St. Martin

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At a Glance

Located along a bluff on St. Martin, Belmond La Samanna is a convenient Caribbean resort with sweeping views, beachfront access and full-service facilities.

Indagare Loves

• The art gallery in the business center, where local artist-in-residence Sir Roland Richardson visits and gives lectures.
• The 4,600-square-foot villas with oversized kitchens, private pools and a dedicated butler
• The complimentary water sports on property: SUP, kayaks, snorkel gear, Hobie Cats

Review

Located on the French side of St. Martin, Belmond La Samanna offers an easy, short getaway or a jumping-off point for a multi-stop Caribbean adventure. In classic Mediterranean-Caribbean style, the property is made up of multiple white block buildings with vibrant red and pink-hued bougainvillea throughout.

The hotel’s 90 rooms, suites and villas cascade down the hill to the beach, and all offer ocean views from either balconies or terraces. Rooms closest to the main building at the top of the hill have the most spectacular views, but those further down the hill have the shorter walk to the beach. The décor highlights the ocean, with big windows, a neutral beige-and-white color palette and bursts of sea-inspired turquoise and aqua.

The multiple dining outlets are helmed by French Michelin-starred Chef Serge Gouloumès, who previously worked on the island and returned in 2015 to head the culinary program at La Samanna. Diners can alternate meals between the fine-dining L’Ourisin, casual Corail, Laplaj the all-day beach bar, and Baie Lounge Bar, the best place on the island to watch the sunset with a signature rum punch. The hotel can also arrange private dinners on the beach or in Le Cave wine cellar. The five-room spa offers a variety of treatments, but many guests prefer to enjoy the services of the excellent masseuses on their private balcony or terrace. There is also a gym, three tennis courts, two pools and two boutiques selling resort-wear. Make sure to check the weekly schedule of programming, which offers complimentary tennis clinics, pilates, yoga and musical evenings.

La Samanna proudly displays work throughout the property from local artist-in-residence Sir Roland Richardson, who often visits the resort to host lectures and invites guests to watch him work.

The three- and four-bedroom villas are great for families looking for the privacy of a large home, but with the convenience of a personal butler and hotel facilities. Each has a private pool, kitchen with Italian marble flooring and teak accents throughout. These villas are set quite high up on the bluff, so have fantastic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, but no direct beach access.

Who Should Stay

Those who are looking for a flop-and-drop beach vacation, and don’t mind the busier and more touristy vibe of St. Martin, or travelers with young children who want to stay in a villa. Those who are looking for a quiet or sophisticated island crowd and stellar service should consider staying on Anguilla or St. Barth’s.