As a busy working mom and seasoned travel blogger, I was thrilled to snag a rare solo getaway—four unforgettable days in Guadeloupe. Joined by a vibrant crew of fellow bloggers (Philomène, Cynthia, Sarah, and Papacube), we shared endless laughs and adventures that amplified the magic, even without a drop of Planter's punch.
This trip was a much-needed breath of fresh air. Though I worked mornings and evenings on my Surface, here's a pro tip from experience: a short kid-free escape is pure rejuvenation!
Of course, texts like "where is my blouse?" rolled in—handled with grace, naturally.
Everything else was seamlessly organized. Check out this post for prep details.
Let's dive in virtually?
From Roissy Charles de Gaulle (flying beats the Dieppe ferry).
Eight hours later, we landed in Guadeloupe.
In the rain.
AWESOME.
But it passed quickly, leaving steamy heat and instant island vibes.
Our unique stay with Logis Hotels.
After a one-hour transfer, we reached Saint-François on Grande-Terre, a lively resort town with golf and marina. No standard hotel—instead, the Aqua Lodge, part of Logis' 'unusual accommodations.'
Not quite a boat or stilt house, it's an 80m² bungalow anchored in the lagoon. Access via electric dinghy. Inside: two bedrooms with king beds, hotel-quality linens, ample storage, shower, dry separate toilet, open-plan living/kitchen (dishwasher-equipped). Rooftop solarium with loungers and solar panels—100% eco-friendly.
The owner hosts families with young kids, but as a mom, I'd recommend for confident sailors. Ideal for older children: teaches ecology, camping fun, and endless play. Wake to Caribbean turquoise, dive in! Includes paddleboard, canoe, snorkel gear for four. Dine onboard or ashore—total flexibility I adore.
And the views...
Spot the Aqua Lodge? (Hint: two in view)
Why Guadeloupe?
I fell deeply for this island and can't wait to return with family. Beaches, hikes, kitesurfing, culture—Guadeloupe delivers.
Day two: La Désirade island. Often overlooked due to limited ferries, but worth it. A quick hour's crossing to paradise, per my expert guide Papacube.
Meet the iguanas and stunning, varied scenery (beaches and palms mostly).
Posing pro!
Old cotton factory
Crowded beach, right? ;)
La Désirade 'port' (marina?)
Lunch view?
#MomInShorts
(Skipping the rhum arrangé bottle from our Feeling Guadeloupe guide.)
En route back: Pointe aux Châteaux under dramatic skies.
Day three, with ace guide Lila from Guadeloupe Shuttle: Basse-Terre (Guadeloupe's 'butterfly' west wing). North to CreoleArt Eco-Museum in Sainte-Rose—hands-on chocolate-making (tasted for research!), flowers, spices, fruits, medicinals. Immersive island history.
Lunch at Deshaies Bay, toes in water—divine.
Swim at Grande Anse beach—paradise reloaded.
So packed... tough life!
At the beach's end: a boutique hotel gem—family suites, pool (sea nearby), dream setting.
Inland: Saut d'Acomat waterfall. Iconic, no-jumping zone (yet folks do). Short hike, stunning.
Then Chute aux Écrevisses—iPhone 7 water test (Cynthia survived; see Papacube's montage).
Final day in Pointe-à-Pitre: must-see Mémorial ACTe. No interior photos, but essential for slavery/colonialism context—modern, educational powerhouse.
Market dash!
Then, homeward...
Hysterical flying over Paris? You bet.
Gratitude to XL Airways, Logis Hotels, and Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board. This invite sparked a trip I'd never self-book—revitalizing despite work. Thanks, crew!
