Matt’s trip to Saint Martin Duration 5 days Saint Martin 2 TravellersPrivate island restaurants, beaches and mountains within ten minutes of one another, French, Dutch, and Caribbean culture... The French and Dutch shared island of St. Martin / Sint Maarten really do have it all. Wonderful for relaxing in the sand or playing in the waves, but also enjoying Paris-level patisseries and world-class food and drink, your trip will take you from the shores of St. Martin's most revered beach to the peaks overlooking the surrounding islands. Here's to 40 years! Saint MartinSt. Martin is a 37 square mile island situated in the Leeward Islands where the northeastern Caribbean Sea meets the western Atlantic Ocean. This tiny island is the smallest landmass in the world to be shared by two nations (France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands), but it does not feel small at all! As a dual-nation island, acceptance is part of the fabric on this tiny island. LGBTQ+ travellers will feel welcome although there is not a “gay scene” so to speak. It’s more just a welcoming and tolerant atmosphere that makes it a great choice. The French side of the island is known for charming bistros and more upscale cuisine than on the Dutch side. St Maarten, being the Dutch side of the island, is known for its lively nightlife scene, cheap alcohol, casinos, and tax-free shopping. The nightlife is big relative to its size. St. Martin’s restaurants, bars, and nightlife are plentiful and there is everything from spinning on the dance floor to spinning the roulette wheel. The local businesses are very gay-welcoming and embrace LGBTQ+ patrons.Accommodation Hotels — Saint Martin Karibuni Boutique Hotel A gem of a boutique hotel run by Manon and her excellent team. Karibuni overlooks the Caribbean sea, and is surrounded by a tropical garden and the famous restaurant located on the unforgettable Pinel Island. The hotel will take you over to the island by private boat or kayak. Access Reservation Nightlife Cocktail Bar - Saint Martin Ocean Lounge @Holland House Enjoy cocktail time right at the bar or the comfortable outdoor seating with a privileged view over the action on the Boardwalk and the beauty of Great Bay. Visit website Live Music - Saint Martin Red Piano Bar Looking for a lively place to grab a few drinks, meet new friends, or dance the night away? The Red Piano is among the most famous bars on St. Maarten, situated in the centre of the Pelican Key. Visit website Mixed Bar - Saint Martin Driftwood Boat Bar One of the small joys of visiting St. Martin is watching the planes land right above your head (literally right above!) This smaller and slightly less touristy place on the other side of the beach is a great spot for a drink and a more relaxed plane spotting experience. Visit websiteNov 3Experiences Major Attractions - Saint Martin Pinel Island This is your private refuge across from Karibuni, a paradise of calm and shallow water alongside Karibuni's famous restaurant and bar. More information Nature - Saint Martin National Nature Reserve of St. Martin Marine protected area preserving the five main ecosystems of the island: coral reefs, mangroves, phanerogam meadows, ponds and coastal dry forest. You can dive from Creole Rock, or meander around by snorkel. Paddling and kayaking are also perfect for navigating the Nature Reserve’s waters and appreciating its landscapes. That’s also a great way to enter the mangroves, where you can observe birds and insects going about their daily activities. Visit website Beach - Saint Martin Orient Bay Orient Bay Beach is a lively and pristine white sand beach with clothing-optional and gay stretches on the south side of the beach. There's a moderate charge to rent umbrellas or beach chairs. You'll find Orient Bay right down the road from Karibuni, and there are plentiful bars and restaurants to take a break from relaxing. Visit website Food & Drink Lunch & Brunch - Saint Martin La Playa La Playa is a resort with a restaurant located directly on Orient Bay Beach, and sits literally on the sand with fantastic views of the ocean. The service at La Playa is some of the best you’ll find on the island, there are some vegetarian options. Visit website Other - Saint Martin Waï Plage Classic beach restaurant with fresh food. They have creative sandwiches (think fried plantains and tzatziki) and salads. This is a great place to rent some chairs directly on the beach and have lunch come straight to you. Visit website Fine Dining - Saint Martin Le Pressoir Le Pressoir, set in a 19th century home typical of St Martin, is a Grand-Case institution, more upmarket than its neighbors and much more charming. Great fish, great wine, and great service are all on the menu. Visit website Nov 4Experiences Beach - Saint Martin Friar's Bay More family-friendly atmosphere than some of the other parts of St. Martin. That's because its crystalline waters have gentle, swimmable waves