From wining and dining in French Saint Martin to clubbing in Dutch Sint Maarten, this shared Caribbean island is all about seizing the day. That's why travelers spend more time outside their hotels gallivanting around plantations, yacht-lined marinas, duty-free shops or splendid, sandy beaches. Saint Martin/Sint Maarten isn't exactly a five-star hot spot, but there are a few luxury hotels worth noting.
Located on the secluded Baie Longue shore, La Samanna is most famous for its gourmet dining. La Cave restaurant puts diners square in the hotel’s wine cellar, where sommelier Christian Mirande maintains an extensive wine collection. Private dining and rum or wine tastings can all be arranged, so long as you book well in advance. Guests have also enjoyed Le Réservé, the property’s oceanfront bistro and chef René Bajeux’s palate-pleasing menu. If you want to venture out of the resort’s epicurean borders, the concierge is known to recommend memorable outings. La Samanna also has a spa and villas on its property.
La Samanna Resort & Spa
PO Box 4077
97064, Saint Martin CEDEX
French West Indies
800-957-6128
lasamanna.com
Family travelers can spend the afternoon snorkeling or yachting while the children are being thoroughly entertained (and hopefully a little exhausted) at the Westin Kids Club. In keeping with the nocturnal nature of the Dutch side of the island, this Westin has its own casino. Otherwise, the resort is fairly close to a lot of the action in the area, as well as popular Orient Beach. The Westin also has a freshwater infinity pool with a swim-up bar, the Hibiscus Spa and its trademarked Heavenly Bed mattresses.
The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, St. Maarten
144 Oyster Pond Road
Sint Maarten
011-590-599-543-6700
starwoodhotels.com
The Radisson is situated on Anse Marcel cove, and the 1,600-foot stretch of beach is what appeals to most guests. If they bore easily, it’s only a short drive to Orient Beach and Grand Case. The resort is family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor activities, such as the nearby Butterfly Farm and a Kid’s Club, which provides special activities for children 11 years and younger. Radisson Blu is close to a lot of happening stuff, like the Anse Marcel marina, the open-air Marigot market and a host of fine French-Caribbean restaurants. With its private oceanview terrace, the Anse Marcel Suite is ideal for couples.
Radisson Blu Resort Marina & Spa, St. Martin
PO Box 581 - Anse Marcel
97056, Saint Martin Cedex
French West Indies
011-590-590-87-67-00
radissonblu.com
Executive chef and hotelier Christophe Leroy is known as the “King of Saint Tropez,” and he exported his French flair to the Caribbean. Le Domaine de Lonvilliers’s main draw is Leroy’s culinary talents, which is where the oceanview La Table du Marché restaurant comes in. Its menu fuses French and Creole cuisines, and favors local market-fresh products for dishes like the coconut-milk rock-lobster paella. This hotel is also known for its picturesque gardens and contemporary interiors.
Hotel Le Domaine de Lonvilliers
Anse Marcel
97150, Saint Martin
French West Indies
011-590-590-29-10-81
hotel-le-domaine.com
