It began with a lighthouse. Years ago, the red-and-white tower would help sailors navigate the waters off the coast of Gosier in the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Then the family had an idea — by day, the little island of Ilet du Gosier would become a haven for beach seekers and castaway dreamers — with a lovely little beach bar and a pair of tents. 

Today, it’s Ti’ Robinson, a lovable little bar where the ti’ punches flow, the accras come piping hot, and the vibes are unmatched.  

A Beach Bar Fit for Robinson Crusoe 

It’s one of the hidden gems of Guadeloupe, a destination that is already far off the radar of most American travelers — but one that rewards those who venture here with untold riches. 

The vibe at Ti’ Robinson is very much Robinson Crusoe style — solar-powered equipment, a handful of canopies and biodegradable cups. 

But having a ti’ punch here — the famous French Caribbean cocktail of white agricole rum, cane sugar and a quarter slice of lime — is a bucket-list experience. 

When you gaze out at the island from the elevated perches of Gosier (one of Guadeloupe’s most tourist-friendly towns), it seems like a dream: a colorful lighthouse, dense roses of palm trees, sailboats dotting the water. 

And the dream continues when you get to the sand. 

How Do You Get to Ilet du Gosier? 

But don’t worry, if you don’t have a sailboat, getting here is a breeze: there’s a short pier off the coast of Gosier, and when you reach the end you’ll find a handful of fishermen who make the run across the water. It’s just a few euro (you’ll need cash anyway for your afternoon at Ti’ Robinson) and it takes about a minute or two. 

And then you get to the island, and all of your Caribbean fantasies are, for one perfect afternoon, instantly true. 

The bar opens at noon, and closes at 5PM. But for those five hours, it’s always, as the locals say, l’heure du punch. The hour of the cocktail. 

Where Should I Stay? 

Gosier has several hotels worth checking into. For years, I’ve had a strong affection for the historic Auberge de la Vieille Tour hotel, which has very nice rooms, a terrific breakfast (with view of the island), a small but scenic beach and very efficient service. It needs a little love on the exteriors, but it always delivers a friendly, comfortable stay. Rooms from $200 if you book direct on its website. 

How to Fly to Guadeloupe 

As for Guadeloupe itself, there are regular flights from Miami on both American Airlines and Air France. Another option is to fly to St Maarten, then fly from Grand Case airport on the French side to Guadeloupe.