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We all deserve a dash of extravagance in our lives. The small Caribbean island of St. Martin is the perfect destination for a splashy getaway. St. Martin is well-known for its stunning beaches, high-end cuisine, breathtaking views, and elegant hotels and spas. It’s no surprise that it’s a popular vacation destination among celebrities, including the late Anthony Bourdain, Drake and even Oprah.
If you’re ready to take in all this sunny destination has to offer, we’ve got you covered. From the hottest new resorts to most coveted restaurants, dive into our VIP round-up and plan the luxurious getaway of your dreams.
Hotels, Resorts and Spas
With an abundance of villas, boutique hotels and resorts to choose from, this friendly island is a discerning traveller’s dream destination. Here are some top recommended places to stay:
La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel
This chic, tranquil hotel is steps away from Baie Longue Beach (Long Bay Beach) in Terres Basses (Low Lands) and offers guests unique amenities like art exhibitions, private charter boats, private beach cabanas, and a hike up St. Martin’s tallest peak. Its spa is also known as one of the best on the island.
Hotel L’Esplanade
This Euro-inspired hotel in Grand Case houses an outdoor pool, luxurious spa, and yoga centre. Gourmands, take note: It’s also a five-minute walk from “Restaurant Row.”
Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa
This sleek new resort located on Anse Marcel Beach is the only all-inclusive property on the French side of the island. It’s the perfect fusion of both European and Caribbean flair, and offers perks like gourmet dining, nightly entertainment, spa treatments and swim-out rooms.
Restaurants
St. Martin is the French culinary capital of the Caribbean and has grown into a community of talented chefs (a mix of local and European) and award-winning restaurants. While you can find delicious bites all around the island, most of the higher-end French restaurants are on the—you guessed it—French side.
Get ready to enjoy your favourite French dishes with an extra touch of Creole flare. Along with the elevated flavours, the restaurants themselves are beloved for their seaside ambience and elegant design. Here are a few must-try fine dining spots for a refined night out.
La Villa Hibiscus
This intimate restaurant is located on the highest point of the island, Pic Paradis, and offers diners a gorgeous panoramic view of the island while serving a gourmet five-course meal prepared by Chef Bastian. The villa itself also houses an outdoor pool and is available to rent out for the ultimate night away.
La Cigale
This Terres Basses gourmet restaurant is popular for both its elevated menu of French delights, as well as its stunning seaside ambience. Enjoy a delicious Duck “Parmentier” in the candlelight while listening to the relaxing sound of waves nearby.
La Villa Restaurant
This award-winning restaurant in Grand Case is led by Chef Patrick Guillerm and offers fine French delicacies including escargot, sautéed frog legs and pan-seared duck foie gras, as well as fresh seafood dishes like triggerfish filet and whole grilled lobster. With its wall of large open windows, you’ll experience a beautiful view of the Grand Case Bay while enjoying your meal.
L’Auberge Gourmande
Also located in the culinary capital of St. Martin, this Grand Case restaurant offers an elevated menu of dishes that are the perfect fusion of European and Creole flavours in a charming Parisian-style setting.
Bistrot Caraibes
This elegant and modern bistro is perched near the coast of Grand Case Bay and also offers an array of French dishes with a creative Caribbean twist, including sautéed shrimp with a coconut and curry sauce, and roasted duck breast paired with a local sweet and sour sauce.
Villas in Terres Basses
Terres Basses is on the northwest end of the island’s French half and is known for housing some of the island’s most upscale vacation villas. If you’re looking for a luxurious but more private experience, consider renting out one of these villas with family or friends. Here are a few to consider:
Villa Jasmin
This five bedroom villa features indoor-outdoor living at its best with open-air spaces and a vast pool. Dine on the terrace overlooking the tropical tree canopy.
La Salamandre
There’s plenty of room for everyone at this six bedroom villa on Simpson Lagoon, which features a large pool, a private dock and daybeds on the beach.
Turtle Nest St. Martin Luxury Villa
Ideal for two families who desire just a bit of separation, this mod Baie Longue Beach villa features two bedrooms north of the common area and pool, and two bedrooms south.
Villa Carisa
Airy with vaulted ceilings, this two-bedroom home is right on Baie Longue Beach, just steps from the pool.
Villa Serena
Grand columns surround the pool of this colourful five-bedroom property, also located in Baie Longue Beach.
Azur Dream
This ultra-modern seven-bedroom rental is situated in the hills of Morne Rouge. Work out in the fitness gazebo with views unlike any gym, and then lounge poolside in the sunbed, dreaming of your trip back to this island.
