Things to Do in St. Martin: Luxury Travel Guide to the Caribbean Island

The scent of sea salt and French pastries mingle with the peaceful energy of European seaside towns. St. Martin is a one-of-a-kind Caribbean escape shared by two nations. The northern French region of Saint Martin exudes refined, peaceful elegance, while the southern Dutch half, Sint Maarten, offers a fast-paced, cosmopolitan flair. This unique blend of European life and Caribbean charm makes the island a fascinating destination for luxury travelers.

Here, turquoise waves wash on white-sand beaches, elegant bistros rival Europe’s finest, and busy marinas hum with opulent yachts. You’ll find a wide variety of activities, from exquisite fine dining to exciting local experiences to stunning nature reserves. This travel guide reveals the best things to do in St. Martin for travelers seeking luxury, culture, and adventure.

Best Beaches in St. Martin for Relaxation and Luxury

St. Martin’s coastline has something for everyone. Orient Bay is the island’s showpiece, where the water is impossibly clear. Stretching 1.3 miles along the French side, it’s the second-longest beach on the island, just behind Baie Longue with its two miles of peaceful sand. Orient Bay Beach is lined with chic open-air bars, comfortable sun loungers, and upscale dining spots. While topless sunbathing is allowed elsewhere, the bay’s southern end is famously au naturel, catering to those seeking a more liberated experience.

For a unique adventure, Maho Beach on the Dutch side is well worth a visit. The beach is at the end of the Princess Juliana International Airport runway, so this world-famous beach has become an icon for plane-spotters. Massive jets descend right overhead, creating a jaw-dropping spectacle. 

Where To Eat in St. Martin: Fine Dining and Culinary Hotspots

In French St. Martin, the small town of Grand Case holds the title “Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean.” The area is lined with pastel-colored Creole houses and elegant eateries. No St. Martin trip itinerary is complete without a meal in Grand Case, but the more luxurious options may require advance reservation by your concierge. 

L’Auberge Gourmande is the premier choice for timeless elegance and authentic French cuisine. This 120-year-old establishment is housed in one of the island’s oldest Creole buildings and exudes charm from the moment you step inside. The restaurant flies in ingredients from France three times a week to craft dishes such as the decadent foie gras trilogy, scrumptious escargot, and beautifully presented filet mignon.

Across the street, Bistrot Caraibes is regularly ranked among the top three restaurants on the island for its romantic setting and world-class seafood. The famed fresh lobster melts in your mouth, and the classic French onion soup is also well worth a try.

Outdoor Adventures and Water Activities in St. Martin

Exciting things to do in St. Martin range from snorkeling and diving to kite surfing and island-hopping. 

St. Martin’s rich marine environment also makes it a prime destination for every type of angler. Deep-sea fishing offers thrilling pursuits of marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo in the Caribbean’s open waters. Charter operators like Red Baron tailor each excursion to your preferred style for a personalized day at sea.

No luxury travel experience on the island is complete without a private yacht charter with Boomerang Boat Charters. Spend the day swimming in aquamarine coves, snorkeling vibrant reefs, beachcombing hidden shores, or browsing chic island boutiques, all from a comfortable, well-adorned vessel.

Scuba diving is by far one of the top things to do in St. Martin. The area is well-known for shark diving and conservation. Kneel safely on sandy bottoms as Caribbean reef and nurse sharks glide past, sometimes accompanied by eagle rays or even hammerheads. 

SXM Divers lets you become a citizen scientist by joining their shark tagging expeditions in partnership with the One Shark Project. Participants assist in collecting vital data on tiger sharks, helping to protect these fierce apex predators while enjoying a truly unique adventure at sea.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in St. Martin

St. Martin is a playground for families looking for elevated experiences that entertain all ages. Check out Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve in the rainforest that features a lagoon-style spring water pool. Parents can unwind sipping a cocktail on a sunbed while the kids swim in the pool surrounded by lush greenery. 

Nearby, families can dine at the on-site restaurant, explore zipline courses, or embark on hiking trails. Older children can enjoy a scenic, if slightly challenging, one-hour trek up Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point. 

Lucky Stables at Seaside Nature Park combines luxury with family adventure. No prior riding experience is needed to join daily one-hour horseback tours that even include a swim with your horse in the sea. For an upscale family adventure, book the Sunset Champagne Ride, a two-hour trail ride complete with a beach bonfire, marshmallows, Champagne for adults, and a magical seaside sunset. 

Younger children will love the Discovery Farm, also located within the park, where they can meet miniature farm animals and enjoy pony rides. When they’re tuckered out, head back to your St. Martin luxury home for families​ to let them nap the rest of the day away. 

Shopping and Nightlife Tips

Begin your shopping adventure in Marigot, the elegant capital of the French side. A leisurely walk along Rue de la République reveals charming 19th-century Creole houses with stone foundations, giving you a glimpse into the island’s past. 

A short stroll away, the bustling waterfront open-air market is a must-visit. It’s open Monday through Saturday and filled with stalls selling everything from locally made clothing and hand-woven baskets to fragrant spices and artisanal rum. Grab a selection of unique souvenirs, then hit the local boutiques selling the newest fashions and staple island pieces.

On the other side of the island, Philipsburg is renowned as a premier duty-free shopping destination. Along bustling Front Street, shoppers can find luxury watches, fine jewelry, designer fashion, electronics, liquor, tobacco, and local specialties like Guavaberry Rum.

After the sun sets, the Caribbean night comes alive. A visit during Carnival will treat you to thrilling parades and concerts, but at any time of year, St. Martin’s nightlife is legendary. On the French side, cafes in Grand Case transform into a beach club, and even Loterie Farm hosts a monthly jungle pool party. If relaxed evenings are more your style, chic rooftop bars like Ratafia make refined cocktails in a stylish ambiance. 

When you get tired of partying, have your Vacation Concierge book luxury spa experiences to relax and unwind. 

Where To Stay in St. Martin for a Luxury Experience

For high-end accommodations on the island, you have more options than a standard resort. For those seeking privacy, personalization, and a true sense of peace, private St. Martin vacation homes are the obvious choice.

Rather than sharing the amenities at a crowded hotel, luxury homes in St. Martin deliver a more intimate experience, where every detail is tailored to you. Imagine arriving to find a fully stocked kitchen, custom itinerary in hand, and your Local Host ready to secure last-minute dinner reservations or private excursions. Instead of competing with other guests for prime poolside spots or reservations, you set the pace of your days entirely, whether you’re going out on adventures or relaxing in your St. Martin luxury vacation home.

Equity Estates: Seamless Luxury Living in St. Martin

Equity Estates’ luxury retreats in St. Martin and elsewhere around the world are designed for discerning travelers who seek the finest, most private beachfront properties and other vacation homes. Each residence in the portfolio is beautifully furnished and equipped with thoughtful essentials, from kitchen condiments to sunscreen. We call that the Equity Estates Signature — our standard for how every home is chosen, shaped, and prepared around a simple belief: luxury can be practical. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team handles every detail for comfortably curated travel. These are easily among the best places to stay in St. Martin for the ultimate privacy and luxury.

Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call. Download our Executive Summary