St Martin blends French and Dutch culture with beautiful beaches, great food, and relaxed Caribbean charm. This guide covers top beaches, resorts, dining, and must-see experiences. It’s the perfect starting point for planning your island escape.
St Martin blends two cultures on one beautiful Caribbean island. The French side feels relaxed and refined. The Dutch side feels lively and energetic. Together, they create a destination that offers variety without long travel distances.
The island is known for clear turquoise water, soft beaches, and steady trade winds. So you can easily switch between relaxing beach time, snorkeling, shopping, and dining. Because everything sits close together, exploring both sides feels simple and stress free.
Whether you want quiet beach days, great food, or vibrant nightlife, St Martin offers it all. Overall, the island feels welcoming, scenic, and easy to enjoy.
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St Martin Weather and Best Time to Visit
St Martin enjoys warm tropical weather all year. Temperatures stay fairly steady, usually between the upper 70s and mid-80s°F. Because of this, the island works well for beach trips in any season. Still, some months offer slightly better conditions.
Dry Season: December to April
This period brings the most sunshine and the lowest humidity. Skies stay clear, and rainfall remains light. As a result, many travelers consider this the best time to visit. Expect lively energy, higher prices, and busier beaches.
Shoulder Season: May to June
Weather remains warm and pleasant, yet crowds begin to thin. In addition, hotel rates often drop. So this window works well for travelers who want good weather without peak season costs.
Wet Season: July to November
Rain showers occur more often, though they usually pass quickly. This period overlaps with the Caribbean hurricane season, with September and October carrying the highest risk. However, many days still bring sunshine. Lower prices and fewer crowds make it appealing for flexible travelers.
Overall, St Martin stays beautiful year round. If you want the best balance of weather, value, and comfort, late spring or early winter often hits the sweet spot.
Why Visit St Martin
St Martin offers one of the Caribbean’s most unique island escapes. The island blends French and Dutch culture, great food, and 37 beautiful beaches. Because the border stays open, you can easily explore both sides in one trip.
A Top Food Destination
Many travelers call St Martin the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Grand Case on the French side features fine dining as well as relaxed local BBQ spots called “lolos.” Fresh seafood, French flavors, and Caribbean spices make meals memorable.
Beaches for Every Mood
Each beach feels different. Orient Bay has lively beach clubs and water sports. Meanwhile, quieter beaches like Happy Bay and Plum Bay offer calm views and fewer crowds. So finding your perfect beach is easy.
Aviation Thrills at Maho Beach
Maho Beach delivers one of the island’s most famous sights. Planes land just overhead at Princess Juliana Airport. It’s dramatic, exciting, and very popular with photographers.
Duty-Free Shopping
Shopping stays tax-free across the island. Philipsburg’s Front Street features jewelry, fashion, electronics, and souvenirs. Because prices are often lower, many visitors plan extra time here.
Adventure and Nature
Outdoor lovers have plenty to enjoy. The Flying Dutchman zipline offers big views and excitement. Loterie Farm features hiking trails, canopy tours, and relaxing jungle pools. Plus, nearby islands like Anguilla or St. Barths make easy day trips.
Overall, St Martin mixes culture, beaches, food, and adventure in one easy destination. As a result, many travelers return again and again.
Best Beaches of St Martin
St Martin is famous for its 37 beaches. Some buzz with restaurants, clubs, as well as water sports. Others stay quiet and feel almost untouched. Because of this variety, every traveler can find a favorite stretch of sand.
Most Popular Beaches
These beaches draw the biggest crowds. They offer easy access, great scenery, as well as plenty of amenities.
Maho Beach
This famous “airplane beach” sits beside Princess Juliana Airport. Jets fly low overhead, which creates an exciting photo spot. It’s lively, fun, and unlike anywhere else.
Orient Bay
Often called the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean, this long beach features clubs, water sports, as well as restaurants. A clothing-optional section sits at the southern end. Overall, it’s one of the island’s most energetic beaches.
Mullet Bay
Locals and visitors love this beach for its soft white sand and clear turquoise water. Nearby BBQ shacks provide simple food as well as drinks. So it works well for relaxed beach days.
Great Bay Beach
This beach stretches along Philipsburg’s waterfront. Shops, restaurants, and the cruise port sit nearby. As a result, it’s one of the easiest beaches to visit.
Grand Case Beach
Located in the island’s culinary capital, this calm bay pairs swimming with excellent dining. Sunset views here are especially memorable.
