After a whirlwind five days on a perfect island getaway, we have compiled the best things to do in St. Martin for couples.
This itinerary leans romantic, but to be honest, it would also be an amazing couples trip or girls getaway.
St Martin is the perfect place for couples who want crystal-clear waters, amazing sunrises, hidden gems, and great restaurants; all packed into just 21 square miles of Caribbean charm.
Whether you love adventure, nature, beach bars, or romantic dinners, this great spot has something for every duo.
Where is St. Martin?
St. Martin is a small Caribbean island located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, about 190 miles east of Puerto Rico.
What makes it especially unique is that it’s the world’s smallest island shared by two nations:
- The northern half is Saint-Martin, a French territory.
- The southern half is Sint Maarten, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Because of this split, you’ll often see it referred to as St. Martin, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, or St. Maarten, but it’s all the same beautiful island!
It sits in the Lesser Antilles West Indies and is close to other islands like Anguilla and St. Barths.
For this trip, we spent time on the French side of Saint Martin and these recommendations are all for the Northern half of the island.
Take in the Views with a Gourmet Sunset Dinner
For the ultimate romantic moment, book a sunset dinner aboard Pyratz Gourmet Sailing.
Glide across the Caribbean Sea, clink glasses as the sky ignites in pink and gold, and enjoy gourmet food as the coastline sparkles in the distance.
It’s a top spot for couples who love a little luxury and spectacular panoramic views.
The service on the yacht was top-notch and could rival a Michelin-starred restaurant, starting with a selection of five craft cocktails that could be served at any top cocktail bar.
The Tropical Plunder cocktail even came complete with a flavorful foam topper atop bright passionfruit and rum.
Sip your cocktails as you munch on snacks of fried goat cheese, homemade hummus, and tomato tapenade as the yacht starts to depart for Happy Bay.
While taking in the sunset views, enjoy a series of three amuse bouche: a mushroom soup topped with pickled mushrooms, a tropical salad, and a traditional eggs mimosa, which is similar to a deviled egg.
Now’s it time for the main event! Fresh lobster and a massive tomahawk steak are grilled up before your eyes on the back of the ship.
They’re served alongside a trio of locally made gourmet sauces, rice, and asparagus.
The food screams luxury and the yacht makes you feel like a millionaire.
Top off an incredible voyage with some sweet endings: dessert consisted of a cheesecake tart with berry sauce and an ooey gooey chocolate lava cake.
Book one of their private charters for an experience not to miss!
Stay in the Jungle at The Forest Hotel
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up in a tropical forest, surrounded by palm trees and birdsong, The Forest Hotel is your ideal place.
Located near above picturesque Anse Marcel beach, this stay lets you soak in the lush greenery of St. Martin’s jungle forests.
Nature lovers and animal lovers alike will love the green surroundings.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife and even green turtles who occasionally stop by nearby beaches.
Whether you’re checking out lively Marigot or heading down to popular Grand Case Beach, this jungle hideaway feels worlds away…but close to everything.
For a blissful retreat, book a romantic suite. With a private terrace complete with hot tub, it’s an oasis fit for romance.
Taste your Way Through the Festival de la Gastronomie
If you visit at the best time, during the Festival de la Gastronomie, you’ll get to enjoy cooking classes, sample dishes inspired by global cuisines, and watch live performances.
Saint Martin has earned the reputation of being the culinary powerhouse of the Caribbean, they even earned the Travvy Award for Best Culinary Destination.
As a result, you’ll be eating amazing foods whether you’re there during the festival or not, but this is the perfect way to try lots of local delicacies.
This is a great spot to meet local chefs, try new dishes, and experience the island’s lively nightlife vibe.
The food festival occurs over 12 days, with dozens of various food-focused workshops and events.
We had the opportunity to experience a number of the festivities during the event:
Sip N Cook
Shake cocktails while sautéing scallops? Yes.
The Sip N Cook workshops bring in top bartenders and chefs from around the world for a hands-on cooking experience.
