St Martin and St Maarten are the smallest populated island shared by two nations and are often overlooked by tourists, but they have so much to offer and really should be considered for your next Caribbean trip. There are endless things to do here, plus several nearby Caribbean islands that can easily be visited on a day trip by ferry or a short puddle jumper flight.

One of the best parts is that the island is shared by two completely different cultures, so you truly get the best of both worlds. Even if you choose to book accommodation on just one side, I highly recommend exploring both, as each side offers a completely different experience.

Location and How to Get There

The island of St Martin is part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean and is divided between the French side, St Martin, and the Dutch side, Sint Maarten. There are two international airports on the island, one on the Dutch side, Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), and one on the French side, Grand Case Esperance Airport (SFG). Of the two, SXM is generally the most accessible, with more international flights from the United States, Europe, and the rest of the Caribbean.

It is just a three hour flight from Miami and as little as four hours from New York, making it an easy island to visit even for a long weekend. As you will read later, there are also regular ferries connecting St Martin to several nearby Caribbean islands, most notably Anguilla and St Barths.

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Getting Around

There are no ride sharing apps like Uber or Lyft in St Martin, and while there are plenty of taxis available, they can be expensive and quickly add up over the course of a week. Taxi fares are fixed by the government, so you generally will not need to negotiate pricing.

Unless you plan on staying at your resort the entire time, I highly recommend renting a car during your stay. There are plenty of rental companies on the island, and while it is often best to book in advance, we managed to find a great deal with Paradise Rentals upon arrival at the airport.

There are a few local minibuses on the island that are primarily used by locals, but they can be a bit unpredictable and do not run on a fixed schedule, so keep that in mind if you choose to use them. Driving is on the right side of the road and is generally quite easy, although roads can get narrow and parking can be tricky in some areas, especially in places like Grand Case. Brushing up on your parallel parking skills is a good idea, and for that reason, I would recommend renting a smaller car.

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Where to Stay

– French Side –

• $ Love Boutique Hotel
  Located on what is arguably one of the best beaches on the island, Grand Case, this affordable boutique hotel has just a handful of rooms, some offering stunning views over the beach below. Newly renovated, all rooms feature modern decor, mini fridges, and tea and coffee making facilities, and the location is ideal for exploring everything St Martin has to offer. I highly recommend the two bedroom duplex for families or groups travelling together, if only to appreciate the extra space and the bonus of two bathrooms.

• $$ Le Martin Boutique Hotel
  While not beachfront, Le Martin has a vibe that feels straight out of the south of France and is just a short walk from the departing port to Pinel Island. This small boutique hotel offers a limited number of rooms, which allows for genuinely personalised service. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed like a member of the family, and that feeling stays with you throughout your visit. There is a beautiful pool and lounge area, an honour bar system, and you should absolutely not skip breakfast in the morning. You can read my full review of Le Martin here.

• $$$ La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel
  If you are looking for top end luxury, this is it. Undoubtedly one of the best hotels on the entire island, and for very good reason. From signature pool villas to stunning restaurants, this is the kind of place Caribbean dreams and long saved Pinterest boards are made of.

– Dutch Side –

• $ Cocovaa Boutique Hotel
  This feels more like a vacation rental or Airbnb, but with a great location along the quieter end of Simpson Bay Beach. It is just a few minutes from SXM Airport and Maho Bay, making it a solid option as a base or jumping – off point for exploring the island. D’s Bar and Restaurant is steps away, which means after a few margaritas on Taco Tuesday, it’s a short, breezy walk back to your room. You can read my full review here.

• $ Horny Toad Guesthouse
  This cosy, family owned guesthouse is located right on Simpson Bay Beach and offers excellent value for money. The accommodations are simple but clean and functional. The onsite BBQ pavilion is a particular favourite, where “Toadies” are encouraged to BYOB and mingle with other guests. It is within walking distance of several bars and restaurants, and there are also grills available for guests to use.

• $$ The Morgan Resort and Spa
  This modern boutique resort recently underwent major upgrades and renovations and is now a sleek addition to the Maho Bay area. There is a great range of accommodation options and dining choices, and even if you cannot manage a stay here, it is worth grabbing a day pass to enjoy the amenities.

• $$$ Sonesta Ocean Point Resort
  This five star, adults only luxury hotel is often referred to as a “resort within a resort.” It shares a larger complex with the family friendly Sonesta Maho Bay, although guests staying at Ocean Point can also use amenities there, including the swim up bar. The resort offers a great mix of rooms, from standard king rooms to swim up suites and options with butler service.

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Where to Eat

• Rainbow Cafe
  With a prime position on Grand Case Beach, this trendy bar, restaurant, beach club, and boutique is famous for good reason. It is especially well known for breakfast and brunch, which are served on the rooftop lounge with beautiful beachfront views. The space is filled with bohemian decor and paired with a fantastic menu. Do not miss a quick wander through the boutique upstairs, where you will find some lovely clothing and accessories.

• LTC Restaurant
  Located on Grand Case Beach, this restaurant and beach club offers an exceptional menu and cocktail list. Beach loungers can be rented out front directly on the sand, while the upstairs seating area is just as stylish. The service really stands out here, with both the wait and kitchen staff being very attentive to dietary restrictions and allergens, and happy to suggest modifications to suit your needs.

• Captain Frenchy’s
  Set right on Grand Case Beach, this relaxed bar and restaurant has a solid menu and one of the best breakfast deals on the island. Their bundled breakfast option is a great find, especially since there are not many places serving breakfast during the week. Prices are also surprisingly affordable for the location.

• Reveil Matin
  Trust me when I say this is THE PLACE to go for breakfast. The menu is huge, one of the most extensive I have ever seen, and every dish is excellent. Make sure to try the frozen cappuccino. You will not regret it.