Hidden Gem Beaches
These spots feel quieter and more natural. Some require a short hike or boat ride, but the reward is worth it.
Happy Bay
Reach this peaceful beach by a short walk from Friar’s Bay. No facilities keep it simple as well as calm. Many travelers consider it a true hidden treasure.
Tintamarre Island
This small offshore island stays wild and protected. Boats bring visitors for snorkeling, beach walks, as well as turtle sightings. The water here feels incredibly clear.
Petites Cayes
A scenic hike leads to this remote northern beach. Because few people make the trek, it often feels untouched.
Cupecoy Beach
Sandstone cliffs surround several small coves here. The dramatic scenery creates a more private feel than nearby beaches.
Pinel Island
A short ferry ride takes you to this relaxed islet. Calm shallow water makes swimming easy. Meanwhile, the far side stays wild and quiet.
Best Beaches by Activity
If you prefer a specific experience, these beaches stand out:
Best for Snorkeling
Tintamarre Island • Pinel Island • Mullet Bay • Happy Bay • Creole Rock
Best for Families
Le Galion Beach • Grand Case Beach • Friar’s Bay • Orient Bay • Little Bay
Sargassum Alert
Sargassum seaweed can appear on St. Martin beaches at certain times of the year. Conditions often change quickly based on winds, tides, and currents. Because of this, one beach may have seaweed while another stays clear.
Before heading out, check local St. Martin Facebook groups or ask your hotel front desk for the latest beach conditions. This quick step helps you choose the best beach for swimming, snorkeling, as well as relaxing.
Best Things to Do on St Martin
St Martin blends adventure, culture, beaches, and great food. The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, feels lively and energetic. Meanwhile, the French side offers a calmer vibe with strong European flair. Because the island is small, you can easily enjoy both styles in one trip.
Adventure and Outdoor Fun
Maho Beach
Here, huge jets land just overhead near Princess Juliana Airport. As a result, it feels thrilling and highly photogenic. It’s easily one of the island’s most famous experiences.
Rainforest Adventure Park
First, ride the Sky Explorer chairlift for sweeping island views. Then try the Flying Dutchman zipline, which ranks among the steepest in the world. Overall, it’s perfect for adventure lovers.
Loterie Farm
Located near Pic Paradis, this nature retreat offers several options. You can hike scenic trails, relax by the jungle pool, or zipline through the forest. Either way, the setting feels peaceful and immersive.
Culture and History
Fort St. Louis
This historic French fort overlooks Marigot Bay. Although the walk up is short, the views feel rewarding. From the top, you’ll see coastline, harbor, and nearby islands.
Yoda Guy Movie Experience
Created by a Star Wars effects artist, this museum displays famous film props. Surprisingly, even casual movie fans enjoy it. In fact, many visitors stay longer than expected.
Parrot Villa Bird Park
Here, visitors walk among colorful tropical birds. Because interaction is allowed, families especially enjoy the experience. It feels relaxed yet engaging.
We Culture Museum
This museum highlights Caribbean Carnival traditions. Costumes, music, and history all come together here. As a result, visitors gain a deeper understanding of local culture.
Dining, Shopping, and Nightlife
Grand Case Dining Scene
Often called the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, Grand Case offers endless dining choices. Fine French restaurants sit beside casual BBQ lolos. So, whether you want upscale dining or simple local flavors, you’ll find it.
Duty-Free Shopping
Philipsburg offers excellent deals on jewelry, watches, and electronics. Meanwhile, Maho Village provides a more relaxed evening shopping atmosphere. Because shops stay open late, browsing feels easy.
Casinos and Clubs
The Dutch side stays lively after dark. Casino Royale attracts gaming fans, while music venues keep energy high. Therefore, nightlife rarely disappoints.
Easy Day Trips
St Martin also works well as an island-hopping base. Ferries run frequently, and travel times stay short.
Anguilla offers calm beaches and quiet charm.
St Barths, on the other hand, leans toward luxury shopping, dining, and scenic harbors.
Because both islands sit close by, these trips fit easily into a beach vacation.
Top Hotels in St Martin
St Martin offers a mix of luxury resorts, boutique hideaways, and romantic beachfront stays. While large five-star resorts are limited, the island still delivers excellent upscale options. In addition, many boutique hotels focus on privacy, views, and personalized service.
