Gonaïves

Rhythms and Rituals at Lakou Soukri’s Vodou Festival

April 10, 2024 by Anton Lau

Ritual bath at Lakou Soukri Vodou festival
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Rhythms and Rituals at Lakou Soukri’s Vodou Festival

Dive into the heart of Haiti with a journey to Lakou Soukri’s annual Vodou Festival, where tradition, spirituality, and community come to life

Located deep in Haiti’s Artibonite Department, Lakou Soukri annually emerges as the epicenter of a festival deeply rooted in Vodou culture, renowned for its spiritual significance and sense of community.

Despite its rich traditions, Vodou frequently encounters misunderstandings and stereotypes that veil its authenticity.

What essential truths does Lakou Soukri’s festival reveal about Vodou?

Our visit to the Lakou aimed to uncover the heart of the festival, drawing us into a celebration marked by dance, offerings, and communal spirit. This journey through the festival showcases Vodou steeped in tradition, devotion, and a deep bond with the natural and spiritual realms, transcending widespread misconceptions.

Gathering at the Lakou Soukri Vodou Festival
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

What is a lakou?

In the heart of Haitian cultural traditions lies the lakou, more than just a space, it’s a cornerstone of community and spirituality. Long before cities, neighborhoods, and municipalities, there were lakou. This social organization resembles the communal essence of African villages, serving as a nurturing ground for education, devotion, and the preservation of Vodou traditions. Central to each lakou is the poto mitan, a symbolic pillar connecting the community to their ancestors and the spiritual world.

Leadership within a lakou comes from the Houngan (Vodou priest) or Mambo (Vodou priestess), who are not only spiritual guides but also serve as healers and community organizers. Their role is critical in maintaining the social fabric and spiritual health of their community, whether they’re natives or newly initiated members.

One notable lakou, Soukri Danach, stands out for its historical significance and its annual festival that attracts a diverse crowd. This event embodies the communal and spiritual vitality of the lakou, highlighting its role in Haitian society.

The Ancient Echoes of Lakou Soukri Danache

Lakou Soukri Danache is a beacon among Haiti’s spiritual landscapes, heralded as one of three pivotal spiritual sites. Its roots are said to stretch back before Haiti’s own emergence as a nation, entwining with the histories of Lakou Souvenance and Badjo to form a sacred trinity, each guardian to a unique Vodou rite. Soukri, in particular, vibrates with the Congo rite, a living homage to the ancestral traditions of Congolese slaves, in contrast to Souvenance’s alignment with the Dahomey kingdom rites of Benin.

The lore of its inception ties back to Zinzin Figaro, revered as the first to lead the lakou. Soukri’s history is rich with tales of refuge for maroon slaves from Congo, seeking solace and freedom in the heart of Haiti’s struggle for independence.

Sprawling across two and a half hectares, Soukri Danache is a tapestry of dwellings, plantations, and families, thriving on agriculture and livestock yet bound by a profound spiritual legacy. Annually, this lakou calls back its children, those born within and those initiated under its shade, in a pilgrimage that reaffirms the unbroken connection to their spiritual and cultural heritage.

Ritual bath at Lakou Soukri
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Sacred Rituals & Soulful Gatherings

Embraced by the call to return, the children of Lakou Soukri converge to celebrate their rich heritage in a festival that spans over two weeks. During this period, the lakou is brimming with activities that touch the essence of Vodou: from rhythmic dance to solemnity of ceremonies, offerings, and ritual baths.

As dusk settles on August 14th, the sacred grounds of the temple, known as Soba, come alive with anticipation. This night is reserved for Met Kafou, the Vodou loa (meaning Vodou spirit) seen as the custodian of crossroads, a symbol of choices, paths, and the intersections of life and the spiritual realm. The assembled, both initiated and intrigued, are led by figures of spiritual authority through the gates to the temple, engaging in prayers that seek blessings from the loas, reinforcing the bonds of unity and shared existence.

