Luxury Retreats – the experts in St Martin vacations

The island of St Martin is the ideal vacation destination for vacationers looking for a little taste of everything. For sun worshippers, the island’s seemingly endless supply of white sandy beaches and secluded coves are sure to delight, while the limitless opportunity for action, on and offshore, will please the most-hardy of adrenalin junkies. Honeymooners will delight in the island’s serene beauty and thriving foodie scene. Whatever the occasion, it is always a good idea to visit, explore, and fall in love with this little piece of paradise.

It’s not an exaggeration to say a person could visit a different beach for every day of their vacation here, though you may not want to when you discover the one that suits your needs just perfectly. The most popular beaches are Mullet Bay and Baie Rouge.

Mullet Bay is loved for its incredible snorkeling opportunities and calm, still waters ideal for a peaceful dip or quick swim between sunbathing sessions.

Baie Rouge’s pretty reddish sands and collection of cafés and bars dotting its shores make it a great place to spend a day or two, while Baie Longue is our go-to for an alfresco picnic, and Plum Bay is a must-see just before sunset, as the views are sensational. Simpson Bay is a favorite with vacationers and a cocktail at the beach’s iconic Soggy Dollar Bar is a vacation essential.

Scuba divers should head to Turtle Bay, to fully explore what this island has to offer underwater. Night owls will enjoy happy hour at Orient Bay, as this busy beach is celebrated for its relaxed nightlife at the many lounge bars that line the sand.

The island’s interesting history colors its current foodie scene. Since 1648, this isle has been shared by France and the Netherlands. It’s the northern French side that boasts a thriving culinary landscape, running the gauntlet from roadside Lolos (small food shacks) to fine dining restaurants. Many vacationers head to Grand Case, a small fishing village that has developed a reputation for incredible foodie experiences. The Grand Case Boulevard is the epicenter of this; nicknamed ‘Restaurant Row’ it is a must-visit for food lovers.

La Crepe En Rose, a pink striped roadside shack in Grand Case, is one of the most popular lolos, producing made-to-order crepes day and night. For something a little more refined, L’Auberge Gourmande, Le Cottage, and Bistro Caraibes all offer classic French menus incorporating indigenous ingredients; Le Cottage’s daily prix-fixe menu and extensive wine list is a real thrill, as are its dishes such as Mahi Mahi in mango sauce.

St Martin is part of the Leeward Islands, a collection of islands west of Puerto Rico that also includes the Virgin Islands, St Barts, and Anguilla. It’s a short 30-minute ferry ride from St Martin to Anguilla, and the island is well worth the trip as it boasts over 100 restaurants and dozens of sandy beaches.

St Barts’ reputation as one of the chicest, most luxurious places to visit is well founded and if you have time to visit (by ferry or plane), spending an afternoon on St Jean Beach, or taking a scenic drive through the hills will make you want to start planning your next Caribbean getaway.

Closer to home is Prickly Pear island, which can be reached by hiring a yacht or catamaran and is an amazing location for snorkeling.

A mini ferry ride from Grand Cul de Sac will take you to yet another spot, Pinel Island, a tiny isle famous for its crystal-clear waters, sand dunes, and extensive snorkel trail to the right of the island. Three kilometers north of St Martin, close to Grand Case, is Tintamarre, which is a go-to for sea turtle spotting. Snorkelers and scuba divers should also look out for barracudas, manta rays, and reef fish.

A Luxury Retreats apartment or villa has all the mod cons and amenities a vacationer could wish for. But there are plenty of activities to experience if you can bear to leave the confines of your home-from-home.

Book a jet ski tour of the island, or for something a little more languid, tours of the island via yacht or catamaran can be arranged too. Just ask your concierge for more details. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddle boarding are all popular pastimes here, while hikers will love to investigate the island’s Mount Rouge mountains, with a guided tour of the Piz du Paradis range. For those you like to get the blood pumping with a little like shopping, both Grand Case and Philipsburg have plenty of places to do flex your plastic, including duty-free shopping, local artisanal boutiques, and traditional Creole markets.

Where to stay - St Martin vacation rentals

Choosing where to stay on St Martin is easy when you decide to rent an apartment or villa with Luxury Retreats. Whether you are planning a large family getaway or something a little more intimate, Luxury Retreats has to home just for you.

ASt Martin honeymoon is one of the best decisions a newly-wed couple can make. It’s as if this island was created for the sole purpose of deep relaxation and pure contentment, which is what most honeymooners need after the hectic preparations for the big day! Many of our properties are situated on the island’s prettiest beaches – Plum Bay, Baie Longue, and Baie Rouge to name a few. The island homes’ decor is a striking mix of French Creole style, with terracotta floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, French doors, and teak and rattan furniture as standard. Open plan living is paramount and the outside gazebos and alfresco dining areas, with additional heated pools and Jacuzzis, make every moment of your stay a total joy. Many homes are close to the island’s French capital, Marigot, which makes trips into town a breeze. Villa staff will be on hand to ensure you and your beloved’s needs are met. All you have to do is be on the terrace when the sun sets.

With a wide selection of beach rentals in St Martin , Luxury Retreats is sure to have a home to suit you. With rentals that can accommodate up to 20 people, these villas are perfect for large family getaways, groups of friends or corporate retreats. All of our beachfront villas boast ocean views, with direct access to some of the island’s most sought-after beaches, such as Plum Bay, Long Bay Beach, and Baie Rouge. All villas have heated pools, beach gazebos, and alfresco dining areas, plus open plan living spaces. Media rooms, fitness centers, and tennis courts are available in some of the villas, as are private chefs, butlers, and villa staff.

Choose ourHappy Bay rentals for a truly unique experience. These properties, located on the secluded beach of Happy Bay, near Grand Case, are perfect for large family get-togethers, where the object of the vacation is pure relaxation. With direct views over the sea and to the island of Anguilla, many of the villas features – like infinity pools, expansive terraces, Jacuzzis, and Bali-inspired interiors – will make lounging inside and out, an absolute delight.