Ideal for those seeking variety, culture, and endless beach options on one spectacular island…
Saint Martin. Sint Maarten. Two names, one island, zero border controls, and endless confusion about which currency to use where. This 87-square-kilometre speck in the Caribbean has been amicably shared between France and the Netherlands since 1648, making it the smallest inhabited island divided between two nations. The result? A place where you can have croissants for breakfast, Gouda for lunch, and somehow end up at a casino watching planes land metres above your head by dinner.
The island’s shared governance has created a fascinating blend of influences that defies simple categorization. You’ll find excellent restaurants, bustling markets, quiet coves, and lively entertainment districts scattered across both territories. Want hedonistic beach bars? Got them. Michelin-worthy dining? That too. Peaceful hidden coves? Absolutely. All within a 20-minute drive of each other. Here’s our guide to the perfect week in Saint Martin.
Day 1: Landing In Chaos, Finding Paradise
You’ll likely arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side, famous for those Instagram shots of planes roaring just metres above Maho Beach. Yes, it’s as mad as it looks. No, don’t stand directly behind the jets unless you fancy being sandblasted into next week.
Collect your rental car (having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore every hidden corner of the island) and remember: you’ll be driving on the right side, but half the cars are right-hand drive imports from Japan. The roundabouts are numerous and add to the Caribbean driving adventure.
Head to your accommodation. If you’ve opted for one of the luxury vacation villas in Saint Martin, you’re likely perched in the hills above Terres Basses or Orient Bay with views that’ll make your Instagram followers weep. Otherwise, Simpson Bay or Cole Bay offer convenience, while the French side’s Grand Case puts you at the island’s gastronomic epicentre.
Drop your bags and make for Grand Case for dinner regardless. This one-street village punches absurdly above its weight gastronomically. L’Auberge Gourmande does French classics with Caribbean twists under new ownership, while Talk of the Town serves sublime Creole fusion in a beachfront “lolo” setting. Book ahead or explore the other local barbecue stands which serve brilliant grilled fish and ribs for a fraction of the price.
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Day 2: Beach Hopping, French Side
Start with coffee and croissants at a Grand Case bakery, then begin your beach reconnaissance. Orient Bay is the French Riviera transported to the tropics: beach clubs, water sports, and a clothing-optional section at the southern end if that’s your thing. Pay for a sunbed at one of the beach clubs like Kontiki (note they close seasonally in October); it’s worth it for the service and facilities.
For lunch, stay beachside. La Playa at Orient Beach does excellent wood-fired pizzas and cold rosé, a combination that’s dangerously moreish. The afternoon demands a change of pace. Drive to Anse Marcel, a protected bay that feels like it belongs to a private resort but doesn’t. The water here is absurdly calm, perfect for swimming or just floating while contemplating your life choices that led you to this moment of perfection.
As the sun starts its descent, position yourself at Friar’s Bay. Order a ti’ punch (rum, lime, sugar, and danger) from Friar’s Bay Beach Café and watch the sunset paint the sky colours that would seem garish anywhere else but make perfect sense here.
Day 3: Philipsburg & The Dutch Side Circus
Today, embrace the Dutch side’s vibrant commercial energy. Philipsburg, the capital, is where cruise ships bring thousands of day-trippers hunting for duty-free treasures and designer finds. It’s buzzing with life and retail therapy at its Caribbean best. Front Street and Back Street offer everything from locally-made Guavaberry liqueur to Cuban cigars.
The Boardwalk is actually rather pleasant, stretching along Great Bay Beach. Stop at Holland House Beach Hotel’s Ocean Lounge for lunch; their lobster thermidor is excessive in all the right ways. Post-lunch, escape the crowds at Little Bay Beach, accessible by walking through Divi Little Bay Resort (small parking fee applies). The protected cove offers excellent snorkelling and calm waters.
Evening means Maho Beach for the sunset plane-spotting spectacular. The Sunset Bar & Grill has a surfboard displaying arrival times, and yes, people really do get blown into the water by jet blast. It’s thrilling entertainment unique to Saint Martin. For dinner, head to The Palms at Simpson Bay for sophisticated Caribbean seafood, or if you’re feeling lucky, hit Casino Royale afterwards, the island’s largest gaming facility.
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Day 4: The Laid-Back Beaches
Time to discover the island’s quieter corners. Start early at Dawn Beach on the Dutch side, watching the sunrise with only pelicans for company. This undeveloped beach offers tranquility without commercial distractions.
Drive to the French side’s Baie aux Prunes (Plum Bay), one of those beaches that locals hope tourists won’t discover. Too late now. The sand is white, the water graduated from turquoise to sapphire, and the crowd non-existent on weekdays. No facilities here, so bring water and snacks.