Top Luxury Hotels in St Martin
These resorts focus on service, beautiful beachfront settings, and top amenities. In addition, they offer excellent dining, spa options, and plenty of space to relax.
La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel — ⭐ 5/5 | 9.6/10
Located on Baie Longue on the French side, this beautiful resort mixes European style with classic Caribbean views. Spacious villas, a private white-sand beach, and a relaxing spa create an easy luxury escape. Guests often praise the friendly service, excellent food, and calm setting. Overall, it remains one of the island’s top luxury stays.
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort — ⭐ 5/5 | 9.3/10
This adults-only, all-inclusive resort sits above Maho Bay with wide ocean views. Several pools, modern suites, and good dining options keep the stay comfortable. Because everything is close by, the experience feels simple and stress free. Many guests also enjoy the nearby restaurants and nightlife.
JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa — ⭐ 5/5 | 9.2/10
Situated on Dawn Beach, this newly refreshed resort delivers contemporary comfort with strong beachfront appeal. Spacious rooms, several restaurants, as well as a full spa keep guests comfortable throughout their stay. Clear water and a quieter location add to its relaxed luxury vibe.
Top Romantic Hotels in St Martin
Couples often gravitate toward smaller, scenic properties with privacy, ocean views, and sunset dining. As a result, many of these favorites sit on the French side near Grand Case.
Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa — ⭐ 5/5 | 9.6/10
Travelers find paradise at Simpson Bay Resort’s private beach. Enjoy refreshing cocktails at two poolside bars and meals at four restaurants. Relax on sun loungers or explore the ocean with boat tours, snorkeling, as well as scuba diving.
Le Petit Hotel — ⭐ 4.8/5 | 9.4/10
This boutique beachfront hotel in Grand Case offers a cozy, personalized experience with only a handful of rooms. Guests love the direct beach access, sunset views, and easy walk to top restaurants. The small scale creates a relaxed, romantic feel that many couples prefer over large resorts.
Hotel L’Esplanade — ⭐ 4.7/5 | 9.3/10
Perched above Grand Case Bay, this hillside retreat delivers beautiful views and quiet surroundings. Suites feel spacious and airy, while lush gardens add a tropical touch. Couples especially appreciate the tranquil vibe and proximity to one of the island’s best dining areas.
Other Great Hotel Choices in St Martin
These hotels combine comfort, strong reviews, and great locations.
Le Martin Boutique Hôtel — ⭐ 5/5 | 9.5/10
Located in Cul-de-Sac, this small boutique hotel feels more like a private villa than a traditional resort. Because of its quiet setting, it works especially well for couples seeking privacy. Rooms feel stylish yet comfortable, while service stays very personal. In addition, guests often praise the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views.
Grand Case Beach Club — ⭐ 4.6/5 | 9.2/10
This beachfront resort sits in the heart of Grand Case, which is known for great dining. Two private beaches provide both calm swimming and scenic relaxation. Moreover, spacious suites and easy beach access make longer stays comfortable. Sunset Café also adds a romantic touch with lovely ocean views.
Karibuni Boutique Hotel — ⭐ 4.7/5 | 9.3/10
Overlooking Pinel Island, this intimate hotel offers stunning lagoon views. Because the property stays small, service often feels warm and attentive. Private terraces add relaxed mornings and peaceful evenings. Plus, the nearby ferry to Pinel Island adds an easy trip option.
La Playa Orient Bay — ⭐ 4.5/5 | 9.0/10
This stylish beachfront hotel sits directly on Orient Bay, one of the island’s most lively beaches. Recently updated suites feel bright and modern. As a result, guests enjoy both comfort and immediate beach access. In addition, nearby beach clubs, dining, and watersports keep the atmosphere fun yet relaxed.
Flavors of St Martin
St Martin blends French finesse with Caribbean soul, so the food scene feels lively and diverse. Fresh seafood, tropical fruit, as well as bold spices shape many dishes. As a result, meals are colorful, relaxed, and full of flavor. While exploring the island, these local favorites are definitely worth trying.
Poisson Cru
This classic Caribbean dish features raw fish marinated in lime juice, coconut milk, and vegetables. It tastes fresh, light, and slightly tangy. Because of the island’s fishing culture, you’ll often find it very fresh.
Johnny Cakes
These golden fried breads appear across the island. They work well as a snack, side dish, or sandwich base. Many locals enjoy them with saltfish or barbecue meats.