We started by making a delicious cocktail with passionfruit, tequila, and chili liquor alongside Mia Mastroianni, the celebrity bartender from the show Bar Rescue.
Together we sipped the cocktail as we transitioned to cooking food with chef Jason Santos.
Our final plate was chive mayo, topped with an apple puree, seared curried scallops and an apple salad.
Bon appetit!
BBQ Competition
For an authentic taste of local island cuisine, don’t miss the BBQ Competition.
Local chefs are barbecuing foods like lobster, chicken, ribs, and fish and vying to snatch the title of “1st place BBQ Chef”.
While they’re competing, you’re eating their delicious food!
Purchase meats or a meal plate at vendors and pick your favorite BBQ while the judges are determining the winner.
We’ve tried unique foods all around the world, and this was the first place where we encountered pig tails.
Yes, this BBQ dish is just as it sounds. Imagine traditional island oxtails, but porky, salty, and crispy like a chicharrón.
While you’re tasting your way through all the vendors watch performances from local drum lines, dancers, and even a preview of carnaval!
The event is smoky, irresistible, and full of entertainment!
Culinary Village Tastings
A cornerstone of the festival, you can pop into Culinary Village for a whole lot of irresistible food alongside live music.
Purchase dishes from various chefs ranging from sweets, to fine wines, to curries, to even foie gras!
We even had the chance to try the local guavaberry liqueur at a vendor booth.
This year’s Festival de la Gastronomie theme was passionfruit and we were able to taste some really inventive recipes made with the island fruit.
One dish that really shocked us was the passion fruit cream sauce on pasta with clams from Pâtes-Atra bar à pâtes.
We were not expecting the flavors of passionfruit to work with pasta, but it was so delectable we went back for seconds!
Relax with a Couples Spa Day
In an ultra-serene oasis treat yourselves to a day at the Belmond La Samanna Spa.
Think premium facials, Swedish massages, and fragrant oils pulled straight from the surrounding flora.
This is the kind of place where even your stress takes a vacation in the natural beauty of the jungle.
Start your relaxation journey with some detox water as you choose your treatment indulgence (rejuvenation, antiaging, detox, or relaxation) with themed oils and corresponding teas.
The massage rooms are fully immersive with two doors that open directly up into the jungle.
Chirping of live birds creates the real-life soundtrack that all spas try to replicate.
During the session, a tropical rainstorm began and we were soothed with the natural sounds of rain pattering on the leaves as a masseuse soothed tension away.
After the session, guests can opt to use the private outdoor shower
To finalize your session, retreat to the tranquility area with fresh brewed tea and a cocoa-dusted energy ball.
The entire resort at The Belmond is absolutely stunning.
Stay a little while longer and head to the beachfront restaurant to extend your bliss.
The seared tuna was one of our favorite meals during the entire trip.
Enjoy an French Cheese and Wine Tasting
As a gourmet-loving French territory, Saint Martin has some amazing food shops.
Le Comptoir des Fromages is a charming shop that offers a classic French tasting that feels like a date straight out of a culinary rom-com film.
Sample cheeses aged to perfection, sip wine from boutique vineyards, and pretend you’re connoisseurs even if you’re just here for a dairy-filled lunch.
We loved learning about the cheese making processes, the proper way to slice cheeses, as well as the different styles of cheese (washed rind, bloomy rind, natural rind, semi hard, hard, and blue cheese).
You’ll get to take notes and pick your favorites as you savor each cheese.
All of the wine pairings were superb.
One thing that we learned in the workshop is that as a rule of thumb, if you pair a cheese from a certain region, pair it with a wine from the same region.
The same terroir makes it a seamless match!
Design your own Perfume Scent
At A Scent of Art, you and your partner can craft custom scents using local botanicals.
It’s one of the most unique things to do on the island, and you walk away with personalized perfumes that double as souvenirs and bragging rights.
Start by learning about the history of perfume and the basics for making a perfume blend.
