How to organize the trip of a lifetime to Saint Martin.
One amazing island that is shared by two countries makes up Saint Martin, a Caribbean destination that stands out even among the most beautiful places to visit in the region. Since the signing of the Partition Treaty in 1648, both Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin have peacefully coexisted on this island. (It's no surprise that they refer to it as the "Friendly Island.") The Dutch side, which is home to Princess Juliana International Airport, is where the vast majority of the island's 2 million annual visitors arrive by plane (and its world-famous beachfront runway). Even though the majority of the island's most popular tourist destinations are located within French territory, wherever you find yourself on the island, you won't be far from beautiful surf, boutique beachfront hotels, and colorful cafes and bars bursting with the flavour of the local culture. Here is a guide to helping you plan the perfect trip to St. Martin.
When to Go to St. Martin for the Best Experiences
As a result of its location on the eastern coast of the Caribbean Sea, St. Martin is blessed with a tropical climate throughout the entire year. There are just two distinct types of weather that we experience here: dry season and wet season. The former begins in December and continues through April; it is also the busiest time of year for tourists who yearn for constant sunlight. However, if you time your visit to coincide with one of the shoulder months, such as November or May, you may find that you have the best of all worlds: the chance of precipitation is still low, and there are fewer people around. The total travel time is just under four hours and departs from New York airports, each of which is served by various airlines and offers several direct flights on a daily basis.
The Top Hotels on the Caribbean Island of St. Martin
There is an abundance of high-end accommodations on the island. But when it comes to well-heeled jet-setters, there is no contest: La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel is the clear victor. This premium facility has stand-alone suites, a top-of-the-line food and beverage programme, and the island's oldest wine cellar. It is located on the cliffside above its own private beach. Naturally, all of this comes at a cost, since the starting rate for a night's stay here is typically more than $1,000.
Consider staying at the Paradise Peak Bed & Breakfast if you don't mind taking things down a notch or two in terms of luxury. These little cottages are nestled in the island's high rainforests at an elevation of 1,300 feet above sea level, and they offer unparalleled views of the natural scenery in the surrounding area. Even if you are not located directly on the coast, you can still get a good view of the waves crashing on the shore from the comfort of your own private heated pool.
Consider reserving a room at the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort if you're looking for a place to stay that's situated in a more central location. It is located on a spit of land overlooking Great Bay and is within striking distance of Philipsburg's well-known nightlife.
The Best St. Martin Beaches
When it comes to sandy beaches of a world-class caliber, St. Martin has more than its fair share of options. Due to the fact that the entire island is essentially encompassed by a single, large, breathtaking beach, picking a favorite among them is something of a fruitless endeavor. Determine exactly what it is that you want, and then choose your own little piece of heaven accordingly. For instance, if you want to completely avoid interacting with other people, Mullet Bay is the place to go. It is located on the western side of Sint Maarten, not too far from the international boundary with France. In point of fact, this entire peninsula is home to hidden treasures such as Long Beach, which is located just next to the La Samanna resort. In the middle is where you'll find Cup coy Beach, which is famous for the elegant limestone cliff formations that rise up from the dunes below it.
Maho Beach, on the other hand, is considered by some to be "the most extreme beach in the world." This beach may be found at the opposite end of the spectrum. Why? Because of the very narrow landing strip at Princess Juliana International Airport, large aircraft take off and land immediately overhead. The reason for this is that jumbo jets. Although it is everything but tranquil and swarming with crowds, it does make for a wonderful Instagram story because of its chaotic atmosphere.
The lively stretch of Orient Beach is the place to be if you're looking for a beach vacation filled with water-based activities. However, as there are a number of nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants located immediately next to it, you need to be able to handle large crowds. Dawn Beach, located further down the eastern side, is another popular location. This beach is praised for its talc-like sands and uninterrupted views of St. Barts, which can be seen across the channel. Spending the afternoon at Anse Marcel Beach is a great way to hedge your bets between the beach's beautiful scenery and its lively atmosphere. This location offers a little bit of everything, since it is perched at the foot of a narrow cove, looks out over Anguilla, and even has its own resort that bears its name.
