Amongst all the picturesque Caribbean destinations, Saint Martin is a unique gem. This wondrous island is split between two separate countries, the French Saint-Martin and the Dutch Sint Maarten, which have co-existed peacefully since the 1648 Partition Treaty. Interestingly, most travelers arrive on the Dutch side (the cruise port or the international airport), while most of the chief tourist attractions are within the French borders. The best hotels in Saint Martin, Caribbean, are much the same, and range from indulgent beachside resorts to boutique beachfront stays and cozy guesthouses, suiting an array of budgets and tastes. What’s more, they’re spread throughout the island, from the northern Grand Case to the southern Philipsburg.
However, no matter where you end up choosing to stay, you won’t be too far from colorful bars and cafes, and the pristine surf. To that end, here’s a detailed guide to the best stays in St Martin, the “Friendly Island.”
Table of contents
- Coral Beach Club Villas & Marina
- The Morgan Resort Spa & Village
- JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
- Le Martin Boutique Hotel
- Le Temps des Cerises Beach Hotel
- La Playa Orient Bay
- Grand Case Beach Club
- Hotel L’Esplanade
- Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
- The Paradise Peak
- La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Saint Martin?
- What is the best area to stay in St. Martin for first-time visitors?
- What is the best way to get around St. Martin?
- What is the best month to visit Saint Martin?
Coral Beach Club Villas & Marina
11
We begin with the Coral Beach Club Villas & Marina, one of the best kid-friendly vacation spots on Saint Martin. After all, who doesn’t dream of a Caribbean beachfront villa where one could step off their private terrace right onto the sand? And that too, where kids can run from the living room to the terrace to the pool to the beach and back again, and yet always remain in sight? All while you relaxed on a lounge chair? Does it sound like a dream? It’s true!
The beach club’s excellent location on the Dutch/French border meant that we could quickly reach everything to see and do on the island. This non-hotel was actually a set of private rental residences, all with mod-cons such as free Wi-Fi, washer/dryers, and kitchens. We, especially the kids, loved the quirky pool with the sunken gazebo, where we could lounge after a swim. Thanks to the housekeeping service every day and the kitchen, we didn’t have to clean and could whip up meals anytime we wanted. The standout feature, though, was the outdoor shower, which was very useful for washing off sand before we stepped into the villa.
Even though there was no kids’ club, the children had a wonderful time at the pool and the beach out front, where they could go swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, boogie boarding, and more. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and en-suite massages round up the amenities here.
Check Rates on:
The Morgan Resort Spa & Village
10
It’s flashy, it’s modern, and it’s one of the best places to stay on Saint Martin, close to the capital Philipsburg. We’re talking about The Morgan Resort Spa & Village, which occupies an extremely convenient location right next to the airport and close to the cruise port. So, it was perfect for staying after our cruise, and we even got free transfers to the airport at the end of our trip. Did we mention that we were just a two-minute walk from Maho Beach? Yes!
Choose from 122 rooms and suites, all of which boast sleek interiors; think 55-inch flat-screen TVs, floor-to-ceiling windows, and swanky bathrooms with spa-like showers. Additionally, they even had comforts like minifridges as well as huge balconies with a runway and sea views. Nevertheless, all rooms and suites came with room service.
Despite there being no beach, we highly recommend this resort to everyone. That’s because this resort makes up for the lack of a beach in spades with its spectacular infinity pool. The highlight is the gently sloping design that mimics Saint Martin’s beaches, minus the sand, of course. What’s more, they also had rustling palm trees, cool, curved pool chairs under large umbrellas, and chilled pool music in the background. If you want to splurge, there are even private pool cabanas for an extra fee, which have paddle fans, privacy curtains, and lounge-style couches for 12. Did we mention the rooftop observation deck with epic views? Yes!
