Jardin Malanga

Le Jardin Malanga fails completely in delivering a serene and upscale hotel experience simply because its rooms—as experienced during my stay—lack any sound insulation. When a couple travels many hours to a hotel promising a luxury experience, they expect a basic standard of privacy, and aural privacy is paramount. Sadly, our cabin at Jardin Malanga had an adjoining suite, and the two suites had only a louvered door separating them. Within a couple hours of arriving, we were subjected to a loud argument by the family in the adjoining suite that involved the mother yelling at her children and the children back-talking the parents. We heard every word as if the family was in our own suite. Afterward, we discovered that we could even hear whispers and shushing through the walls/door. How in the world is anyone “getting away from it all” when they have less sound privacy than in a youth hostel? We actually enjoyed all other aspects of the hotel and grounds, and the employees were very kind and helpful, but going back to our room was a dread because we didn’t know what noise we’d be subjected to or what of our sounds would be broadcast as well. In other words, the terrible sound insulation at an upscale property like this overshadows and detracts from all of the good and pretty parts of Jardin Malanga. It’s like the proprietor is trying to focus on the facade, not the personal experience of, for example, guests not being disturbed while sleeping or not being a disturbance while being intimate. The owner and management of Jardin Malanga should be ashamed of failing guests in this crucial aspect of the “hospitality business,” and should at least alert guests prior to confirming reservations that sound insulation is non-existent and, therefore, paradise is not private.

My wife and I stayed at the Jardin de Malanga for seven nights in February on the third leg of our Guadeloupe, Marie Galante and Martinique holiday. We arrived late evening having caught the afternoon express ferry from Marie Galante. We received a warm welcome from the director, Christine - who whisked us straight into the restaurant as we arrived nearly an hour after the dinner service had started. We had a semi-detached one bedroom bungalow, with a view from the terrace over Les Iles des Saintes. The internal space comprised a large double bed with a work top and an arm chair. There was black out curtaining on the sliding glazed doors which did a good job in excluding the light. The room was cooled by an air conditioning unit. Facilities included a coffee making machine and a small refrigerator. Outside there were two deck chairs as well as a table to relax with a good book whist enjoying the view over the beautiful gardens. The bath room had a bath and a shower attachment. Having a stand up shower was tricky as the water went all over the window and the floor. It was easier to have a bath. The water was hot and delivered at a good pressure. There was a remote controlled screen over the bathroom window for privacy. There was also a separate toilet. There was a safe in the wardrobe, operated by a combination number. There was ample storage to hang clothes as well as numerous shelves. There wasn’t anywhere to put cases away so they stayed beside the bed. We were on a bed, breakfast and dinner basis. Breakfasts comprised pastries and bread, a selection of fruits, yoghurt and cold cuts and cheese. Although there was always the same food items, there was variety in the meats and fish, and with the fruits provided. It set us up nicely for the day. Dinners were of the highest quality, with locally sourced fish and meats. The execution of the dishes showcased Michael’s talents. We enjoyed every meal, delighting in the exquisite flavours and the artful presentation. What truly sets this hotel apart is Christine’s contribution to our stay. She is the most engaging hostess who is passionate about ensuring that guests have the very best experience whilst staying in Basse-Terre. We relished the pleasure of chatting to her - so generous of her time which made us feel more like house guests. Her warmth and humour will stay long in our memories and we were so glad to have shared a week in her company. She and her husband, Michael work exceedingly long hours and are to be admired for their dedication and commitment to the hospitality we enjoyed so much.

We are having a very good time here. The hotel is truly an oase. It's nestled in a wonderful well kept park. Service is from A to Z superb and very helpful. Our room is situated in one of the lodges, it's roomy, cosy and very clean. At the Main house you have the lovely pool with lounge chairs around. It's very inviding just to lay down and enjoy the wonderful surounding and nature. Breakfast and dinner is served next to it in a very intimate atmosphere. Dinner is on a very high level. The food and the way it's presented is fantastic and very tastful. I can positively recomend this hotel, much efort is done to reach and keep that level.

Spacious and well maintained property with very nice views. Well equipped appartment with nice own wooden terrace. The staff was really nice and friendly. The breakfast which was included in our booking was fresh, tasty and nicely prepared. The downsides: The optional dinner was made out of premium ingredients and tasty. But it also was expensive, even if you consider that they only use local products and even if you consider the generally higher prices at guadeloupe. On our second day, we found a hughe millipede in my shoe in our room which could have been harmful. Also, we encountered some cockroaches and other insects inside and outside the appartment. The staff is doing their best to keep these animals out, so I am not blaming anyone as you are living more or less in the middle of the jungle. Just the guests should be aware of that and make sure being able to accept these circumstances when booking this accommodation. I strongly recommend to the staff to advise future guest to checking their clothes for animals before dressing, as at least I was not aware and had to learn the hard way.