Activities Available in St. Martin
Naturally, you'll want to leave yourself plenty of time to do nothing more than laze around on the sand and take in the rays of the sun. But if that ever gets old, there are plenty of other things to do, both on land and at sea, to keep you occupied and entertained. To get things started, take some photos of yourself in front of Marigot's most famous murals. In the wake of Hurricane Irma, local street painters were inspired to construct the colorful Wall of Art as a moving monument to the city's ability to bounce back from adversity. Visit Loterie Farm, where you can take a zip line trip through the rainforest to get your heart rate up and get some exercise at the same time. The region is also an excellent starting place for hikers who have the determination to make it all the way up to Pic Paradis, which is the highest point on the island. If you begin your hike at the trailhead next to Colom bier, it will be a 3.1 mile out-and-back excursion to reach the highest point.
Located in Jaddaf Waterfront, less than 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and 8 minutes away from Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, Palazzo #Versace #Dubai is conveniently located along the shores of the historic Dubai Creek. #palazzoversacedubai #luxury #hotel pic.twitter.com/jUk9UjWeO0
— Eventopedia (@EventopediaUK) June 22, 2022
If you would rather remain above water, there are several options available to you as well. Orient Beach can be found toward the top of the island's northernmost tip. Its turquoise waters and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for water sports and other marine pursuits. You may rent Jet Skis or go parasailing over the waves at Bikini Watersport, which is located directly on the beach. From there, you'll get views of the nearby island of St. Barts, which is visible in the distance. Cul-de-Sac Bay is located just to the north of the beach and is where the boat to Pinel Island departs and arrives. You will arrive at this picturesque hideaway guarded by iguanas after a short ride lasting only five minutes. It's a natural reserve where you may take some pleasant strolls among the local flora and wildlife and enjoy the scenery. You might also choose to remain close to the pier and have your pina coladas and cod fritters while sitting on tables and stools that are literally submerged in the water. Pyratz Gourmet Sailing offers the opportunity to combine a full-day sail with chef-prepared cuisine and specialty beverages when you hire a catamaran via their company. Those who prefer a more private experience can take advantage of this opportunity.
Where to Get the Best Meals and Drinks on St. Martin
However, you should be sure to spare some room for supper because St. Martin is proud to be home to some of the most delectable cuisine in the entire Caribbean. In Marigot, you can spend an evening eating your way through the several Creole restaurants that are concentrated in the downtown area of the town. The restaurant known as "Le Petite Auberge" is a standout in this area. It is an intimate establishment that specializes in serving local seafood that has been doused in decadent, buttery sauces and curries.
Grand Case is another another picturesque village that's bursting at the seams with exquisite flavour. Visit Ocean 82, widely considered to be among the finest eating establishments on the island. Diners who are enjoying the sunset by the water can choose from a menu that features grilled lobster and creamy pasta dishes.
Atelier Bar à Viand et Poisson in Orient Bay has more of a French bistro atmosphere if that's what you're looking for. You won't find a more flavorful steak frites anywhere in Paris than these. The selection of wine, in addition to that of rum, is quite extensive. If, on the other hand, you would like to take your dining experience to the next level, you will need to make a reservation at La Villa Hibiscus, which is located just below Pic Paradis and has a tropical feel to it. Chef Bastien Schenk and his wife, Sabine, are the proprietors and managers of the establishment. Schenk received his training under Joel Rochon in France, and then he brought the Michelin-informed sensitivities that he had gained there back to this unspoiled area of the island. Everything that is currently in season and fresh is taken into consideration while developing the daily tasting menu in the style of French nouvelle cuisine.
In Philipsburg, the Dutch are engaged in activities that are not quite as important, but they are having a wonderful time doing them. Take a look at the Greenhouse as an illustration of this. The Jamaican jerk chicken salad and the bang bang shrimp, both of which have a manageable level of heat, have become the restaurant's signature dishes. The lively dining hall that overlooks the beach is usually filled with live music on most evenings of the week. Stop by the Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store, which can be easily seen due to the bright yellow exterior of the building, when you're out and about in town throughout the day. It is a wonderful place to stock up on genuine gouda, or you can just enjoy a wedge of cheese with a glass of wine during one of their daily tastings. No matter how you decide to play the game, you should not leave without trying at least one shot of the guavaberry liquor, which is a specialty of the area.