On a recent visit to Martinique, we ventured into the lush north side of the island and discovered a hidden gem: Habitation Céron. Nestled in the heart of the northern rainforest, this historic estate is known for its botanical beauty, ancient trees, and, as we soon learned, its remarkable chocolate. What began as a casual visit became an unforgettable experience as we were lucky to witness their artisanal chocolate-making process firsthand. From the rich smell of freshly roasted cacao to the rhythmic sound of hand-tempering, it was a seriously delicious introduction to Martinique’s cocoa heritage.
A Hidden Gem in the Rainforest
Habitation Céron is one of those places that feels almost…otherworldly—surrounded by dense rainforest that naturally twists and turns through the towering roots of a centuries-old zamana tree. Originally a 17th-century sugar plantation, it has been thoughtfully reimagined as a space where nature is king—and where chocolate lovers are in for a real surprise. Walking the grounds, you’ll find everything from vibrant tropical flowers to ancient stone ruins, but the real magic happens deeper in the estate, where cacao trees flourish and the island’s traditional chocolate-making comes to life.
Rustic Shacks and Sweet Discoveries
In this beautifully rugged setting, we met Marco and Polo, two workers who live right on the plantation and dedicate their lives to the art of chocolate. We stumbled upon them, tucked in a shady, secluded shack just steps from the estate’s fantastic open-air restaurant, carefully removing cocoa beans from their mother pods. They spoke only French, but they welcomed us into their world through gestures, smiles, and a few shared words.
With practiced hands, they let us taste the pulp-covered beans fresh from the pod, showed us how they harvest and shuck each cacao fruit, and guided us through the chocolate-making process. Scattered across the property, small rustic shacks serve as stations for each step; from fermenting and drying to roasting, grinding, and even hand-labelling the finished bars. At one point, they motioned for us to follow, leading us just a few steps into the rainforest to show us a surprise—a tarantula, resting quietly in its natural habitat. It was an unexpected moment that somehow fit perfectly into the wild, grounded beauty of the place.
Island-Made, World-Class
What makes Martinique’s chocolate so unique is more than just the incredible process; it’s the purity, the passion, and the deep connection to place. The bars we tasted didn’t even soften in the thick tropical air, yet the moment they touched our palates, they melted like butter…rich, velvety, and full of heart. At places like Habitation Céron, the process is refreshingly simple yet deeply artistic: ripe cocoa pods are harvested by hand, the beans are fermented and dried, then roasted, ground, and molded into bars on-site. Even the packaging is done by hand, each bar sealed with care.
Martinique was recently ranked among the top chocolate producers in the world, a well-deserved award honoring the island’s commitment to quality and tradition. While still a relatively small industry, Martinique’s chocolate scene is growing steadily, driven by those who favour simple methods, sustainability, and love for their land. Craving a chocolate escape?
Let Martinique’s rich cocoa heritage tempt your taste buds. Begin planning your journey at www.martinique.org.
