Belmond La Samanna

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Set beside St Maarten’s finest beach lapped by the Caribbean Sea, Belmond La Samanna is the ultimate luxury resort. Constantly ranked among the Caribbean’s top 10 hotel retreats, it is a garden paradise in which to enjoy an al fresco massage or lie in a hammock, lulled by the waves. There’s always a touch of romance in the air. What is there to do in the area or on site? The hotel’s wellness facilities include a spa with eight treatment rooms, a Pilates studio and a fitness centre. Guests can relax in two swimming pools, book a private charter boat and try complimentary non-motorised water sports including snorkelling, as well as motorised water sports such as water-skiing and fly-boarding (additional cost). Belmond La Samanna offers complimentary yoga, Pilates and tennis clinics as well as private sessions. There are three professional tennis courts and an inhouse tennis professional is also on-hand. For an extra indulgence, private beach cabanas can be hired with wrap-around sofa beds, a bottle of wine or champagne, skincare products, a loaded iPod and personal wait staff. What kind of breakfast do you offer? Buffet and à la carte breakfasts are served at Interlude, a casual restaurant offering al fresco dining. Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? For lunch, the Beach Bar offers salads, grilled fish and light bites on a shaded terrace, based on ingredients found at the local market. Trellis is open daily for dinner. Offering the ultimate in island fine dining, this elegant bistro serves traditional French cuisine with a tempting display of local catch and fresh lobster. The ideal venue for special celebrations or speciality group dinners, La Cave offers a unique dining experience in an atmospheric wine cellar. Diners can indulge in the chef's tasting menu complemented by fine wines chosen by the sommelier. For the ultimate couples’ dining experience, guests can book a romantic Caligula Beach Dinner, reclining on a bed set directly on the beach while enjoying champagne and delicious platters (available upon request 24 hours in advance). Guests can unwind pre- or post-dinner at Baie Longue Bar. Which are your most popular room types, and why? Belmond La Samanna’s most popular rooms are one- and two-bedroom suites. Decorated in a luxurious French style with beautiful tropical accents, each offers a light-filled bedroom with king-sized bed, oversized bathroom and separate living room. What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? Belmond La Samanna has teamed up with childcare professionals to offer fun-filled afternoons for children at ‘Camp La Samanna’. Individually screened nannies lead children through a variety of exciting activities such as treasure hunts, water balloon fights and arts and crafts sessions. Additionally, French- and English-speaking nannies can be arranged to look after children aged four – 12. (Both services available at additional cost, upon request at least 24 hours in advance) Several of the hotel’s suites can comfortably accommodate families with one child, while three-bedroom cottages and three- or four-bedroom villas are the ideal size for large families. Villas are designed with safety in mind and offer alarm bracelets for children, which will sound if they get too close to the pool. Child gates are also available upon request. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Belmond La Samanna is a legendary hideaway, providing the perfect setting for guests seeking classic luxury, privacy and exceptional cuisine in an authentic French Caribbean paradise.