In a setting reminiscent of colonial Martinique, the Domaine de Saint-Aubin welcomes you to its residence, which combines 18th century Louisiana decor with the more local mahogany style. Initially built in 1919 by a Martinican architect named Pamphyle for a family of white settlers, the Beaupré de Saint Aubin.
He used the first reinforced cement techniques to produce these varangues with Louisianan-inspired colonnades whose fluting would evoke the work of a carpenter in the 1860s and 70s. The walls are made of large volcanic stones cemented together.
The monarchist views of the Baupré de Saint-Aubin family led to their dispossession by the nation, which sold most of the property to the Huygues-Despointes family. In spite of the parcelling out of the domain which went from Trinité to Sainte-Marie or a resale to farmers, the domain became "Château Despointes" and remained a private property until 1970. An old lady lived there surrounded by servants, feeding herself with the fruits and vegetables of the vegetable garden and the water of the river which is always there.
In 1975, it became a tourist hotel, bought by Joëlle and Laurent Rosemain, they updated the creole authenticity and the original colors (ivory and vanilla) of Domaine de Saint-Aubin.
The different types of accommodation are as follows:
- The twin houses on the garden level are 5 double rooms of 43 square meters (accessible to disabled persons) with private terraces of 15 square meters and 2 quadruple rooms in duplex of 60 square meters with balconies (view on the manor and ocean). They are perfect for a family or a group of friends looking for privacy.
- The cottages of 60 square meters with kitchenette and dining area on a private terrace with sea view of 22 square meters in the lodges on the garden level.
- The apartment-suites are all located in front of the sea, divided into three independent villas with private access and their own parking spaces on the garden level in each building. They are 4/5 air-conditioned rooms with a living area of 160 to 220 square meters each and can accommodate up to 6 people. There are three double bedrooms, two bathrooms (shower and bathtub, hair dryer), a 55 square meters terrace with dining room, a 50 square meters living room with sofas, office area + large integrated American kitchen (dishwasher and washing machine). Each suite-apartment is named after a great jazz artist (Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Count Basie etc...).
- The panorama villas are all located in front of the sea, in front of the panorama of the sugar cane fields and banana plantations. They are four independent villas with private access and free parking spaces on the ground floor. These 5/6 air-conditioned rooms offer a living area of 220 square meters each, and can accommodate up to 8 people. There are four double bedrooms, three bathrooms and four toilets, a 50 square meters terrace with a dining area, a 65 square meters living room opening onto a fully equipped American kitchen (hotplates, oven, microwave, family fridge, washing machine and dishwasher), a relaxation area with sofas, and an office area.
All accommodations have the same interior amenities, including air conditioning, a king-size colonial bed, authentic 19th century furniture and decorations, refined British-style fabrics and a mahogany-glass or mahogany-marble bathroom. The entire site has wifi access.
A restaurant, "La Brasserie du Manoir" is present on site and is open to outside customers.
Photos credit: domaine-saint-aubin.com
