Combining French elegance and Dutch vibrancy, St Martin continues to shine as one of the Caribbean’s most captivating destinations in 2025. This island truly offers it all: relaxation, culture, adventure, and one of the best food scenes in the Caribbean. And whether it’s your first visit or a return, there are always plenty of new things to do in St Martin for the discerning traveler.
From visiting pristine beaches to enjoying the island’s famous dining and nightlife, this guide will take you through the best things to do in St Martin in 2025 for luxury travelers. But to really get the most out of your trip, book a luxury villa in St Martin with Rental Escapes. You’ll have access to some of the best stays on the island, and your Rental Escapes Concierge will also help plan every aspect of the trip with you, including finding the best things to do in St Martin for your group.
Why Visit St Martin in 2025
2025 sees a renewed energy, with more things to do in St Martin than ever. In fact, the island as a whole has undergone a renaissance since Hurricane Irma in 2017, with the rebuilding of villas, restaurants, and attractions. Those efforts have finally come to fruition, and the island is now brimming with fresh energy.
Starting October 2025, Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport will also be streamlining its arrival process with digital entry forms. That will make arrivals easier and quicker to process than ever.
And the island’s dining and adventure options continue to expand. Grand Case and Philipsburg have especially seen new establishments and refreshed menus. Meanwhile, attractions like Loterie Farm continue to offer new things to do in St Martin, including pool parties and ziplining.
Plus, there are always fresh events, like the St Martin Gastronomy Festival. Running from November 11th to 25th, 2025, it offers cooking workshops, tastings, a grand BBQ, wine and cheese pairings, and a focus on passion fruit as the signature ingredient for the year.
As a result, St Martin continues to be one of the top destinations for luxury travelers thanks to its combination of culture, adventure, style, and exclusivity. All of this makes 2025 the perfect year to explore the many luxury things to do in St Martin
The Unique Dual-Nation Island Experience
St Martin is split between two cultures. On the French side (Saint Martin), you’ll find refined dining, chic boutiques, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. On the Dutch side (Sint Maarten), expect lively marinas, vibrant nightlife, and cosmopolitan flair. In terms of finding things to do in St Martin, both offer great options.
Begin your day with café au lait in Marigot, then spend the evening along Simpson Bay’s bustling boardwalk. The blend of languages, cuisines, and architecture is part of what makes this island so special. Your Concierge can help you experience both with reservations, insider tips, and more. Below are some of the best things to do in St Martin on both sides.
Top Luxury Beaches in St Martin
Orient Bay Beach: The Chic Hotspot
With soft white sand and an elegant atmosphere, Orient Bay Beach elevates your beach experience. Here you’ll find exclusive beach clubs serving Dom Pérignon alongside gourmet cuisine crafted by internationally trained chefs. Plus, there are plenty of gorgeous Orient Bay villas to choose from.
While it’s famous for its beach clubs, there are also quieter stretches where you can go to enjoy the crystal-clear water. Or you can rent a private cabana and have your own little sanctuary. There’s even a clothing-optional section at Club Orient towards the southern end.
Orient Bay Beach is also a haven for watersports like jet-skiing, kite-surfing, and snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs just offshore.
Stay here in style with Villa Fleurs de Lys, which offers captivating ocean views, an elegant French aesthetic, and a gorgeous pool area.
Villa Fleurs de Lys – Orient Bay
Simpson Bay: The Vibrant Coastline
Simpson Bay is where calm turquoise waters meet a world-class marina. Here you’ll find some of the Caribbean’s best mega yachts, as well as plenty to cater to this vibrant scene.
There’s plenty of upscale beachfront dining and bars, with spots like Krakater Beach Lounge serving up fresh seafood and craft cocktails, and The Palms serving Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Thanks to the proximity to the airport, you also have the spectacle of planes flying low and landing just above you while you’re on the beach.
And of course, the marina makes Simpson Bay villas a great jump-off point for boat excursions. Your Concierge can organize a fully crewed catamaran excursion with gourmet catering for an exclusive day on the water.
Villa Vittoria makes for a gorgeous stay right on the sand, with lovely details like a balustraded atrium and a glass-walled entrance that complement the Italianate architecture.
