The unique and memorable vacation experience that comes with a stay at any of our sublime St Martin villas is not to be missed. Our villa experts have visited all of our St. Martin villas and will be able to provide you with a perfect match. Where else can you enjoy the pleasures of a fabulous Caribbean holiday infused with the charm and allure of French and Dutch cultures? Talk to our global team today for our expert guidance.
From any of our glorious St Martin vacation rentals, you and your lucky fellow travelers can explore majestic beaches, sample divine food, and ramble around distinctly original historic towns – it's all within easy reach. Our villa specialists are truly masters of this destination and their local knowledge is unsurpassable.
Depending on which side of this very undivided island you choose to reside, St Martin or Sint Maarten is the smallest island in the world, governed peacefully by two European nations. Our knowledgeable villa experts will be able to recommend the ideal location for you.
Probably the only tricky decision you may be required to make is whether you say 'Sante' or 'Proost' as you sip that heavenly cocktail overlooking the balmy blue waters from the terrace of your vacation rental.
So, Bienvenue, Welkom, or just plain old Welcome (you'll find any of these three languages in regular use wherever you go!) to one of the prettiest of the Leeward Islands in the heart of the Caribbean.
"A two-year relationship and finally going on holiday.
Yes, it's a lock-down romance.
We have part canceled, amended, postponed twice, and every person we have spoken to has been wonderful. Outstanding service answered every question we had, even those we didn't know we should have asked. I can't recommend it highly enough.Thank you"
Kate Wheelan
"All my travel arrangements have been dealt with absolutely fabulously by Rowena and Yvonne. Their assistance has been mind-blowing."
Paula
The main reasons why tourists visit this island and make it one of the most desirable destinations in the Caribbean are manifold. For instance, it's so easy to get there, especially with the help of our global concierge team. There are direct flights from New York and many other cities across the US and Canada, and services direct from Paris and Amsterdam make this one of the most accessible islands in the Caribbean. Contact our villa experts to take advantage of their unsurpassable local knowledge,
The weather is also at the heart of the experience. So if you're keen on exceptional weather – especially winter sun – the consistent 25-degree temperatures are an added lure.
Many parts of the island are stunningly beautiful, and you will never be bored with 37 exquisite beaches to explore. Our team is well acquainted with all of them!
Also, the combination of the French and Dutch influences means that a trip to this pretty island offers a wealth of fascinating experiences. Nowhere else will you find two distinct nations sharing such a tidy landmass and doing it efficiently and in style!
There's very little physical difference between each side. Divided roughly 60/40 between the French (Northern) and Dutch (Southern side), this dual-government Caribbean island has stunning beaches and unparalleled views from all sides of its 34 square miles.
But to break it down, Saint Martin refers to the French side of the island. Like its Dutch counterpart to the south, this region has stunning beaches and an urban center – Marigot - where the French seat of government sits. There's still some incredible Creole architecture in the old quarter. Fine dining and colorful coastal communities with picturesque views across yacht-filled harbors are part of the St Martin story.
Sint Maarten has very similar offerings. The beaches of Maho and Simpson Bay are famous for their proximity to the Airport. It's quite the rush to watch the flights come in and out while lying on a picture-perfect Caribbean beach.
The large town of Phillipsburg – the Dutch seat of power within St Maarten - is one of the most sophisticated urban areas in the Caribbean and is home to some lovely historic buildings and the old fortifications of Fort Willem. The Airport of Princess Juliana International Airport has its location on this side of the island.
But regardless of which side of the island you choose to book, you can easily slip between both territories without any passport or visa requirements. Sometimes it's pretty impossible to say which side of the island you are on without checking with a resident.
The best properties have their location along some of the most beautiful coastlines of both the northern and southern territories. The area of Terre Basses has some of the best Villas St Martin offers. It is also home to some of the Best Beachfront St Martin Villa Rentals.
The properties are modern, open, and spacious – capitalizing on the extraordinary views that seem to exist everywhere. Sometimes it's one of those endless views across a dazzling blue Caribbean or you may have views of some of the smaller neighboring islands like Anguilla emerging tantalizingly from the turquoise splendor.
The coastal topography of the island is such that small natural promontories sweep out into the sea, creating sheltering harbors and picturesque crescent beaches. Suppose you choose one of our gorgeous villas that overlook these pretty bays. In that case, you get unimpeachable daytime views that translate into a romantic horizon at night when the villa lights of the distant shores create a starry backdrop.