Check Rates on:
JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
9
Sitting on the serene Dawn Beach is the recently opened JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa. The former Westin property is one of the island’s most luxurious stays, offering excellent service and polished comfort, with the genuinely friendly staff adding to the relaxed, welcoming vibe. Since it sits on the lovely Dutch side of the island, this JW outpost boasts a prime beachfront location right on the soft, lush palm-studded sands and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
We loved the contemporary, calm, spacious, and stylish rooms and suites, which were decked out in sandy neutrals and warm woods. What’s more, they all came with furnished balconies with sea views and deep soaking tubs, making them havens of relaxation. If that wasn’t enough, some deluxe rooms even came with private plunge pools! So, if you’re looking for the comfort and convenience of a chain hotel but with oodles of luxury, then this JW outpost is where you should be.
In terms of amenities, this JW resort leaves no stone unturned in ensuring a luxurious experience. Undoubtedly, the expansive infinity pool was the centerpiece, allowing us to enjoy stunning ocean views and soak up the Caribbean sun. Besides a state-of-the-art fitness center, the hotel also has multiple dining and culinary experiences at its many restaurants and bars. One of the standouts, though, was that we could book many land and sea adventures via the hotel’s concierge, such as snorkeling, ATVs, and jet skiing.
Check Rates on:
Le Martin Boutique Hotel
8
Located in the tranquil Cul-de-Sac neighborhood, the Le Martin Boutique Hotel was just one street down from the waterfront overlooking Pinel Island. With just six rooms and suites, staying here was as intimate and guesthouse-like, rather than a traditional hotel. What’s more, four of them boasted terraces that looked out directly to the sea, with the other two rooms featuring garden views. What’s more, all rooms came with huge glass doors, flooding them with tons of natural light.
“Rooms with patios, the beach just beyond, a fabulous laidback vibe, and excellent amenities – what more could we ask for?
Our mornings here began with huge complimentary breakfast spreads, which included your usual goodies like juice and cappuccinos. However, there were also a bunch of tasty extras, like fancy egg dishes with salmon or avocado, homemade fruit smoothies, and even homemade Nutella for the baked goodies on the menu. When we wanted to explore the area, we’d grab the snorkeling gear or kayaks (both free to use) and swim or paddle out to Pinel Island. We could even take a water taxi from the ferry pier to Pinel Island when we didn’t want to indulge in water sports. When we weren’t at the beach, we’d be at the small but wonderful pool at the hotel, which also had day beds and poolside service.
Check Rates on:
Le Temps des Cerises Beach Hotel
7
Le Temps de Cerises might be a denim brand, but, oddly enough, the Le Temps de Cerises Beach Hotel is one of the most gorgeous and unspoiled boutique lodgings we’ve seen in Saint Martin. Tucked right on the pristine golden-sand beach in Grand Case, this hotel, with its laidback beachside vibe, is something only the French, or rather the French Overseas Collectivity of Saint Martin, can do.
With just eight rooms and suites, all on the beach, staying here felt as intimate as exclusive. What’s more, the white clapboard walls, shabby-chic furnishings, and plank floors felt like they were fancy beach cottages but with a barefoot luxurious feel. Some have lovely views of the golden sand and turquoise sea just feet away from their glass-walled balconies. Sexy open-plan suites with a contemporary nautical theme come with uninterrupted sea views and glass balconies. Glass balconies facing the beach give the impression you’re floating on the water’s edge
If you’re a music-by-the-beach lover, then this place is perfect, as it has a beach club with a hip party scene. What’s more, the hotel’s boutique even carries a full range of beachwear, especially for those who want to shop from here. Thanks to the on-site restaurant and bar, we didn’t have to venture out for food or drinks either. Free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a paid but wonderful breakfast aside, the hotel’s beach, with loungers, umbrellas, and towels, was right out front.
Check Rates on:
La Playa Orient Bay
6
The four-star, contemporary, all-suite, luxury La Playa Orient Bay is a beachside resort sitting on the picture-perfect Orient Bay. We loved the prime location on Orient Beach, but there were a lot more things we loved about this resort.
Firstly, we loved the fresh, bright, and spacious suites, all bathed in Caribbean boho-chic décor. Think blond wood furnishings, high ceilings, vibrant decor, and views of either the gardens or the Caribbean Sea. What’s more, most suites, including ours, had clever hideaway kitchens, with stovetops, fridges, and microwaves. So, we could actually enjoy a fresh cup of coffee right in the comfort of our rooms in the morning, complete with amazing views of the gardens or the Caribbean Sea. What could be better?