Pick from one of 14 accord blends that range from floral, woody, oriental, or fresh.
Then add on three of hundreds of different accent oils to create the perfect scent!
At the end of the session, you’ll name your creation and head home with a scent that will forever remind you of your amazing trip to St Martin.
Soak up the Sun with a Boat Day
Set sail on a private charter with Captain Jo, where you can cruise the Anse Marcel Lagoon, float in crystal-clear waters, or circle surrounding islands.
Right after taking off, the captain pointed out sea turtles swimming in the bay!
Jump in for snorkeling around a tiny island to discover marine life (we even found a massive starfish!) or just relax on the boat’s bean bags on the sundeck.
Beer, wine, and cocktails are all included as part of the sailing trip.
It was impressive to see that they offered a large selection of craft cocktails, from aperol spritz, to rum punch, to moscow mules.
If you’re looking to enjoy the water, you can even have your drinks served on a floating bar!
The crew even prepared a tasty house cocktail that was served in a festive pineapple!
We have taken catamaran tours all throughout the world, and this was definitely the most premium boat day with the best amenities and drinks.
You’ll see why boating is one of the best things you can do in the Lesser Antilles.
Relax at Gorgeous St. Martin Beaches
The beautiful beaches and turquoise waters of Saint Martin are the stuff of postcards.
Spend your days floating in tropical fish-filled lagoons, lounging under palm trees, or wandering into beach bars serving refreshing cocktails.
It seems like every curve of the island unveils another picturesque shoreline.
Renting a car is the best way to explore on your first visit. We booked our car through NONO car rental, which delivered it to our hotel.
If you’d prefer to have a local drive you around from beach to beach, book a driver with the Saint Martin United Taxi Association.
Here are some of the favorite gorgeous beaches that we encountered:
Happy Bay Beach: A hidden gem perfect for couples wanting privacy. In order to access this beach, you need to hike in, about a 10-15 minute walk. Another option is to access this stretch of beach by boat, which we did with a boat tour. Since it is so private, you will notice that this beach is “clothing-optional” so you might find the occasional sunbather soaking up the rays while nude.
Baie Rouge: This is known as the red bay and it is a more natural, undeveloped stretch of beach. Be sure to bring your own towels, beverages, and umbrellas since you will not find beach clubs on this stretch of sand. The lack of amenities means that it’s quiet and relaxing. We took the most wonderful beachside nap along the dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Friar’s Bay: Loved by locals, Friar’s Bay offers calm waves and a relaxed vibe. You’ll find some beach chairs for rent as well as some outdoor bars just waiting to blend up a tropical cocktail for you.
Grand Case Beach: A popular strip of restaurants line Grand Case Beach. It’s perfect for swimming, sunset strolls, and sniffing out the island’s next great meal. You’ll even find a lolo, an area with lots of local BBQ at the edge of the beach. Try the BBQ ribs or even the pig tails if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cupecoy Bay Beach: The sandstone cliffs surrounding Cupecoy Bay have eroded to create little coves of privacy alongside this stunning stretch of beach.
With so many options, you could plan a full day of beach-hopping. You could even take a day trip to Pinel Island if you’re chasing the best snorkeling spot.
Share a Romantic Oceanfront Meal
Few places on the island rival Ocean 82 for ambiance.
This great place sits right on the water in Grand Case, which is an area often called the best restaurant row on the island.
Ocean 82 offers panoramic views of the blue waters stretching towards the island of Anguilla.
We savoured the fresh oysters flown in from France and tuna tartare alongside craft cocktails as the sun slipped under the horizon.
For entrees we chose a local snapper alongside a rich and luscious duck breast. You’re in France, afterall, and of course no one knows how to cook canard better than the French!
Finally for dessert, we loved the passionfruit dish that was made special for the culinary festival. It had so many layers of textures and flavors.
Their pastry chef was so good, they’d be a star in Paris too.