The crescendo arrives the day after, on August 15th, with a grand Vodou ceremony. Adorned in white, symbolizing purity and openness, participants gather at designated sanctuaries within the lakou. The day’s ceremonies begin with prayers, drumming, and ritual sacrifices — roosters by the gate, goats within the Soba, and a bull near an ancient tree known as Palan Ganga, each act deepening the spiritual ambiance.

If you find the idea of animal offerings unsettling, know that for believers, this is a ritual rooted in reciprocity and the maintenance of cosmic balance.

Preparations at Lakou Soukri Vodou Festival
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Following these poignant moments, attention shifts to the Basin Inan for a ritual bath honoring the loa Manbo Inan. Surrounded by towering trees, this natural pool witnesses a mesmerizing ceremony of intensive drumming, dancing, and singing, culminating when the loa, believed to dwell in these waters, materializes. The initiated, now in a state of possession, leap frantically into the pool in a display of faith and ecstasy.

This extraordinary scene not only offers a glimpse into the profound spirituality of Vodou but also allows pilgrims to seek blessings by collecting water from this sacred site.

The days that follow are filled with dances and ceremonies at various spirit resting places, each moment deepening the communal and spiritual connections. The festival concludes with a universal salutation to the cardinal points, a final act of unity and reverence, encapsulating the profound journey of return and celebration that is the Lakou Soukri festival.

A break between ceremonies at Vodou Festival
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

When to Experience the Magic of Soukri

The enchanting Soukri festival unfolds annually from August 14th until the early days of September. This timeframe, bridging the warm summer and the onset of fall, creates an ideal setting for the night dances and sumptuous feasts characteristic of Vodou celebrations, all while avoiding the season’s heavy rains.

Getting there

The lakou is located a few kilometers north of Gonaïves. The simplest route is to take a tap-tap or a motorcycle taxi from the city, heading towards the locality of Mapou and then continuing towards Soukri. As you approach, remember the profound respect this lakou commands among its keepers, thus, approaching it with mindfulness and respect for its spiritual significance is essential.

Want to make an offering?

To immerse yourself in the festival’s spirit, consider bringing an offering. For specific guidance, an initiate can advise on what’s most appropriate for each ceremony. Commonly, a bottle of Haitian rum serves as a welcome gift. When you present this to the Lakou’s servant for the Loas’ table, it signifies your participation in a tradition of generosity. Witnessing this, you might also experience, as do the initiates and pilgrims, the profound generosity of the loas in return.

Written by Costaguinov Baptiste.

Published April 2024.

Explore the Mystical Side of Haiti

Photo Journal: Gonaïves – The City of Independence

December 21, 2022 by Anton Lau

public city square with grass and statue — Place d’Armes town square in Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Gonaïves – The City of Independence

Located on the coast of Haiti’s Artibonite department, Gonaïves is a charming historic city affectionately nicknamed “The city of independence”

A great starting point for your exploration of Gonaïves is the Place d’Armes – a large public square in the center of the town where Haiti’s independence was proclaimed on January 1, 1804.

Here, you’ll find two iconic monuments that are closely associated with the city: Cathédrale Du Souvenir (the Cathedral of Memory) and l’Obélisque (the Obelisk). These structures are a testament to Gonaïves’ rich history, including its important role in Haiti’s fight for independence.

busy haitian city street with lots of traffic — Traffic in Avenue des Datte
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

In addition to its historical landmarks, Gonaïves is a vibrant and lively city. Its streets, such as Avenue des Datte, buzzing with activity and offering a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the city.

city street with bus and ice cream vendor — Street life in front of the town hall
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

You’ll notice a wide range of neighborhoods and urban landscapes as you explore the streets. From chaotic areas filled with motorcycle taxis, colorful taptap busses, and haggling street vendors, to peaceful and quiet quarters, this city offers something for everyone.