Caribbean Lobster
Lobster is a regional highlight, especially during season. Restaurants grill, stew, or butter-poach it depending on style. Naturally, seaside spots often serve the freshest plates.
Creole BBQ from the Lolos
On the French side, especially in Grand Case, small open-air BBQ stands called Lolos serve ribs, chicken, and seafood. Portions stay generous, flavors stay bold, and prices remain reasonable. Consequently, they’re a favorite with both locals and visitors.
Guavaberry Rum Drinks
This traditional island liqueur uses local berries, rum, and spices. The flavor feels slightly sweet with a warm finish. Many bars feature their own version.
French-Caribbean Pastries
Because of French influence, bakeries shine here. Expect flaky croissants, fruit tarts, coconut desserts, and rich pastries. They make perfect beach-day treats.
Overall, St Martin delivers one of the Caribbean’s most exciting food scenes. Whether you crave casual beach bites or elegant French dining, the island keeps every meal interesting.
St Martin’s food scene blends French flair with Caribbean flavor. As a result, meals rarely feel boring. Whether you want a romantic dinner, beachside bites, or bold island BBQ, these restaurants consistently impress.
Beach Clubs in St. Martin
Beach clubs in St. Martin offer more than a typical beach bar. Most provide full dining service, comfortable loungers with umbrellas, as well as a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. As a result, they are perfect for a full day by the sea. Here are some of the top beach clubs and what to expect.
Anse Marcel Beach Club – Anse Marcel
This club sits in a quiet, protected cove with calm water and very little seaweed. Because of the peaceful setting, it works especially well for couples.
Vibe: Sophisticated, calm, and trendy
Pricing: About €33–€35 for two loungers and an umbrella
Amenities: Mediterranean restaurant, small boutiques, and nearby marina
Music Level: Low and relaxed
Tip: Reserve lunch early since the restaurant is popular.
Coco Beach – Orient Bay
Coco Beach is one of the most stylish clubs on the French side. The setting feels elegant yet welcoming.
Vibe: Upscale, romantic, French Riviera style
Pricing: Around $30–$35 (€35) per chair with umbrella, towel, and water
Amenities: Excellent Caribbean-fusion cuisine and attentive service
Music Level: Moderate lounge music
Tip: Reserve chairs in advance, especially near the water.
Roxxy Beach – Simpson Bay
If you prefer energy and social vibes, Roxxy Beach delivers. It is one of the most lively beach clubs on the Dutch side.
Vibe: Fun, vibrant, and social
Pricing: Premium for front loungers, plus VIP cabanas available
Amenities: Watersports, sushi, cocktails, and international dishes
Music Level: High with DJs and events
Tip: Watch social media for weekday lunch specials.
Loterie Farm Jungle Club – Pic Paradis
Although not on the beach, this rainforest club offers a unique luxury escape. Pools sit among lush tropical scenery.
Vibe: Tropical chic and exclusive
Pricing: Pool entry plus optional cabana rentals
Amenities: Pools, restaurant, zip-lining, and nature trails
Music Level: Relaxed lounge music
Tip: Arrive early since it fills quickly.
Indigo Beach Club – Indigo Bay
This hidden gem sits between Philipsburg and Simpson Bay. Because of the protected cove, the atmosphere feels private and calm.
Vibe: Boho-chic and relaxed
Pricing: Usually $20–$30 for chairs and umbrellas
Amenities: Wine list, craft cocktails, and comfortable seating
Music Level: Low and mellow
Tip: Great choice if you want quieter beach time.
Getting Around St. Martin
Getting around St. Martin is fairly easy, but planning ahead helps. Because the island has both French and Dutch sides, transportation options vary slightly. Fortunately, several good choices make exploring simple.
Car Rentals (Best Overall Option)
Most visitors rent a car to explore both sides of the island. Taxis can be expensive, and public transit does not also reach every beach or attraction.
Driving happens on the right side of the road. Roads on the French side can feel narrow and winding, while Simpson Bay and Philipsburg often have heavier traffic.
Tip: Renting at St. Maarten Airport (SXM) makes pickup easy. Local companies like Coastal Car Rental often provide friendly service.
Public Mini-Buses (Budget Friendly)
Local mini-buses offer a low-cost way to travel. They work best if you stay near main towns or beaches.
Look for white vans with destination signs such as Philipsburg or Marigot. License plates usually say “Bus.”
Fares typically range from $1.50 to $2.50 per person. There are no fixed stops, so simply wave to flag one down. When you want to exit, just say “Stop please.”