Villa Vittoria – Simpson Bay
Les Terres Basses: The Exclusive Retreat
Les Terres Basses is actually home to three stunning beaches – Long Bay (Baie Longue), Plum Bay (Baie aux Prunes), and Red Bay (Baie Rouge).
Long Bay is an award-winning beach thanks to its preserved natural state. Plum Bay is intimate and peaceful, with great snorkeling nearby. And Red Bay is known for its pink-hued sand and dramatic red cliffs.
Terres Basses villas also make for some of the best places to stay in St Martin. This is where you’ll find sophisticated beachfront villas in a gated, exclusive community.
Take, for example, Turtle Nest. It sits beachfront on Long Bay Beach, with a stunning infinity pool just steps from the sea. Inside, you’ll find an open-concept design and modern furnishings for a truly stylish stay.
Turtle Nest – Terres Basse
With beaches like these, it’s easy to see why they’re considered some of the most iconic things to do in St Martin.
Elevated Cultural Experiences in St Martin
Luxury in St Martin goes far beyond the beaches. Curated tours allow you to savor artisanal cheeses, fine wines, and island spices, often guided by private chefs or sommeliers. End the day browsing luxury boutiques for jewelry and designer finds.
Fort Louis with Champagne Views
Make history memorable with a private guided tour of Fort Louis, an 18th-century fort, complete with historical storytelling. Elevate the moment with a champagne sunset picnic at the top, or even a helicopter ride for unmatched views of Marigot and the coastline. It’s one of the most unique things to do in St Martin for travelers who want history mixed with luxury.
Philipsburg Boardwalk in Style
Philipsburg’s lively boardwalk becomes an indulgent experience when enjoyed with VIP touches: bespoke shopping tours at jewelers and watchmakers, reserved seating at oceanfront bars, and private access to the island’s nightlife scene.
Shopping here, you’ll find everything from GIA-certified diamonds to luxury timepieces, and the duty-free savings (up to 30%) can lead to some truly once-in-a-lifetime finds.
At night, the boardwalk’s lively scene includes beachfront bars like Ocean Lounge for sunset rum tastings, evolving into a vibrant nightlife hub with DJ sets, steel drum performances, and people-watching amid cruise ship lights. This makes the boardwalk one of the most popular things to do in St Martin after dark.
Discover Local Art and History at Loterie Farm
A former 18th-century sugar plantation, Loterie Farm’s heritage trails provide an interactive way to learn about St Martin’s plantation era. Plus, there’s an on-site gallery and cultural events like jazz nights or Creole storytelling sessions. For added luxury, your Concierge can arrange a guided tour with a historian and a private cabana at the pool. For history lovers, exploring these sites remains one of the top cultural things to do in St Martin.
Luxury Food and Dining Experiences in St Martin
Known as the Caribbean’s culinary capital, St Martin shines in 2025 with the return of the St Martin Gastronomy Festival in November. But the island still has plenty to offer year-round, and discovering its dining scene is easily one of the best things to do in St Martin.
Gourmet Dining on the French Side
Expect top-tier cuisine with French flair, especially in Grand Case. Tasting menus, expertly paired wines, and villa catering by Michelin-trained chefs set the tone for unforgettable meals.
Top restaurants here include:
- La Villa Hibiscus (Mont Vernon): Michelin-level dining with local, seasonal ingredients in an intimate, elegant setting, perfect for food connoisseurs.
- Ocean 82 (Grand Case): Elegant beachfront restaurant offering Caribbean-European fusion dishes with stunning Grand Case Beach views and exceptional service.
- Sol e Luna (Orient Bay): Mediterranean-Caribbean cuisine served in a romantic, tropical setting with panoramic views of Cul de Sac Bay.
- Sky’s the Limit (Grand Case): A top lolo offering generous portions of authentic Creole dishes like garlic conch and johnny cakes for a more casual, but authentic experience.
Elevated Dining on the Dutch Side
Here, Caribbean flavors meet sophistication. Enjoy upscale versions of island staples like johnny cakes and fresh seafood at chic beach clubs, or arrange a private beachfront dinner curated by your villa chef.
