Creole food shines against a turquoise water backdrop.

the great unwashed may come to Saint Martin for the beaches , but it ’s the delicious culinary art that sets this Caribbean goal aside . That ’s part due to the refreshed fish , the French influence , and the abundance of Creole spices . Together , it all make for mouth - watering festivals and fantastic restaurants adhere in the sand or popping up on tiny surround islands .

The landscape is nothing to shrug at either , when it arrive to intellect to go . guess stretchiness of longsighted , white - sand beach with mystical coves and sheltered bays . take the air along those shoring and you ’ll retrieve coconut palm trees and pure liberalisation . And all around , colourful buildings cascade through lavish light-green mound down to the sea .

Saint Martin sit down on an island where the Netherlands claimed the south side and France claimed the north side . Today , the French - roots Saint Martin is live as “ the friendly island ” and is less touristy than its Dutch twin . Whilethe Caribbean is never a bad ideaany clock time of class , the best clip to visit is now , during shoulder season , mid - May to mid - July when the gang are gone , prices are down , and the cruise ships have set canvas . Here are the beaches , gravy holder , and eat to come up there .

French Caribbean

It’s islands upon islands here.|Multiverse/Shutterstock

Eat Johnny cakes and whole fish

Many consider Saint Martin to be the Caribbean ’s premier food destination . In fact , 2022 has been knight its “ class of gastronomy”—a nod to the burgeon food scene and a sign of finally bouncing back from the annihilating effect of 2017 ’s hurricane Irma and COVID-19 . Saint Martin ’s well - respectedFestival de la Gastronomie — which showcases local chefs , restaurants , and up - and - coming talent — is also helping put the country on the map and is set to be a major attraction for visitors this fall .

At local outside restaurants , or “ lolos , ” you ’ll find crispy cod fritter or a plate of fresh Pisces the Fishes with creole spices . Other local specialties admit the many botheration atomic number 79 chocolat choice at bakeries and brisk mango tree that melt in your sass .

Head toSandy’sfor affectionate johnny cakes , a big plate of salted fish , and throw together testis for breakfast . While atVilla Royale , a Creole eating house in Grande Case , the goat curry and deep-fried fish are worth the hold .

fresh fish

Fish cooked whole keeps all the juices in.|Villa Royale Restaurant

You ’ll also chance a set of French restaurants due to the history here . In fact , the wait staff and most of the client atLes Galetsspeak French in between puffs of their cigarette . Outdoor table overlook a cryptical dismal pool ignite up at night for a romanticistic setting , and you could pick out a Malva sylvestris board from a cart brought to your board . At Gallic restaurantLa Cigale , you could have dinner on the beach in the moxie , overlooking the water supply , bubbly in hand . There you’re able to wipe out a dead cooked composition of meat for half the toll you ’d chance in New York .

Hit the beach, and then maybe a nude beach

Saint Martin ’s crystal - clear turquoise water is the variety you always render for the Caribbean and perfect for the ‘ gram . The island has 37 picturesque beach to choose from . Honestly , there are no bad choices , but Suzanne Scantlebery , a local who works for the Saint - Martin holidaymaker office , recommends Grand Case Beach , Happy Bay , Friars Bay , and Mullet Bay Beach .

Grand Case Beach is a peculiarly alert option . The long stretch of sand is describe with lolos , as well as French and Creole restaurants . Happy Bay is a minute more hard to reach , as it requires a short 10 - second hike from Friar ’s Bay . But the remuneration - off is deserving it , as this stint of soft sand is lined with cocoanut palms and has an cerulean blue laguna . Whereas Friar ’s Bay is popular on weekends , due to its availableness and calm , shallow piss . Plus once a month , it host a full moon political party .

Orient Bay beach is known as “ The St. Tropez of the Caribbean ” for its European beach clubs . It ’s also known as a popular naked beach . saunter up and down the shore or reserve a lounging chair at Coco Beach Club , where there ’s always a crowd there for the first-class food . This beach tends to be blowy , which make it a pop choice for kite and windsurfers .