Taxis
Taxis work well for airport transfers or evenings out. They are reliable but cost more than other options.
There are no meters. Prices stay fixed based on distance and number of passengers. Always confirm the fare before the ride begins.
Ferries and Island Day Trips
Ferries make quick day trips easy from St. Martin. Many travelers use them to explore nearby islands.
- Anguilla: About 25 minutes from Marigot
- St. Barts: Around 45–60 minutes from Philipsburg or Bobby’s Marina
These trips add variety if you want more than one island experience.
Local Traffic Tip
The Simpson Bay Bridge opens several times daily for yachts. When it does, traffic can pause for 20–30 minutes. Checking the daily schedule helps avoid delays, especially before airport departures.
Money & Tipping
St. Martin uses different official currencies, but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted on both sides.
French Side: Official currency is the Euro (€). If paying in USD, check the exchange rate; some places offer a “1-to-1” promo, but most calculate the daily rate.
Dutch Side: Official currency is the Antillean Guilder (ANG), but USD is used for almost everything.
Tipping Etiquette:
- Dutch Side: Tip like the US (15-20%).
- French Side: Look for “Service Compris” on your bill, which means a 15% service charge is already included. It is customary to leave a few extra Euros in cash for exceptional service rather than a full 20%.
Electricity & Tech
This is a common trap for travelers because the sides use different systems:
- Dutch Side: Uses 110V and Type A/B plugs (same as the US/Canada).
- French Side: Uses 220V and Type C/E plugs (European style).
- Guide Tip: Advise readers to pack a universal adapter and check if their hair dryer/straightener is “dual voltage” (110-240V) to avoid frying their electronics on the French side.
Safety & Beach Etiquette
- The “Car Theft” Warning: Car break-ins are the most common crime. Never leave anything—not even a beach bag or cheap sunglasses—visible in a parked car, especially at secluded beaches like Baie Rouge.
- Maho Beach Warning: Remind readers that the jet blast from departing planes at Maho Beach is dangerous and can cause serious injury or death; they should watch from a safe distance.
- Clothing: While beachwear is standard on the sand, it is considered disrespectful to wear bikinis or swim trunks in supermarkets or town centers (Marigot/Philipsburg).
St. Martin: Small Island, Big Caribbean Experience
St. Martin proves that a small island can deliver a huge travel experience. You get beautiful beaches, diverse culture, as well as incredible food all in one place. Because the French and Dutch sides blend so smoothly, every day can feel different. One moment you relax on a quiet beach. Later, you enjoy lively nightlife or waterfront dining. In the end, St. Martin offers variety, ease, as well as unforgettable Caribbean charm that keeps travelers coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Martin
Is St. Martin the same as Sint Maarten?
Yes. St. Martin is the French side, while Sint Maarten is the Dutch side. The island is shared by both countries, and visitors can move freely between them without border checks.
Do I need a passport to visit both sides?
Yes. Since the island belongs to two nations, travelers should carry a valid passport. However, there is no physical border, so crossing between sides is easy.
What currency is used on St. Martin?
The French side uses the Euro, while the Dutch side uses the Netherlands Antillean guilder. Even so, US dollars are widely accepted across the island.
When is the best time to visit St. Martin?
The best weather usually runs from December through April. During this time, skies stay sunny and humidity stays lower. Shoulder months like May and November often bring good value with fewer crowds.
Is St. Martin safe for tourists?
Overall, it is considered safe. Still, use normal travel awareness. Keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas at night, and follow local advice.
Do I need a car on St. Martin?
Most visitors rent a car. It makes beach hopping easier and helps you explore both sides of the island. Taxis exist but can be expensive, while public transport is limited.
Pingback: Eddie
Thank you so much! That cultural blend is definitely what makes Saint Martin stand out, and timing your activities around cruise traffic really helps you enjoy it more. For a first visit, Orient Bay is often a favorite because it has beautiful sand, great restaurants, and plenty of water activities. If you prefer something quieter, Grand Case has a more relaxed feel along with fantastic dining. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong on this island!
Pingback: Danny P
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the guide. Honestly, both sides have their own magic, and it depends on what kind of vibe you’re looking for. The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, is livelier with casinos, nightlife, and easy access to beaches like Mullet Bay and Simpson Bay — great if you want fun and convenience. The French side, Saint-Martin, is quieter and more refined, with fantastic restaurants, scenic coves, and a more relaxed pace — perfect for foodies and couples. If you can, explore both! The island is small, and you’ll love how seamlessly you can hop between the two cultures in one vacation.
