sea-view suites to smaller poolside rooms with less privacy, so choose carefully. The restaurant was a highlight. Dinner was delicious and beautifully presented, with mains around €20-25, which felt affordable by US and Canadian standards. The dining room is nicely designed and has a pleasant balcony. Breakfast was good too, though some items ran low during busy periods. Dinner staff sometimes struggled to keep up at peak times, but that seemed worse elsewhere on the island. The hotel sits near Grande Anse beach, a few minutes' walk along a busy road. That was fine for us and the other guests we saw, especially since it meant passing the crowds of cars searching for parking. Just be prepared for a 3-5 minute walk. Staff were very friendly. The manager was patient with my limited French, and staff could manage some English with guests from Germany, Italy, and Britain. A little French helps, but you'll be fine even without it. I was really impressed and would happily stay again.

The main drawback is getting to some suites, especially the ones with a sea view. They're high up the mountain, while the parking lot is at the bottom, so you have to make the climb each time. That could be difficult unless you're in good health. People with existing health conditions or older guests would benefit from some help, perhaps e-scooters or something similar. Otherwise, the rooms are clean and roomy, and the balcony kitchen has everything needed: a fridge, microwave, hotplate, kettle, coffee maker, and dishes. The staff are welcoming and helpful. The on-site restaurant is very good, with a nice blend of French and Creole food.