Curator’s statement
St. Martin holds a really special place in my heart — it's where my parents honeymooned 40 years ago, and ever since, it’s been a kind of magical destination for our family. There’s just something about the island that sticks with you. Maybe it’s the way the beaches seem to glow at sunset, or how the turquoise water never stops being breathtaking no matter how many times you’ve seen it. The vibe is relaxed but live, and every visit feels like a mix of nostalgia and new adventure. It’s not just a beautiful island — it’s a place that feels like home.
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Things to do on St. Martin
Relax on Mullet Bay Beach: Hands down one of my favorite beaches on the island — soft white sand, clear turquoise water and the perfect mix of chill vibes and a little local flavor, don’t miss the beachside BBQ shacks. Rosies’s Snack Bar is a must-try!
Watch the planes land at Maho Beach: It never gets old! Standing just feet away from massive planes as they land is such a wild, only-on-St.-Martin experience. It’s a must, even if you’ve seen it before. I would recommend stopping here after you land to grab a drink at a nearby restaurant like Sunset Bar and Grille!
Take a day trip to Pinel Island: Hop on a short boat ride and spend the day on this dreamy little island. The water is shallow and calm — perfect for floating, snorkeling and sipping drinks from a beachfront lounger. Some catamaran boat excursions even make a stop here!
Explore Grand Case for a foodie night out: This little town is the culinary capital of the island. From fine dining to lolos (local food stands), the food is incredible. Fresh seafood, French-Caribbean flavors and beachfront tables? Yes, please.
Visit Marigot Market : I love strolling through this colorful local market — it’s the perfect spot to pick up spices, handmade crafts and souvenirs. Plus, there’s always a little live music and island energy in the air. Open daily (except Sunday) from 8 am to 1 pm, so get there early for the best finds and freshest goods.
Bonus tip: Don’t miss the lively fish auctions on Wednesdays and Saturdays — it's a fun (and delicious) peek into local life.
Take a Catamaran Tour with Boomerang Boat Charters: One of the absolute highlights of my trip was spending the day out on the water with Boomerang Boat Charters. The crew was fantastic — super friendly, fun, and they really went above and beyond. Instead of the usual pre-mixed rum punch, they served up hand-shaken cocktails (yes, actual cocktails on a boat!). For lunch, they brought out this amazing fresh pasta salad with grilled shrimp and chicken — so tasty and way better than I expected on a catamaran. It was just an all-around unforgettable day, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Zip Through the Sky at Rainforest Adventures: If you’re up for a little thrill, Rainforest Adventures in St. Maarten is where it’s at. It’s home to the Flying Dutchman, and let me tell you, it’s a ride! You take a peaceful chairlift up the mountain with amazing views, and then zip all the way down at full speed. It’s such a fun way to mix a little adventure into your island time, and the views from the top are unreal.
Sunset drinks at Rainbow Café: I could sit here for hours on their relaxing lounge beds. The view is beautiful, the music is laid-back and the cocktails are to die for. It’s the perfect way to end a beach day or start a Sunday Funday.
Island hopping to Anguilla or St. Barts: One of the best parts of St. Martin is how easy it is to explore nearby islands. A quick ferry ride gets you to Anguilla or St. Barts for the day, each island giving off its own unique charm and vibe.
Places to eat & drink on St. Martin
Breakfast spots in St. Martin
La Sucrière (Marigot): A charming French bakery right on the water — perfect for buttery croissants, strong coffee and fresh juices. Sit on the patio and start your day slow and sweet.
Good Morning Café (Orient Bay): This adorable little café is a hidden gem just steps from the beach. They serve up delicious breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and really good coffee. It’s casual, friendly and the perfect spot to fuel up before a beach day on Orient.
Juliette’s Bistro (Cupecoy): A relaxed, open-air spot with a French-Caribbean twist. Their crepes and cappuccinos are fantastic — and the breakfast platters are perfect before a beach day.
Cocktails & sunset vibes
Rainbow Café (Grand Case): The ultimate sunset spot. Sit back with a signature cocktail or glass of rosé and enjoy the music, the ocean breeze and the laid-back vibe. A favorite for both lunch and aperitivo hour!
Orange Fever (Orient Beach): One of my absolute favorite spots on the island. They offer $5 lounge chairs, and the service is unbeatable — you can get delicious (and affordable!) drinks delivered right to your chair in actual glassware. It’s the perfect mix of chill beach vibes and great service. Spend the whole afternoon here — you won’t regret it.
Sunset Bar & Grill (Maho Beach): Yes, it’s touristy — but it’s a must at least once. Watching the planes land while sipping a frozen cocktail is a true St. Martin experience. Great for that classic photo op, too.
Dinner picks in St. Martin
La Villa (Grand Case): Elegant yet welcoming, with fantastic French cuisine and impeccable service. The escargot and seafood dishes are amazing, perfect for a romantic dinner or special night out.
Le Cottage (Grand Case): A cozy spot offering an incredible French-Caribbean fusion menu. Their tasting menus and wine pairings are spot on, and the atmosphere is intimate and romantic.
Spiga (Grand Case): This is your gourmet Italian spot with fresh pasta, homemade sauces and an amazing wine list. It’s a little hard to find being just off the main street, but absolutely worth finding.
L'Atelier (Orient Bay): This spot on Orient Bay quickly became one of my favorites. L’Atelier serves up top-quality meats and fresh seafood with a refined yet relaxed vibe. The presentation is beautiful, the flavors are bold and the service is fantastic. Whether you're craving a juicy steak or something straight from the sea, this place is on point!
Need to know
Rent a car — trust me! St. Martin is super easy to explore, but having a car makes a huge difference. Taxis can get pricey, and with so many beautiful beaches, beach bars and restaurants spread out across the island, it’s totally worth it to have the freedom to roam at your own pace.
Don’t skip the French side: It’s easy to get caught up in the Dutch side’s energy, but the French side has this relaxed, chill vibe. Think gorgeous bakeries, stylish beach clubs and boutique shopping in Marigot and Grand Case.
Bring cash: Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the island, however it’s always a good idea to carry small bills for tips, markets and local food spots — especially on the French side.
Pack light, beachy and breezy: You’ll live in swimsuits, cover-ups and sandals. Bring a light sweater or shawl for breezy evenings (especially if you're taking a sunset cruise).
Travel Advisor
Brittany Wallace
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