The island's top villas include Le Chateau des Palmiers, Le Reve, and Sandyline Villa.
Ask yourself if you want to be nearer to the livelier action of Phillipsburg or prefer the more sedate and laid-back location of, say, Grand Case or Terres Basses.
All the fantastic villas St Martin offers give the lucky resident a quiet and self-contained vacation experience. Let us help you choose the best property for you.
Let our team assure you, the answer is a resounding YES! Crystal clear waters with tremendous visibility for snorkeling and diving are found all around the island. We are able to compare & contrast them all.
As well, the beaches are mainly sandy and located within sheltering coves. Many of our properties have easy access to beaches that range in size and splendor.
The French side has the sublime Anse Marcel, a family favorite, as the waters tend to be calmer. Grand Case is the Beach that sweeps in front of some of the finest dining on the island. Little Beach, nearby, offers excellent conditions for kayaking and snorkeling. Orient Bay is known colloquially as the St Tropez of the Caribbean. Plum Bay is perfect when there's a swell for surfing, while on calmer days, you can enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters.
Along St Maarten's extensive coastline, you can enjoy the famous beaches of Simpson Bay and Maho. Great Bay Beach in Phillipsburg, with its boardwalk, is great for a stroll, access to duty-free shopping, and some dining. Memorable sunsets are best on Cupecoy Beach, so if your accommodation in St Martin are anywhere along the western shores of this island, you will have a ringside seat each evening for romantic Caribbean sunset drama.
The part of Saint Martin with the best beaches in the French part.
There are 37 beaches to choose from in St Martin. Everything from little, tiny beaches that are only accessible by boat to more extensive tourist-friendly beaches.
Long Bay Beach, Orient Bay, Plum Bay, Simpson Bay, and Terres Basses are all admired for various reasons, from relaxation, snorkeling, people-watching, views, and amenities.
So many choices. To find out more, read our blog on The Best Beaches in St Martin.
The currency used in St Martin is the Antillean Guilder (ANG). But most prices on the island are shown in US dollars. Once you leave any of the villas for rent in St Martin, you can use US dollars throughout the island, and you will generally get change in US dollars too.
ATMs around the island dispense USD. Credit cards are widely accepted, so besides smaller casual beach shacks or general tipping where cash is helpful, you can usually swipe and go.
This generally depends on where on the island you are located. For instance, if you choose any of the St. Martin vacation rentals on the island's northern side, you'll find that most businesses, staff, and restaurants are mainly French, English, or Creole-speaking.
Likewise, if you are staying somewhere in beautiful Sint Maarten, the official language is Dutch, but you'll find that most people also speak English. As one of the most popular Caribbean Islands vacation destinations, you'll find that most restaurants, taxi drivers, and staff can find a common language to facilitate your needs.
St Martin is bigger than Manhattan at approximately 8 x 10 miles, with a landmass of about 87 square kilometers or 34 sqm.
The French side comprises 53 square kilometers (20 sq miles), and the Dutch side is 34 square kilometers ( 13sq miles). However, the Dutch side is more populated than the French side.
A return ticket to show proof of departure within 90 days is needed, as is a valid credit card or funds to show your ability to support yourself during your vacation. Confirmation that you have reserved accommodation for the duration of your visit and a comprehensive travel insurance policy is needed too.
St Maarten is the same as the US with 110 voltage at 50Hz, with sockets/plugs compatible with the US format. St Martin has a 220 voltage at 60Hz with sockets/plugs compatible with French format.
St Martin is a right-hand drive destination. It is similar to the USA and Canada and most of continental Europe
Yes it is beautiful destination for a honeymoon. It has an incredible selection of Caribbean Honeymoon Villas and is incredibly romantic, with incredible sunsets, romantic restaurants, and beautiful beaches.
We're always happy to assure them that any of the family-friendly properties can provide the most amazing base for an unforgettable family vacation.
Suppose you are a young family with babes in arms who like to dip in and out of your private pool or stroll along a stretch of Beach in front of your vacation home. In that case, you'll find cozy comfort and idyllic villa layouts that will give you a little adult space once your tots are tucked up for the night.
For families with more mature children, proximity to a lively beach where they can mingle with similarly aged kids on vacation is also an ideal St Martin scenario.
Let our villa specialist, Niamh, guide you as you sift through the various villas for rent in St Martin. She has years of experience in this gorgeous destination and is a frequent visitor to the island. There's no one better qualified to advise you if you are looking for that perfect home from home when traveling with your family.