that are easy to handle. Kali's Beach Bar offers food and drinks if you get hungry. The secluded Happy Bay is a 10-minute jaunt away, and according to many, this tiny stretch alone is worth the trip. Visit website Nature - Saint Martin Pic du Paradis You can drive or take a taxi up Pic du Paradis mountain's 1,492 feet for a heart-stopping view of all of St. Martin/St. Maarten, as well as the surrounding islands of Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius. It is worth the (sweaty) hike for the stunning panoramic views. Visit website Major Attractions - Saint Martin Grand Case Boating, snorkelling, diving…there are endless ways to explore the aquamarine waters of Grand Case. Beloved by tourists and locals for its gourmet cuisine, indulge yourself in a decadent French meal after a long day in the sun. Visit website Adventure - Saint Martin Loterie Farm Visitors can hike, lounge in a pool cabana or even take a zip line through the treetops on the 135 acres of forest and farmland located near the foot of Pic du Paradis. Visit website Pool - Saint Martin Tree Lounge at Loterie Farm In the middle of Palm Tree forest, this very gay-friendly place is perfect for afternoon drinks by the pool. Come rent a cabañita by the pool and stay for the fashion shows, special events, and parties they throw. Visit website Food & Drink Coffee - Saint Martin Chez Fernand la French Bakery Imagine going all the way to the tropics for a fabulous croissant? Well imagine no more: Chez Fernand, from baguettes to brioches to eclairs, will make sure that you are NOT beach-body ready on your trip. Visit website Fine Dining - Saint Martin Bistrot Caraïbes Bistrot Caraibes is a classic Caribbean-French restaurant with great food and a winning atmosphere. This restaurant is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. Visit website Fine Dining - Saint Martin Ocean 82 Located directly on Grand Case beach on the French side of the island. Ocean 82 is a contemporary ocean-view establishment with lovely vistas of Creole Rock and nearby Anguilla. Book a table at sunset to fully enjoy the scenery. Visit website Nov 5Experiences Beach - Saint Martin Dawn Beach This wide white sand beach, close to a mile long, is backdropped by the dramatic green mountains of Dutch St. Maarten. Its rolling waters are some of the best for snorkelling on St. Maarten. Coral reefs, burgeoning with exotic fish, are within an easy swim from shore. Visit website Local Culture - Saint Martin The Boardwalk Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, offers some fun things to see and do, most within view of the gorgeous blue water of Great Bay. Go to the Boardwalk for a slightly upmarket Bourbon St vibe. Swim in the Caribbean sea off Great Bay, lounge around on the beach, and return to the Boardwalk for a cocktail. More information Shopping - Saint Martin Front Street Shopping is great throughout the island thanks to its duty-free status, but the best bargains on jewellery, china, electronics and more are found on Front Street in Philipsburg (found on the Dutch side). Visit website Major Attractions - Saint Martin Fort Willem Lying atop Bel Air hill above the Divi resort, Fort Willem was first built by the English in 1801 and had a commanding view of both Great Bay, Little Bay and Philipsburg. More information Local Culture - Saint Martin Fort Amsterdam One of the Caribbean's oldest citadels, this triangular colonial stone fort was built by the Dutch in 1631 as defense for their colonial outpost and seaport at Sint Maarten. More information Walking Tours - Saint Martin St Maarten History Tour Get to know the twin Dutch and French spirits of the island of St Maarten/St Martin during this 4-hour history tour from Philipsburg. Circumnavigate the island while learning about the natural history, geology, culture and traditions of this unusual place through your guide's engaging commentary Book on Viator Food & Drink Vegetarian - Saint Martin Top Carrot SXM Top Carrot is a health food restaurant and juice bar located just outside of Simpson Bay on the Dutch side of St Maarten. With vegan and vegetarian options, the restaurant has a very eclectic interior and a coffee bar. Visit website Lunch & Brunch - Saint Martin Reveil Matin A great casual and creative lunch spot on the Dutch side of the island, this Quebec and Sint Maarten-based cafe serves creative twists on breakfast classics against a backdrop of Latin music.. Visit website Vegetarian - Saint Martin Freedom Fighter's Ital Shack Located near Philipsburg, everything here is vegan and organic, and always a pleasant surprise. You won’t find a menu, the owners simply make what they have planned for the day, and it's delicious. Visit website Seafood - Saint Martin Ocean Lounge @Holland House Combining fresh ingredients, fine wines, a great chef, and the ocean view. One of St. Maarten's best restaurants, located at Holland House Beach Hotel, serving lobsters, seafood, steaks