Curator’s statement
The French West Indies offer two distinct yet complementary experiences shaped by culture and coastline. On the French side, pristine beaches meet an atmosphere of understated luxury, where cuisine rooted in French tradition and Creole influence is savored alongside open-air markets and an unhurried elegance. Across the island, the Dutch side brings a more cosmopolitan glamour, with expansive beaches, world-class resorts, luxury shopping, and a vibrant energy that carries seamlessly from sun-drenched days into lively evenings.
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Things to do on St. Martin
Snorkeling on the Prickly Pear Catamaran Trip, Aqua Mania Adventures: Sail to Anguilla aboard a catamaran on this full-day cruise from St. Maarten. Stop at Prickly Pear Cay to lounge in the shallows of the small island’s pristine beach or snorkel among the tropical fish that inhabit the colorful coral reef. Enjoy a buffet lunch right on board and an open bar.
Scuba diving, Dive Sint Maarten: Whether you are completely new to scuba diving or are an experienced diver looking to experience some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean, Dive St Maarten has you covered!
Spa at La Samanna: Time slows to the rhythm of the waves here. Your visit is an invitation to surrender and embrace a deeper sense of wellbeing. At the La Samanna Spa, every moment is a chance to reconnect with yourself, with the elements, with nature. Be restored through the rituals of body, mind, and soul.
Day trips
St Barts: A playground for celebrities and lovers of tropical chic. Once there, why not rent a car to explore the island at your own pace? Check out Colombier or Shell Beach, the luxury boutiques in Gustavia, and elegant beachfront restaurants where you can dine with your toes in the sand. There are multiple daily connections to Saint-Barthélemy: just one hour by ferry from Marigot with the “Voyager” ferry company or 15 minutes if you choose to fly from Grand Case Airport (with the St-Barth Commuter airline) or from Princess Juliana Airport (with Winair).
Anguilla: It’s the perfect spot for a lazy day snorkeling, or savoring seafood at a local beach restaurant. Please note: you’ll need a valid passport when traveling from Saint Martin, as Anguilla is a British territory. Just 20 minutes by ferry from Marigot, Anguilla welcomes you with its beaches ranked among the most beautiful in the world, such as Shoal Bay, Meads Bay, and Crocus Bay. Soak up its peaceful atmosphere.
Saba: Dive into crystal-clear waters and along sheer drop-offs by visiting Saba’s world-renowned dive sites. Stroll through the picturesque villages of Windwardside and The Bottom. Relax in the serene, almost timeless, atmosphere. Less well-known, Saba is a gem for nature lovers. Reachable by a 90-minute ferry ride from Philipsburg or a 15-minute flight, this Dutch island is overlooked by Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Netherlands. Head out on a hike through the rainforest for a total change of scenery.
Places to eat & drink on St. Martin
Sunset Cafe: One of the island’s most coveted waterfront spots, perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking sunsets with effortless glamour. From leisurely breakfasts to elegant dinners, its enduring popularity lies in the seamless blend of refined dining and front-row ocean views.
Coco Beach: Set on the famous shores of Orient Bay, Coco Beach enjoys an idyllic location on a sugary, fine-sand beach, where high-end yet effortless service meets cuisine that is original and unfussy—a thoughtful mix of flavors from around the world.
Java Restaurant & Bar: At Java, cocktails and tapas are savored in a sumptuous, design-forward setting where unforgettable moments unfold against sublime sunsets, great music, and an atmosphere of effortless, feel-good energy
Le Pressoir: Housed in a century-old Creole hut, this celebrated restaurant blends tradition and refinement within a warm, inviting setting, where a seasonal approach to cuisine honors French culinary culture with creativity and passion.
Blue Martini: Rustic wood-crafted tables set the tone for a relaxed yet stylish hangout where a cocktail bar, pool table, and darts invite guests to linger. Whether dining in the garden or sipping carefully crafted cocktails, the atmosphere is friendly and effortlessly pleasurable, complemented by signature burgers and globally inspired tapas.
L’Oursin: Perched above one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, L’Oursin — the gastronomic restaurant of Belmond’s La Samanna—offers a two-Michelin-starred menu inspired by a culinary journey to Martinique. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with selections from the restaurant’s exceptional wine cellar, featuring some of the finest bottles and grands crus.
Laplaj: Effortlessly blends luxury with Caribbean nonchalance, inviting guests to linger over a heavenly seaside lunch or unwind in a deckchair or plush lounge seating. As the day fades, the atmosphere transforms, and dinner unfolds into a truly magical, one-of-a-kind experience.
Need to know
Currency: On the French side, the Euro is standard, while the Dutch side uses the Netherlands’ Antillean Guilder (though USD is widely accepted island-wide).
Best time to visit: December through April offers the best weather—sunny, breezy, and dry—while May–June and November can offer excellent value with fewer crowds.
Hurricane season: Runs June–November, with peak risk in August–October—but travel insurance is highly recommended if visiting during this time.
Getting around: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore both sides of the island—taxis are limited and can be expensive.
Driving: You can cross between the French and Dutch sides freely—no passport checks—but traffic can build quickly, especially in Marigot and Philipsburg.
Tipping: Service is often included on the French side, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated. On the Dutch side, 10–15% is customary.
Language: French and Dutch are official, but English is spoken almost everywhere.
Dining reservations: Top restaurants (especially in Grand Case) book quickly—reserve in advance during high season.
Safety: St. Martin is generally safe for travelers, but like anywhere, avoid isolated areas at night and don’t leave valuables unattended on beaches.
Beach culture: Some beaches on the French side are clothing-optional—particularly Orient Bay—so choose your stretch accordingly.
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