Be sure to ask to taste their homemade rum! The spirit features infusions like banana and passionfruit.
It’s the kind of meal where you toast with French wine, gaze into each other’s eyes, and wonder if it’s socially acceptable to order two desserts (and the answer is YES!)
Dine at a Floating Restaurant
Balaou is a super unique concept and restaurant that deserves to be crossed off your foodie bucket list.
Imagine being picked up by a boat off the docks of Grand Case and led to a floating foodie playground.
Your lunch accommodations are inflatable floating dining tables!
Order a craft cocktail or a bottle of French wine as you soak up the sun’s rays in the lagoon.
From a food standpoint, you can choose from pizzas, toasts, or bokits (sandwiches).
The pizza toppings are undeniably French, as they should be!
Don’t expect plain-old concession stand dining, our pizza was topped with French reblochon cheese, grated mozzarella, sour cream, bacon, onions, and potato.
It was rich, delicious, and the perfect snack while we floated with a Provence Rosé!
Have a Oceanside Lunch at a Beachclub
Head to Orient Bay for a chic lunch at COCO Beach.
With plush loungers, incredible seafood, and waves that sparkle in the sun, it’s easy to settle in for a full day of couples relaxation.
We started by sipping some tropical cocktails while we savored the burrata salad and the veal carpaccio vitello tonnato.
For entrees, the wahoo fish was mindblowingly flavorful. The fish was fresh and expertly cooked, then nestled on top of a curry sauce with calamari. Every bite was bursting with flavor.
Another benefit of spending time on the French side of the island are all the French pastries.
For dessert, we had a tarte tropézienne, a delicacy from the south of France that is a brioche cake filled with flavored cream.
We also had a slice of St. Honoré cake, which was topped with croquembouche, the same French pastry that was our wedding cake during our wedding in Paris.
Oh, such sweet memories!
After we were stuffed to the gills, we retreated to lush lounge chairs on the golden sand to nap to the sounds of the ocean waves at Orient Bay Beach as we overlooked nearby islands.
See Monkeys while Relaxing in a Jungle Pool Oasis
Nestled on the slopes of Pic Paradis, a stunning scenic overlook in Saint Martin, you’ll find Loterie Farm.
It is a tropical playground with hiking trails, treetop cabanas, and zip line adventures.
Our favorite part though? Relaxing in the refreshing swimming pools surrounded by lush greenery.
The pools cascade over waterfalls creating private lagoon bays to explore while iguanas climb on the rocks nearby.
Book a cabana for an intimate date by the pool and share a bottle of wine or champagne.
We were thrilled that one of our favorite champagnes from our honeymoon, Perrier Jouet was on the menu.
We were really impressed by the food offerings as well!
The chicken curry was packed with flavor, the tuna poke was filled with accompaniments, and the chicken nems were crispy, fried spring roll perfection.
Whether you want the steepest zipline, a nature walk, cocktails in a cabana, or a lazy lounge day, this place has it all.
Watch the Planes Land Overhead from the Beach
No trip to St. Martin is complete without watching low-flying jets descend over Maho Beach near Princess Juliana International Airport.
While technically on the Dutch side, it’s a great tourist attraction to see while heading to the airport.
Grab a drink from Sunset Beach Bar, lean into the wind (literally), and watch massive aircraft land just feet above your head.
It’s one of the best free things to do in town, perfect if you’re coming from a cruise ship, staying nearby at a resort.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets, sampling French cuisine, cruising along turquoise bays, or simply soaking up the sweet, laid-back charm of the Friendly Island, Saint Martin offers endless ways for couples to reconnect and unwind.
With its perfect blend of adventure, culture, and romance, this little slice of paradise proves that sometimes the best memories are made on an island where two nations (and two hearts) meet.
Thank you to the Saint Martin Tourist Office for sponsoring this trip, follow along on their facebook and instagram pages to stay up to date on local events and happenings!
Be sure to check Discover Saint Martin for more trip planning resources and travel tips.
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