This is the largest resort on the French side of the island; it's often packed with French-speaking tour groups. It's tucked under Pigeon Pea Hill, opening onto a beautiful white-sand beach. The older section (L'Habitation), with less panoramic bedroom views, was erected in the mid-1980s on a 150-acre tract of rugged scrubland nestled between the sea and a mountain ridge. In the early 1990s, after the project had been purchased by Air France, work began on Le Domaine, a few steps to the west of the original complex. Today, both resorts are fully integrated, sharing all entertainment, dining, drinking, and recreational facilities.

Accommodations at both resorts are in a string of neo-Victorian two- and three-story buildings ringed with lattices, gingerbread, and verandas. Most of the rooms in Le Domaine overlook the ocean, and are thus more expensive. The rooms in L'Habitation mostly open onto a 120-slip marina and a garden. All rooms and suites are comfortably and stylishly furnished, each with quality mattresses, soundproofing, a balcony or terrace, a two-sink bathroom with tub-and-shower combo, and an airy, tropical decor, which, along with special children's programs such as the Pirates' Club, make this an ideal place for families.

Amenities: 4 restaurants, 3 bars, 1 dance club; 2 pools; 6 tennis courts; health club & spa; Jacuzzi; 100-slip marina; water sports; room service (7am-11pm); babysitting; laundry