There’s a certain sound to the waves in Grand Case at night, a reminder that you’re in one of the great Creole villages in the Caribbean, that you’re in a culinary wonderland.
There’s a feeling on Orient Bay, when the music hits and the ti’ punch comes at the right moment and the sand teems with energy.
And there’s something about the way the grass seems to dance on the green hills.
And now the sounds and the feelings and the sights are back.
This island has been through a lot in the last year — but St Martin, one of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations, has made an admirable comeback from the storms of 2017.
That means that, while the comeback is still in process, it’s time for you to make your own comeback to St Martin.
But the landscape has changed — and that’s why we’re here to help, pointing you to the five best hotels to check in to on your next St Martin vacation.
The new zero-entry pool at the GCBC.
Grand Case Beach Club The most beloved hotel on the French side, the GCBC has returned with 48 rooms (for now), with a spectacular transformation of its rooms and all of the same warm-hearted service and — most importantly — two magnificent beaches. It’s the best all around place to stay in St Martin. Period.
Le Petit Hotel This beachfront boutique has 10 rooms perched right on the sand in the heart of Grand Case, with a mix of studios and suites that all come with fully-equipped kitchens if you want to venture to St Martin’s wonderful markets and epiceries. The best part? Every room is oceanfront.
Sol e Luna Before Hurricane Irma, this place was an exclusive destination for only the most advanced St Martin aficionados — a crisply-designed world-class restaurant with hotel rooms. Now, its profile has grown. Sol e Luna continues to set a standard for St Martin design, with six unique suites, an oh-so-chic pool and garden in the front and — oh yes — one of the best wine cellars on the island. Even if you don’t stay here, a meal here is a must.
Hotel La Plantation Yes, the popular Orient Beach has changed — but the sand is just as blindingly white, the water is just as turquoise and more and more beach bars (including the famous Bikini Beach) continue to reopen. And if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the island’s most bustling beach, this is it: the rarefied Hotel La Plantation, a garden-set resort with 17 tropical-style single-story villas.
LTC Beach Hotel It was the newest hotel on the scene in Grand Case before Irma, and this hip, colorful boutique on the sand in Grand Case is just as bright and breezy as ever. There are nine rooms here, all with ocean views (and a balcony or a terrace), along with a terrific restaurant and a beach boutique to boot.