historical monument with statue of jacques dessalines — Statue of Jean Jacques Dessalines on Place d’Armes
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

One of the things that makes Gonaïves so unique is its rich history. Its public squares and landmarks are a reminder of the city’s past, and the stories that are inscribed in every brick and paving stone.

public city square with boy on bmx bike and boy with football — Kids playing football on the public square of Raboteau
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

But Gonaïves is not just a city of the past – it’s also a city of the future. Its young people, playing and laughing in the city’s parks and playgrounds, are a reminder of the hope and promise that lies ahead.

edge of a lake with two vernacular wooden houses and mountains — The salt marshes of Morne Lapierre
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

To truly experience the beauty of Gonaïves, it’s worth venturing outside of the city. One of the highlights is a trip to the stunning salt marshes of nearby Morne Lapierre. Here, the salty waters glisten in the sunlight, creating a breathtaking landscape. The high salinity of the seawater and the constant exposure to the sun make this region one of the best places in the country for the production of sea salt.

busy city street with market activity and motorcycles — The busy market square in Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

The market square is another must-see for any visitor to the city. It’s a vibrant hub of activity, where the various aspects of daily life intersect and come together. The square itself is a chaotic and colorful mosaic, filled with the sounds, smells, and sights of the city.

Scenes of street life
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

The pavement is crowded with street vendors, taptaps, and motorcycle taxis, all vying for attention and space. And yet, despite the commotion, there’s a sense of warmth and community here. The cheerful faces of the people, chatting and laughing with one another, give the market square its soul and character.

colorful painted building at a vodou community — Lakou Soukri in Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Gonaïves is also a major center of Vodou pilgrimage, home to two of the country’s largest lakous: Lakou Soukri and Lakou Souvenance. Each year, these lakous attract thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and curious visitors who come to experience the annual festivals and the unique rituals and traditions of Vodou.

courtyard area in a vodou lakou with buildings, trees and girl — Houses in Lakou Soukri
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

The concept of lakou is one of Haiti’s oldest cultural traditions. It’s a place where the faithful live in community, and while daily life at the lakou is not much different from elsewhere, there are certain rules and customs that must be followed in order to preserve the ancestral practices of Vodou.

metal voddou sculpture with symbols and offerings to spirits — A sign at the entrance of Lakou Souvenance
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Lakou Souvenance is located about eleven kilometers north of Gonaïves. This ancient lakou, over two hundred years old, is a place of great spiritual significance for the Vodou community. Its ancient walls and gates, worn and weathered by time, speak to the centuries of traditions and rituals that have taken place within its boundaries.

old curved trees growing in courtyard providing shade — Towering trees surrounding a pond at Lakou Souvenance
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

For the visitor, a trip to Lakou Souvenance is a glimpse into a world of spirituality and tradition that is unlike anything else. It is a place of great beauty and mystery, where the past and the present come together in a unique and powerful way.

city street lined with tropical trees with traffic and a gas station — Sun rising over Avenue des Datte
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

See More Photos from Haiti

Photo Journal: Fèt Gede – A celebration of Life on the Day of the Dead

October 6, 2022 by Anton Lau

crowd gathered at haitian cemetery with big cross for fet gede ritual — Crowd gathered for Fèt Gede in Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Fèt Gede: A celebration of Life on the Day of the Dead

See the photos from a Fête Gédé celebration in Gonaïves and discover the most anticipated festival in Haitian culture! A celebration of Life on the Day of the Dead for both Christians and practitioners of Haitian Vodou.

Every November in Haiti, there are festivities held throughout the month that, for an outsider, might seem, well, quite strange! In particular, the Fête Gede (Day of the Dead) and All Saint’s Day involve unsettling processions to the cemetery of each town around the country.

