Located on an island whose cultural identity is shared with the Dutch, La Samanna is unabashedly French. St. Martin itself is a 37-mile region shared by a polyglot mixture of ethnicities ranging from South America to European nations. You’ll hear English, French, Portuguese, and curious variations of all of the above. But English is the primary language, so Americans will feel quite at home.
Once a couple is picked up at the Dutch-side airport on St. Martin by a pre-arranged La Samanna attendee, the cares of the world will begin to subside.
As you are driven toward La Samanna on serpentine roads through lush vegetation and blossoms fragrant and magnificent, you’ll ease into a reverie -- especially appreciated by those arriving post-wedding.
A Gracious Welcome
Crossing from the Dutch side of St. Martin to the French, you may notice the increasing vastness of pure tropical landscaping. And once you are driven through the iron-black gates into the world of La Samanna, you'll leave the world and its troubles behind.
You will be greeted at La Samanna's open-air, white-washed structure by cheerful staff who offer a refreshingly cool washcloth and welcome rum punch. Discretion is the key word at La Samanna. If you sight a celebrity or two, a simple nod and smile will do.
For La Samanna is, in fact, a celebrity magnet as well as a top-rated honeymoon destination. This is due primarily to its seclusion, and a staff who combines old-world grace, respect for privacy, and the desire to please each guest.
So if you notice Kevin Kline standing in front of the open-air lobby, or spot Harry Belafonte taking in the astounding view, store it in your memory bank rather than ask for an autograph. It’ll make a great story when you return to reality.
Awards and Accolades for La Samanna
La Samanna resort has 81 suites and is located on 55 acres of spectacular beachfront. It's been recognized as one of the world’s best resort hotels by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines and as one of the top 10 best places to go on a honeymoon in the world by The New York Times.
Some of the pristine, white-washed villas at La Samanna house two-level suites on the ocean side and are set in a secluded sanctuary overlooking Baie Longue. Others are cliffside and offer an equally breath-taking view.
The crescent-shaped beach, an artist’s dreamscape, offers privacy as well as natural beauty. Suites feature a tropically themed motif with mosaic tiles and brightly hued paintings and contemporary furniture.
Delicious and Delectable
When it’s mealtime, choices are abundant at La Samanna. Why leave a resort that offers a top-rated French chef who daily creates wonderful delicacies? Executive Chef Louaisil has a background that includes working at a three-star Michelin-rated restaurant as well as other impressive stints.
If you want something more casual, grab a bite in the Poolside Grill, which is connected to the main building. It overlooks a tremendous swimming pool as well as the aqua-tinted ocean. Or you can dine in at your own private suite. Barbecued lobster is one of the more unique dishes served.
But be forewarned: What this chef does with fresh fish, local spices, and provisions flown in daily from France is nearly indescribable. For connoisseurs of fine wine, La Samanna offers one of the most extensive wine collections anywhere in the Caribbean.
For couples interested in aquatic activities, snorkeling, scuba, and other water sports are available daily. The fitness center has stationary bikes and treadmills. Guests can request private Pilates instruction or participate in yoga classes.
La Samanna’s tranquil and elegant Elysee spa is a separate, intimately designed space that offers indoor/outdoor tropical treatment rooms.
If you crave casino excitement, the concierge can arrange an excursion to the Dutch side. Orient Beach offers an extensive array of cuisine on the French side and there’s always the marketplace on Saturday mornings. But don't expect to spend much time away from La Samanna. It has just about everything you could ever want.
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As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
Naomi Serviss is a writer based in New York. Her work has been published in The New York Times and other outlets.
