Known for fragrantly good reason as the Isle of Flowers and the Rum Capital of the World, the French island of Martinique is ready to welcome visitors in search of warmer temperatures. In fact, the number of American visitors this season is expected to exceed the 149 percent increase seen 2015–2016. One of the few Caribbean islands still free of gigantic resorts, new luxury accommodations include Villa HoneyMoon opposite Diamond Rock in the village of Le Diamant, and Villa de la Baie du Golf in Trois-Ilets. Prefer the intimate services of a guesthouse? Habitation Apolline, surrounded by ancient trees and lush gardens, overlooks the capital and affords wide views of the Bay of Fort de France. Boutique hotel choices include 5-star La Suite Villa, with a restaurant excelling in French and Creole cuisine.

While you’re there, enjoy the diverse landscape of rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and volcanic peaks including Mt. Pelée and St. Pierre, called The Pompeii of the Caribbean. The island was the birthplace of Empress Josephine, who became the bride of Napoleon. Today it offers more than 80 miles of hiking trails and natural landscapes. It’s easier than ever to get there thanks to new routes from Air France (multiple options), American Airlines, year-round, non-stop from Miami (MIA); Air Antilles, year-round, direct from San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU); and Norwegian Air, adding Providence (PVD) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), along with a fourth weekly flight out of New York (JFK).