The crowd that gathers is a varied group, comprising people who are simply curious as well as people of all different faiths, including Hatian Vodou. They join together to walk to the main cemetery in each town, all the while following the unique spectacle that the procession offers. And what is this spectacle, exactly? Practitioners of Vodou taken over by the Gede, the spirits for whom these stunning celebrations in Haiti are held.

vodou practitioner holding a machete and colorful handkerchiefs — A Vodou practitioner celebrating Fèt Gede, Gonaïves Cemetary
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

In Vodou spirituality, the Gede are the spirits of the dead. They are responsible for accompanying the dead on the path toward the other world, but also of watching over the living. They thus constitute the bridge between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Two major Gede deities in the Haitian Vodou pantheon are Baron Samedi and Grann Brigitte.

gravestone at haitian cemetery during fet gede ritual — Fèt Gede rituals at the cemetary in Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Those possessed by the gede spirits set the festival’s tone, which is truly carnivalesque. You might hear some rough language, see some dirty dancing, and witness other extravagant performances. All of these provide plenty of entertainment for the more docile crowd that follows along.

haitian vodou practitioners wearing white filling a transparant bottle with liquid — A Vodou temple inside the Cemetary in Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Fueled by alcohol, as well as hot pepper-based infusions that they sprinkle on their bodies, the procession heads toward the main cemetery. Overtaken by the spirits of the dead, the possessed swear and carry out quite a remarkable performance.

gravestone at haitian cemetery with two soda bottles and flowers — Offerings on a gravestone during Fèt Gede, Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

The spectacle of the procession attracts quite a crowd, and the possessed are easily recognizable due to the ritual colors of Baron Samedi that they wear (white, black, and purple). Some even cover themselves entirely with white powder or draw gloomy scenes on their bodies. Others choose to wear the preferred attire of Baron Samedi, which includes a black hat, monocle, and cane. Altogether, this creates a true Carnival of the Dead that happens every year in Haitian cemeteries.

This Festival of the Dead, which comprises rituals and dances all November long, testifies to the intimate link that exists between the world of the living and the world of the dead in Vodou spirituality. For practitioners of Vodou, Fête Gede is really more like a celebration of life. The gede spirits who return via their hosts during possession can attest to this way of thinking. They are brought to life by joy and are spirits who love to laugh, dance, and have fun.

haitian vodou practitioner dancing at fet gede ritual with crowd watching — Vodou practitioners during Fèt Gede Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

All of these wild performances have just one objective: to amuse. The festival is not a moment for tears or regrets but rather a time to honor the memory of the departed. Part of this involves preparing for the festival by cleaning the cemeteries and restoring the tombs.

Those who have sailed for “the land without a hat” — a Haitian expression that means the “beyond,” because no one is buried with their hat — remain present in daily life and are nonetheless celebrated as they should be during this festival given in their honor. In Vodou spirituality, those who have set sail for the world of the dead maintain an important role in everyday life. The spirits of those who have passed on, bearing the name Gede, are respected as guardians, advisors, or vengeful spirits by those who remain.

The Fête Gede festival in Haiti is somewhat similar to the Day of the Dead as practiced in other parts of the world (e.g. Dia de los Muertos). The difference, however, lies in the place that the dead occupy in Vodou belief and in the syncretism underlying the various beliefs that Haitians hold.

haitian cemetery with sculpture and blue sky with clouds — Monument for the Gede spirit Brave, Gonaïves Cemetery
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

As a legacy of ancestral African traditions, Vodou reserves an important place for those who have departed this world for the next. In the procession of the Gede, different people portray different divinities, including Baron Samedi, Baron Lacroix, Baron Criminel, Grann Brigitte, and all the other Gede spirits. Much more than simple guardians of death and graveyards, the Gede are also guardians of life.