What an absolutely stunning location for complete rest and relaxation.
I’ve always wanted to go to St. Martin … and so many other beautiful places like this.
Thank-you for providing so much great information. It appears St. Martin offers so much more than just lounging on the beach, although it would certainly be hard to tear me away from that!
Is there much crime here? Anything to worry about as a tourist?
I was just in St Martin in November. I did not experience any crime, nor was I worried. I felt completely safe. And the beach with the wonderful waves, oh it was wonderful! It is a great and beautiful beach destination for sure! Thanks for stopping by.
Such a nice place to travel. I would like to travel to St Martin after the hurricane is over. Such a good place to travel with such an informative sites here. You help me from searching information about St Martin. I have everything I need now to start planning, thanks!
Regards
Jaden
You are very welcome and you will enjoy St Martin Jaden! I think that they will be ready for visitors by the beginning of next year which is not far off! You could probably start planning now if you want to get good rates. Let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
It looks like such a beautiful place, I really do hope they can pick up their pieces after the hurricane. Thank you for such a comprehensive review, I’m definitely adding this to my list of destinations for the future.
I believe that they will be able to. It is heart breaking that such beautiful islands such as St Martin has had such horrible devastation. It is definitely a destination not to be missed, once they are back up to their usual beautiful country. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
My former boss and his wife had a home there for several years. They spent a lot of time over there. They always seemed so much more cheerful and full of glee when they returned. Since then he has sold the the vitamin supplement company I currently work for and divorced his wife. Which i believe, is what had to do with why he put the home on the market. Which is kind of sad being faced with a personal situation that led to a decision where he had to leave a such a beautiful place. He told me when we last spoke the place sold right before the hurricane hit. I don’t know what kind of damage the home sustained if any. My prayers are with all who were affected and the recovery/restoration efforts.
Wow, how truly sad for your former boss. I suspect the house had tremendous damage, as St Martin was devastated pretty much completely. My prayers go out to them as well for a speedy recovery as a country. Thanks for reading my St Martin Travel Guide!
Hi Leah,
Great post! So sad what has happened there. You always have such comprehensive posts that cover everything.
I lookmforward to the island being repaired and bought back to its usual pristine state and visiting one day.
Thanks for a bucket load of information,
Cheers,
Kev
You are welcome Kevin 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed reading. They say it will be in the first part of 2018 before everything will be back to its usual self. So sad for such a beautiful country. Thanks for visiting!
i truely enjoyed this article as I have always wanted to visit as well as learn about the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. I could also relate to the talk about water sports as I have tried diving, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing. I was shocked to know that U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a passport or a combination of a birth certificate and photo ID to even enter the Islands
Yes, I know but hey, it is all worth it when you get there. You can leave your worries back home, kick back, relax and enjoy the beauty! Thanks for reading the St Martin Travel Guide.
Hi Leahrae,
I hope and pray for the people of Saint Martin and all the others whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by these hurricanes; and that they will rebuild, recover, and heal quickly; and that their latter days will be greater, healthier, and more prosperous than their former days.
I really enjoyed your post and found it to be very informative and helpful about things to do, see, places to stay, eat, and just have fun while visiting Saint Martin. It brought back fond memories of my traveling days as a military flight attendant. Although, I have visited several islands during my travel, St Martin isn’t one of them. However, it is on my list of places to still visit and the information provided in your travel guide has increase my desire to do so. I’m looking forward to day when I will have the opportunity to visit.
One of the things my fellow flight attendants and I used to do when we had several days on the ground in a new location was to do our best to experience the local cuisine or national dish if the place was famous for one. For example, the island of Mauritius is known for its curry dishes, vanilla tea, and some of the sweetest pineapples you will find anywhere in the world. Do you know if St. Martin has a national dish its famous for? Also, do they have karaoke at any of the bars or restaurants? One of my traveling companions is a karaoke nut.
Thanks for all the great information. Wishing you God’s best!
Queen
Thank you for your great comments and I agree 100%. For national cuisine: On the French side their preferred delicacy is callaloo soup, a thick green soup made from greens with pork cubes, hot pepper, okra, black pepper, thyme and chicken stock. The Dutch side take pride in conch (large sea snail) seasoned with herbs, spices and served with dumpling. There are a few places with karaoke, they are Toppers, Red Paino, and the Sapphire cafe
Glad you enjoyed reading my St Martin travel guide!