and a great wine list Visit website Fine Dining - Saint Martin Emilio's Emilio’s is a casual bistro. For lunch, they offer a variety of well-rounded items with known staples and Caribbean flavours. Dinner is more of a fine dining experience with a Caribbean touch. Visit website Nov 6Experiences Beach - Saint Martin Cupecoy Beach Known as the gay beach. The limestone cliffs and natural bays lend themselves to privacy and serves as a great LGBTQ+ hangout. The sunsets here have to be seen to be believed, with dramatic views of Saba in the distance. More information Beach - Saint Martin Mullet Bay Beach Many call calm and quiet Mullet a decent alternative to the noise and sand blasts of Maho Bay, or to the crowds of the French side's Orient Bay. Along with its clear waters, Mullet Bay has soft sand and surfer-ready waves. More information Major Attractions - Saint Martin Maho Beach Maho Beach is world-famous for all the low-flying aeroplanes. People can actually be blown into the water because of the jet blast of larger planes taking off. There is a fun bar, Sunset Bar and Grill, to have drinks while watching the planes come in. More information Local Culture - Saint Martin Fort Louis Stately 18th-century fortress overlooking Marigot Bay with a steep climb to panoramic views. More information Adventure - Saint Martin Sea Trek St Maarten – Walking Underwater It’s a great way for non-divers to experience the underwater world: you will walk past shipwrecks and coral reefs while being surrounded by tropical fish… If you love seeing the underwater world in a safe, fun and easy way, this is for you. Visit website Nature - Saint Martin Eco Tour Full-Day Around the Island of Sint Maarten Cruise around St Maarten with stops at Tintamarre, Creole Rock and Grand Case on this full-day sailing excursion. Explore the lovely natural beauty of Tintamarre, then head to Creole Rock for some of the island's best snorkelling. Go ashore in Grand Case, the St Maarten's culinary capital, for a gourmet lunch including wine. Cruise down the coast after lunch past Marigot Bay and Sunset Beach while enjoying an open bar. Book on Viator Food & Drink Coffee - Saint Martin Cafe Atlantico A French bakery with almost 20 years on the island, Cafe Atlantico is a great place for eat-in or take-out breakfast and lunch, located in the heart of Simpson Bay. Visit website Fine Dining - Saint Martin La Cigale Run by a devoted family operation and called by another Mr Hudson visitor "one of the best places they ever ate", La Cigale's food is edible sculpture. A delicious dream and a special place to end your trip. Visit website Fine Dining - Saint Martin Le Santal The award-winning Le Santal has been earning raves since it opened in 1976. The cuisine is decidedly French, and the views are spectacular. Visit website TransfersThere is currently one ferry route running between St Martin and St Barts operated by this ferry company: Great Bay Express. The Philipsburg to Gustavia ferry crossing operates weekly with a scheduled sailing duration from about 45 minutes. The Anguilla Ferry System (public ferry) offers a daytime service between Marigot (French St. Martin) and Blowing Point in Anguilla. The ferry runs every day in 45-minute intervals.Nov 7Experiences Day Trip - Saint Martin St. Barths St. Barts is known for its luxe vibe and flawless beaches. Popular among the jet set, St. Barts is home to many high-end restaurants, designer stores, and yachts. Visit website Day Trip - Saint Martin Anguilla Tucked away in the Eastern Caribbean lies the inviting, intriguing and truly incomparable Island of Anguilla. Enjoy a full day of sand and sea in Anguilla. Visit website Food & Drink Local Cuisine - Saint Martin Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France Set on the Flamands Bay, widely regarded as the island's finest, the iconic Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France offers a unique culinary journey in the Caribbean. Savor an exquisite locally-inspired French cuisine in one of the two restaurants: La Cabane for a relaxed lunch and La Case for dinner. Visit website Local Cuisine - Saint Martin Santa Fe Situated on a hill high above Gouverneur Beach and with a breathtaking view of the neighbouring islands, Santa Fe is a winner all around. Folks love it for the welcoming, laid back vibe, the consistently flavorful classic French and Creole fare. Visit website Fine Dining - Saint Martin L'Auberge Gourmande Located in the Center of Grand Case, L'Auberge Gourmande welcomes you in one of the oldest typical Creole House on the island. Enjoy dinner and coordinated wines inside, or let yourself be tempted to enjoy the Caribbean breeze on the front terrasse. Visit website Saint Martin Map [wpgmza id="154"] Your trip was designed by Yasmina Rodríguez We hope you have an amazing trip! Please do let us know about your experience, and how we might do better in the futureGet in touch Nov 3 Nov 4 Nov 5 Nov 6 Nov 7
