A Real Insider's Guide to St. Martin

• 

  Featured Villa
  La Vie en Bleu
  St. Martin
  2 bedroom
  $1,172 / night
• 

  Featured Villa
  Mango
  St. Martin
  3 bedroom 3 bath
  $643–$1,143 / night

• 

  Honeymoon & Romantic
  Lune de Miel
  St. Martin
  2 bedroom 2 bath
  $500–$543 / night

Over and over, travelers of all kinds are choosing St. Martin as their favorite getaway spot in the Caribbean; and we know it's more than the warm weather and palm trees that keep people coming back for more. That's why we called our St. Martin expert, Janet - to shed light on this island's fame and to share its secrets exclusively with you. Having visited over 12 times, Janet had no trouble explaining why she, too, has dubbed St. Martin 'the best island in the Caribbean'. Check out her inside scoop on the island's best restaurants, beaches, activities and villas below…

where to dine?

1. La Cigale, Nettle Bay

This family-owned, beach-side restaurant boasts superb Creole cuisine with a creative French flare and is, by far, one of the best places to have dinner on the island. Be sure to ask for the owner, Olivier, for top service.

• Location:  Lagoon Beach on Nettle Bay
• Favorite dish: Sea bass filet stuffed with herbs
• Tip: Call ahead to request private candlelit dinner on the beach
• Atmosphere: Open air, small & cozy (fits approx. 20 tables), perfect spot for families or couples
• Cost: Fairly expensive ($85-$100/person including drinks)

2. Rare, Cupecoy

 This chic and retro restaurant is, bar none, the best steak and chop house in the Caribbean. All credit goes towards its award-winning chef, Dino, who imports fresh beef daily and cooks it to sizzling perfection. The wine list is also outstanding.

• Location:  Cupecoy's Gourmet Village at Atlantis World Casino
• Favorite dish: The “Cowgirl Rib Eye” (but every cut of meat is mouthwatering)
• Tip: Make a night of it and gamble at the Atlantis casino after dinner
• Atmosphere: Cleverly designed with modern and futuristic style, romantically edgy
• Cost: Fairly expensive ($85-$100/person including drinks)

3. Temptation, Cupecoy

 This innovative gem is just as exciting as its sister restaurant, Rare. Chef Dino brilliantly pairs unique and bold flavors to create unusually delectable dishes. Plus, the fun and extensive martini list is sure to spice up any meal.

• Location:  Cupecoy's Gourmet Village at Atlantis World Casino
• Favorite dish: Fois gras “PB&J” (roasted peanut sauce and port fig jelly over seared fish) & french onion soup
• Tip: Find Chef Dino’s mother, Asha, who will graciously welcome you as if it were her own home
• Atmosphere: Comfortably classy, attentive and friendly service, live music
• Cost: Fairly expensive ($85-$100/person including drinks)

4. Layla’s Beach Bar & Pub, Nettle Bay

From seafood to burgers to the best daiquiris on the island, Layla’s is the best spot to grab a quiet and casual beachfront lunch under the shade of a palm tree.  

• Location:  Terres Basses, Nettle Bay
• Favorite Dish: Burger with fries
• Tip: Visit for dinner on a Saturday evening and stay for a fun and casual beach party with live entertainment
• Atmosphere: A bit hidden from the main road, peaceful & relaxing, casual yet romantic
• Cost: Wide Range, Moderately priced ($20-40/person including drinks)

See more St. Martin restaurants >

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where to sun?

1. Long Bay Beach

Perfect spot if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful day on the beach. The calm turquoise waters make for excellent swimming. Its untouched beauty runs for miles so it’s perfect for sunset strolls. Plus it’s a pet friendly beach! 

• Tip: Bring a chair or towel as well as snacks and a lunch, as this beach offers no such services

2. Orient Bay Beach

This soft-sand, easy access beach is not only gorgeous, but also action packed, making it the perfect day trip for a family. Enjoy any and every water sport imaginable plus extra perks such as chaise lounges, chairs, massages, dining, bars, ice cream & more. So fun!

• Tip: Look for a big trampoline in the water. It’s perfect for kids and costs just $5-$10 per day to use

See more St. Martin beaches >

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where to play?

1. Loterie Farm

Best spot on the island for a fun day trip for the entire family. Zip lining is available for all ages (beginner and expert zip lines) and the newly built extra-large swimming pool is perfectly refreshing after you fly through the skies. You can also enjoy a deliciously organic lunch at their café.

• Tip: Calling all young adults, check out the farm’s open air tree house for drinks, tapas and great live music on weekends

2. Captain Alan’s Snorkeling Adventure

Enjoy the best snorkeling on the island and have fun while you do it! Half or full day trips are available and you’ll be chartered to the best sites for approximately $35/person.

• Tip: Definitely participate in the optional, natural mud bath adventure for fun you’ll never forget

See more St. Martin fun >

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where to stay?

1. Nid d’Amour

This romantic, 2-bedroom love nest is secretly nestled on a gorgeous hillside and boasts breathtaking views of Bay Rouge Beach. It's the perfect spot for couples to get away and spend quality time with one another in paradise.

See more of Nid d'Amour >

 2. Petite Plage 5

This contemporary, 5-6 bedroom beachfront estate makes for the ultimate getaway for a large family or group of friends. Located within walking distance of fun shops & 40+ restaurants in Grand Case, visitors of this villa will never go  hungry or bored.

See more of Petite Plage 5 >

want more?

We hope this journal as been helpful to you as you plan your next getaway to St. Martin! Still have unanswered questions? Call any time and ask for Janet. She'd be happy to provide even more information and detail.

browse our St. Martin villas >

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