ISLAND
WHERE TO STAY IN ST. MARTIN & ST. MAARTEN
St. Martin and St. Maarten share one small island, yet the experience can feel surprisingly different depending on which side you choose for your stay. The French side, St. Martin, is known for its quieter atmosphere, excellent dining, and boutique hotels, while Dutch-side St. Maarten leans more lively, with larger resorts, casinos, nightlife, and easy access from the airport. Understanding those differences is one of the most important parts of planning a trip here, and we help clients navigate the best hotels in St. Martin based on the type of island experience they actually want.
One of the biggest appeals of the island is variety. You can spend the morning at a relaxed French beach café, then head across the border for boating, shopping, or a more energetic beach club scene later in the day. The island is highly explorable, and renting a car is one of the best ways to experience its many beaches, viewpoints, and dining spots at your own pace.
The culinary scene is a major highlight and one of the strongest in the Caribbean, especially around Grand Case, where French influence shapes much of the dining culture. At the same time, the island offers beautiful beaches, excellent boating access, and easy opportunities for island-hopping to nearby destinations like Anguilla or St. Barths.
This is a destination that works particularly well for travelers who like flexibility and variety rather than staying tucked away at one resort the entire trip.
We’ll help you choose the right side of the island, hotel, villa, and overall flow so your trip feels seamless from start to finish.
ST. MARTIN & St. MAARTEN
Luxury Hotels
Take a look at the St. Martin Travel Tips & Insider Insight below, and let us help you design a trip that brings together the best of the island.
BELMOND LA SAMANNA IN ST. MARTIN
VIBE
exclusive, stylish, laid-back luxury
PERFECT FOR
multi-generational families looking for hotels with villas, babymoons & anniversaries, beach walkers
WELLNESS
Unwind in our candlelit Caribbean spa resort, where treatment rooms open out onto lush tropical gardens. Recline for an indulgent Roucou pre-tanning treatment before hitting the sun-drenched beach; relax with a tropical Lomi Lomi massage, or add a little polish to your vacation with a classic French manicure. There’s no better place to relax.
VIBE
classic, chill, escape
PERFECT FOR
best friends, foodie travel, exploring locally
WHY WE LOVE IT
Grand Case Beach Club offers one of the best locations on St. Martin for travelers who want a relaxed beachfront stay within easy reach of the island’s top dining. The atmosphere feels low-key and easygoing, with beautiful views, calm water, and a more residential feel than a traditional resort. Being just minutes from Grand Case makes it especially appealing for travelers who plan much of their trip around the island’s exceptional culinary scene.
WELLNESS
A slower, beach-focused rhythm naturally defines the experience, with calm water, open-air surroundings, and easy access to swimming, paddleboarding, and time spent outdoors. The relaxed atmosphere encourages guests to fully settle into island life at their own pace.
St. Martin & St. Maarten Travel Tips & Insider Insight
St. Martin and St. Maarten may share one island, but the experience changes dramatically depending on which side you stay on.
- The French side, St. Martin, feels quieter and more culinary-focused, while the Dutch side, St. Maarten, tends to be livelier with larger resorts, casinos, and nightlife.
- For a standout meal, Ocean 82 in Grand Case is a longtime favorite, known for its waterfront setting and French-Caribbean cuisine.
- Maho Beach is a must-visit. Watching planes land dramatically overhead has become one of the island’s most iconic experiences.
- Renting a car is highly recommended, as the island is best experienced by exploring different beaches, beach clubs, and towns throughout your stay.
- Grand Case remains one of the Caribbean’s best dining destinations, while Orient Bay offers a more energetic beach scene with restaurants and beach clubs directly on the sand.
- The island pairs beautifully with nearby Anguilla or St. Barths for a multi-island Caribbean itinerary.
We are experts in St. Martin and St. Maarten and will help you decide which side of the island—and which style of hotel or villa—best fits your travel style.
