La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin, is the dazzling jewel of the French West Indies. Overlooking the turquoise waters of Baie Longue, this island hideway blends retro beach elegance with timeless French Caribbean charm.
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Set over 55 acres at the southwest tip of St Martin, the resort is perched high on a rocky cliffside overlooking nearly two miles of magnificent crescent-shaped beach. Pathways lined with poinsettia and bougainvillea weave between whitewashed buildings. Elegant, airy suites, villas and cottages frame stunning clifftop views.
Originally designed as a Mediterranean villa-style residence, La Samanna opened in 1974 and fast became a hotspot among celebrities and the European jet-set. The Kennedys, Diana Ross and David Bowie were among the illustrious guests drawn to its laidback luxury.
Days can be spent unwinding in a cabana on the power-soft sand, enjoying wellness treatments in the hilltop spa or embarking on thrilling culinary journeys at the fabled restaurants. From imaginative fine dining at L’Oursin to light Italian fare at La Spaggia by Laplaj and sunset cocktails accompanied by a “Snackonomy” menu at Baie Longue Bar, every speciality brims with local produce. Dishes can be accompanied by a fine vintage from the hotel’s 12,000-bottle wine cellar. The atmospheric cellar also hosts sommelier-led degustations and private, curated dinners.
A wealth of facilities on site includes two swimming pools, a gym, tennis courts and a watersports centre offering everything from kayaks to Seabobs. When further exploration calls, exclusive activities range from rainforest hikes and steel drum classes to voyages to uninhabited islands.