Saint Martin beach

The sand in Saint Martin is almost as white as the crashing waves.|Saint-Martin – French Side

Drink in the local flavors of Saint Martin

In Saint Martin , whether you ’re on the beach , at a restaurant , during the mean solar day , or at nighttime , it ’s perfectly acceptable to have a swallow in bridge player at almost any time of day — well , except maybe an early breakfast . This is the kind of blank space where you may always find a nursing bottle of bubbly in the beach clubs and Gallic restaurants , but local favor cocktails ordinarily based with rum , or “ rhum . ”

Another traditional drink is guavaberry rummy . First made in citizenry ’s homes century ago as a Christmas drink , today you could find this local puncher around the island . It ’s made from cane kale , wild guava berries from the island ’s hilly cardinal region , spices , and of course of study , rum . Visit theGuavaberry Colombier Tradition distilleryfor free tastings and to see how the magic is made .

Also , ensure to go toHot Spot , bartender Daryl Brooks ’ lolo in Marigot , for his award - get ahead Tamarindus indica martini . He ’s also the bee ’s knees to chat with .

rum cocktail

It’s like a guava berry and rum colada.|Guavaberry Colombier Tradition

Take a boat trip to Tintamarre, Creole Rock, and Pinel Island

If you did n’t get on a boat in Saint Martin , did you really even go ? There are several agency to rip a boat . drop time aboardCaptain Jo Boat Charteror set canvas onScoobitoo’s75 - foot catamaran , enjoy the views from the water supply and stops at uninhabited heavenly intake and gorgeous sandy beach . Go for two - hour , a half sidereal day , or the whole day — just signalize up online or give them a ring . Captain and possessor Stephane used to be a far-famed chef , so lunch are delicious and include fresh baguette , Gallic cheese , and vino . Or take your pick of one of these amazingcharter boatsand create your own nautical dangerous undertaking ( captain included ) .

Here ’s the biz design : Leave early in the morning and multitude water system , sunscreen , a bathing courtship , and a chapeau . First stop is Creole Rock , where you’re able to leap off the side of your boat and schnorchel with schools of stripy Pisces and see the coral reef .

Next , headland east to Tintamarre , which translates to “ flat island , ” because its powder - lenient beach stretch across the intact tranquil island . A short sauceboat ride from Orient Bay , citizenry amount here for the shallow , strong water , perfect for swimming and proportional quiet . Do n’t be surprised if you see a yacht anchor next to your speedboat .

Saint Martin boat

Why settle for a motorboat when you can sail in these winds?|Gino Santa Maria/Shutterstock

In the heart of the Nature Reserve and a short gravy boat ride away is Pinel Island , a complete spot for lunch at the couple restaurants on shore , let in selection for grilled lobster . AtYellow Beach restaurantyou can have an afternoon cocktail at one of the tables planted flat in the pee . Also , look out for the iguanas near the gift shop .

Climb Fort Louis for breathtaking views

Outside the town of Marigot , a short crusade leads uphill to Fort Louis and a bit of island account . There , 120 steps will take you to the top of this French military fort build in the 18th century to defend this side of the island from enemy plan of attack . At the very top , you ’ll find stunning bird’s-eye scene overlook Marigot Bay and the marina .

Where to stay in Saint Martin

Most of the best accommodations in Saint Martin are either boutique hotels or Airbnb rentals in the Cul - Delaware - sac area . Some favorites includeL’Esplanade Hotel , which pull design touches from Spain , Mexico , and Morocco , such as tiles and lantern . adjust on a hill above Grand Case village , it ’s surrounded by gardens and has sweeping ocean view .

Other standouts includeOrient Beach Hotel , where each way has its own terrace and you’re able to ill-treat out right onto the beach . That experience gets even more private atGrand Case Beach Hotel , since this haunt has its own private beaches . you’re able to waterski , wake board , and snorkel directly from the property , or arrange to go ziplining , kite surfboarding , and horseback tantalise nearby , in increase to island hopping . Or you’re able to rent spacious suites atKaribuni , which each come with their own secret plunge pools . From the hotel , kayak to Pinel Island just across the bay tree .

Fort Louis

Anyone got a really big match?|Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Saint Martin hotel

Now these are work-from-abroad views.|Karibuni Sxm