TRAVEL UPDATE: Visit Haiti from Home

beaches

Hotel Cyvadier Plage

hotel pool with palm trees and sea view
Pool area at Hotel Cyvadier Plage
Photo: Hotel Cyvadier Plage

Hotel Cyvadier Plage

A few minutes outside the city of Jacmel, Cyvadier Hotel is the perfect seaside escape for the nature lover in all of us.

First Impressions

Among all the cities of Haiti, the city of Jacmel is recognized for its hospitality and as being a haven of peace. For a good stay, the Cyvadier Hotel offers modern comfort in a prime location. The hotel’s seafront access is ideal if you are looking for a picture-perfecr tropical vacation without the typical busyness of the Arcadins’ coast.

Rooms

The Cyvadier Hotel is a charming small hotel which has 28 tastefully furnished rooms that embellish a rustic, Caribbean style with modern accents; some have a terrace which offers a beautiful view where you can bask in watching the sunset facing the sea. The whole establishment has access to WiFi.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is served every day at the Cyvadier Hotel, and includes all of the standard stops of a Haitian breakfast. From fresh, seasonal fruit, to eggs, baked goods, and freshly brewed coffee and steeped tea, it can all be enjoyed by the sea, or in your room, on request – it’s entirely up to you.

How about lunch and dinner?

The restaurant at the Cyvadier Hotel benefits from being a seaside one: fresh seafood is served there every day! From lobster to grilled fish, the menu is an ode to the bevy of creatures that grace the sea. Standard Haitian cuisine is also hard-and-fast on this menu; you’ll find staples like conch and roasted chicken, as well as the delicacy that is Haitian pain patate – a sweet potato dessert.

Is there a bar?

Lounge around by the pool and take in the view as you sip away from the hotel’s restaurant drinks’ menu which also covers wines, champagnes, liquors, local beers, and cocktails made to order.

Activities and amenities

You’ll want to make a stop at the Cyvadier massage parlor, where for an hour or two, you can experience hot rock massages, deep tissue massages, and even a detox cleanse during your stay. If an adventure is what excites you, take advantage of Cyvadier Hotel’s boat excursions and paddle boarding.

Within a short walk you can find…

To hit the beach, the choices are nearly endless; you can either choose the private beach of the Cyvadier Hotel or the beach at Raymond-les-Bains (for a small visitors’ fee), where you will find charming seafood merchants. At Timouyaj Beach, big waves invite you to surf and the sand invites you to relax.

Need to know (before you go)

For those who are more attracted by the walks and the visits, Jacmel is very close, the mountains are accessible, and the sea is nearby. The city invites you to discover craftsmen and charming streets where art is always present and in an extraordinary profusion.

Getting there

For directions and bookings visit Cyvadier Hotel on Hotels.com


Hotel Cyvadier Plage

4.5 on TripAdvisor
3 Star Hotel
+509 38 44 8264
Private beach, Pool, Free WiFi, Breakfast included, Ocean View

Read story

Royal Decameron Indigo Beach Resort

beach resort with pool, palm trees, lounge chairs and sea
View of the pool at Decameron Indigo Beach Resort
Photo: Decameron Indigo Beach Resort

Royal Decameron Indigo Beach Resort

Decameron Indigo Beach Resort offers an all-inclusive experience that will shoot above and beyond your expectations. Book your stay soon for a time full of adventure and relaxation.

First Impressions

Decameron Indigo Beach Resort is by far the biggest beach resort in Haiti. With its all-inclusive package and its one-and-a-quarter mile of dreamy white sandy beaches, Decameron is an ideal introduction to what the beauty of beaching in Haiti truly is.

Rooms

Decameron is equipped with 400 Caribbean-style rooms with views of the beach, the gardens, or the pool – your choice. All rooms are air-conditioned and designed to as the perfect relaxing hideaway, while bringing small pieces of Haitian urban life into the room. All rooms open out onto either a terrace or balcony, bridging the gap between the comfort of your bed and the sounds of the Haitian waves.

What’s for breakfast?

Although Indigo Beach has three different restaurants, breakfast is served at Le Grand Marché, located in the main area by the pool. With its options of both self-serve and made-to-order stations, the buffet-style breakfast and overall service of this restaurant is the highlight for many. While you will most definitely be exposed to staple American-style fare, we suggest trying or asking about what the Haitian options are on the day!

How about lunch and dinner?

