The Quintessential Travel Guide To St Martin

At just 37 square miles, St Martin packs a whole lot of beauty into one island. Divided into two distinct sides - the French and the Dutch - and therefore also known as Saint Martin or the island St. Maarten, this idyllic oasis boasts some of the most incredible coastlines in the Caribbean. With temperatures staying around 27°C even in the winter months, it’s the perfect destination for a week of total relaxation.

A melting pot of cultures, St Martin has become a home to over 100 different nationalities. With miles of golden beaches and cerulean shores, it's no wonder that so many have been enchanted by this incredible island. For a real taste of the Caribbean, spend a day in the thriving town of Philipsburg. Lined with traditional beachfront bars and colourful storefronts offering everything from handmade crafts to locally-brewed guava berry liqueur, it offers an incredible introduction to island life. Ready to find out more? Let’s get started with our exclusive St Martin travel guide…

Discover sublime beaches with our St Martin travel guide

We couldn’t have a St Martin travel guide without mentioning the island’s abundance of beautiful beaches. Whether you prefer the peace and quiet of a secluded bay or perhaps enjoy the lively atmosphere of bustling beach resorts, there’s a gorgeous beach for every kind of visitor.

Maho Beach

Nestled on the Dutch side of the island, Maho Beach attracts a slightly more different crowd to the usual sun-seekers and beach bathers. Set across from the Princess Juliana International Airport, many visitors come to watch mighty aircraft land overhead. While it might not be somewhere you’d choose to have a snoozy day in the sunshine, it’s worth a visit if you are passing by.

Simpson Bay

Three miles of white sand, backed by an assortment of lively bars and restaurants - Simpson Bay offers the best of both worlds. Find a quiet, secluded spot for a day of uninterrupted sun-worshipping before heading into the village to grab a tasty bite to eat - accompanied by a cold, refreshing cocktail, of course.

Kim Sha Beach

A haven for watersports fans, the calm shores of Kim Sha Beach are perfect for a day of snorkelling and paddleboarding. If you prefer your activities a little more fast-paced, there’s always the option to hire a private jet ski. The lovely Simpson Bay is just over a mile away - so you can easily fit both of them into one day.

Great Bay Beach & Little Bay Beach

Other lovely beaches include Great Bay Beach and Little Bay Beach, although you’re likely to have to share those - lined with restaurants and hotels, they’re two of the most popular beaches on the island.

Explore the verdant heart of the island

We don’t expect you to ever tire of St Martin’s stunning sea views but if you feel like a change of scenery, the rural heart of the island is filled with emerald forests and picturesque farmland. While it has a more remote feel compared to the bustling coastal towns and resorts, there’s still plenty of attractions and landmarks to discover.

Loterie Farm

Less than a ten-minute drive from the town of Marigot, Loterie Farm is a beautiful nature reserve with more than 135 acres to explore. Scenic hiking trails are aplenty, as well as a choice of treetop adventure courses that let you enjoy the sights from above as you sail through the trees. If you’d prefer to take it easy, there’s the option of booking a VIP cabana beside the farm’s Jungle Pool - a cosy space for up to ten people, with the choice of white or rosé wine to sip while you soak up your peaceful surroundings.

Emilio Wilson Park

A lovely place to enjoy a family picnic under the shade of its trees, Emilio Wilson Park offers over 100 acres of peaceful parkland to explore. It’s not without its historical significance, either - it was once a sugar plantation and one of the first settlements on the island’s Dutch side.

Unique experiences are just around the corner

You’ll soon discover deep forests, coastal lagoons, and white sand beaches as you explore this iridescent island, but there’s also plenty of unique experiences worth making a pit stop for along the way. From rum tasting in Cole Bay to catamaran day sails across the sparkling Caribbean Sea, there are so many ways to savour the best of St Martin.

Pinel Island

Set on the French side of St Martin, the powdery sands of Pinel Island can be reached by a short ferry boat trip - or, if you feel like an adventure - your own paddleboard or kayak. Sheltered from the trade winds, it’s a lovely spot to make the most of the glorious Caribbean sunshine. It’s also part of the French Marine Reserve, so you won’t find many buildings here at all - just two excellent restaurants and a little gift shop.

Tintamarre Island

Want to unwind while still getting to see the island? Luxury catamaran day trips are a great way to discover the charming coastline in complete comfort. You’ll even get the opportunity to dive off and swim with sea turtles in the crystal clear waters of the tiny Tintamarre Island - a truly unforgettable experience. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the schools of dolphins who often pass by this small yet remarkable island.

Where to eat in St Martin

Our St Martin visitor’s guide wouldn’t be complete without some insider knowledge on the best fine dining restaurants on the island. When it comes to dining out, you truly are spoiled for choice. Among French, Dutch and Caribbean cuisine, you’ll also find influences from Italy, Lebanon, Thailand, and Spain - a testament to the diverse range of cultures on the island.

Mario Bistrot

Lauded as one of the finest dining spots in the Caribbean, Mario Bistrot in Cupecoy Bay offers an array of innovative dishes. From pistachio-crusted mahi mahi to grilled lamb chop with plantain mustard, each dish has been carefully curated by the esteemed Chef Mario. It’s traditional French cuisine with a Caribbean and Asian twist - with every dish paired alongside a quality red or white from the restaurant’s carefully selected wine list.

Bacchus

As a delicatessen, wine cellar, and gourmet restaurant - Bacchus certainly knows how to please. Its executive chef, Arnaud Angeli, has carefully curated a menu that takes inspiration from classic French cuisine but with plenty of Caribbean influence. Foie gras ravioli, duck confit, and steak tartare are just a few of the delicious dishes featured on the menu. The restaurant itself has a real bistro-chic feel throughout - perfect for both a date night or family meal.

The island’s finest beach bars

After dining out, why not make the most of your evening with a visit to one of the island’s beach bars? Most have a real low-key, relaxed vibe - but if you’re looking for something a little more special then we’d recommend the Baie Longue Bar and Laplaj on the western coast of St Martin.