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Luxury Travel
Spotlight on St. Martin
La Samanna Luxury Resort and Spa, St. Martin
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ver since the 70s, La Samanna’s magnificent Mediterranean-style resort has been securely locked on VIP radar for celebrities, rich tycoons, and even presidents looking to escape the spotlight and relax in tropical style (Jackie Onassis was a regular guest!). Today, with multi-million dollars of rejuvenation, this sanctuary is still the grande old dame of luxury, and as a long-standing member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”, it remains a famous island landmark. The retreat is also famous for its award-winning restaurant, amazing wine cellar (over 12,000 bottles) and a luxurious full-service spa. And now, new additions of La Samanna Villas offer even more high-end accommodations with fabulous amenities like private wrap-around infinity pools, oversized terraces with gazebos, outdoor showers, private soaking pools and rooftop solariums. Even if you don’t stay there, a visit to their surfside cocktail lounge to embrace the classic vibe is a must. Also, high end on the French side is the fairly new Radisson Blu Resort Marina and Spa in Anse Marcel sprawling languidly over 18 pristine surfside
©Photo: courtesy of www.lasamanna.com
Classic Accommodations—Luxurious Resorts
acres– a paradise unto itself– with very modern amenities housed in charming low-rise colonial style structures. Blu’s signature services include a kid’s club, fitness centre, interesting guest enrichment classes, PADI courses, and complementary water taxis from the airport. If you’d prefer to be right on top of all the Orient Bay Beach action, seek out the well-appointed accommodations of Alamanda, Esmeralda and Cap Caraibes properties, or the Green Cay Villas located on the hillsides directly above the beach. And, of course, Club Orient’s famous clothing-optional resort is THE spot to stay if bouncing in the surf with nothing on but your birthday suit and a smile is your guilty pleasure. There are many medium-sized hotels and intimate guesthouses dotted around the French side close to its beautiful beaches, but Hotel l’Esplanade in Grand Case is a best-kept secret stashed away right in the heart of St. Martin’s divine dining district. And for those seeking the ultimate of accommodations by renting a stunning and spacious private villa, the Anse Marcel area has the most prestigious offerings. SUSAN CAMPBELL
-- LuxuryReportMagazine.com