La Toubana Hotel & Spa

Among Caribbean island destinations, Guadeloupe is one of the less traveled — and for a hotel like La Toubana Hotel and Spa, that’s entirely the point. The French Caribbean in general is known for its slightly rarefied air, and at La Toubana you’re free from the crowds that beset many an island destination. It’s set on a rocky cliffside just above a sheltered private beach, which makes for the best of both worlds: panoramic, elevated views as well as immediate access to the sea a few steps below.

The fact that all of its 44 units are either bungalows, suites, or villas also contributes to the sense of seclusion; the spaces are generously sized and exceedingly private, and come with, at minimum, a king bed and an Italian shower — some add freestanding bathtubs or even plunge pools.

There’s a small but beautiful spa, and by the poolside there’s Le Grand Bleu, serving upscale Creole cuisine as well as what the French call an American breakfast. There’s also Toubana La Plage, serving drinks and light fare down by the beach. And the setting, on the edge of the fishing village of Sainte-Anne, also places you within walking distance of a more expansive public beach.