At Rêve et Alizé in Bouillante, Guadeloupe, our six independent lodges are inspired by traditional Creole houses of Basse-Terre. Wood, warm colours and terraces opening widely onto the tropical garden invite you to live outdoors, wake to birdsong and enjoy the vegetation or the Caribbean Sea. We wanted to preserve the spirit of intimate, peaceful Creole accommodation while providing the comfort needed to explore Guadeloupe’s leeward coast.

Over the years, the garden at Rêve et Alizé has become a true tropical fruit garden. Several varieties of mango and banana grow alongside citrus, lychee, tamarind, starfruit, custard apple, avocado, pineapple, quenette, mombin, coconut, breadfruit and calabash. Everything has its season, bringing different flavours, scents and colours, and we enjoy sharing whatever the garden happens to offer with our guests.

Hummingbirds are part of everyday life at Rêve et Alizé. They dart around the terraces and tropical flowers, especially the flowering Chinese honeysuckle vine. “Fou-fou” is the Creole name used for the Antillean Crested Hummingbird, one of Guadeloupe’s hummingbirds. With a little luck you may spot a tiny nest; when a female is protecting it, the best approach is simply to keep a respectful distance and watch quietly.

We did not choose Bouillante by chance. On the leeward coast of Basse-Terre, the town has retained a strong Guadeloupean identity and a close relationship with the sea, rivers and rainforest. Local residents, fishermen and small businesses all have stories to tell. Bouillante also gives easy access to Malendure and the Cousteau Reserve, Caribbean beaches, waterfalls and Basse-Terre hiking trails. This living, natural side of Guadeloupe is what made us fall in love with the area.

Around Bouillante, a short journey can take you from the Caribbean Sea into the tropical forest of Basse-Terre. We particularly enjoy walks toward Trou à Diable, Queue de Cheval and Paradis, as well as coastal paths near Machette and Malendure. Some routes lead to waterfalls, others follow the shoreline or disappear beneath dense vegetation. From Rêve et Alizé, these landscapes are among the experiences we most often recommend.