For temperate climate, island beaches and laid back eateries-plus a dose of French vibes (Euros... food) plus+ -the Caribbean archipelago islands of Guadeloupe delivers.
FRENCH FOOD, RUM AND SUN:
Easy To Get To: Inexpensive non-stop flights to/fro Guadeloupe's Pointe-a-Pitre's airport (PTP) ---Montreal (Air Canada, Air Transat) NYC's JFK, or Miami airports on Norwegian Air...and other airlines-Jetblue (starting Feb, 2020), American Airlines and Air France.
Getting Around:-roads are mostly excellent...grab a taxi, take high speed ferries + hydrofoils between, rental cars/motorcycles for self explorations, and private charters-gets one exploring secluded spots (Deshaies-where the BBC's Death in Paradise is filmed, Marie-Galante and Les Saintes)-to tourist friendly locales Saint-François and Le Gosier-to the two main islands -Grande-Terre and Base-Terre = all beauties and designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.Stay: 3-5 star rated boutique hotels-on soft black, white or golden sandy beaches abound-with accommodations ranging from romantic bungalows -charming hotel rooms, luxurious suites -to well equipped studios and self-contained duplex apartments. And AirBnB s (too).
Take Time Out For:
Hike: the accessible French National Park -La Soufrière volcano-with scenic waterfalls and warm soothing mineral baths.
Scuba Dive: the turquoise waters--- and biologically loaded Cousteau reserve-named after Jacque Cousteau
Take in History: The 77,000 sq ft former sugar factory-aka the Mémorial ACTe-Carribean Center Of Expressions and Memory of The Slave Trade and Slavery a memorial museum (winner of the 2017 Council of Europe Museum Prize), contemporary exhibit space and center for lively art (music/dance) performances
Carnival Time: a major annual Caribbean festival is celebrated January-March-with especially vibrant nighttime parades, costumes, and dance marathons = joyous celebration of Fat Monday-Ash Wednesday,
INFO: www.guadeloupe-islands.com