Craft Your Getaway: A Winter Escape Filled with Swimming, Hiking, and Dancing in Guadeloupe

Brian Healy, the author of Dinogo Planet's guidebook, has a knack for finding warm getaways in January. This year, he traveled from New York City to Guadeloupe, enjoying five days of swimming, hiking, and dancing under mostly sunny skies. Here, he shares tips and insights for those looking to escape the winter chill with a similar Caribbean adventure.

As the holidays fade and the new year begins, I often find myself yearning for a healing dose of sunshine. My previous January trips have taken me to places like St Lucia and St Petersburg, Florida. Earlier this year, I had plans to fly to the Dominican Republic.

But that’s a tale for another time.

Instead, I made a spontaneous change of plans and set off for the enchanting Guadeloupe, a gem of the Caribbean. I spent five days exploring the island and was captivated by the incredibly friendly locals who love showcasing their beautiful home. Who can blame them?

Where did you stay? How was the atmosphere?

A delightful cottage owned by the lovely host Laurent. This cozy two-room bungalow provided everything I needed. However, I spent most of my relaxation time on the terrace just outside. Sheltered from the frequent passing showers, it was the ideal spot for breakfast, reading, and catching up on emails with my iPad.

What was the most touristy experience you had?

Feeding the lorikeets. Located in Deshaies on the west coast of Basse-Terre, the Jardin Botanique features a beautifully curated and impeccably maintained collection of tropical plants from around the globe. The highlight for me? The aviary, where dozens of vibrant and very eager lorikeets flit about.

As soon as you pop open a small container of their beloved sugary syrup (available for purchase at the garden entrance), prepare for a flurry of colorful wings as your new feathered friends land on your arm to enjoy a taste.

What was your favorite activity from the trip?

Swimming whenever and wherever I could. Guadeloupe’s beaches – La Caravelle, Grande Anse, and Malendure (next to the Réserve Cousteau) – are rightly renowned, and the opportunity to swim in the Caribbean's clear waters never disappoints. While I enjoyed many moments in the warm, salty sea, my absolute favorite swim was in the pool nourished by the refreshing waters of the Cascade aux Écrevisses. You can access this stunning spot via the scenic Route de la Traversée, which traverses Basse-Terre through the lush Parc National de la Guadeloupe.

What’s your favorite photo from the trip and where was it taken?

Pictures from a Carnival celebration in the charming town of Ste-Rose. While driving home from the beach, I initially felt frustrated as traffic came to a halt. However, upon hearing the distant rhythm of hundreds of drums, I knew I had to pull over and see what was happening.

It was the best choice I made on my trip.

Kicking off in January and culminating on the Tuesday before Lent (known as Mardi Gras), Guadeloupe’s Carnival, or “Kannaval,” festivities unfold weekly in different towns across the island. I happened upon the celebrations in Ste-Rose, located on the north coast of Basse-Terre.

The main street of this small town came alive with hundreds of dazzlingly adorned women (and a few men) dancing in sync to the rhythms of their accompanying bands. In the mix, young performers in masks energetically cracked large whips, adding to the lively percussion. The enormous crowds enjoying the spectacle made it clear that this celebration was open to everyone. Still, the relatively low number of fellow tourists in attendance made me grateful to fate for leading me to this vibrant event.

What do you wish you had brought with you?

A waterproof rain jacket. La Soufrière volcano, which does emit a noticeable sulfur scent, is the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles, and I was set on reaching its summit. Starting from the trailhead near Bains Jaunes, the initial part of the hike—a mostly paved path through lush forest—felt almost too simple. The next segment, however…

As the greenery gave way and the rocky climb began, I found myself surrounded by the clouds that cling to the mountain, visible from nearly anywhere else on the island. The relentless wind lashed rain sideways into my face. My feet plunged into muddy puddles on the increasingly challenging path. Just before the summit, I crouched as strong gusts nearly sent me tumbling into a steep drop.

It was exhilarating.

However, since I neglected to bring a long-sleeved, waterproof layer, I reached the 4,813 ft (1,467 m) peak in my drenched cotton sweater, a soggy yet smiling wreck. If you're considering this hike or any outdoor activity during your stay in Guadeloupe, you'll be thankful for packing a range of lightweight, waterproof layers.

What was the most surprising aspect of your visit?

The impact of Mémorial ACTe in Pointe-à-Pitre. Inaugurated in 2015 by French President François Hollande and crafted by local architects, this museum offers a profound interactive exhibition on two critical issues: slavery and its link to colonialism. Spanning centuries of history—from the first encounters between Europeans and Indigenous Caribbean peoples to contemporary anti-human trafficking initiatives—the exhibits tackle challenging topics with elegance and profound sensitivity. The informative audio guide brings historical narratives to life, featuring artifacts (like items once bartered for human lives) and videos that enhance the experience. This is an essential stop for any visitor.