Given the island’s mix of glamorous five star resorts, polished beach hotels and intimate boutique stays, choosing a favourite is not easy. But after weighing up the options, there are two that stand out for us above the rest. Belmond La Samanna is our clear number one pick: a luxurious five star resort overlooking the white sands of Baie Longue, with beautiful suites and villas, excellent dining and an impressive spa. For something smaller and more intimate, L'Esplanade is our favourite boutique hotel, with just 24 stylish suites, lofts and studios, sea facing balconies and a wonderfully relaxed feel. Between them, they showcase two of Saint Martin’s best sides: Belmond La Samanna for polished Caribbean luxury and L'Esplanade for laid-back, romantic island charm.
A tiny Caribbean destination famed for its splendid beaches and culinary delights, French Saint Martin covers the northern part of the island of St Martin. Slightly smaller Dutch Sint Maarten, just across the border, has the international airport, excellent shopping and lively nightlife encouraged by the cruise ship crowds. Over on the French side, you’ll find lush natural wonders, secluded coves and trendy eateries specialising in Creole and French fusion flavours. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, with everything from cosy guesthouses to indulgent resorts, fit for an array of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Saint Martin are clustered around the island’s northern tip, at bustling Baie Orientale or hip Grand Case.
Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Saint Martin.
Some of our Saint Martin Collections:
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Saint Martin
A hotel for the budget minded traveller who appreciates contemporary style and being close to the beach. Large bright rooms, some more romantic than others decked out in light woods and all white bedding. Lovely sun deck and a short walk from the great beach below.
Saint Martin
An excellent four star hotel suited to families, foodies, and beach goers alike. Charming rooms, suites, and two-bedrooms villas, all with their own kitchens. Swimming pool, romantic poolside terrace, and plenty of restaurants to choose from on the beachfront or directly on the beach.
Saint Martin (Grand-Case)
A dreamy little spot and a hidden gem with boutique interiors and varying accommodation. Rooms, lofts, and a two-bedroom villa (with its own infinity pool) with romantic furnishings, a laid back atmosphere, and sea views. Tennis and squash courts on site. Delightfully unpretentious.
Saint Martin (Orient Bay)
Boutique guesthouse with chic decor, an intimate feel and small sundeck pools just a stroll from the beach. Romantic individually designed rooms blend French and tropical touches. Known for its upmarket French restaurant and wine cellar, this is the place for eating, drinking and sleeping in style.
Saint Martin (Orient Bay)
Deluxe sea-facing suites located directly on Orient Bay's stunning white sand beach. Spacious and contemporary rooms with colourful decor all come with balconies and kitchenettes. Orient is home to restaurants, bars and beach clubs meaning you can simply relax or party all day. A fly'n'flop break.
Saint Martin
A beachside hotel for those who appreciate a bit of boutique chic. Luxurious rooms, suites, and spacious condos, all with kitchens, white washed walls, and romantic furnishings. Large central pool, fine dining French restaurant, beach restaurant and direct access to the beach.
Saint Martin
Intimate boutique hotel located on Grand Case Beach. Sexy open-plan suites with a contemporary nautical theme come with uninterrupted sea views and glass balconies. Walk to nearby eateries or dine on-site in the happening restaurant with beach bar vibes. A fab tropical base for couples.
Saint Martin
Contemporary all-suite beach resort on picture-perfect Orient Bay. Spacious suites with a fresh feel, high ceilings, blonde wood furnishings & colourful decor feature garden & Caribbean Sea views. Rotate between the al fresco restaurant, enormous pool & beach club. A classic choice for beach breaks.
Saint Martin
An upmarket boutique hotel set across a main house and pool villas. Tropical modernist decor with lush surroundings manages to be both cool and cosy. All rooms have terraces with epic sea views while having to kayak to the restaurant & beach club on a nearby island is a quirky touch. A chic stay.
Saint Martin
A contemporary chic set up with all the mod cons makes for an ideal base for a family beach holiday. Rooms and two bedroom suites all in white have DVD players, iPod docking stations, kitchens, and living areas. A short walk out of the hotel onto the beach. Ideally located for beach life.
Saint Martin
The piece de resistance on the French side of St Martin. Luxury for the scrupulous traveller, the honeymooner, a family, or friends. Uber chic rooms, suites, and 3/4 bedroom villas, have all white walls, marble bathrooms and all the mod cons. Three fantastic restaurants, spa, and private beach.
