Been wondering what makes St. Martin special compared to the other islands in the area? The truth is – there are a lot of things that make it stand out. There’s a good reason that St. Martin is one of the most popular locations to visit in the Caribbean. Maybe you already know about the excellent beaches, but that only touches the basics of why this location is worth exploring. With thousands of people visiting year after year, it’s worth knowing what you can expect.
The Beaches Are Fantastic
We just mentioned that the beaches aren’t everything St. Martin has going for it, but it is one of the reasons many choose to visit. The island might be small but it has a huge number of places to swim, sunbathe, and surf. You can choose from remote locations without another person anywhere to be seen or beaches near resorts that are filled with people. Not sure where to start? Consider the beaches below:
- Anse Marcel Beach – Both sheltered and well-developed, this beach is on the border of a protected bay. It has full amenities and peaceful water so it is a great choice for families with children.
- Happy Bay Beach – A stunningly pristine beach with ideal conditions. The beach requires a hike to reach this private paradise but it is well worth it.
- Baie Longue – Anchored by Belmond La Samanna, Baie Longue offers a tranquil setting with near perfect conditions and a lack of crowds. Sunsets from this vantage point are stunning.
- Mullet Bay – Both locals and tourists love this beach for its exceptional views and fantastic sand. It also has north winds offshore for those who want to do a bit of surfing.
- Orient Bay – This is a large and popular beach where you can find all the amenities you want, whether that’s shopping stalls, hotels, or restaurants.
It Offers Many Amazing Festivals
Depending on when you visit St. Martin, you may be able to take part in one of their famous festivals. Whether you’re on the island for the SXM Festival or Carnival, you can expect a lively crowd and colorful decorations across the island. The largest celebration is Carnival with a Grand Parade that goes around Phillipsburg. Expect to see bands playing hits, tons of tasty food and drinks, and people in breathtaking costumes.
The SXM Festival is a new dance festival that brings in over 2,000 guests and up to 75 DJs. While the festival is happening, the daytime beach parties turn into all-night affairs with outstanding visuals, stages with tropical decorations, and top of the line sound systems.
Wildlife and Landscapes Found Nowhere Else
The clear blue water at St. Martin is great, but it’s not the only view to check out while in the area. Make sure you visit a beach at sunset at least once to watch the sun go down. When you aren’t doing that, you can explore the landscape and enjoy the animals and plants that the volcanic landscape brings around. Enjoy lazy palms, tall coconut trees, and twisty sea grapes where tons of tropical birds make their homes.
On top of that, St. Martin also has great weather all year round. The busiest season is from January through March when temperatures can reach around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The wet season for the island is from May through October but there are still sunny days to be had. Regardless of the season, enjoy checking out the sea turtles and hummingbirds.
The Potential for Extreme Shopping
Another thing that sets St. Martin apart from other islands is the huge number of shopping options it offers. The island itself is fully duty-free, which means there’s no need to stress about customs fees. This makes the island an excellent place to shop for luxury items at a reasonable price. St. Martin has shops offering everything from electronics and fashion to cosmetics, beverages, and food.
Looking to get some new jewelry while on your vacation? Make sure you stop at Little Switzerland, which is the best place to get outstanding rings, necklaces, and more. You can find huge names for sale like Breitling and Omega. Whether you want to find a diamond necklace, an expensive watch, or a gem-studded bracelet, it’s all here for you.
A Huge Selection of Watersports
For those who prefer to get their feet wet with something more than wading into the ocean, St. Martin makes it easy. There are all sorts of exciting things to do and most of them are easy to access. Kite surfing in Le Galleon and Orient is a must try. You can rent a jet ski to fly over the water or get a paddleboard and take in all the sights while you relax away from the crowded beaches. No matter how crazy you want to get, there’s a rental shop near the beaches that will make your dream come true. There’s something for everyone, regardless of age or experience level.
Want to try something that is truly an adventure? Think about flyboarding. This is essentially a hoverboard that works on the water. While attached to the craft, you wear special boots that send you high up into the air. The best part is that it’s easy to learn and a whole lot of fun to create a memorable vacation. Get your adrenaline pumping and try something new while you explore St. Martin.
Perfect Villas for Nighttime Hours
Once you spend the day on the water, shopping, or taking in the wildlife, kick back at some of the finest villas in the Caribbean. St Martin villas offer the ideal getaway with a private pool, amazing views, exceptional privacy and pure indulgence. St Martin villas offer some of the best luxury values in the world.
The lionshare of luxury villas are located in Terres Basses. A gated enclave with lot size minimums at 2.5 acres. Some of the most popular St Martin villa rentals are:
- Amandara– Luxury 5 bedroom Cliffside villa
- Bamboo– An elegant and suave 2 bedroom villa perfect for St Martin honeymoons
- Ambiance– A family friendly 4 bedroom villa with an incredible pool and lawn for the kids to enjoy
- Le Reve– The royal jewel of St Martin villas. A decadent beachfront retreat on Baie Rouge beach
The great thing about St. Martin is that there are tons of villas for rent with luxurious amenities to truly elevate your vacation to the island. Villas are highly customizable vacation experiences. You can hire a private chef or schedule daily massages and spa services. Make sure you book one when you start making your plans to enjoy everything St. Martin has to offer!
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