Unwinding and relaxing here is a highlight, especially with the beach club, the enormous pool fronting the Caribbean Sea, and the alfresco restaurant. We could be digging into fresh, fancy sushi for lunch and sipping on drinks in the cool beach bar under a tented canopy.
Check Rates on:
Grand Case Beach Club
5
Are you looking for Saint Martin resorts right on the beach? Grand Case Beach Club would be our top pick in that case. It sits on the northern end of Grand Case Beach, fronting two heavenly swimming beaches – a narrow, quiet stretch of Grand Case Beach on one side and the Petite Plage (Little Beach) on the other.
Did we mention that there were tons of complimentary loungers for us everywhere? Yes! That’s not all; the resort also offered a plethora of beach toys, complimentary floating mats, snorkeling gear, and stand-up paddling boards. The best bit? Both beaches were sheltered and calm for swimming. The beaches were serviced by a fantastic, which was the best place for technicolor sunsets and cocktails with views. The dining here is also particularly spectacular. The Sunset Café, with its beachside perch and vibe, makes it a fantastic casual hangout.
We were particularly impressed with the accommodations here, which sat across multiple beachside two- and three-storied red-roofed structures. What’s more, they were all apartment-style suites with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and full kitchens, with most of them even featuring ocean views. Finally, the fresh flowers and welcome bottle of Chardonnay were a nice touch.
Check Rates on:
Hotel L’Esplanade
4
Best beachside hotel. It’s hard to believe that the delightfully unpretentious Hotel L’Esplanade sits just a 5-15 minute walk from Grand Case Beach, depending on which side of the beach we are on. Plus, it was just a short stroll from Restaurant Row. Even then, the standout of this dreamy little spot was the spectacular views it afforded.
Choose from 24 boutique hideaway rooms and suites carved into the lush hillside overlooking Grand Case Bay, making this one of Saint Martin’s most enchanting stays. We loved the boutique interiors and the choice of lofts, rooms, studios, and even a two-bedroom villa, the zenith of the accommodations, with its own infinity pool! The romantic Balinese furnishings, the sleek mod-cons, and the laidback atmosphere, along with the million-dollar sea views, are what made staying here so memorable.
The boutique hotel is more than just about the aesthetics. Not only does it have squash and tennis courts on the property, but it also boasts a tranquil outdoor pool that is nestled amidst bougainvillea-filled gardens. When we wanted to unwind, the small spa and the breezy yoga pavilion were ideal. Other amenities included a poolside bar, beach towels, a fabulous breakfast buffet, and free parking.
Check Rates on:
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
3
Best kid-friendly. If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to stay on Saint Martin, then look no further than the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. It sits on a private peninsula between Little Bay and Great Bay, with fabulous views of Great Bay. Plus, it’s close to all the action, including Philipsburg’s famed nightlife. We loved the choice of rooms and suites, which were decorated in neutral hues and came with all mod-cons. What’s more, kids below the age of 12 years stayed for free, which meant that both our munchkins aged 7 and 10 years old were staying for free here!
However, the real fun here was outside the room, with the resort having enough activities to keep both us parents and the kids entertained for our entire stay. Not only was there a shopping complex on the property, but there was even a fitness center, a spa, and as many as three pools, of which one was a family pool, and two were for us adults. Plus, the hotel would organize a bunch of fun activities for us. For instance, we could go on the locally guided Snorkel & Discovery Tour, where we spent the entire day snorkeling and riding on a speedboat. We even borrowed snorkeling and diving gear and enjoyed swim sessions offshore.
Check Rates on:
The Paradise Peak
2
Best adults-only. Are you okay with dialing down the opulence a notch or two? Do you want to experience Saint Martin in all its barefoot, threadbare glory? Then consider heading to The Paradise Peak, which features a bunch of cozy cottages tucked into the high rainforests of the island. Did we mention that it’s adults-only? Yes!