Indigo Beach’s three different restaurants offer three different dining experiences. Le Grand Marché, the main restaurant open to all, offers breakfast as well as lunch and dinner, respectively starting at noon and 7 PM.
 
Le Boucanier is the second restaurant, located in the northern portion of the resort – an à-la-carte restaurant, it specializes in seafood and often requires a reservation, though this depends on the flow of guests at the resort that day. It is open from 7 PM until 10 PM.
 
Last but not least is La Casserole Haitienne. The name speaks for itself – if the goal of your trip is to have a taste of Haiti without necessarily leaving the resort, look no further! Open between 7 and 10 PM for dinner, this is an à-la-carte restaurant, and while it might require a reservation, you’ll have the chance to sample different traditional Haitian dishes stemming from all parts of the country. La Casserole Haitienne also operates a snack bar until 2 in the morning, meaning that you can stop by into the early hours for a quick plate of fried plantains and delicious creole conch!

Is there a bar?

With all these options for food, Indigo Beach surpasses itself when it comes to drinks.

The resort has a grand total of four bars, one located in Le Boucanier, the other at La Casserole Haitienne, and the last two, Bon Bagay Bar and Chiringuito Bar, operate as stand-alone bars. The last two are conveniently located by the central and southern pool respectively so you are always able to enjoy a drink as you read a book or scroll on Instagram by one of these very impressive pools!

From 11 PM to 2 AM, Decameron keeps the beach nightlife alive with all the music hits at its discothèque.

Activities and amenities

Decameron greatly compensates the fact that it is so far from the city, offering clientele a bounty of amenities and activities. As an all-inclusive resort, any person staying has access to the two recently-renovated pools, a fitness center, a boutique for last-minute bikini shopping, and a variety of sports ranges and courts (soccer, basketball, tennis, etc.).

The resort also has access to special marine areas and instructors for snorkelling, diving and more, and even organizes a variety of excursions to nearby attractions. Lastly, the hotel often closes its nights with show-stopping performances, varying from dance acts to comedy shows.

Within a short walk you can find…

Located in Montrouis, where visitors can experience the local delicacy that is lalo, or hike to Kay Piat. the resort is pretty far away from big cities, but make sure to check out their excursion services to discover hidden islands and precious gems of Haiti!

Need to know (before you go)

A few things to note are that unfortunately, Wi-Fi is only available in the rooms for a daily $20 fee and pets are not allowed. For an additional cost, the resort offers transport from and to the airport via their shuttle bus which runs 24/7.

Getting there

For directions and bookings visit Decameron Indigo Beach Resort on Hotels.com


Royal Decameron Indigo Beach Resort

4.0 on TripAdvisor
4 Star Hotel
+509 28 15 0111
Beach, Pool, Family Friendly, Tennis court, Fitness Center & Gym, Breakfast included
Read story

Explore Jérémie

haitian man and woman posing behind a rocking chair
Nansky & Gina at their guesthouse in Jérémie
Photo: Franck Fontain

Explore Jérémie

Copy LinkEmailFacebookShare

At the end of a 180-mile journey west along Haiti’s southern peninsula, Jérémie is a busy coastal town with mountains cascading at its back. A city full of history and character, you’ll want to dedicate a couple of days to fully explore.

If you’ve travelled through the north of Haiti before (especially driving from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien through Mirebalais) the drive to Jérémie is reminiscent of watching Lake Péligre peek from between the curves in the road. The Grand’Anse river that gives this part of Haiti its name courses from its birthplace in the Pic Macaya National Park down through mountains to where it meets the sea just south of the town of Jérémie.

The Grand’Anse is the reason Jérémie was founded, and is important as a direct source of irrigation for fields and livestock. The communities that live and work all along the river are diverse, but through the river all are connected into a long, narrow, close-knit neighborhood.

Way out west, Jérémie boasts a self-possessed rural charm, a sort of independence from the rest of the island, and a kind of defiance in the face of time. In Jérémie, centuries-old traditions are still alive today, side-by-side with the modernity of a 21st century Haiti.

interior of church during service
Inside the Saint Louis King of France cathedral, Jérémie
Photo: Franck Fontain

Top attractions in Jérémie

Anse d’Azur – A spectacular sandy bay with a sunken German U-boat and a gorgeous cave system, Anse d’Azur is as picturesque as the very best of Caribbean beaches (minus the crowds).