As such, the celebration of Fèt Gede is not just a celebration to commemorate the dead, but a celebration where the dead can take part by way of possession in the form of Gede spirits.

haitians gathered at cemetery for fet gede vodou ritual — A Vodou Priestess heading a ceremony for the spirit Brave Gede, Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

At the main cemetery in Port-au-Prince, where the biggest iteration of this festival is held each year, Catholics come to pray for the souls of their deceased at the small chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Protestants come to gather at the graves of their lost loved ones, and practitioners of Vodou come for the largest celebration of the Fête Gede festival in all of Haiti.

haitian vodou practitioners lighting a candle during fet gede — A Vodou ritual at a ceremony during Fèt Gede Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

The festival is at the very crossroads of Haiti’s religious syncretism, with Catholics and Protestants joining the procession to the cemeteries, all worshiping differently but each bearing the same thoughts for the departed, thoughts colored by the beliefs on which these extraordinary celebrations are based.

haitian vodou practitioner at cemetery wearing a black and purple dress — A Vodou ceremony for the Brave Gede spirit during Fèt Gede, Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Even if Fèt Gede is held on and around All Saint’s Day and the Day of the Dead, it’s a much different celebration than ones that you might see elsewhere. It’s a true moment of communion between the dead and the living, the latter of whom brings coffee, roasted corn, cassava, clairin (rum), or the favorite dish of the lost loved one.

haitian man holding a part of a human skull for fet gede — Fèt Gede in Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

One might even be tempted to say that Fèt Gede is much more than a simple set of practices based on certain beliefs about death — rather, it constitutes a genuine philosophy of life, a life that must be lived like a carnival. If we enjoy every moment, it won’t be the Gede who contradict us!

Written by Costaguinov Baptiste.

Published in October 2022.

Explore Haitian Vodou & Spiritualism

10 of Haiti’s Coolest Independent Hotels

March 5, 2021 by Anton Lau

hotel veranda with small pool and hammock — Chic Chateau, Cayes-Jacmel
Photo: Anton Lau

10 of Haiti’s Coolest Independent Hotels

Soak up the beach vibes in one of these exclusive small-scale stays

Haiti’s best boutique hotels

Somewhere between the comfort of a traditional hotel and the down-to-earth coziness of a bed and breakfast, independent hotels offer you the chance to connect to the local community and really immerse yourself in the local landscape. But with dozens of boutique hotels in Haiti, where to start? We’re here to help you decide which hotel is best for you!

facade of gothic style gingerbread hotel with palm trees — Hotel Oloffson, Port-au-Prince
Photo: Anton Lau

1. Hotel Oloffson

Located in the historic heart of downtown Port-au-Prince, Hotel Oloffson is an example of a classic Haitian gingerbread mansion. Everything about the Oloffson feels classic and luxurious; steeped in history: from the abundant flora growing around the cascading stairs to the slatted wooden balcony and gothic arches, the hotel doors are a portal to Haitian time immemorial. Throughout the walls of the Oloffson, Haitian art from today and decades prior frames moments shared at the bar, the restaurant, or the balcony tables. From the hotel’s location, all the cultural activities of downtown Port-au-Prince are a short taxi ride away — just ask your bartender or receptionist.

Book your stay at Hotel Oloffson

small hotel with thatch roof in tropical forest — Chic Chateau, Cayes-Jacmel
Photo: Franck Fontain

2. Chic Chateau

In Petavi, Chic Chateau is an eco-luxe bed-and-breakfast where guests are treated to an authentically local experience of Haiti and Cayes-Jacmel in particular. Each of the three suites offers an uninterrupted ocean view, perfect to watch the sunrise or sunset. Guests rave about the breakfast, and if you wake up here on a Sunday you’re in for a treat: the Chateau serves up a farm-to-table soup joumou (traditional Haitian pumpkin soup). Have a couple of days to spare? Treat yourself to refreshing dips in the ocean, with the beach just a stone’s throw away. Everything at the Chateau has been thoughtfully designed by the host, Janet, to make sure guests have a stay in secluded Petavi as environmentally responsible as it is relaxing.

