Beach Lover’s Guide to French St. Martin
Last month, we asked you to send us your favorite vacation photos…and we got a few great ones. One so good, in fact, it inspired this month’s story. With thanks to our guest Michele M., who snapped a great shot of Orient Bay (not too close, ’cause it’s clothing-optional!), this is our guide to the best beaches of St. Martin and where to stay nice and close by…
There’s nudist, there’s sandy, rocky and everything in between: here’s how to keep them straight…
St. Martin’s got the right beach, whether you’re a see and be seen kind of traveler, have a preference for secluded picnic nooks or are just happy with soft sand, calm seas and a guilty-pleasure gossip mag. There are so many quality stretches on just the French side of the island–where most of our villas are located, conveniently!–that we’d thought a mini breakdown was in order:
Baie Rouge, Plum Bay, Long Bay
The nubbin of land that hangs on for dear life to St. Martin’s western shore is edged by the three beaches listed above. Baie Rouge is arguably the best, with a lot of real estate to lay out your towel and lots of little (very casual) bistros lining the sand. Check out Chez Raymond, a resto-shack whose food is the stuff of island legend. Long Bay and Plum Bay are a bit quieter, so also more romantic.
Our villas here: Plum Point (Plum Bay); Joie de Vivre (Baie Rouge); Blue Beach (Long Bay)
Orient Beach
Most famous for its official clothing-optional status–though you’re fairly safe stripping down going topless on most of St. Martin’s beaches–Orient Bay has plenty of draws beyond the nudity. This is the beach that best mimics the French Riviera in terms of style, beauty and attitude. Bars and restaurants vie for space while the adventurous fly by in parasails.
Our villas here: Mediterranee; Filao; Dolce Vita; Beau Rivage (below left)
A Few Others of Note
Petit Plage 4, Grand Case: Very luxurious beachfront property with funky living areas wrapped by the pool.
Happy Bay Villa: Modern design with huge living areas. Great views and walking distance to Happy Bay.
St. Martin has villas a few feet from the sea, on the hillsides and everywhere in between. Click here if you’re interetested in checking out the options in depth. Call us at 1-877-953-7400 or E-Mail
| What’s Up With the Dutch? While French St. Martin knows how to work the sand, the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) is famous for shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The island is great if you’re looking for a little bit of both, and there are no border hassles if you want to cross back and forth at will. |
Do you have a favorite beach in St. Martin – maybe a secret one we haven’t heard of? Or a favorite beachside spot to grab a bite to eat or potent island cocktail. Let us know (especially about those cocktails)…
Guana Bay Beach is known for it’s serenity. Strong on the undertow but sometimes gentle. Great for boogie boarding and of course sun.
April 4th, 2007 | #