Slow tourism in the Caribbean: unusual places to discover
The Caribbean conjures up images of white sandy beaches and turquoise seas. But beyond these idyllic portraits, the archipelago abounds in hidden treasures where wild nature and cultural heritage are revealed in a whole new light.
Slow tourism, an approach to travel that focuses on discovery at a leisurely pace, is ideal for exploring these lesser-known places.
Here are some unusual sites in the Caribbean, each located near an exceptional hotel where you can stay. It's a unique experience, where the beauty of the landscape blends with the authenticity of encounters, all in a way that respects the environment and local heritage.
Dominica Boiling Lake and a stay in Jungle Bay
Dominica is a must-see destination for lovers of slow tourism. At the heart of the island lies one of the world's most impressive natural phenomena: Boiling Lake. This bubbling lake, the second largest of its kind in the world, is located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It's a crater filled with boiling water, heated by volcanic gases emanating from deep within the Earth. To reach this spectacular site, you'll need to hike for several hours through dense vegetation and volcanic landscapes.
The sometimes challenging trail passes through lush forests, rivers and sulfur fields. It's an adventure in itself, a total immersion in the wilds of Dominica.
Slow tourism here means taking the time to appreciate every step of the way, to observe the local flora and fauna, and to feel the raw energy of this unique place.
Once you arrive at the lake, the sight is incredible: a vast expanse of bubbling water, shrouded in steam, that seems supernatural. It's a place where you feel humbled by the power of nature, a place conducive to meditation and contemplation.
To fully enjoy this experience, the Jungle Bay is the ideal place to stay. Located on the island's southeast coast, this eco-friendly hotel is a veritable sanctuary in the heart of nature. Its eco-cabins, nestled in the jungle, offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and are designed to minimize their impact on the environment.
At Jungle Bay, slow tourism is more than a philosophy, it's a way of life. You can practice yoga, take part in guided hikes, or simply relax in the hotel spa, all in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature.
After a day of exploring, there's nothing like a relaxing massage followed by a dinner prepared with local ingredients, for an experience that nourishes both body and mind.
Guadeloupe: Carbet Falls and stay at Jardin Malanga
On the island of Basse-Terre, the Chutes du Carbet are among the most impressive natural sites in the Guadeloupe archipelago. These three waterfalls, which tumble down the slopes of the Soufrière volcano, offer a breathtaking spectacle in the heart of the tropical forest.
The first falls from a height of 115 metres, creating a spectacular curtain of water. The second, more accessible, is the most visited and features a natural pool where visitors can cool off. The third, smaller and more secluded, is ideal for those seeking solitude and calm.
A visit to the Chutes du Carbet is an immersion in Guadeloupe's wilderness. The path leading to the waterfalls is an invitation to slow down, observe the giant ferns and listen to the birdsong. It's a place where you can easily lose track of time, caught up in the raw beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.
To extend this experience, staying at Jardin Malanga is the perfect choice. Located not far from the Chutes du Carbet, this boutique hotel sits high above Trois-Rivières, offering panoramic views of the Saintes archipelago. With its traditional Creole architecture and intimate ambience, it's a haven of peace where you can disconnect from the outside world.
Surrounded by lush gardens, it offers self-catering cottages and a colonial house where every detail has been designed to provide comfort and tranquility. Here you can enjoy a home-cooked breakfast made with local produce, before setting off to explore the surrounding area. After a day of exploring, there's nothing like a dip in the infinity pool, with the only sound being birdsong.
Le Jardin Malanga perfectly embodies the spirit of slow tourism: a place where you take the time to live, to enjoy simple pleasures, and to let yourself be immersed in the natural beauty of Guadeloupe.
Saint Lucia: The Gros Piton Trail and Stay at Jade Mountain
Saint Lucia is a volcanic island known for its mountainous landscapes and heavenly beaches. One of the most iconic experiences for nature lovers is the ascent of Gros Piton, one of the twin pitons that dominate the island's southwest coast.
At 786 meters high, it offers a moderate but rewarding hike. The trail begins in the village of Fond Gens Libre and winds through dense vegetation before reaching spectacular vantage points overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The summit offers a 360-degree view of the island and its surroundings, a priceless reward after the effort.
What makes this climb special is the opportunity to discover the history and culture of Saint Lucia. The village of Fond Gens Libre, which means "the village of free men", is a historic site founded by maroon slaves. By taking the time to talk to the locals and understand their history, you enrich your slow tourism experience.
To complete your St. Lucia adventure, a stay at Jade Mountain is a must. This luxury hotel, perched high above Soufrière Bay, is a perfect example of the integration of architecture with nature. The suites, open to the outside and without a fourth wall, offer breathtaking views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.
It's not just a place to rest, it's a destination in itself, designed to make every moment a sensory experience. Here, slow tourism takes the form of contemplative luxury, where you can spend hours admiring the landscape, taking a dip in a private pool, or enjoying refined cuisine prepared with local organic ingredients.
Activities such as hiking, scuba diving and visits to cocoa plantations are all designed to immerse you in the culture and nature of Saint Lucia, at a pace that allows you to really savor each experience.
Slow tourism is more than just a trend, it's an invitation to live differently, to rediscover the pleasure of taking one's time and truly connecting with the places we visit. The Caribbean, with its diverse landscapes and rich heritage, is an ideal destination for adopting this approach to travel.
By visiting these unusual places, and staying in hotels in perfect harmony with their environment, you'll discover another side of the Caribbean, far from the beaten track and tourist clichés. These experiences will help you recharge your batteries, reconnect with nature and return from your trip with unforgettable memories of serenity and authenticity.
So, are you ready to slow down and discover the Caribbean in a different way? Slow tourism awaits you, for an adventure that's as rewarding as it is relaxing.
Slow tourism in the Caribbean allows you to discover hidden treasures while connecting deeply with local nature and culture. By taking the time to explore these unusual places, you're enriched by authentic, unforgettable experiences.