We had high expectations. It was a rustic setting in the back-country above Trois Rivières, Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe. We had trouble getting through the double doors because they got stuck with one door open from previous client. Caroline the director met us and escorted us to our room. We got a brief overview of the place. The pool is smaller and unheated and so not too inviting. We found room to be mixed. It was nice but there are no amenities. The safe had no instructions and we required help to get it to work. The bathroom tub has low pressure water and the temperature us very difficult to adjust. There was no hair conditioner. Towels were few. They were unchanged in three days of stay because we failed to put them on the floor. The breakfast was ok but unvaried with no yoghurt and bad coffee. The dinner was fine for the most part. The pre-dinner cocktails were not available until 6pm. There is no TV which is part of their philosophy. After 9pm it is pretty much lights out. I unfortunately lost their beach towel in a downpour in the mountains running back to my car. The towel was ordinary, but they imposed a draconian rule of 30 Euros for the lost towel which I found to be totally excessive.

We arrived here late one night straight from the airport and our hosts were very welcoming and had saved some plates of dinner for our family of five to eat on the veranda which was a lovely touch. We had one room in the colonial house and one bungalow. They both had really comfortable beds, good amenities like a coffee machine, air conditioning, a small fridge, hairdryer etc and flowers through the rooms. Our bungalow also had patio furniture and a hammock. We woke to a rousing dawn chorus of birds and THE MOST AMAZING views over palm trees and gardens down to Trois Rivieres town, the crystal blue sea and Les Saintes islands in the distance. Breakfast was always large baskets of fresh fruit and pastries and many other things to order besides. The infinity pool was stunning and easy to lounge peacefully by, reading a good book or taking in the scenery. Basse Terre is hilly and quiet (like a very lush and tropical Cornwall!) and you will definitely need a car to explore it and get around, with waterfalls, mountains and beaches all accessible within 30-45 mins. There is also a ferry each day over to the neighbouring island. Would recommend Jardin Malanga for anyone with an adventurous spirit who is looking for peace and calm. We loved it.

We stayed in Vanilla cottage room with its terrace and beautiful view on Les Saintes for 6 nights. Our room was well equipped with some tea, coffee, small fridge and safe, hairdryer, and even spray against mosquitoes and extra cover. Room was perfectly cleaned up every day. Towels for swimming pool, bathroom towels and housecoats are of course provided. An effective air conditioner in the room will make your sleep good. The only negative comment would be about the nearby road: for sensitive people to noise like me, I could notice it every evening. However I admit that this is very subjective and I was noticing it only during a traffic peak in the evening. I had an excellent sleep on the good quality mattress though. Hotel provides yoga classes and massages, a little infinitive swimming pool, and a common room with a variety of books in an original colonial house. Cocktails are available from 6pm and I can only recommend their original refreshing Spicy Lemongrass. Dinners are a perfect option for those who want to enjoy a romantic calm evening with a gastronomic delight. Breakfast has its high standard with a fresh plate of exotic fruits which also includes maracuja or tamarind. You can ask for varieties from cheese to ham, eggs and others. You are well taken care of if you are missing something or you have an additional wish. Dinners cooked by Médéric are optional BUT they are definitely mandatory to try if you are a foodie. We went for 3 dinners, all delicious and not boring. The table d'hôtes is fixed which triggers an excitement and curiosity about the fresh local products transformed into sophisticated dishes. You can also choose a wine bottle which you can continue with another day. Caroline and Médéric who runs the hotel are very helpful, but also very nice, yet professional, keeping a standard you expect for the price. I can only recommend this place for your honeymoon. The garden, the view, the service but mainly the atmosphere will make the time stop. And don't we desire such an effect when we travel with our lovers? Thank you for the great time and memories to be kept!

if you want to sleep in a luxury cottage on the edge of the rainforest this is the place. Caroline (hostess) & husband Médéric (chef) are the new managing partners for the resort. They both couldn't be more helpful. Caroline arranged our amazing Volcano hike and a much needed massage the next day. Beyond that was attentive to our every need. Caroline spoke fluent English and we really enjoyed our conversations. Médéric made delicious breakfasts and dinners every day. All meals considered our funky dietary needs. We never knew what dinner was coming, but it was always fantastic! The only minor complaints was that lunch was never an option, nor were cocktails around the pool until after 6pm. Only other suggestion would be to make this place Adult Only. It is such a beautiful sanctuary with not much to do for kids, why bring them? But WOW amazing place!

Great place to end our 3 weeks trip on an super high. The rooms are in the 'main' house or one of the 3 'side' houses. The breakfast is awesome, the dinner is just fabulous as are the cocktails (try the coco & lime). The pool has a decent size and the views on the Caribbean sea and the Islands of Les Saints is amazing. A big fenced Jungle garden surrounds it all with many fruits and flowers. Fruit that you find in your dishes (AM & PM) and flowers that are through out your rooms spreading the sense of the Jungle. Evenings are filled with jungle sounds. Probably the best place on Guadeloupe island!