La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel: The Ultimate Luxury Escape in St. Martin

Perched above Baie Longue on the French side of St. Martin, La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, has long been considered the island’s most luxurious retreat. First opened in the 1970s, the property takes its name from a blend of the founders’ daughters’ names—Samantha, Anouk, and Nathalie—combined with the French “La.” Today, after several thoughtful renovations, the hotel blends Mediterranean-inspired architecture with Caribbean ease, creating an atmosphere that feels both refined and relaxed.

Baie Longue, the beach directly in front of La Samanna, is often considered one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the entire Caribbean. The mile-long curve of powdery white sand meets clear turquoise water that shifts shades throughout the day, creating a backdrop that feels almost unreal. At one end of the cove, boats often drop anchor so guests can snorkel in the calm shallows, while the other side opens to uninterrupted views of the horizon, perfect for sunset walks. From above, when you fly into St. Martin, the resort itself is visible perched on the bluff, its whitewashed buildings a striking contrast against the vivid blue of the sea. Despite its sense of seclusion, the resort is only a 15-minute drive from Princess Juliana International Airport and just a short distance from Marigot, the French capital of St. Martin.

The resort spans 55 acres of tropical gardens and is home to 83 rooms and suites, and eight private villas, many with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. The rooms are housed in whitewashed buildings named after flowers, which adds a sense of romance and charm as you wander the grounds. Villas ranging from three to four bedrooms feature private pools, expansive terraces, and full kitchens, offering privacy and space for families or groups. Interiors throughout the property reflect a fresh, elegant design with coastal notes of pastel tones and local artwork that nods to both French sophistication and island culture.

Dining is a highlight at La Samanna, where cuisine leans into both French and Caribbean influences. L’Oursin, the resort’s signature restaurant, serves refined dishes that celebrate fresh seafood and French culinary tradition, while Corail offers a breezy beachfront setting for light lunches, fresh ceviche, and sunset cocktails with toes in the sand. Breakfast on the terrace is a beloved ritual, with guests lingering over platters of tropical fruit, warm pastries, and made-to-order specialties while gazing out at the turquoise sea. For something truly memorable, private dinners can be arranged directly on the beach under the stars, and the atmospheric La Cave wine cellar hosts candlelit tastings and intimate dinners surrounded by more than 15,000 bottles. At La Samanna, you can order a perfectly chilled drink or a fresh, light lunch while lounging on your beach chair, with attentive service ensuring every detail is taken care of so you never have to leave the turquoise edge of Baie Longue.

Wellness and recreation are seamlessly woven into the resort experience. The spa sits on a hillside surrounded by lush gardens and features open-air treatment rooms and private zen spaces, while the fitness center provides everything from cardio equipment to personal training, yoga, and Pilates. Tennis enthusiasts can take advantage of two courts on property, with lessons available from resident pros. Guests also enjoy curated experiences such as sunset sailing excursions, rum and chocolate tasting, private picnics on nearby coves, and chef-led cooking classes that introduce the flavors of the Caribbean.

The crown jewel of La Samanna remains Baie Longue, the mile-long stretch of powdery white sand that feels blissfully private, with calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming or simply relaxing under a sunshade. La Samanna continues to set the standard for luxury in St. Martin by balancing understated elegance with warm Caribbean hospitality. It is a destination where couples savor romantic dinners by the beach, families gather in spacious villas, and travelers in search of serenity find a corner of the Caribbean that embodies Belmond’s signature blend of sophistication and ease. Don't sleep on this dreamy stay for your next luxury vacation, minimoon, babymoon, honeymoon, or just-because trip!

La Samanna is a true luxury escape, set on the French side of St. Martin just 25 minutes from Princess Juliana International Airport. The resort offers spacious rooms, suites, and private villas named after flowers, all overlooking the island’s most exclusive beach, Baie Longue. Guests can expect Belmond’s signature hospitality, from beachfront dining and a world-class wine cellar to a serene spa, tennis with professional instructors, and seamless service that makes relaxation effortless. One thing to note is that its serene location also means it is removed from the island’s busier dining and nightlife scenes, so guests looking for lively evenings or dinner off property may need to plan for taxis or rental cars. This will be about a 30-minute drive to Grand Case (where the best French restaurants are on the island).

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