Saint Louis King of France cathedral – The same romanticism in Jérémie’s literature infuses its architecture. If reading the works of Jérémie’s writers has inspired you, or if you’re into architecture or design, you’ll want to see the city’s Saint Louis King of France Cathedral (French: Cathédrale Saint-Louis-Roi-de-France de Jérémie). Built on the site of an ancient temple that burned down in 1874, the Cathedral is an imposing deep-red with white detail, pulling together elements of Haitian architecture familiar to travellers who have seen Port-au-Prince’s Gingerbread HousesIron Market, or the cathedral of Hinche.

Patron saint festival of Saint Louis – The Cathedral really shines during the month of August, when Jérémie gears up to celebrate the patron saint festival of Saint Louis King of France on the 25th. The city and surrounding parish come alive in prayer, festivities, and good times all around.

Kay Gina & Nansky – Being in Jérémie during the summertime is a great opportunity to visit Kay Gina & Nansky! Art-lovers Gina and Nansky have successfully curated a space that feels like both an altar and an exhibition, featuring artworks created by Haitian artists from Jérémie, Jacmel, Port-au-Prince and other cities right across Haiti. They also offer the opportunity to stay with them at their guest house, for $30 a night; the nice clean rooms are 10 minutes away from an amazing, immersive local experience in town, and breakfast can be tacked onto your stay for a small additional fee. Kay Gina & Nansky is a great place to get a quick bite of traditional carnival foods such as beignets—sweet banana fritters. A must-visit if you’re in town during any patron saint festival or kanival.

older haitian man in white shirt and black pants
Old man in Jérémie
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

City of Poets

Jérémie has produced some of Haiti’s most prominent figures of literature, earning it the nickname of “the City of Poets”. Poets Émile Roumer and Jean-Fernand Brierre, as well as Alexandre Dumas’ father, all hailed from the City of Poets, and carried Haitian literature far and wide with them wherever they or their works set foot. Jérémie became a literary powerhouse that would later come to surpass the capital and inspire writers across the young Haitian nation. You’ll see plenty of monuments to poets and poetry while you’re here.

haitian house with pool and balcony
Makay Villa in Jérémie
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Where to sleep

This far southwest, you won’t any all-inclusive resorts, but Jérémie is full of AirBnB options. By far, the best of these is Place Charmant; just a few minutes of driving away from downtown Jérémie, it sits atop a hill with an outstanding view overlooking the bay. Here, you can enjoy dipping in the large pool while using the city’s most reliable WiFi. Place Charmant’s rooms start at $80 per night, breakfast and dinner included.

If you’re travelling in a group, Makay Villa is ideal. With a pool overlooking a small bay, and access to a small semi-private beach, it’s a great place to call home during your stay in Jérémie.

haitian konparet cakes being baked in oven
Konparèt bakery in Jérémie
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Must-try Flavors

You can’t trek the six-hour drive to Jérémie and not try its local specialty: konparèt. A rich, dense, almost pound-cake-like sweet biscuit, konparèt brings together the classic Caribbean flavors of coconut and ripe bananas, as well as warming accents from West Indies spices like cinnamon and vanilla. The delicacy is ubiquitous in the town of Jérémie, but when it makes the long journey back to Port-au-Prince with visitors, it is highly coveted – no bakery anywhere else on Hispaniola can replicate the real thing from Jérémie.

Meet the Locals

Tag along with us and Wilmar Belizaire from Jérémie as we take you to her favorite places to see, sleep, and savor in the city.

Need to Know

Jérémie is a town on the western edge of Haiti’s southern peninsula, famous as a birthplace of poets and for its striking turn-of-the-century cathedral.

Anse d’Azur – this spectacular sandy bay nearby is as picturesque as the very best of Caribbean beaches (minus the crowds).

August is the best time to visit, while Jérémie gears up for the patron saint festival of Saint Louis King of France.

Kay Gina & Nansky is a great place to browse art and get a quick bite of traditional carnival foods.

Makay Villa is the best place to sleep while you’re in town.

Konparèt – the essence of the Caribbean, distilled into a cake-like cookie. Win friends and favours by bringing this coveted delicacy back to Port-au-Prince.


Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published February 2020


Read story

Top destinations for December and January in Haiti

Woman throwing a towel down to relax on the beach on Amiga Island, Ile-a-rat
Amiga Island, (Ile-a-Rat) close to Cap Haitien
Photo: Anton Lau

Winter in Haiti: Top destinations for December and January in Haiti

Copy LinkEmailFacebookShare

…Haiti is warm all year round. December and January are in the middle of Haiti’s dry season, and with as few as three rainy days each month, gorgeous weather is almost guaranteed.

