There are some holiday destinations that really stand out above others. If you’re considering one of those relaxing tropical island holidays where your primary responsibilities and decisions center around what to drink out of a coconut and if you should swim in the pool or ocean first, look no further—St. Martin is the place to go.
While the price tag might be a little higher than the sort of places I often recommend, it’s with good reason. There are few places where you can find such luxury and such unpretentious friendliness in close proximity. St. Martin is an interesting culturally melting pot, as it is split between French and Dutch territory and has a wide range of influences from African, British, and Creole inhabitants. Additionally, the island is so prosperous and successful that it draws immigrants from neighboring Caribbean countries and territories, leading to an even greater blend of languages, music, and food. Oh yeah, the food—St. Martin is world-renowned for its inventive native cuisine and the influence of French cooking and influx of top European chefs that cater to the upscale resorts, villas, and restaurants. You will definitely eat well.
When you’re not busy eating, you’ll likely spend a lot of time on the beach. There are stunning white sand stretches all around the island to enjoy, and it’s also possible to take day trips to small neighboring islands for more privacy. One of the interesting features of the Dutch side of the island is how close Maho Beach is to the airport. Tourists come to see jetliners land from obscenely up close, so much so that blowback from the landing can potentially cause injury if safety guidelines are not followed. While it isn’t as relaxing as laying in a hammock with a drink in your hand, it’s actually quite fun and worth doing at least once while on the island.
Your accommodation options are mostly limited to high end places, but the comforts of the lifestyle are well worth it. Villas in St. Martin come with amazing features like swimming pools, private beaches, 5 star chefs, multilingual staff, massage and spa centers, and concierges that know the island better than anyone else. Booking in advance is essential, so be sure to check them out. You won’t be disappointed.
So rather than suffer out the cold months at home and look at postcard and calendar pictures from tropical beaches, make it happen and go in person. If you’re ready for a truly luxurious vacation, St. Martin is the place to do it.
