The Surprising Tropical Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Darley Newman

If you’re looking to escape the cold temperatures in the winter, then you might be considering taking a trip to a tropical destination. According to Statista, the travel & tourism market in the Caribbean is projected to grow by 5.33% by 2029. Not only does this show the demand for travel to tropical destinations, but also indicates that it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

That said, you may have visited places like Aruba and the Bahamas in the past, but there’s another tropical destination that Darley Newman, travel guru and host of Travels with Darley on PBS, says should be on your radar.

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The Surprising Tropical Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Darley Newman

Newman recommends people visit the Guadeloupe Islands if they are thinking about visiting a tropical destination for their next trip.

“The Guadeloupe Islands are one of my favorites and lesser visited in the Caribbean for some American travelers,” she tells Parade. “I like it, as it combines French, African and European fusion of flavors, rich culture and activities.”

The Guadeloupe Islands are also a great pick for adventurous folks who want to immerse themselves in unique activities and cultural happenings during their stay.

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Darley Newman’s Best-Kept Secrets About This Location

Visit Basse Terre

According to Newman, you can easily island hop, as the Guadeloupe Islands are composed of five separate islands, each with its own distinctive character and flavors —including Basse Terre, the green island.

“It’s a special place for nature lovers with a volcano you can hike up, La Soufriere Volcano, and black, pink and caramel sand beaches,” Newman tells Parade. “Then there’s Pointe-à-Pitre on Grande-Terre, which has spice markets, a special style of dance on UNESCO’s Heritage List called Gwoka and colorful French Colonial architecture—which reminded me a bit of New Orleans.”

Take advantage of the resorts

The Guadeloupe Islands are home to lots of hotels and resorts which you don’t want to miss. Newman is a fan of La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa, which is located on a private beach on the island of Grand-Terre.

“There’s lots to do here onsite, as well as great, plentiful food offerings, but it’s also an easy jumping off point to explore the city of Pointe-à-Pitre and beyond,” she adds.

Go snorkeling

You can’t visit a tropical destination without going snorkeling or scuba diving. Not only does this let you get up close and personal with aquatic life, but will leave you with lasting memories.

Newman suggests going snorkeling and scuba diving at the Jacques Cousteau Reserve during your time in the Guadeloupe Islands.

Newman’s Favorite Restaurant Recommendations

According to Newman, a trip to the Guadeloupe Islands isn’t complete without trying some of the food.

One of Newman’s favorite restaurants is Au bon Vivre in Terre-de-Haut. This restaurant has French Caribbean cuisine and a cozy atmosphere in a shopping area of Les Saintes.

“I had fish tartare with coconut milk and smoked fish on my visit, but in general look to this restaurant for a leisurely lunch with great wines and desserts paired with a fusion of flavors,” she tells Parade.

Another top favorite for Newman is Le Rivage which offers dining on a black sand beach.

“This restaurant provides an open-air, casual and cool atmosphere and is a great place to drink local rum and eat Creole specialties like deep-fried cod fritters or conch,” she says.

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Newman’s Top 3 Travel Tips for This Tropical Getaway

1. Visit during dry season

To make the most out of your time in the Guadeloupe Islands, Newman suggests visiting during the dry season.

“Try to visit between winter and spring, more specifically between December and April/May, when it’s the dry season and the weather is still nice and not as humid,” she says.

2. Eat at the food trucks

According to Newman, some of the beaches in the Guadeloupe Islands are home to lots of food trucks.

“Look for one that has bokits, a culinary staple on the Guadeloupe Islands with roots in the islands’ diverse influences from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean,” she tells Parade. “These big sandwiches are made of fried bread and filled with a variety of savory ingredients like chicken, seafood, spicy pork, ham and cheese, lettuce, tomato and Caribbean spices.”

Not only are they generally inexpensive and super tasty, but also have historically been an institution on the islands and are worth seeking out if you’re a foodie.

3. Visit a spa

If you’re looking to relax while in the Guadeloupe Islands without going to a beach, then Newman suggests making a spa reservation.

“I did an unusual spa experience at Tendacayou EcoLodge & Spa called the fish pedicure,” she explains. “Little fish nibble the skin off your feet and it sort of tickles. It will make you laugh if you think too much about the fact that fish are eating your feet.”

This ecolodge and spa is a little treehouse getaway in the rainforest above the town of Deshaies, where you can enjoy a sustainable vacation with organic food and beautiful views of lush green mountains and the bright blue Caribbean.

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