On the island of Saint Martin, as on most Caribbean islands, there are a variety of ruins. The most celebrated are the old forts, like Fort Louis overlooking Marigot. There are other ruins, though, that take us to the not-so-distant past, specifically the 1995 hurricane season that brought Hurricane Luis.Remnants from that summer of destruction can be found throughout the island, from Mullet Bay to Le Galion. Most are simply eyesores and reminders of the power of mother nature. There is, however, one that transcends the mundane.
La Belle Creole was a luxury5 star resort located at the southeast tip of Marigot Bay near Pointe du Bluff. La Belle Créole was built of stone to resemble a French fishing village. The hotel is presided over by a pink tower that is visible for many miles. The 25-acre complex, with dozens of buildings, has been left to the elements for almost two decades. With a tall, pink tower, it can easily be seen from Marigot or the sea. Centuries ago, the prime location housed a battery of cannons to defend the island against intruders. Legend has it that the site is even home to an ancient Indian burial ground.
Today it is overgrown and crumbling, like an abandoned town in the jungle. The cavernous, multi-story reception hall is empty, the hot tub is full of tadpoles and trees have covered whole buildings with vines. Looking from trashed rooms through broken windows, the effect is part ghost town. There are also hundreds of old water bottles and other trash in the rooms, that indicate a history of squatters in the complex.
Of course, rumors that the site will be rebuilt have been circulating ever since it was abandoned. The latest news, it it's going to be demolished in 6 months.Visiting La Belle Creole was a adventure. Glad we got to explore the ruins.
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