Saint Martin Island Guide
Saint Martin stole our hearts. It was our first time visiting the island, and we stayed on the French side, which we absolutely loved. The atmosphere felt so European in the best way: charming cafés, incredible restaurants, and that relaxed pace of life. The water was unreal, crystal clear, bright turquoise, and honestly some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen. From beach days to festive dinners, every moment felt special. My entire family had the best time, and by the end of the trip we were already talking about when we could come back. Saint Martin is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
We stayed at Aura Anse Marcel and couldn’t have been happier with our choice. The property is a luxury residence made up of multiple private villas within the same complex, which makes it an amazing option for multi-generational families or groups traveling together. Everyone can stay close and share the experience, while still having their own space and privacy. Each villa features a fully equipped kitchen, making it easy to enjoy slow mornings with coffee or relaxed dinners in. The interiors are bright, spacious, and beautifully designed, with a clean, modern aesthetic. We loved having so much room to unwind after long beach days, and the overall atmosphere felt peaceful and laid-back. It’s also perfectly located, just about 10 minutes from everything, making it incredibly easy to explore different beaches, restaurants, and parts of the island while still feeling tucked away in a quiet, scenic area. It really felt like the perfect home base for our stay in Saint Martin.
We mostly enjoyed breakfast at our villa since the kitchen was fully equipped. It was nice being able to make coffee, prepare a nice breakfast, and take our time before heading out for the day. That said, Saint Martin has some amazing breakfast spots that are definitely worth visiting if you feel like going out.
Le Temps des Cerises is a great option right on the beach in Grand Case. It’s the kind of place where you can sit with your coffee while looking out at the ocean, a perfect way to start the day.
Rainbow Café is another favorite. The setting is beautiful and the atmosphere is very relaxed but still chic. It’s a great spot if you want something a little more elevated while still enjoying the beachside views.
We also loved Baratier, a charming little café that feels very local and authentic. It’s perfect for a more casual breakfast or coffee stop before heading to the beach.
Joa Beach, Coco Beach, Anse Marcel Beach Club, Rainbow, Kalatua
Saint Martin has some incredible beach clubs, and spending the day at one is one of the best ways to experience the island. Most days we would spend the afternoon at a beach club and stay for lunch, and the food was always amazing. It made for the perfect beach day: swimming, relaxing, and enjoying a long lunch with ocean views.
Joa Beach is one of the trendier beach clubs on the French side and a favorite in Orient Bay. The setting is beautiful, right on the beach with views of the bright turquoise water, and it has a lively but still relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon lounging in beach chairs, enjoying lunch, and soaking in the energy of the beach.
Coco Beach is another very popular option and one of our personal favorites. The vibe is chic but still very relaxed, with comfortable sun beds and great beach service. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend the entire day going from swimming to cocktails to a long, delicious lunch without ever wanting to leave.
Anse Marcel Beach Club has a completely different atmosphere and is perfect if you’re looking for something quieter and more peaceful. Located in the beautiful sheltered bay of Anse Marcel, the water is calm and the setting feels a bit more secluded. It’s ideal for a relaxed beach day with a slower pace, great food, and a more tranquil environment.
Rainbow is one of the most iconic beach clubs on the island. The setting is stunning right at the water’s edge with a chic, bohemian feel. It’s a great place for lunch by the beach, and as the afternoon goes on the energy picks up with music and sunset views, creating a really fun atmosphere later in the day.
On the Dutch side, Kalatua Beach Club is definitely worth the drive. Located on the beautiful Mullet Bay Beach, it has a stylish Caribbean-Mediterranean vibe with great food, cocktails, and service. It’s a perfect spot for a long beach lunch followed by swimming in the crystal-clear water and staying for sunset drinks.
Each beach club has its own personality, which is what makes exploring them so fun. Some days you might want something quiet and relaxing, and other days you might want music and a more social beach scene, and Saint Martin has plenty of both.
I highly recommend planning at least one day trip while you’re in Saint Martin. There are a few incredible spots just a short ride away that are absolutely worth exploring.
One of the highlights of our trip was a boat day around Anguilla with Aura Yacht Charters. Spending the day on the water was an amazing experience. The boat ride itself is beautiful, cruising through some of the most crystal-clear water we’ve ever seen. Seeing the island from the water gives you a completely different perspective, and the beaches in Anguilla are stunning. We stopped for lunch at the gorgeous Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, which was such a special experience: beautiful setting, incredible Peruvian food, and that iconic white sand beach. It ended up being one of the best days of the entire trip.
Another very easy and fun day trip is Pinel Island. It’s just a short ferry ride from the French side (boats run about every 30 minutes), making it incredibly simple to get to. The island is small, peaceful, and surrounded by calm, shallow turquoise water, perfect for a relaxed beach day. I recommend booking a sunbed and lunch at Karibuni, where you can spend the day swimming, enjoying great food, and soaking in the laid-back island atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours without noticing time passing.
The island is known for its incredible food scene, especially on the French side, and every night felt like a new experience. From relaxed beachfront dinners to more elevated restaurants, the quality of the food everywhere we went was amazing.
Sao is one of the most popular spots. The restaurant has a beautiful, modern atmosphere and the menu blends Asian and Caribbean influences in a really unique way. Everything felt refined and creative, making it a great spot for a special dinner.
For something more relaxed, Calmos Café is perfect. It’s right by the beach with a laid-back atmosphere and colorful décor. The setting feels very authentic and fun.
Maison Mère is another amazing spot. The restaurant has a warm, stylish atmosphere and focuses on French-inspired cuisine with high-quality ingredients. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something a bit more elevated.
L’Atelier is known for its refined French cuisine and elegant but intimate setting. It’s a great option for a more classic dining experience.
Rainbow is another must for dinner. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is incredible, especially later in the evening when DJs start playing and the whole place becomes lively. It’s the perfect combination of great dining and a fun night out.
One of the best dinner experiences on the island was at Java. It’s one of the top dinner spots on the island. During dinner there’s live music that creates a beautiful ambiance, and as the night goes it turns into a lively party atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where dinner easily turns into a full night out, which made it such a memorable evening!
Our first trip to Saint Martin completely exceeded our expectations. We loved staying on the French side, the atmosphere felt so relaxed and charming, with incredible restaurants, beautiful beaches, and that effortless European-Caribbean vibe that makes the island so special. Between long beach days at the beach clubs, amazing dinners, and unforgettable day trips, every day felt like the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. The water was some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen, and the entire family had the best time. We already can’t wait to go back!