Top restaurants include:
- The Flavor Academy (Philipsburg): Intimate, chef-curated dining with personalized menus and cooking classes, blending global flavors in a romantic setting.
- Alina Japanese Fusion (Maho): Creative Japanese-Caribbean fusion with dishes like wasabi prawn tempura, served in a chic, open-design space with skyline views.
- Dutch Blonde Beach Bar (Philipsburg): A beachfront gem in a historic windmill, serving craft beers, Dutch pancakes, and fish tacos with a laid-back yet upscale vibe.
- The Original Fat Boy BBQ Jimmy’s (Philipsburg): A local favorite for authentic Sint Maarten BBQ, offering grilled pigtail, conch, and johnny cakes.
Trying both sides of the island’s cuisine is easily one of the tastiest things to do in St Martin.
Rum Tastings and Luxury Beach Bars
St Martin’s rum culture, rooted in its Caribbean history, is celebrated through artisanal distilleries and vibrant beach bars, offering a perfect blend of heritage and luxury.
One of the best places to experience this culture first-hand is Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour and Tasting. It’s home to over 25 award-winning rums, and your Concierge can arrange a private tour with a master distiller.
Your Concierge can also have an award-winning mixologist visit your villa for a private workshop. Enjoy a curated cocktail experience, with a private chef pairing the perfect dishes.
If you prefer to hit the local beach bars for bottle service, private cabanas, and sunset views, top options include:
- Ocean Lounge (Philipsburg Boardwalk): Sophisticated beachfront bar with Moët bottle service and stunning Great Bay sunsets.
- Kontiki Beach Club (Orient Bay): Chic beach club offering curated cocktails and vibrant Caribbean Sea sunset views.
- Rainbow Café (Grand Case): Elegant lounge serving passion fruit cocktails with serene sunsets over Anguilla.
- Karakter Beach Lounge (Simpson Bay): Upscale bar in a repurposed bus, featuring strong rum cocktails and tranquil lagoon views.
Whether at a distillery or a chic club, enjoying local rum is one of the most authentic things to do in St Martin.
Luxury Adventure: Active Things to do in St Martin
Even the island’s adventurous side comes with luxury touches. Private guides, catered lunches, and custom tours ensure every experience is tailored to your tastes. If you’re looking for active things to do in St Martin, this section delivers some of the very best.
Private Sailing and Yacht Charters
St Martin’s crystalline waters and proximity to idyllic islands like Anguilla and St Barths make it a premier destination for luxury yacht charters and private sailing trips. Your Rental Escapes Concierge can arrange a bespoke itinerary, ensuring seamless marina access from your villa, with private transfers to docks like Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg or Port la Royale in Marigot.
Exclusive Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Explore hidden coves and marine reserves with a personal dive instructor. Top spots include sites like Creole Rock, Tintamarre Island’s Baie Blanche, or Anguilla’s shipwreck-laden reefs, known as the “Wreck Dive Capital of the Caribbean.” Private boats, catered lunches, and underwater photography transform a classic activity into a high-end adventure.
Hiking Pic Paradis with a Luxury Twist
Pic Paradis, St Martin’s highest peak at 424 meters, offers a lush escape into the island’s rainforest, with guided hikes that blend adventure and luxury. Your Concierge can arrange a private guide for an exclusive trek through verdant trails, revealing panoramic views of Orient Bay, Philipsburg, and Anguilla.
Guided hikes, lasting 1–2 hours, are tailored for small groups, with gourmet picnic setups at scenic viewpoints. For a premium adventure, pair your hike with a helicopter transfer from Princess Juliana International Airport or Marigot.
For nature lovers, hiking remains one of the most rewarding things to do in St Martin.
Still Looking for Things to do in St Martin?
Ready to experience St Martin’s unique French-Dutch allure in unparalleled style? Contact Rental Escapes to discover handpicked villas and let our expert Concierge team craft a seamless, bespoke Caribbean vacation. Your Concierge will be happy to suggest the top things to do in St Martin for your group, with a luxury twist. Book now and make 2025 your year to savor St Martin’s magic!
No Comments