Moulin Sur Mer

It’s no surprise Moulin Su Mer’s lush oceanfront grounds resemble the rambling gardens of a prosperous plantation. The resort is connected with a nearby museum that's set in a restored colonial mansion dating to the 18th century. From Moulin’s guarded, security gate to the reception, it’s a long walk along a palm-framed paver pathway, grassy fields, and blossoming flowers. There’s a small gated-off pond where ducks and swans congregate and a big cage that a pair of (seemingly irritable) monkeys call home. The resort’s guest rooms are set in charming Gingerbread-styled buildings with delicate latticework, ornamental patterns, and thick balustrade balconies. The big pool has a nautical theme with chunky chains and old rusting cannons nearby. Most of the resort’s amenities are located along the sandy oceanfront, and the restaurant, coffee shop, and a Haitian-styled pagoda offer lots of waterfront seating. There’s also an ocean-view nightclub modeled after the sceney South Beach hotspot Nikki Beach that -- like the rest of the resort -- gets crowded on the weekends. Hotel guests are mostly diaspora Haitians and Canadians but Moulin Sur Mer hosts quite a few weddings and also visiting missionaries for the day on day-trips break from volunteering. 

Moulin Sur Mer’s is located along Haiti’s beautiful Les Cotes des Arcadin, the nation's western shoreline known for beautiful beaches (and stunning sunsets). A big plus of stays at Moulin Sur Mer is its proximity to the nearby Musee Ogrier-Fombrun, an 18th-century sugar and wheat mill that's now a museum with a working water wheel and colonial artifacts. It's a five-minute walk from most rooms at the hotel. The undeveloped Arcadin Islands, a small family of islands ringed by beautiful sandy beaches, are a 25-minute boat ride from Moulin. The bustling port town Saint-Marc, with its colonial architecture, is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Expect a 75-minute drive to Port-au-Prince International Airport, though it's a bit farther to downtown Port-Au-Prince depending on traffic. There’s also an on-site helipad for an expensive, but quick, 15-minute airport transfer. 

Rooms at Moulin Sur Mer are big and bright, with tropical, colonial decor, and exposed beam ceilings that add some charm. Expect queen or king poster beds with brightly colored (albeit dated) comforters in marigold or green, plus paintings of Haitian village scenes on the walls. Furniture is a mix of rattan chairs and coffee tables alongside wooden desks and night stands. The sleigh daybeds in sitting areas are a nice, characterful addition. All rooms also have balconies or patios with garden views, thirty-two-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and air-conditioning. Two bottles of water in each room are refreshed daily. Some rooms have mini-fridges, although there’s a fee to use them, and while there is free Wi-Fi, it's not reliable. The only rooms with ocean views are the Beach Bungalows, but they’re small and situated perpendicular to the beach, rather than facing it. Bathrooms are definitely a highlight. They’re modern, especially when compared to the rooms themselves, and include glass showers with rainfall showerheads, colorful tile accents, and big sinks. Only soap is included, so don’t forget your shampoo and hairdryer.

Moulin Sur Mer’s beautiful beach is lined with lounge chairs, thatched cabanas, and hammocks, but the soft sand is mixed with rocks making for a slightly bumpy stroll. There’s also a beach volleyball court. Kayaks, clear-bottom kayaks, and a WindRider sailboat are free to borrow and Jet Skis are available to rent (for a fee). The hotel has a marina as well.

Given its location, it's no surprise that most the hotel’s amenities are built along the beach. Cafe Sur Mer, an oceanfront coffee bar, serves American- and Haitian-style coffee in the mornings. The hotel’s restaurant serves Haitian and international cuisine and has multiple seating areas, including a “pagoda” set into the ocean. Lounge Taino is Moulin’s attempt to bring South Beach's exclusive Nikki Beach parties to Haiti. It has live music troubadours and DJs on the weekends, but can get loud and crowded. 

The hotel’s freshwater pool is a big plus despite not having ocean views, and its deck's many cracked tiles. Other outdoor sports include mini-golf, tennis courts, ping-pong, a basketball court, football field, handball court, and a life-size chess board. Tennis balls and rackets, footballs, and soccer balls are available to borrow for free. Spa Sur Mer offers standard spa services like massages, mani/pedis, and waxing. 

Near the lobby, the hotel’s gift shop sells sundries, snacks, and bathing suits. The resort can assist in arranging tours, taxis, airport transportation and laundry service is available for a fee. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, but the signal is weak, especially near the beach. The hotel is also associated with the nearby Musee Ogrier-Fombrun – a former colonial mansion now museum that’s worth a visit (for a fee). The resort’s helipad is located next to the museum.