Les Boucaniers Martinique - French West Indies

we spend one week in the Club Med Les Boucaniers. While I usually am very enthusiastic about Club Med, I have mixed feelings this time round. On the positive side, the Club has recently been renovated and I must admit the Club is really beautiful. The grounds and gardens are impecable and really gorgeous. The bar area is nicely arranged with plenty of seating areas. Rooms are basic but quite large, with a large bathroom and seperate toilet. As usual there are plenty of possibilities for sports and activities.
I would like to specifically mention Magali, the yoga teacher. While I am not a yoga-addict, I must admit that the daily yofa courses with Magali were the best I have ever done. She is truly very professional and knowledgeable, paying attention to everyone and our little 'problems'. I also did Fitness Dance with her and it was the first time that I noticed that people on the beach were observing, us, getting excited and just joined up. It is people like Magali that lift Club Med to the next level.

On the down side, while Club Med prides itself on the food it offers, I was quite disappointed. Before dinner, we like to enjoy the apero and join for dinner a bit later to avoid the crowds. On several occasions, several of the dishes had run out and were not replaced, thus limiting the choice very much. While the Club does not foresee a kids / teen club, there was quite some focus on what I would refer to as food for children, nuggets, pizza, etc. At breakfast for instance, there was no granola or muesli, only chocopops and regular cereal. The usual barbecue on the beach was literally a joke. My barbecue at home is larger than the barbecue used and what was offered was a sausage on a sandwich. That is not what I am used to in a Club Med.

Club Med has the best food and activities. Best to be comfortable using French language at this particular resort

I had an enjoyable stay for two weeks at Club Med.

Positive aspects of the resort

1. There was a higher level of English proficiency on the resort versus Club Med La Caravelle Guadeloupe. It only makes good business sense for Club Med to have bilingual workers. Not everyone spoke English but for those that did it was greatly appreciated as it made the stay much more enjoyable. In Guadeloupe I had to pass notes for understanding, here no issues. Maids and waitresses less proficiency.

2. Resort was very clean-rooms no issues no bugs

3. Never got sick from anything I ate or drank

4. Resort staff in most part (like 90%) were very friendly.

5. Safety was never an issue

6. Village Chief or Resort Manager was onsite greeting guests on the beach and always seen around for lunch/supper. Found his energy to be positive. All around nice guy! Never had issues where I needed his help.

7. I was missing something in my room and went to reception. Had it in under 20 minutes. Amazing. There was an issue with plumbing and someone came within 30 minutes to fix even though late in the evening. Unbelievable service.

8. Quite a few fish can be seen in water not too deep. Nothing like Curacao which had lots but better than many islands I have been to.

9. Club Med has a boat and takes you snorkelling not too far from the resort.

Negative aspects of the resort

1. Breakfast for 2 weeks was boring same thing every day. For the other meals, lots of variety but there was a lack of seasoning in many foods but not all.

2. I believe Club Med sells day passes and there is not enough palapas for everyone. If you pay as a guest for 2 weeks you should not go without a palapa. Have to get up early to secure one. Busier on weekends!

3. Resort has a beautiful setting but lots of sea growth at the bottom of the sand in the water. Sargassum is not an issue. Limited place to swim if one wants to avoid the sea growth. If you continue up the beach on Morin Beach there is less and better for swimming.

4. The drinks at the bar looked good but in most part I did not like. Too much liquor which kills the flavor of the drink. Some bartenders were amazing no issues. Other bartenders not sure how they got the job.

I have stayed at 3 Club Meds and though I listed some negatives I still think this is the best one. It was the friendliness of the people that would bring me back.