Continue to Baie Rouge for lunch. This stunning beach lost its famous Chez Raymond in 2022, but the pristine sand and turquoise waters remain spectacular. Pack a picnic or grab takeaway from nearby establishments. The afternoon is yours to perfect the art of doing absolutely nothing. This beach has just enough waves to be interesting but not enough to be annoying.
As evening approaches, drive up to Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point at 424 metres. The road is rough, but the 360-degree views are worth the rental car damage waiver. Time it right and you’ll see both sunset and moonrise, the lights of Anguilla twinkling to the north.
Day 5: Marigot & Market Day
Wednesday or Saturday means market day in Marigot, the French capital. The waterfront market is tourist-focused but charming, with stalls selling everything from fresh passion fruit to local crafts and artwork. The authentic local market near the stadium offers proper Caribbean atmosphere with vendors showcasing everything from dasheen to the latest electronics.
Explore Fort Louis, the ruins overlooking Marigot Bay. The 15-minute climb is sweaty but rewarded with views and a fascinating history of failed military ambitions. Below, Marigot itself deserves exploration. The Marina Royale complex houses upmarket boutiques and restaurants along its repaired quayside, though the actual boat anchorage remains closed with vessels now using Fort Louis Marina. Le Tropicana offers excellent French-Asian fusion for lunch, or grab a sandwich from a local bakery and eat by the water.
Afternoon calls for Galion Beach, where shallow, calm waters make it perfect for families or terrible swimmers. The sole beach bar does decent cocktails and better people-watching. For dinner, splurge at Le Pressoir in Grand Case. Their seven-course tasting menu is an investment, but the wine pairings and tableside flambéed desserts make it worthwhile. Book well ahead and dress up a bit; this is French territory after all.
Day 6: Adventure Or Indulgence
Decision time. The adventurous should take the ferry from Marigot to Anguilla (bring your passport). This British territory, just 20 minutes away, offers beaches that make Saint Martin’s look average. Shoal Bay East is perfection incarnate, while lunch at Scilly Cay (a tiny island off Island Harbour) involves grilled crayfish and rum punches that could floor a pirate. Ferries run nine times daily from 8:30am to 6:00pm, costing $30 USD one-way.
Alternatively, embrace indulgence with a beach day at Baie Longue or exploring the island’s lesser-known spots. The exclusive Terres Basses area offers some of the island’s most pristine beaches.
Either way, return for sunset at Mullet Bay Beach, where the calm waters and palm trees create postcard clichés. The beach bar does acceptable food and excellent rum punches. For your penultimate dinner, try Spiga in Grand Case for Italian that would impress actual Italians (note they close for vacation in summer, reopening in October).
Day 7: Last-Minute Everything
Your final day depends on flight times, but assume an evening departure. Morning means last-minute shopping in Philipsburg for duty-free rum and those Cuban cigars that make perfect gifts. Or hit Marigot for French wines and designer goods at genuinely competitive prices.
For a farewell lunch, return to a favourite beach. Simpson Bay Beach on the Dutch side offers calm waters and several excellent beach bars. The Karakter Beach Lounge does sophisticated beach food, while the Lazy Lizard brings proper beach-shack vibes.
If time allows, take the short drive to Cole Bay Hill lookout for final panoramic views. The dual nature of the island is most apparent from here: two nations sharing one island, creating something uniquely Caribbean yet utterly unlike anywhere else in the region.
The Practicalities
When to Visit: December to April is peak season with perfect weather and peak prices. May to November is hurricane season, though real storms are rare. September and October offer the best deals if you’re willing to gamble with weather.
Getting Around: Rent a car for maximum freedom to explore. The island is small and easy to navigate. Taxis are readily available for those who prefer not to drive. Be aware that traffic can build up around Simpson Bay and Marigot during rush hour and cruise ship days.
Money Matters: Euros on the French side, US dollars on the Dutch side, though dollars are accepted everywhere. ATMs are plentiful. Credit cards widely accepted except at the smallest local spots.
Language: English everywhere on the Dutch side, French and English on the French side. A “bonjour” goes far with French-side locals.
Stay Connected: Get a local SIM card from FLOW or TelCell, or prepare for shocking roaming charges. Most restaurants and bars have WiFi.
Beach Etiquette: Some French beaches are clothing-optional. If nudity offends, avoid the southern end of Orient Bay. All beaches are public, though resorts might try to suggest otherwise.
This week in Saint Martin isn’t about choosing sides in the Franco-Dutch divide. It’s about embracing both, understanding that sometimes the best islands are the ones that offer delightful variety at every turn. You’ll leave with a golden tan, wonderful memories of excellent cuisine, possibly some duty-free treasures, and definitely plans to return. Because seven days on an island this wonderfully diverse is never quite enough.
