5 Reasons St. Martin Should Be Your Next Getaway

Before we get started, let’s clear something up. You may have seen our lovely island spelled, ‘Sint Maarten,’ and ‘Saint Martin,’ and you’re wondering which way is correct – the answer is: both! The 37-square-mile island of St. Martin is split into two countries, the French West Indies and the Dutch West Indies. On the beautiful and quaint French side, you will see it written as, ‘Saint Martin.’ On the bustling, vibrant night-life Dutch side, you will see it written as Sint Maarten. Experience two different cultures with two different vibes all in ONE trip!.

1. The Food

If you’re someone who appreciates great food when you travel, St. Martin will not let you down. You’ll find yourself looking forward to each and every meal you eat on the island, especially on the French side - think delicious French food like you’re in Paris, but with a Caribbean influence on all types of cuisines. Eat like a local at the Lolos or check out these beach-front spots in Grand Case (pronounced Grand Coss) below:
- Ocean 82 (3 Michelin Star)
- Rainbow Cafe - breakfast, lunch, tapas, cocktails, and beach chairs for rent
- Barranco
- Coco Beach Restaurant (Orient Bay)
- Maybe add Le Temps des Cerises

2. The Beaches

There is certainly no shortage of beaches in St. Martin/St. Marteen. Whether you’re looking for a beach day party or something relaxing and secluded, take your pick from the island’s 37 beaches, each a bit different than the rest. If you’re someone who likes to experience it all, you can even visit a new beach every day of your trip. The crystal-clear water combined with stunning mountain views will have you wishing you could cancel your flight home. Another unique note about St. Martin is Maho Bay Beach, whose claim to fame is its location at the end of the Princess Juliana Airport runway. It’s not uncommon to be sunbathing in St. Maarten while watching huge international aircrafts fly overhead.

3. The People

The locals on the island of St. Martin are gems! You will feel at home the second you step off the plane. From the cab driver to the boutique owner, to the bartender at the corner bar and your hotel hosts, you will feel like family or old friends, welcomed onto their island time and time again. They are friendly, helpful & want you to love their island just as much as they do. There is a reason it is called the “Friendly Island” after all.

4. Activities

As if sunbathing on your choice of white sand beaches and swimming in the crystal clear Caribbean ocean water wasn’t enough, St. Martin/St. Maarten has loads of adventure for those of all ages and interests.
- Hiking
- Boat rides
- Snorkeling
- Night life (On the Dutch side and the French side)
- Local shopping
- Yoga classes at Hotel L'Esplanade
- Loterie Farm’s swanky beach club
- World’s speediest zip line
- Perfume making classes at Tijon Perfumerie
- And so much more

5. Travel Made Easy

In a time where travel is confusing and even sometimes uncertain, St. Martin makes it easy to start and end your vacation with ease. There are frequent and easy flights from the US and Europe with many airlines including Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and more. Not to mention while you’re there, you can take a ferry to St Bart’s, Anguilla, Saba, Pinel Island, and many other carribean islands! As of May 2021, Covid testing is mandatory before entering and exiting the country. While staying at Le Petit Hotel, guests are scheduled for an in-room nurse visit for a rapid test the day before departure, which made traveling home seamless and stress-free – just like your trip to the “Friendly Island!”