Donald Trump does have a house in St Martin. Yes. Well, to be exact, it's an estate. Le Chateau des Palmiers is a splendid 11-bedroom compound in Terres Basses.
Long Bay, Terres Basses. This is one of the destinations of choice for the who's who of US celebrity visitors to St Martin. The area has many staffed Villas.
Some of our guest favorites are Mes Amis, Grande Azure, and L’Oasis Terres Basses.
Three interesting facts about St Martin.
St. Martin is best known for glorious beaches, excellent duty-free shopping, lively nightlife, casinos, and some of the prettiest St Martin vacation home rentals.
Some of the best fun things in St Martin involve intrepid exploration of the island's hinterland. The two highest points on the island offer some great hiking. If you like an adrenalin rush, climb Sentry Hill on the St Maarten side and take the steepest zipline in the world. Whoosh!
The French side offers scenic views from Pic Paradis. Vistas that sweep over the lush green landscape and the sea and islands are unforgettable.
Leisurely dining is a vital part of island life. So whether you are staying on the French or Dutch side, there's a gourmet experience waiting for you. Casual breakfasts with a rich array of local fruits and pastries unfold to beach-side dining, where the freshest fish or meat is transformed into spicy snacks while you enjoy a rest from some water activities.
Beach shacks offering fresh fried fish and rum punches are a heavenly and laidback way to dine. On the other hand, dinners can be formal affairs where the influence of high-end French cuisine is overlaid with some divine organic local ingredients.
From high-end to casual, food is a part of life on this island.
Grand Case, a town located on the French side of St Martin, is generally considered the gourmet capital of the entire island. The French influences overlaying the many culinary influences from Spain to Creole to the Caribbean that have shaped the island create some memorable dishes. Callaloo, Acras, Keshi Yena, and Coconut Pudding are some local dishes worth sampling.
In addition, the Dutch-inspired crepes in Phillipsburg and Butter Cookies are too delicious to describe.
If you like to follow in the wake of some piratic adventurers, why not jump on a private catamaran tour and travel the coastline. You can visit quiet coves for picnics, do some fishing or diving or have a sunset dinner aboard your vessel. Then, go further afield and take a day trip to nearby Anguilla.
St Martin looks so beautiful from the deck of your vessel as you sail around its coastline.
Shopping is a must-do as the entire island is a Duty-Free haven. So check out the shops along Front Street in Phillipsburg, for some compelling purchases.
If you're in Marigot, you will have all the high-end brands ready to lure your credit card from your wallet. Both towns are easily explored on foot and have fabulous beaches (Great Bay Beach in Phillipsburg and Baie de la Potence in Marigot) with pretty bars and restaurants where you can kick back with some refreshments in between your retail therapy.
If you enjoy the color and flavor of Caribbean markets, Marigot has a Monday to Saturday market – local stalls offer everything from t-shirts to handmade jewelry. Then, stop off at the famous 'lolos,' the tiny little restaurants near the port where Creole-inspired barbecue and traditional St Martin cuisine are on offer.
It's a colorful and spicy experience.
St Maarten has a livelier party reputation. Nightlife and casinos abound in Phillipsburg, where travelers can explore the cobbled streets and check out the bar scene. However, St Martin offers a more relaxed vibe after hours for visitors.
Sampling some locally produced guavaberry liquors or rum punches at fun beach bars around Terres Basses, Grand Case, or Orient Bay is part of the St Martin experience.
You need a passport, valid for at least six months, to enter St Martin.
Up to 80 countries worldwide, including the USA, Britain, Canada, EU nations, UAE, and Australia, do not require a visa to enter St Martin.
Do a quick check to see that your country is on the list.
Two reasons. Niamh and Noreen. There aren't any of our rentals that our specialist Niamh isn't wholly familiar with. Niamh is also our St Barts Villas expert if you would like to consider a two center vacation.
Additionally, our much-lauded St Martin Concierge star Noreen has an encyclopedic knowledge of all that's great on the island. This dynamic duo regularly dips in and out of St Martin.
Noreen and Niamh constantly update their 'on the ground' knowledge of what's on, what's happening, and what's not to miss in this gorgeous corner of paradise.
Give us a call today. Let us unlock the unique magic that's St Martin/Sint Maarten. The island of a thousand breath-taking views patiently awaits your visit. Bienvenu, Welkom!