Book your stay at the Chic Chateau

beach with lounge chairs and mountains — Cormier Plage beach, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Franck Fontain

3. Cormier Plage

The northern coast of Haiti has vistas galore. Cormier Plage is one of those vistas, and should you be in the area, we strongly suggest you consider it. With 34 rooms, the resort offers a kind of intimate stay that still feels indulgent. Enjoy easy and exclusive access to the Cormier beach for a midday swim, or plan a visit to the Citadelle Laferrière, Amiga Island, or the Dondon Minguet grotto with the hotel administration. Cormier Plage is just a 15-30 minute drive from the colonial city of Cap-Haïtien.

Book your stay at Cormier Plage

facade of old colonial hotel painted white and bright blue — Hotel Florita, Jacmel
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

4. Hotel Florita

In the heart of Jacmel, Hotel Florita offers a peek into nineteenth-century Haitian life. Built in 1888, the hotel has stood the test of time and wears it with a proud patina: from the unmistakable blue-and-white entrance to the dark hardwood floors and exposed beams, everything about the hotel brings to mind the kind of magical realism that can only be found in Haiti. Featuring 11 rooms and a guest house, Hotel Florita boasts an old-timey charm that evokes an era when moonlight gazing on a bedroom balcony or dances on the hardwood living area floor were standard fare. Don’t miss your chance to try an ultra-local authentic Haitian meal, and the best rum sour Haiti has to offer!

Book your stay at Hotel Florita

hotel building with balconies and green palm trees — Village des Dattes Hotel, Gonaïves
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

5. Village des Dattes

Located in Gonaïves, the birthplace of Haitian independence, Village des Dattes offers a quaint, scenic stay in the middle of abundant greenery and wildlife. Fresh produce, traditional dishes, and local specialties shine at Fitz Resto, where guests can enjoy Haitian cuisine in a serene atmosphere. The colorful suites are a vibrant contrast to Village des Dattes’ soft natural surroundings, and a comfortable place to rest and reset amid palm trees swaying in the seaside breeze.

Book your stay at Village des Dattes

beach area with azure colored ocean and sitting area — Boukan Guinguette, Môle Saint Nicolas
Photo: Boukan Guinguette

6. Boukan Guinguette

In the historic city of Môle Saint Nicolas in Haiti’s far northwest, Boukan Guinguette is the perfect stay for explorers at heart. Choose from a stay in a classic beach bungalow, or beachfront camping in a fully-furnished tent. Strongly inspired by Môle Saint Nicolas’ simplistic architecture, the bungalows offer a peaceful stay where visitors will be lulled by the soft wish-wash of waves crashing on the beach. While you’re here, take advantage of massages offered on site, or choose your own adventure: go snorkeling, kitesurfing, stroll the beach or hike up the hillsides! Boukan Guinguette has it all, and well worth the trip to Môle Saint-Nicolas.

Book your stay at Boukan Guinguette

aerial view of hotel buildings with a large pool and garden area — Manoir Adriana Hotel, Jacmel
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

7. Manoir Adriana Hotel

Made famous by René Depestre’s novel Hadriana Dans Tous Mes Rêves (Hadriana in All My Dreams), Manoir Adriana Hotel’s double doors open onto the early twentieth century in Jacmel. Traditional tiles adorn the floors, and solid wood furniture rests awaiting guests. Balconies on every floor look out over the large, sprawling pool, the bay of Jacmel, and the street life just below. Wooden stairs direct you to the guest suites, each filled with the charm that weaves through the arches of Jacmel’s doorways and around the corners of its streets. Experience some of the homely hospitality of Jacmel, and the mysticism in Depestre’s work that haunts every corner of Manoir Adriana.