With lower humidity and little rain, these months offer the best conditions for surfing, snorkeling, diving and trekking. This is when the seas are at their calmest (and most photogenic).

December and January are far and away the most popular time to visit Haiti, making it a little bit tricky, and sometimes expensive to secure a flight to get here. But everything’s relative; Haiti is still only just starting to show up on the international tourist map, and even in the busier months of the year you’ll be able to find a secluded getaway on a remote bit of island or peninsula, and maybe even a beach all to yourself.

Ready to treat yourself to some tropical Christmas cheer? Or ring in the new year Caribbean style? Here are the very best places to see and be in Haiti during your holiday vacation.

sun rising over beach with palm trees and lifeguard chair
Sunrise over Ti Mouillage beach, Jacmel
Photo: Anton Lau

01. Ti Mouillage, Jacmel

The coastal city of Jacmel has no shortage of beaches, but some outshine others. Ti Mouillage has the finest sand the city has to offer, and the softest slope down into crystal clear blue waters. Fresh seafood is available here as well.

About ten minutes from Raymond les Bains and  twenty minutes away from the city of Jacmel itself, Ti Mouillage is a great place to swim, paddle or even surf!

Lounge chairs beneath trees at Taino Beach, Grand-Goâve, Haiti
Taino Beach, Grand-Goâve
Photo: Anton Lau

02. Taïno Beach, Grand-Goâve

While most people think of the Arcadins Coast as the reference for beaches in Haiti, the South of the country is just as rich in gorgeous stretches of beach.

Just a two-hour drive west of Port-au-Prince, Taïno boasts some of the finest soft sand, some of the clearest waters, as well as some of the tastiest food on the island.

Man carries flowers along green path at a farm
Wynne Farm Ecological Reserve
Photo: Franck Fontain

03. Wynne Farm Ecological Reserve, Kenscoff

If you came to Haiti to escape winter, but your idea of indulgence is less beach and more great outdoors, Wynne Farm is the place to go, and not far from Port-au-Prince. If you’re a nature enthusiast, nutrition student, or visiting Haiti on a group adventure, Wynne Farm is a great place for a day trip.

From guided ground tours to workshops and horseback riding, there are plenty of activities to experience at Wynne Farm.

jazz concert on big stage in front of large sitting crowd
PAPJazz festival in Port-au-Prince
Photo: Josué Azor

04. Jazz Festival, Port-au-Prince

PAPJAZZ happens every January across a cluster of venues in Haiti’s capital. Each year brings individuals and bands from Haiti and across the world, including Guadalupe, Guyana, the U.S., Canada, Chile, Germany, France and even as far away as Sweden.

Sunset over Boutilliers, Haiti
View from Boutilliers
Photo: Franck Fontain

05. Boutilier, Port-au-Prince

Time for a fresh perspective! A mountain neighborhood a few minutes outside of Pétion-VilleBoutilier is home to one of the best views of Port-au-Prince in the country. With plenty of artwork to purchase and a great place – l’Observatoire – to grab a bite to eat, Boutilier is one of the closest places to take a quick break and deep breath outside of the city.

If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate New Year’s Eve over a rum cocktail or a glass of bubbly, this is it.

Colorful metal artwork on blue wall in Village Noailles, Haiti
Souvenirs at Village Noailles
Photo: Franck Fontain

06. Village Artistique de Noailles, Croix-des-Bouquets

Want to immerse yourself in Haitian art? There is no better destination than the artistic village of Noailles. It is the birthplace of iron art in Haiti, and the most popular place to get your hands on any form of Haitian art.

The artisans are friendly, some of them know a few words of English, and there are endless styles of artworks to choose from, merchant to merchant.

Ice cream and beer truck on Champ de Mars, Port-au-Prince
Ice cream truck on Champ de Mars
Photo: Franck Fontain

07. Champ-de-Mars, Port-au-Prince

A series of public squares divided by large boulevards, Champ de Mars is a cluster of markets, businesses and theaters. During the holidays, there are special performances at the Occide Jeanty kiosk, and a customary Christmas tree is put up and adorned with lights close to the Museum of the National Pantheon.

A great place to walk around on afternoons and evenings, and put your finger on the pulse of Haitian city life.