The standout here is the unrivaled views of the surrounding landscape. We might not have been by the beach, but we could easily admire the ocean from the serenity of our heated swimming pool. What’s more, the adults-only boutique hotel is even LGBTQ-friendly and is one of the best gay-friendly hotels on Saint Martin. In fact, it’s even clothing-optional, so you can expect tons of fun and steamy skin show! Despite being very simple, the resort did have a bunch of amenities, including a hot tub, a snack bar, and a restaurant, which served all meals, including breakfast.
The rooms and suites took our breath away, as they looked like they were straight out of a boutique heritage hotel. Besides the spacious private bathrooms with double vanities, they all came with potted plants and greenery, plush beds, flatscreen TVs, and terrific views.
Check Rates on:
La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel
1
Most luxurious. Sitting at the top of the list is La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, which had us going ooh la la! Saint Martin has no shortage of luxury stays, and La Samanna is at the top of that list, too. This undisputed hotspot of well-heeled jetsetters hugs the cliffside, sitting above its own private beach! With stand-alone suites, a fantastic F&B program, including the island’s oldest wine cellar, this luxury hotel is where you should be if you want to splurge while staying on the island.
Scaling new heights of hotel sophistication, this five-star hotel in St. Martin has a long and eminent guest roster: think the likes of Kevin Kline, Salma Hayek, and Oprah Winfrey, among others. We had the choice of just 83 rooms and suites, which were a collection of whitewashed two-storied cottages, complete with terracotta tiled roofs, arches, and shutters. What’s more, they’re named after flowers and feature soothing coral and blue hues, travertine floors, and a touch of glamor. Did we mention that some suites even have private pools? In fact, the four-bedroom villas have private infinity pools!
There are tons of ways to stay active on the property, as there are three tennis courts, a yoga center, and even a fitness center. Moreover, we could even unwind and relax was the infinity pool, where we’d enjoy lounging on the daybeds after a swim. Our favorite place, though, was the Baie Lounge golden sand beach out front, which is one of the island’s finest beaches. A 15,000-bottle wine cellar and three amazing restaurants and bars rounded up the amenities here. That’s why it’s one of the best hotels on Saint Martin island.
Check Rates on:
Our Verdict!
Staying on Saint Martin is a unique Caribbean experience. Here’s a specialized list that will certainly help you decide where to stay.
- Most luxurious: La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel
- Best adults-only: The Paradise Peak
- Best kid-friendly: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
- Best beachside hotel: Hotel L’Esplanade
Where to Stay in Saint Martin?
Even as an island, Saint Martin is quite compact and easy to explore. Even then, choosing a specific neighborhood to stay in is always a great idea. We begin with Simpson Bay, home to the Princess Juliana International Airport and one of the island’s liveliest areas. Think a marina full of boats, charters, and yachts, buzzing restaurants, and a long, sandy beach. Next, there’s Maho, which sits just next to Simpson Bay and also overlooks the Simpson Bay lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. What’s more, it’s all about clubs, casinos, and the wonderful Maho Beach.
The family-friendly Dawn Beach on the eastern coast boasts clear waters and snorkeling right off the shoreline. Of course, who can forget the busy Dutch capital city of Philipsburg in the south? It’s all about the lively boardwalk, historic sites, and duty-free shopping. We absolutely loved Orient Bay, aptly nicknamed the “St-Tropez of the Caribbean” and one of the best things to do in Saint Martin. This stylish and social neighborhood is all about water sports, beach clubs, and beach bars. Are you a foodie? You’ve got to stay at the French Village of Grand Case, St. Martin’s foodie capital and home to world-class restaurants and beachfront stays. Finally, there’s Sandy Ground/Marigot, the culturally rich French capital, and ideal for seeing Saint Martin’s local life.
What is the best area to stay in St. Martin for first-time visitors?
If you’re visiting St. Martin for the first time, Orient Bay and Grand Case are the best areas to stay. They offer the best combination of restaurants and bars, beautiful beaches, and walkable access to everything, including the sights and the beaches.
What is the best way to get around St. Martin?
Renting a car is the best way to get around on your Saint Martin vacation.
What is the best month to visit Saint Martin?
Saint Martin has two seasons, and the dry season between December and April is undoubtedly the most pleasant to visit. However, this is also the peak season for tourists, but the plus side is that there’s hardly any rain, and the sunshine is almost constant during this period.
