The smallest sea island in the world to be divided between two nations, gorgeous St Martin sits south of Anguilla, and is a brilliant beach destination, as well as a fun choice for foodies and history buffs. The southern part of the island, Sint Maarten, is Dutch, and known for its top-notch shopping and lively cruise ship crowds. French Saint Martin, to the north, is more tranquil, chic and food-focused. There are fabulous accommodation options on both sides of the border, ranging from simple guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Many of the best places to stay in St Martin are perched on its spectacular white sands, but some of our favourite hideaways sit inland, tucked amidst leafy gardens.
Sint Maarten’s capital, Philipsburg, is well worth a wander and boasts some intriguing colonial-era architecture. Buzzing Simpson’s Bay, on the other hand, offers excellent shopping, clubs and casinos, as well as marinas for smaller vessels. Some of the best eateries on the island are in Marigot, the French capital, and in trendy Grand Case. Expect a wonderful fusion of European, African and Creole dishes featuring fresh local produce — dining in St Martin is a real treat!
For hiking and outdoorsy adventuring, try Loterie Farm, the scenic surroundings of 400-year-old Fort Amsterdam, the Parrotte Ville Bird Sanctuary and Pinel Island. There’s sailing, wind-surfing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving to try, too. St Martin’s glorious beaches encircle much of the island — spend your days beach-hopping, sunbathing, sandcastle-building and striving to pick your favourite stretch of sand.
Whether you choose to unwind on the northern beaches or party the night away in the south, the best places to stay in St Martin promise an ideal base to rest and recharge in a very special corner of the Caribbean.
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St 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.
St Martin (117, Simpson Bay)
A very good beach option for those who enjoy sophisticated interiors. Rooms and suites feature four poster beds, colourful walls, and patios facing the sea. Swimming pool, excellent restaurant & small spa. Direct access to the beach. Ideal for couples and families. Superb value for money.
St Martin
A small unpretentious collection of apartments directly on the beach. Each unit has its own kitchen, living area, and you can walk directly out of your door onto the beach. No eating options available, but ideal for a couple or family who want to do their own thing. Excellent value.
St 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.
St Martin
A cheerful and historical guesthouse directly on the beachfront makes an ideal spot for a family, groups of friends, or those on a budget. A range of rooms, suites, and a penthouse (3 bedrooms) have kitchens, balconies, and panoramic views. Steak and seafood restaurant and fishing trips.
St 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.
St Martin
Plenty of Caribbean character and luxurious living on a lively beach resort. Chic rooms, suites, and penthouses have fully equipped kitchens, BBQs and balconies. Swimming pools in tropical settings, ocean vistas, spa and beauty centre, restaurant, and laid back romance.
St Martin (Phillipsburg)
A large and attractive beach hotel with all the amenities on a pretty peninsula; ideal for families and beach goers. Contemporary chic rooms, suites, and family rooms in creams and pastels, three pools (one for kids), three restaurants, a spa, and easy access to the beach.
St Martin
A good value beach resort for those on a budget. A collection of studio and two-room apartments have kitchens, balconies, and sea views. A short walk directly onto the beach or to the large swimming pool. Close to all the restaurants and activities around. An ideal base for families or couples.
St Martin
A lively spot with great amenities and stunning views over the bay below. Contemporary chic rooms have all the mod cons and in-room massages. Large wine cellar, pool, bar and restaurant, and easy walking distance to the town's main attractions. A good choice for a family.
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.
Sint Maarten
Modern adult-only all-inclusive property set within a larger luxury beachfront resort. Designed for spoiling vacations, enjoy sea-facing pools, outdoor dining, alfresco spa treatments & balconies with sunset views - there's no reason to leave the resort. Fab for those after competitive packages.
St 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
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
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.
St 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
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.
St 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.
Sint Maarten
Five-star all-villa beach resort situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Oyster Pond. Contemporary self-catered units with a range of bedrooms all come with private pools and sea-facing terraces. In addition to a deluxe beach club, enjoy seafood restaurant and watersports. Ideal for family breaks.