Photo of a person snorkelling
Snorkelling
Photo: Franck Fontain

08. Snorkelling in Montrouis, Arcadins Coast

Experienced snorkelers will find a wealth of seascapes to explore right around Haiti, but even beginners can go snorkelling in Montrouis, thanks to a gentle introduction on offer at the Moulin sur Mer resort.

Marina Blue Haiti runs a diving and excursion center within Moulin sur Mer, with activities ranging from day tours of the islands off the Arcadins coast to PADI night diving. Montrouis is a great place to find guidance and safety the first time you dive into snorkeling. Another advantage of snorkeling with a Marina Blue tour is that they can take and guide you to their very own coral reef house, with both shallow and deep reefs.

Woman throwing a towel down to relax on the beach on Amiga Island, Ile-a-rat
Île-à-Rat, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Anton Lau

09. Île-à-Rat

Île-à-Rat is a tiny island off the beaches west of Cap-Haïtien. This little paradise is a microcosm of what makes Haiti one of the greatest little countries in the Caribbean, with fine white sand beaches, shady palm trees, warm turquoise waters, incredible fresh seafood – and fewer crowds. The swimming is superb, and snorkelers can find half-buried colonial artillery and anchors.

For USD $40 a boat taxi from Labadee will take you to Île-à-Rat, and for an extra USD $15 they’ll cook you up a fresh lunch of lobster, octopus, crab or fish, all caught locally. Make sure you take some ice-cold bottles of rum and Prestige with you for the trip!

Île-à-Rat is just the beginning. Keep exploring Haiti’s hidden islands in this guide.


Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published November 2019


Read story

Raymond les Bains

haitians relaxing and dining at table with parasols by beach
Raymond les Bains, Cayes-Jacmel
Photo: Franck Fontain

Raymond les Bains

Copy LinkEmailFacebookShare

Just a few hours’ south of Port-au-Prince, the colorful city of Jacmel is best known for its beautiful, expansive beaches. Raymond les Bains is a local favorite, and an attraction not to be missed if you’re in Jacmel. You’ll find a mile-long stretch of soft white sand, framed by palm trees and mountains in the distance.

Like most of the beaches lining Haiti’s stunning southern coast, Raymond les Bains has a nice, gradual slope into the water and soft, smooth sand. On bright, sunny days (Jacmel sees 230 a year) Raymond les Bains is a textbook example of a Caribbean paradise.

Raymond les Bains is also a popular night time attraction. There is a lot more music, more to drink, and the atmosphere is much more fit for dancing and meeting new people! If you are lucky, you might even catch a full moon reflected on the Caribbean Sea.

Don’t miss: the freshly-grilled fish

For seafood lovers, the highlight of Raymond les Bains might be the food. Grilled fish is a local specialty and the menu is teeming with options.

To order, visitors can take a seat at any table on the beach. Expect to be approached by merchants selling all sorts – gum, drinks, snacks, jewellery – but keep an eye for the waiter or waitress at the restaurant. Our top tip is to ask to see the fish before you settle on your order; different price points get you different fish; and even at a specific price point, you still get to pick from a variety of fish.

You can ask if there is a choice of accompaniment for the fish; most places offer the standard fried plantains or fried potatoes. Depending on the season, you might even find fried breadfruit – a Caribbean delicacy not to be missed. This fried tropical staple provides a crisp, savory contrast to mouth-watering freshly-grilled fish, elevating what sounds like a simple, everyday dish to a memorable island experience.

Getting there

8 miles east of downtown Jacmel, Raymond les Bains is en route to Cayes-Jacmel and Marigot.

Look out for the “Bienvenue à Raymond les Bains” signage on the right side of the road. From there, the road dips and narrows down a sandy path flanked by small houses on the left, and the sound of slow waves crashing on the beach on the right. Continue on until you reach the gate – and gatekeepers.

Because it is a public beach cleaned and maintained by the locals, Raymond les Bains is gated, and does require a small fee to enter. Expect to pay at least 100 HTG per car. Once that is taken care of, you will be asked to enter and park your car off to the side.


Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published May 2019


Read story

The best Haitian getaways for a long weekend

A green yacht in aqua waters just off the beach at Port Salut, Haiti
Beach at Port Salut, Haiti
Photo: Verdy Verna

The best Haitian getaways for a long weekend

Copy LinkEmailFacebookShare

We’ve rounded up a list of the best destinations for you to kick your feet up, relax, and enjoy the best Haiti’s coasts have to offer!

