Club Med Buccaneer's Creek

One of the most recognizable and long-lasting brands in the all-inclusive chain resort game, this Club Med outpost offers just about everything fans would expect from the brand. Still, with its Caribbean plantation style throughout, the atmosphere throughout wavers -- some areas are sharp and modern, while others could use an update. Every building is adorned in pastel, tropical colors, white shutters, straight-line porches, and low-slung roofs, while some interiors are done in dated heavy wood and others look fresh and bright. The property offers plenty of social areas, though given the number of rooms things can feel a bit crowded depending on the venue. By day, the long beach, infinity swimming pool, and spacious, open-air restaurants feel lively without guests feeling like they’re on top of one another. After dark -- once the pool closes and guests vacate the beach -- the interior spaces can seem overrun, however. This is especially true when the hotel is at capacity, as was the case during our stay. While children are allowed -- and families do make up a decent percentage of guests -- the property lacks a kids’ club, a kiddy pool, or any other dedicated kids’ facilities. The overall atmosphere is consequently more adult-centric, and most guests are couples.

The hotel is situated on a small, semi-private peninsula at the mouth of a beautiful inlet that leads to the Caribbean Sea. Except for residential homes and other hotels, there's little within walking distance in the surrounding area. Guests looking to explore beyond the on-site restaurants, bars, and beach will likely need to hire a taxi or have their own rental car. The area’s main attractions center around the adjacent Baie du Marin -- arguably Martinique’s most popular scuba diving spot. Popular Anse des Salines is a 10-minute drive south from the property, while it will take about two hours to reach the scenic volcano, Mount Pelee, in the island's north.Fort-de-France’s Aime Cesaire International (FDF) Airport is 45 minutes away by car, as is the city and its historic sights, like St. Louis Cathedral. Taxi service to and from the airport is expensive, and because of Martinique’s strict taxi regulations, the hotel does not offer group shuttle service. There are, however, rental car counters in the airport terminal and the reasonable weekly rates are comparable to other Caribbean destinations.

Like some of the hotel's common areas, the rooms here looked modern once, though compared to many of the hotels that we have visited on Martinique, they do at least feel marginally more upbeat. The bright red seating, striped curtains and bed linens, and dark wood furniture create the dated effect, and when combined with details like the messages inscribed in shadow font on the headboards, it all feels off trend. Light tile floors at least keep things bright, though there's nothing in the way of wall art and we did spot some stains on the upholstery.The property’s nearly 300 rooms are divided into three main categories. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms feature one-room floor plans that are larger than average, relative to other properties on the island. Mid-level Club Rooms make up the bulk of the hotel’s inventory and are available in a wide variety of layouts. Smaller, more intimate floor plans are available to suit couples while larger, interconnecting rooms provide space for families to spread out. Suites offer substantially larger layouts with separate living and sleeping quarters. All rooms also feature a private, furnished balcony with views either to the sea or the lush, well-manicured gardens. Every category also includes bottled water, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Technology includes flat-screen TVs, old CD player alarm clocks, and free Wi-Fi. We found the internet service to be fast and reliable.Bathrooms are similarly decorated and feature a split design typical of Martinique. The toilet is isolated in a small water closet while the sink and stand-up shower stall are in an adjacent room behind a separate door. Generic bath amenities are standard in all categories.

The resort features more amenities than almost any other hotel on the island. Topping the list are a beautiful, waterfront infinity pool, two open-air restaurants overlooking the sea, and one of the longest hotel beaches in Martinique. In addition to all of the features listed below, the hotel has volleyball and ping-pong, a theater for nightly entertainment, water sports, and can arrange excursionsAt more than 700 yards, the beautiful, white sand beach is among the longest hotel beaches in Martinique. Dozens of plastic lounge chairs and palapas line the shore. Coupled with rows of tall coconut palms, there is plenty of shaded relaxation space. The calm, shallow water stretches for more than 300 yards offshore, providing for excellent swimming opportunities. Unfortunately, there is no food or drink service available, and the nearest bar is at least a five-minute walk from the main beach area. The entire strip of sand is not technically private. However, its location at the end of a small peninsula insulates it from public intrusion and the throngs of hawkers found on most nearby beaches.The infinity pool is sizable and offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The surrounding sundeck is furnished with plenty of seating, but an inadequate number of umbrellas leaves the space exposed to the sun throughout the day. The entire area can become loud and crowded when the hotel is nearly sold out. No poolside drink service is available. However, the nearest bar -- Le Madou -- is close at hand. Unfortunately, the pool hours are surprisingly short. Well before sunset every day, the space is closed off behind a locked gate.The small spa was renovated in 2015 as Club Med Spa by PAYOT. The space is now modern and intimate, with four rooms to accommodate singles and an additional room for couples. The available menu features body scrubs, facials, and standard massage treatments (such as Swedish, deep tissue, and energizing). Unfortunately, it lacks a sauna, whirlpools, and steam rooms. The gym is large by Martinique standards and has a decent selection of modern cardio- and strength-training machines, plus free weights and workout benches. Several flat-screen TVs offer French-language programming.

Pays Meles, the main restaurant, offers buffet service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The selection and food quality are excellent for every meal. Separate stations offer a wide variety of fruits, desserts, cheeses, bread, and main courses. A small dedicated station also serves kid-friendly items such as pizza, burgers, and chicken fingers. The buffet area is located away from the beach. Immediately across a small walkway, two open-air dining rooms provide waterfront seating with lovely sea views.The hotel’s only other restaurant, Le Lo, is situated directly on the beach. With a sharp blend of contemporary and mid-century modern furnishings, the space offers a whiff of sophistication at an otherwise casual resort. The lunch menu includes a la carte selections of light fare like salads and grilled seafood. The specialty dinner menu centers around a fusion of Asian and Creole cuisines.