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Where to Drink

• Sunset Bar and Grill
  Located by the famous Maho Bay, this is where many people come to snap that iconic Instagram photo under the belly of a plane as it lands at SXM Airport. While getting that close to the runway can be risky and the road is not very pedestrian friendly, my advice is to watch the planes come in from the safety of Sunset Bar and Grill with a drink in hand. They have a solid selection of cocktails and bar food, but the main draw is the location. True to its name, it is also a fantastic spot to catch the sunset.

• D’s Bar and Grill
  Set at the far end of the two mile stretch of Simpson Bay Beach, D’s Bar is known for some of the most affordable drinks on the island, especially during happy hour or their popular Taco Tuesday nights, when margaritas and other Mexican favourites are discounted. There are several themed nights throughout the week, including movie nights on the beach and live music on weekends. Guests are welcome to use the beach loungers out front, and this part of the beach is usually much quieter than the busier sections further along.

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What to Do

1 – Hike to the highest point on the island, Pic Paradis
I highly recommend starting this hike from Loterie Farm. Not only is it an easy place to park, but for around $10 they also provide a very detailed map and hiking sticks to use during the hike. There are two trails that start from the farm, one takes about an hour to complete and the other a little over two hours.

The hardest part of the hike is right at the beginning, with some fairly steep switchbacks and a short rock scramble, but the views at the top are absolutely worth it. The maps from Loterie Farm really are helpful, and the trail is well marked until the very last section, where we may have taken a wrong turn and accidentally extended the hike a bit longer than planned.

I would recommend starting fairly early in the day before the sun gets too strong. While much of the trail is shaded, it is still very hot and humid. Wear sunscreen, bring bug spray, and carry plenty of water. After the hike, the restaurant at Loterie Farm is the perfect spot for a celebratory drink or lunch. You can also purchase a day pass to use the pool or even rent a cabana, which makes for a great afternoon, especially if you are travelling with a group.

2 – Go on an excursion to the Prickly Pear Cayes and Anguilla with Aqua Mania Adventure Tours

This full day excursion departs from Simpson Bay Marina on the Dutch side and takes you on a sailing catamaran cruise to the uninhabited Prickly Pear Cayes. These picturesque deserted islands sit just off the coast of Anguilla and are known for their crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. You can choose to relax on the beach or snorkel the reef just offshore. An open bar and buffet lunch are included in the ticket price, and the second stop is at Mead’s Bay in Anguilla, where you have a couple of hours to explore the island and enjoy the water before heading back to the marina. Be sure to bring your passport, along with plenty of sunscreen, a towel, a hat, and a camera or phone for photos. You can read my full review of this excursion here.

3 – Take a day trip to St Barth’s

This French island, often frequented by celebrities and fashion insiders, is just a short flight or ferry ride from St Martin. The flight takes less than ten minutes and, while expensive, many people prefer it over the ferry, which can be a little rough.

Ferry tickets are available via the public ferry Voyager, which runs multiple trips per day, or The Edge through Aqua Mania Adventures, which operates one round trip daily, leaving St Martin at 9am and returning at 4pm. It is worth noting that this ferry ride is not for the faint hearted. The crossing can be rough, Dramamine is strongly encouraged, and arriving hungover is a very bad idea. The trip only lasts about 45 minutes, but it can feel much longer, and there is a reason it has earned the nickname the Vomit Comet to St Barf. Thankfully, the return journey is usually much smoother.

Once on St Barth’s, take time to explore the island, browse the shops, and relax at one of the many beach clubs. Taxis can be expensive, so renting a car is often the better option. We rented one for the entire day for just 35 euros. Keep in mind that from late August through October, St Barth’s is in low season and many beach clubs, shops, and restaurants close, so be sure to check what is open before visiting during this time.

4 – Book a tour of the Topper’s Rhum Distillery

I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this tour. I have been on plenty of rum and liquor distillery tours before and arrived with fairly low expectations, but this ended up being one of the most fun and interactive experiences I had on the island. 

Not only do you sample a wide range of their signature rum flavours and learn about the history of the distillery, but you also see how the rums can be incorporated into cooking. Volunteers were invited to take part, helping prepare dishes like spicy chicken made with tropical rum, rum cake, a piña colada dip for crackers, and two different flavours of rum infused gelato.

The tour then continues to the bottling area, where you learn how much of the process is done by hand, and a few guests even get to try it themselves. Afterward, you are free to sample even more flavours. There are over 100 available onsite, so you are almost guaranteed to find one you love.

5 – Kayak or take the boat to Pinel Island

Pinel Island is located just a five minute boat ride, or about a 20 minute kayak, from the northeast corner of the French side of St Martin. There are two beach clubs on the island, Yellow Beach and Karibuni, the sister restaurant to the hotel on the mainland. Both offer great food and a relaxed atmosphere, although Karibuni is my personal favourite. They even have lobster traps, allowing you to choose your own lobster for lunch.

During peak season, it is worth calling ahead to reserve a beach lounger and a table at the restaurant. The ferry runs roughly every 30 minutes and costs around 10 euros per person. Kayak rentals are also available nearby, and many local hotels and vacation rentals offer kayaks for guest use, including during my stay at Le Martin Boutique Hotel. You can read my full review here.

St Martin and St Maarten are the kind of islands that surprise you in the best way. Whether you are here for the beaches, the food, the outdoor adventures, or the easy access to nearby islands, there is so much variety packed into one place. With two distinct cultures, a laid back atmosphere, and plenty to keep you busy, it is a destination that works just as well for a quick getaway as it does for a longer stay. Hopefully this guide helps you plan your trip and encourages you to explore both sides of the island and maybe even a few beyond it.

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You can find out more about my stay on my “St Martin/Maarten” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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