Trying to choose where to stay in French St. Martin? It often comes down to two fab options – the culinary haven of Grand Case or Orient Bay (which lures windsurfers, kiteboarders and beach babes to its stunning white sand beach).
Caribbean
Planning a Caribbean vacation?
The Caribbean makes for a great sun-and-sand escape in winter. It’s home to more than 7,000 sunny islands, each with its own rhythm.
Sip rum punches in Jamaica, dive underneath the waters off the Bahamas or soak up the laid-back vibes of Barbados.
We know the island of St. Martin and St. Maarten particularly well!
Quick Caribbean travel information
Number of islands: Over 700 in the Caribbean Sea
Largest Caribbean island: Cuba
Our favorite Caribbean islands: Antigua, Barbados (we got engaged here), St. Barts, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines
When to go: The best time to visit the Caribbean is between December and April (avoid the hurricane season from about August to October/November)
Currency: The United States dollar (USD) is accepted in most places
Famous people from the Caribbean: Bob Marley (reggae musician), Usain Bolt (sprinter) and Rhianna (singer)
Where to stay
How would you like to rent a Caribbean villa? You can vacay like a millionaire (or multi-millionaire). And the family memories created are, well, priceless!
See all our Caribbean posts
Dive into paradise at these top-rated overwater Caribbean bungalows! From reasonably affordable over-the-water huts in Bocas del Toro to private island utopias in Belize with luxurious overwater villas, these unique resorts offer the ultimate in relaxation.
Trying to decide between Saint Martin vs. Sint Maarten? You can hit both on the same island (no border). But French St. Martin is better for dining and beach clubs. Dutch St. Maarten is better for nightlife, extreme plane spotting and duty-free shopping.
There are at least 7 reasons to stay at Esmeralda Resort on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. For one, beautiful Orient Beach is just a hop and a skip away. And its restaurant offers to-die-for French food.
If you’re wondering where to eat in St. Martin, get yourself to Grand Case! Many of the top restaurants in Grand Case are French, serving fois gras, garlicky escargot and the finest French food outside of France.
Thinking of chartering a yacht? Here’s all you need to know about bareboat vs. crewed yacht charters, the best yacht chartering companies and the top yachting destinations.
Planning to visit the Caribbean island of St. Maarten and St. Martin? Lucky you! Here’s what to know to have the best vacation possible on this unique Dutch and French island.
Discover the best of two countries on this tiny Caribbean island! Hit French Saint Martin for its French restos and buzzy beach clubs. Dutch St. Maarten is known for its casinos, watersports and shopping.
On the beach? Close to yummy French restaurants? Suites with kitchens? This St. Martin resort ticks the boxes for a great Caribbean holiday!
Where to stay on St. Martin (French side) and St. Maarten (Dutch side)? We review the best hotels, from the boutique L’Esplanade to the stylish all-inclusive Sonesta Ocean Point Resort.