Book your stay at Manoir Adriana Hotel

hotel resort on haitis coast with private beach sourounded by forest — Marquis Paradise, Labadie
Photo: Marquis Paradise

8. Marquis Paradise

If you’ve heard of Labadie beach before, the first thing that may come to mind is the Royal Caribbean cruise that stops there. What we suggest you think of is Marquis Paradise; an exclusive oasis in Labadie with only five suites, ensuring attention to detail in every room. Here, you can enjoy home-cooked meals prepared by a private chef, and a twin-motor boat available for your use. Air and boat sightseeing packages are also available, as are guided mountain hikes in Labadie. The beachfront swimming pool is the perfect place to enjoy stunning sunsets and sunrises -maybe with a cocktail or two. Marquis Paradise is a first-class find in Haiti’s north.

Book your stay at Marquis Paradise

hotel courtyard with pool and dining area — Villa Bambou, Port-au-Prince
Photo: Villa Bambou

9. The Inn at Villa Bambou

Even in the busy center of downtown Port-au-Prince, there are a couple of peaceful oases where you can rest your feet and your mind. In the quiet, leafy neighborhood of Pacot, the Inn at Villa Bambou features eight rooms, Spanish revival architecture and sprawling views of palm trees overlooking the city. Highlights include lunch or dinner at the Ginger Balcony, a dip in the inn’s luxurious pool, and a stroll in the lush traditional Haitian garden. The Inn at Villa Bambou is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for proximity to the city by day and a peaceful sleep by night.

Book your stay at Villa Bambou

wooden hotel building in the middle of a tropical forest — Haiti Surf Guesthouse, Cayes-Jacmel
Photo: Haiti Surf Guesthouse

10. Haiti Surf Guesthouse

Tucked up in the mountains of Cayes-Jacmel, the Haiti Surf Guesthouse is an ideal getaway for nature-lovers. Close enough to the sun for magnificent morning sunrises, and close enough to Kabik for a swim whenever your heart desires, the Guesthouse provides an intimate, restful, and blissful escape. The jungle-flanked pool is a great way to start and end any day, and the beautiful tropical cabins are warm, shady and breezy all year round. Once you’re refreshed, the city of Jacmel is just a quick taxi ride away, full of things to do and see, and a great base for day trips. Opportunities for adventure are rife here — just ask your hosts!

Book your stay at Haiti Surf Guesthouse

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published March 2021

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Gonaïves

Rhythms and Rituals at Lakou Soukri’s Vodou Festival

Dive into the heart of Haiti with a journey to Lakou Soukri’s annual Vodou Festival, where tradition, spirituality, and community come to life

What is a lakou?

The Ancient Echoes of Lakou Soukri Danache

Sacred Rituals & Soulful Gatherings

When to Experience the Magic of Soukri

Getting there

Want to make an offering?

Go on a self-guided tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

Explore the Mystical Side of Haiti

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Gonaïves – The City of Independence

Located on the coast of Haiti’s Artibonite department, Gonaïves is a charming historic city affectionately nicknamed “The city of independence”

Citadelle Henri

See More Photos from Haiti

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Fèt Gede: A celebration of Life on the Day of the Dead

See the photos from a Fête Gédé celebration in Gonaïves and discover the most anticipated festival in Haitian culture! A celebration of Life on the Day of the Dead for both Christians and practitioners of Haitian Vodou.

Your pocket guide to Cap-Haïtien

Explore Haitian Vodou & Spiritualism

Paradise for your inbox

10 of Haiti’s Coolest Independent Hotels

Soak up the beach vibes in one of these exclusive small-scale stays

Haiti’s best boutique hotels

1. Hotel Oloffson

2. Chic Chateau

3. Cormier Plage

4. Hotel Florita

5. Village des Dattes

6. Boukan Guinguette

7. Manoir Adriana Hotel

8. Marquis Paradise

9. The Inn at Villa Bambou

10. Haiti Surf Guesthouse

Your pocket guide to Cap-Haïtien

Explore Haiti’s wildlife and nature

Paradise for your inbox

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Go on a self-guided
tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses