Guide to Saint Martin: Luxury Resorts, Top Beaches, Cuisine, and Must-See Attractions
An attractive combination of French sophistication and Caribbean charm can be seen on Saint Martin, a hidden gem of the Caribbean. One of the easiest islands in the area to reach from the United States is St. Martin. The finest beaches, luxurious lodgings, and must-see sights that make Saint Martin vacation a dream visit.
Luxury Resorts in Saint Martin
You’ll find an amazing choice of luxurious resorts in Saint Martin that feature superb amenities, beautiful surroundings, and personalized services. Many elite and luxurious hotels and resorts are in Saint Martin.
Belmond La Samanna
The best resort on St. Martin is the Belmond La Samanna. It is situated on Baie Longue Beach. The resort has 83 exquisitely furnished guest rooms, and suites, plus multi bedroom villas with views of the ocean. Infinity pools, private villas, and individualized services are available to guests.
La Playa Orient Bay
La Playa, which is located on the famous Orient Bay Beach, is renowned for its stylish decor and lively vibe. A beachside bar, an esteemed restaurant serving French-Caribbean fusion cuisine, plus an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by green gardens are just some of the major attractions at La Playa.
The Morgan Resort and Spa
Perched by Maho Beach, The Morgan Resort and Spa is notable for its sophisticated style, chic rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop lounges, and a completely flawless infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean.
Grand Case Beach
Grand Case Beach Club is a lovely resort situated on the peaceful Grand Case Beach, presenting a more private and serene experience. The resort itself has beachfront suites with private terraces, two private beaches, plus plenty of activities on the water such as snorkeling and kayaking.
Secrets St. Martin Resort and Spa
Nestled in the secluded Caribbean paradise of Anse Marcel, Secrets St. Martin Resort and Spa is both adults-only and all-inclusive. A fusion of European sophistication and Caribbean charm, this resort offers a retreat for families, groups, and couples. The resort features fine dining options, an elite spa, plus opulent rooms, many of which include swimming pools.
Top Beaches in Saint Martin
The coastline of Saint Martin is lined by beautiful beaches that cater to any kind of traveler’s preference, from crowded and noisy to quiet and secluded.
- Orient Bay Beach: Orient Bay Beach is undoubtedly one of Saint Martin’s finest beaches. It opens up as a long, fine sanded stretch in front of a lagoon with light-blue, crystal-clear waters that call you to jump in. With jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing available, it’s a superb location for lovers of water sports.
- Maho Beach: Maho Beach is famous as a place to watch planes thunder overhead, but also offers snorkeling, swimming, watersports and some of the best beach bars you’ll ever find.
- Baie Rouge Beach: If you’re searching for a less crowded beach, Red Bay Beach or Baie Rouge Beach is an excellent location for snorkeling, particularly near the rocks at the northern tip of the beach. Its tranquil waves and beautiful pink sand make it the perfect place for a leisurely swim and sunbathing.
- Grand Case Beach: Grand Case Beach, a family favorite, has calm waters and lovely scenery. Grand Case Beach makes it simple to mix beach time with culinary excursions of St. Martin, ranging from fine dining places to vendors selling the island’s signature lolo barbecue. For a few hours at the beach, Grand Case’s thriving stores, eateries, motels, plus rental shops have all you need right at your fingertips.
- Anse Marcel Beach: Anse Marcel is situated in the island’s northern region offering calm waves. Also, Anse Marcel provides a range of water sports, including an on-site diving club for those who want to explore beneath the surface of the water.
Delicious Food and Cuisine of Saint Martin
It is obvious why Saint Martin is frequently referred to as the “Gastronomy Capital of the Caribbean”. Foodies will find the island’s cuisine to be a delicious fusion of French culinary techniques and flavors from the Caribbean. On your next visit, try these delicious food items:
- Spare Ribs: Taste some grilled spare ribs from the neighborhood barbecue restaurants, known as Lolos, as you wander around St. Martin’s streets. Such delicious spare ribs are extremely tender and will satisfy your cravings for barbecue.
- Callaloo: A thick and filling soup cooked with loads of greens, pork, onions, okra, thyme, and hot peppers, is one of the island’s national foods. The callaloo component, a vegetable that resembles leaves, gives the savory soup its name.
- Conch and Dumplings: This dish, which is a staple in St. Martin, is created with locally sourced conch that is pressure-cooked and served with homemade dumplings, all covered in a flavorful sauce that resembles gravy.
- Guavaberry: The guavaberry plant, which grows locally, is the core of the island and is used to manufacture a variety of delectable products, including juice, sweets, jam, and most famously, liquor and rum. You can also purchase some guavaberry-related items to bring home as souvenirs.
- Johnny Cakes: Johnny Cakes are little cornmeal balls that are slow-fried and are probably the most famous dish associated with St. Martin. Johnny Cakes, sometimes known as journey cakes, are mildly sweet and can be eaten as a solitary snack or as a side dish at any time of day.
Top Attractions in Saint Martin
Among the many things to do in Saint Martin are beautiful stretches of sandy beach, delicious cuisine, and thrilling activities like shark diving and zip lining. Some major attractions to visit are listed below.
- Pic Paradis: Hikers must make a climb to the top of Pic Paradis. Pic Paradis is the island’s highest point at around 1,400 feet and offers breathtaking views. Plan to walk the 3.1-mile track, out-and-back move to the top early in the morning, as it can be very challenging, especially on a hot Caribbean day.
- Loterie Farm: With its own zip line that soars through a verdant canopy of mango and mahogany trees, the nature-filled sanctuary is truly special. The Pic Paradis summit trek starts from here. Choose to have a bite at the on-site restaurant or drinks by the “jungle pool” for a diferent experience.
- Fort Louis: Fort Louis is a historic site with beautiful views of the surroundings, perched atop a hill overlooking the town of Marigot. Currently, the fort serves as a reminder of Saint Martin’s colonial past. On a clear day, tourists can enjoy expansive views over Marigot Bay, the marina, and even the adjacent island of Anguilla by taking a short trek to the top.
- Philipsburg: Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, is a quaint little town you definitely need to visit. A day can be spent shopping on Front Street, strolling along the seafront, and taking in how Old Street’s buildings combine colonial and colorful architecture. Pull over to take a photo of the cupola-capped courthouse built in 1793.
- Pinel Island: Pinel Island is a tropical paradise that is perfect for a day visit and is only a short boat ride from the coast. This little, deserted island is a great place to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. It is a component of the St. Martin National Nature Reserve.
Best Time to Visit Saint Martin
- The best time to visit St. Martin is May to June and November when you can take advantage of cheaper prices, pleasant weather, and fewer tourists.
- The low season, which runs from July to October, is the most affordable time to travel on a budget. But because it’s hurricane season, be prepared for potential rain and storms. Even though the weather is unpredictable, beaches sometimes offer peace and calm.
- If at all possible, steer clear of going during the winter and early spring (mid-December to April).
Exciting Things to Do in Saint Martin
Apart from visiting the beaches and enjoying the delicious cuisine Saint Martin has an abundance of exciting activities to enjoy for all tourists during the Saint Martin tour.
- Shop in Philipsburg: Front Street is an all time haven for shoppers, with its row of boutiques, eateries, and souvenir shops.
- Watch plane landing at Maho Beach: To witness the best airplane spotting, visit Maho Beach. The island’s primary airport, Princess Juliana International Airport, is tucked up next to Maho Beach and features an incredibly tiny runway.
- Snorkeling at Pinel Island: Explore the colorful marine life in the crystal clear waters surrounding this pretty little island.
- Hike Pic Paradis: Climb to Saint Martin’s highest peak for panoramic vistas and a little adventure along beautiful paths.
- Snorkel with turtles at Tintamarre Island: Would you be interested in sailing with sea turtles? One of the most enjoyable activities in Saint Martin actually takes you off the island, as you set sail on a boat for an unforgettable adventure.
Romantic Getaways in Saint Martin
With a range of Saint Martin vacation packages that are tailored to meet every requirement, Saint Martin is an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
- Le Petit Hotel: On the Grand Case shoreline, a quaint boutique resort called Le Petit Hotel retreat features charming accommodations with individual terraces, beautiful views of the ocean that makes every time memorable.
- Grand Case Beach Clube: Couples can also enjoy Grand Case’s exciting nightlife, which is famous for its superb dining options and lively ambience.
- Nestle at the Secrets St. Martin Resort and Spa: It offers a complete experience for those looking for a more private getaway. Here, you can spend quality time by the infinity pool, dine in style, and repose in a magnificent suite with your partner.
Saint Martin Adventure Activities
On the Saint Martin holidays, families looking for exciting and adventurous activities will have no shortage of choices for both adults and children.
- Diving: Dive into the colorful coral reefs that encircle the island to begin your journey and discover the diverse aquatic life that resides in the pristine waters.
- Parasailing: If reaching the skies is more of your thing, then parasailing gives you an up-close view of the stunning island shoreline while letting the wind carry you as you float over the waves.
- Paddleboarding: Paddleboarding along Saint Martin’s quiet shores is a serene and exciting way to enjoy the island’s natural splendor.
- Jet Skiing: If you’re in the mood for extra thrills, jet skiing across Orient Bay’s glistening blue waters is an exhilarating experience that mixes speed and breathtaking scenery.
Festivals and Events in Saint Martin
The best way to see Saint Martin’s dynamic cultural scene is to attend one of its many festivals and events.
- Carnival: Starting in mid-April and ending on the first weekend of May, this festival spans three weeks.
- Regatta: This is an annual three-day boat race that takes place in March. A race around the island is held on the first day, and on the second and third days, there are specially built courses.
- St. Martin’s Day: This festival celebrates with dance and music the union of the Dutch and French sides. As November 11 is the public holiday for the celebration, most businesses are closed.
- Grand Case Festival: Every year on July 21, families gather to celebrate the end of slavery during this celebration.
Conclusion
Saint Martin is an experience more than just a tropical vacation spot. Book your luxurious Saint Martin vacation with TrekHops right away with everything you need for the perfect holiday, including luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and top attractions that Saint Martin offers.
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