All of the destinations listed here can be reached by car – it’s easy to hire one in Port-au-Prince, but book ahead if you can. For an adventurous traveller fluent in French or Kreol, a journey via tap-tap to either Jacmel or Cap-Haïtien is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world, but for first-time visitors, we recommend hiring a car or driver.

Street art on the outside of the Alliance Francaise hotel and restaurant in Jacmel, Haiti
Alliance Francaise in Jacmel, Haiti
Photo: Amanacer / Emily Bauman

01. Jacmel

For international travellers, Jacmel is famous mostly for its annual carnival. Located in the south, with a vibrant festival and music scene steeped in history, and plenty of bars to choose from, Jacmel might be considered Haiti’s New Orleans.

From beautiful beaches to fantastic festivals and an endless array of artistic expression, this city is the cultural capital of Haiti. Just a two-hour drive southwest of Port-au-Prince, Jacmel is also one of the most accessible destinations.

Around 15km east of Jacmel you’ll find the fishing village of Cayes-Jacmel, where most of the rocking chairs you’ll see around Haiti are made. A few more kilometers east and you’ll come to Plage Ti Mouillage, a stunning white-sand beach framed by coconut palms, with a bar stocked with ice-cold drinks and fresh seafood.  

Further east, you’ll find gorgeous Marigot. A coffee-growing town, Marigot has rated several times in Haiti’s top-ten communes. For a very reasonable price, you can wake up in an excellent boutique hotel with ocean views, the sounds of roosters crowing, and the smell of home-grown coffee roasting. 

Lounge chairs beneath trees at Taino Beach, Grand-Goâve, Haiti
Taino Beach, Grand-Goâve
Photo: Anton Lau

02. Village Taino, Grand-Goâve

Two hours west of Port-au-Prince is a small oasis, nestled among the tall trees of Grand-Goâve. Grand-Goâve is one of the oldest settlements in Haiti – its name dates back to the Amerindians who called it home before the arrival of Spanish colonists in the 16th century.

Village Taino is a set of beachside bungalows that opens up on the powdery sands of Haiti’s southern peninsula. If you like your beach escapes to be secluded and exclusive, you will enjoy the privacy of the bungalows, as well as the daily catered seafood, caught and cooked on location.

Hotel Royal Decameron on the Cote des Arcadins
Hotel Royal Decameron on the Cote des Arcadins
Photo: Bowerbill, Wikimedia Commons

03. Royal Decameron, Montrouis

Looking for world-class beachside relaxation? Royal Decameron, smack in the middle of the Arcadins coast, is your go-to for an all-inclusive experience in Haiti. With spacious rooms, swimming pools, authentic Haitian food, and recurring activities to keep you entertained throughout the days and evenings, it really is the easiest place to go for a weekend of unscripted relaxation and fun!

beach with people swimming and small wooden boat
People swiming at Amani-y Beach in Saint-Marc
Photo: Franck Fontain

04. Amani-y Beach, Saint-Marc

Looking for something outside the popular beach resorts of the Arcadins coast? Amani-y Beach may be the treasure you seek. Located close by La Colline Hotel, it is one of Saint-Marc’s most picturesque beaches. Surrounded by the tree-clad hills that border Baie de Sant-Marc, clear blue waters stretch out for miles. Amani-y Beach offers all of the island flair with none of the touristic fuss.

Colorful boat taxis line the shore at Cap-Haïtien, Haiti
Cap Haitien Labadi
Photo: Verdy Verna

05. Cap-Haïtien

Accessible via car, if you’re into sightseeing; tap-tap, if you’re here for adventure; or plane if you can’t wait to get there, Cap-Haïtien is one of those cities you need a couple of days set aside to explore.

The beach of Cormier is one of the most underappreciated on the island – and only about twenty minutes away from the main city by car. The food options on the main boulevard, which you can walk to from most hotels, are mouthwatering and many – Lakay? Boukanye? Cap Deli? Barik? Lolo? Come hungry!

Deck chair under a thatch umbrella at Abaka Bay, Ile-a-vache, Haiti
Abaka Bay, Ile-a-vache, Haiti
Photo: Ricardo Lartigue

06. Abaka Bay Resort, Île-à-Vache

Île-à-Vache is a magical place. Ever wondered what it would be like to live on a small island, just enjoying the pleasures of the sea lapping at your feet under a palm tree? Abaka Bay Resort is the place for you. Between horseback riding, kayaking, and peaceful walks on the shore in the evening, you might even find time to finish your book. This is an enchanting destination for travellers seeking quality rest and relaxation.


Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published January 2019


Read story