CHIC RETREATS: ST. MAARTEN
CHIC RETREATS: ST. MAARTEN
Picture this: Hot sand between your toes, you lick your lips and can still taste the remnants of salt water from the sea. The sun hugging all your curves as you sway in a hammock drinking an iced cocktail so chilling you get goosebumps down your neck. You close your eyes to hear nothing but the roaring of the waves and everything else just fades away. All the chaos with work, family, etc. suddenly seems minuscule and you find yourself wondering why everyday can’t be this simplistically perfect.
This is a normal day on the island of beautiful St. Maarten. One of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Here’s a quick geographical recap for you: Sint Maarten (St. Maarten) is the Southern Dutch side, part of the kingdom of the Netherlands. Saint Martin is a French overseas collectivity on the Northern side. The island is quite small, so travel between each side is rather quick and easy and you can really feel the Dutch and French influence in the cuisine and the inhabits.
In 2017, the island was hit by the most severe Atlantic hurricane ever recorded and they are reminded of it’s aftermath still to this day. The island is making a strong comeback and it just goes to show that even a hurricane can’t tarnish the beauty that exists within St. Maarten.
I have been three times with my boyfriend since his family owns a condominium on the Dutch side (even though they are French, ha go figure) and they go throughout the year as well as for the holidays. They have a great selection of hotels to choose from on the island such as EL Zafiro, The Holland House Beach Hotel, The Atrium Beach Resort & Spa and The Belair. Some great Villa options are Baie Lounge Beach House and Acadia. Although, by far the best resort I have seen is La Samanna. A friend of ours was staying there so we visited for a fun beach day which conveniently had wait service on the beach. The area of the beach we were on was a bit rocky however, but none the less, it is truly a breathtaking resort. It’s right on the water with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean as well as other pools throughout the grounds. I passed by a gorgeous spa that I wish I could have indulged in. We also had a quick lunch there that turned out to be some of the best food I had on our whole trip. I highly recommend checking it out.
*All images below are clickable to explore
Belmond La Samanna
Like the majority of my tropical vacations, the agenda consisted mostly of relaxing by the beach/pool and going out to eat at night. My boyfriend’s family condo is footsteps from the ocean and has a pool on the grounds so it was extremely convenient. The beaches have white sand, clear warm waters and aren’t overly populated which is amazing. Some of my favorite beaches, restaurants and activities on the island are listed below:
BEACHES
EL Zafiro St. Maarten
The best waters by far! So clear and clean. They have wait service on the beach with quick and tasty food. It’s never too crowded unless they have their seasonal parties with a DJ that plays all the hits. Perfect for relaxing and just laying out all day comfortably. We went here almost every day.
Kakao Beach Restaurant & Bar
It’s about 45 minutes into the French side. The restaurant/grounds here are visually stunning! There are so many unique design spaces and it’s extremely Instagram worthy. The menu had a myriad of options and all were extremely delicious. It’s alongside a bunch of other beach front locations so it’s very lively with many water sports available as well as a beach front massage hut that I had to partake in of course. The beach was not as clean, with a lot more seaweed but with all the other perks it’s definitely worth it.
Cuisine
Altro
A French/European restaurant located within the Purto Cupecoy marina on the Dutch side. It is surrounded by vast culinary, shopping and yachting options. The food is exceptional and reasonably priced! For example, they have a pre-fixed 3 course dinner option only for $26! It’s high end cuisine for a fraction of the price. We love it so much we spent our New Years here and had a great time!
Le Moulin Fou
A French restaurant that offers all the traditional delicacies, making you feel like you are transported to Paris. You have to try all the below if you go!
- Snails backed in garlic and parsley butter
- Frog Legs
- Duck Foie Gras Terrine (Cold)
- Escalope of Pan Fried Foie Gras
- The Whole Dover Sole
L'Auberge Gourmande
Fine French cuisine in the most romantic, intimate setting out of all the restaurants by far. Nestled in one of the oldest Creole houses on the island with an exposed wine cellar. Very similar to Le Moulin Fou’s course options, but by far my favorite restaurant on the island. You can really feel the history, the culture and the exclusivity here. This would be your fancy night out option for sure.
NIGHT LIFE
Lotus Nightclub
The island’s #1 dance and nightclub with live DJ. It’s located on the strip around the lagoon drawbridge, surrounded by tons of bars and restaurants so it’s extremely lively with easy access for bar hopping and bouncing around from place to place.
Click on the below photos to shop:
Unfortunately, the chunky suede sandals I wore are out of stock, but these shoes are a very similar look alike.
Unfortunately, the beaded bikini I wore is out of stock, but this bikini is breathtaking! Its very pricy but for all that bling it’s hard to say no!
Unfortunately the black and red bikini I wore is no longer available. Here is a similar option.
Unfortunately, the gold shoes I wore are out of stock but these shoes are a very similar look alike.
Unfortunately, the nude heels I wore are out of stock but these shoes are a very similar look alike.