Wow! What a comprehensive guide to St. Martin! Lots of great info for anyone wanting to visit, like me! I hope they can get the island fixed up quickly. I am from a tourist destination myself and know how an event like a hurricane can devastate the economy.
Thank you so much! Yes, I know too how it can affect the the economy. We just went thru Irma, and had some pretty bad damage around the state (Florida). The first they did of course, was clean up the beaches. Still waiting for them to come around and pick up my mile high pile of debris. Thanks for reading the St Martin Travel Guide.
The hurricane news really hit home for me. I was a victim of Katrina so I can relate to what they are going through. My prayers go out to them and I hope it gets fixed real soon. I’m making a donation thank you for spreading the word. You are kind and very informative. We need more people like you in the world today.
Thank you so much James, and we do need to spread the word. I know how scary it is, I had to evacuate from Irma. We did not have the total devastation, thank goodness, so I just can’t imagine the full force they had. Thank you so much for reading and helping!
Hi, Leahrae,
I do so hope that St. Martin can eventually recover completely from the recent devastation that the island had to endure when Hurricane Irma hit. Seeing images that you posted of various sites within St. Martin it was, (and hopefully will one day return to being) a gorgeous vacation spot in the Caribbean.
Having read so many other articles posted on your tremendous site, you again did a superb job in explaining all of the different attractions, places to stay and eat, transportation choices among the many offered to people visiting St. Martin.
I did click on the first hotel linked, trying to find out what it would cost to stay there. With a deposit of around $560, this hotel is obviously not your old Howard Johnson’s mediocre quality hotel. It is probably quite expensive. However in the past visiting Hawaii and staying in fine hotels one has to remember that if you want to stay in a quality place, you have to be willing to pay the freight. That old saying “you get what you pay for”, would apply. It would also be well worth it.
I’ve never been there to St. Martin, my now deceased parents once visiting Aruba back in the late 1980s and loving it. Perhaps in the future I could visit St. Martin on a vacation. Perhaps though in the spring when there are less odds of a future hurricane hitting as can be the case in late summer through the fall.
Jeff
Thank you Jeff for your well thought out and great comments! I too, hope that they can rebuild and become the beauty they were before this mass of hurricanes hit them. I know the effects, but luckily we were spared such devastation. And yes, you most certainly get what you pay for. I guess it all comes down to what type of vacation you are looking for. You can go for budget, or you can go for a vacation of a lifetime 🙂 Thanks for reading my St. Martin travel guide.
Wow this hurricane season was absolutely devastating to the Caribbean!!! Thank you for this post as St Martin is definitely one of the destinations that I am extremely interested in visiting. I have heard that this destination can be quite expensive though compared to other Caribbean destinations. Is this also the location where the arriving airplanes come right over the beach on their approach path?
Thanks for sharing.
Yes, and yes. St. Martin is expensive to vacation to, yet it is one of those memorable places that you will always remember and smile about. And yes, you can sit at the beach and look up at the airplanes which is a truly spectacular sight. The beach is Maho beach, but unfortunately the airport was completely destroyed in the hurricane. They are rebuilding, but might not be until 2018 to enjoy this wonderful site again. Thanks for reading BeachTravelDestinations.com!
I’ve always wanted to go there! I had a friend when I was young whose family went every year and he would come back so happy and excited about the things he got to do (and the beautiful weather). The treetop obstacles sound amazing and would probably be my first stop.
As someone living in a hurricane affected area myself I sincerely appreciate you updating with hurricane news and a way to donate. May their recovery be speedy.
I agree and I too live in a hurricane area and recently had to evacuate for Irma. It is horrible and I think that we all need to support these countries to help them get back to their beauty they were before the hurricane. Thanks for reading, and yes St. Thomas is absolutely beautiful.
Sorry to hear about the hurricane news and I bet the restoration work will be finished in no time. Other than that, thanks for sharing about this place. Very beautiful place to visit instead. I am planning for my next trip with my wife and I think this is one place to consider for sure. Would share this with my wife and see what she thinks about it.
Ok, you and your wife will love it here. I do have to say that they are hoping for restoration and visitors by 2018. Gives you plenty of time to save up 🙂 Enjoy and let me know if you need any help with planning. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com.