Perched above the pristine crescent of Baie Longue Beach on the French side of St. Martin, Belmond La Samanna is one of the Caribbean’s most refined hideaways.
The resort sits in the exclusive enclave of Terres Basses, a low-density, ultra-private residential area known for its dramatic coastline, turquoise waters, and quiet sense of seclusion.
La Samanna History
Originally conceived in the early 1970s, the property was designed by architect Happy Ward in the style of a Mediterranean villa, blending European elegance with island ease. Construction was completed in 1973, and the resort was named by its original owners after their children.
Over the decades, La Samanna has evolved through several custodians, including Orient-Express Hotels and later Belmond, undergoing major refurbishments while carefully preserving its signature sense of understated glamour.
Today, La Samanna is widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most elegant beachfront resorts, offering a rare combination of French sophistication, Caribbean natural beauty, and intimate scale.
After spending 20 years as a luxury travel journalists visiting 5 star hotels by Four Seasons, Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton and Shangri-La I was thrilled to experience my first Belmond property during a winter escape in Saint Martin.
Architecture & Interior Design
La Samanna’s architectural identity is unmistakably inspired by the French Riviera and coastal Italy, reimagined through a Caribbean lens. Whitewashed stone buildings, terracotta rooftops, and arched walkways cascade gently toward the sea, creating the impression of a hillside Mediterranean village suspended above the ocean.
The resort’s layout is intentionally low-rise and spread across landscaped gardens, ensuring privacy and uninterrupted views of the sea from nearly every vantage point.
Inside, the design language is refined yet relaxed. Interiors feature a soft, contemporary aesthetic: natural wood finishes, light linens, coral-inspired tones, and subtle nautical references. The effect is elegant without being formal, luxurious without feeling overly styled.
Public spaces, including the open-air lobby, blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, allowing Caribbean breezes and ocean views to define the guest experience.
Pools & Beach
At the heart of the resort experience is Baie Longue Beach, one of St. Martin’s most beautiful and unspoiled stretches of sand. Powder-soft and uncrowded, it extends for nearly a mile, framed by calm, aquamarine waters that shift in colour throughout the day.
La Samanna’s beachfront setup includes private cabanas, attentive service, and direct access to the sea, making it ideal for long, unhurried days by the water.
The resort also features two distinct swimming pools: a main ocean-view pool designed for relaxed lounging (heated), and a secondary infinity-style pool positioned closer to the beach and bar area.
Both pools are designed with simplicity and elegance in mind, stone decking, cushioned loungers, and uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea.
Accommodation: Villas, Suites & Seaside Privacy
Accommodation at La Samanna is designed to feel residential in scale and deeply private in experience, with options ranging from elegant guest rooms to expansive multi-bedroom villas.
Oceanview Rooms & Suites
The resort’s entry-level rooms already feel elevated, offering private terraces or balconies with sweeping views of Baie Longue or the lush tropical gardens. Interiors are airy and calm, with neutral palettes, marble bathrooms, and thoughtful touches that reflect the resort’s coastal setting.
Suites elevate the experience further with separate living areas, oversized terraces, and enhanced privacy—ideal for longer stays or guests seeking additional space.
Beachfront Suites
For those who want direct proximity to the sea, the beachfront suites are among the most sought-after accommodations.
Just steps from the sand, these suites open directly onto terraces with unobstructed ocean views, allowing guests to move effortlessly between indoor comfort and beachside living.
Villas
The pinnacle of the La Samanna experience is its collection of private villas, ranging from three to eight bedrooms. Designed for families, groups, or extended stays, each villa offers full kitchens, expansive living areas, private pools, and dedicated staff options including chefs and butlers.
Many villas are positioned on elevated plots overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offering cinematic sunsets and complete seclusion. They embody the essence of Riviera-style living reimagined in the tropics.
Spa & Fitness
Wellness at La Samanna is designed to feel deeply connected to its natural surroundings. The open-air spa is nestled within lush tropical gardens, where treatment rooms open directly to the scent of frangipani and the sound of distant waves.
The spa menu draws on French luxury skincare traditions, offering massages, facials, and body rituals designed to restore balance and relaxation in a serene, al fresco environment.
Beyond the spa, the resort also features a well-equipped fitness centre with modern cardio and strength-training equipment. Guests seeking movement outdoors can take advantage of tennis courts, yoga spaces, and water-based activities along the beach.
Restaurants & Bars
The culinary program at La Samanna reflects its French heritage and island location. Every concept is top drawer so ensure you plan your stay so you can sip and nibble off each menu.
Corail
The resort’s signature breakfast restaurant sets the tone for each day with an elegant yet relaxed setting. Overlooking the main pool, it serves an abundant breakfast featuring fresh tropical fruit, pastries, made-to-order eggs, and locally inspired dishes. The open-air terrace captures the morning light beautifully, making it one of the most serene dining experiences on the property.
L’Oursin
The resort’s fine dining restaurant, L’Oursin, offers refined French cuisine with subtle Caribbean influences. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic, with candlelit tables and sweeping views of the sea. Menus focus on seafood and seasonal ingredients, paired with a strong wine list that reflects the property’s French heritage. Ask about the exclusive La Cave experience perfect for a special celebration.
Laplaj Beach Bar
Located directly on Baie Longue, Laplaj is the resort’s relaxed beachfront dining venue. It offers light Caribbean-inspired fare, fresh seafood, and tropical cocktails just steps from the sand. The chicken wings and watermelon salad topped with plump shrimp offered a divine lunch.
La Spiaggia
In the evening casual Laplaj transforms into the more upscale Italian-inspired La Spiaggia. The menu leans into simple, high-quality Italian coastal fare. Think fresh salads, handmade pastas, whole lobster and fish as well as a gigantic “elephant ear Cotoletta alla Milanese.”
