La Cohoba Eco Lodge is an intimate nature retreat on the southeastern coast of Basse-Terre, near Capesterre-Belle-Eau — a small agricultural town known for its banana and vanilla plantations, approximately 25 kilometres north of Basse-Terre town and 45 kilometres from Pointe-à-Pitre via the Basse-Terre ring road. The lodge sits within a historic plantation estate, Habitation Saint-Sauveur, set among mature tropical forest on the lower slopes of the mountains that form the volcanic spine of Basse-Terre island.
Accommodation consists of a small number of wooden bungalows and garden rooms constructed with an emphasis on environmental sensitivity: natural materials, cross-ventilation design that reduces air conditioning dependence, and solar water heating throughout. Bungalows are the larger option with private terraces facing the forest canopy; garden rooms are closer to the main house and share a communal terrace. Neither category is large, but both come equipped with mosquito nets, ceiling fans, and en-suite bathrooms with hot-water showers. Air conditioning is available as an optional supplement in most units.
Breakfasts at the lodge are a notable feature: organic, locally sourced, and served on the terrace each morning. Typical spreads include seasonal tropical fruit, homemade jams, local eggs, fresh-baked bread, and coffee grown on Basse-Terre. The lodge does not run an evening restaurant; guests are directed to the handful of Creole restaurants in Capesterre-Belle-Eau, five minutes by car, or farther along the coast toward Basse-Terre town.
On-site nature trails wind through the secondary forest and old plantation grounds adjoining the estate, and staff provide guidance on routes to the Chutes du Carbet — three spectacular waterfalls within the Guadeloupe National Park, approximately ten kilometres inland and accessible by trail from the Route de la Traversée. La Cohoba's guest profile skews toward hikers, naturalists, birdwatchers, and independent travellers. The property has no swimming pool or beach, and is not suited to guests whose stay depends on either.
Room types
- Bungalows
- Garden rooms
Amenities
- Rainforest setting
- Organic breakfasts
- Nature trails on site
- Free WiFi
Location
Habitation Saint-Sauveur, 97130 Capesterre-Belle-Eau
16.0412, -61.5760 View on map
Highlights
- Set within a historic plantation estate in Basse-Terre's lush forest foothills — one of the island's most ecologically rich settings
- Organic daily breakfasts featuring locally grown coffee, homemade jams, and Basse-Terre produce
- Walking distance to trailheads leading toward the Chutes du Carbet waterfalls in the Guadeloupe National Park
- Small-scale, low-impact construction with solar water heating and cross-ventilation bungalows
- Excellent base for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring southern Basse-Terre's plantation landscapes and volcanic interior
Tips for visiting
- Book the forest-facing bungalow if available — morning light through the canopy and the birdsong at dawn are the defining experiences of a stay here.
- For the Chutes du Carbet, start early; the trails to the first and second falls are well-marked but can be muddy after rain — bring waterproof footwear.
- Capesterre-Belle-Eau's town market (Tuesday and Friday mornings) sells local vanilla pods and fresh christophine at prices far below what tourist shops charge.
- The lodge does not serve dinner; La Maison du Bois in Saint-Sauveur and Le Rocher de Malendure on the west coast are worth the drive for a proper Creole meal.
- Insect repellent is essential — the forest setting means mosquitoes, particularly around dusk; the lodge provides nets but repellent at the wrists and ankles is strongly advised.