Happy Bay is located on the northern coast of French Saint Martin, tucked between the headland that separates it from Friar's Bay and the hills above Grand Case. The beach is one of the most naturally preserved on the island, accessible only by foot, which helps keep it quiet and lightly developed. There are no formal beach clubs or rows of loungers, just white sand, clear water, and a setting that feels noticeably less commercial than other parts of the coast.
Happy Bay villas are positioned on the hillside above the bay, with open views across the water toward the wider Caribbean. The neighborhood is residential and understated, yet Grand Case, widely regarded as the culinary center of the French side, is only about five minutes away by car. That proximity is one of Happy Bay’s strongest advantages: genuine seclusion without sacrificing access to dining and essentials.
Happy Bay works best for travelers who value privacy, scenery, and a quieter rhythm. It suits couples seeking a retreat, as well as families or small groups who prefer a natural setting over a high-energy beach scene. For a broader overview of the island, explore our collection of luxury villas in St Martin.
When you reserve one of our Happy Bay villa rentals, your Villa Specialist helps match you with the right property for your group and travel style. From there, your Concierge coordinates the details behind the scenes, including airport transfers, grocery pre-stocking, private chefs, reservations, and boat charters.
Happy Bay stands out on the French side for the simplicity of its setting. Hillside villas overlook a walk-only beach, and the limited development along the shoreline helps preserve a sense of quiet that can be difficult to find elsewhere on the island. The atmosphere is residential and relaxed, yet you remain close to everything that matters.
Compared to other French-side neighborhoods, the scale here is more intimate. Terres Basses is known for estate-style beachfront compounds and larger private properties, while Happy Bay offers elevated homes with expansive sea views and a lower-density feel. The experience is less about grandeur and more about setting.
Orient Bay, by contrast, centers around beach clubs, watersports, and walkable restaurants. Anse Marcel offers a protected bay and marina environment with calm water and a contained layout. Happy Bay feels more open to the sea, with broader views and a more natural rhythm.
This is a setting for travelers who want to wake up to an uninterrupted horizon, walk down to a quiet stretch of sand, and still reach Grand Case for dinner in minutes. It does one thing exceptionally well, and that is exactly the point.
Happy Bay villas are built into the hillside above the coast, trading direct sand access for elevated panoramic views. Most layouts are multi-level, with open-plan living spaces positioned to capture the horizon and bedrooms arranged for privacy and easy pool access. Architectural styles range from contemporary to classic Caribbean, but the common thread is outdoor living and unobstructed sightlines across the sea.
From most properties, Happy Bay beach is about a 10 to 15-minute walk via the trail from Friar's Bay. Friar's Bay itself offers easier access and a handful of beachfront restaurants, giving you a practical alternative when you want something closer to the car.
Blue Sailing captures one of the area’s more unique vantage points, with views stretching across both Friar's Bay and Happy Bay. The upper level features open living and dining areas that flow onto a covered terrace oriented for sunset. Below, a private pool terrace framed by tropical greenery includes a gazebo with double daybeds. Three king bedrooms, two with direct pool access, make it well-suited to couples or a small group.
Villa Chez Paulette offers a contemporary three-bedroom layout positioned between Friar's Bay and Happy Bay. Panoramic sea views define the upper-level living spaces, while two lower-level bedrooms open directly onto the pool terrace for added privacy. Daily housekeeping and full property maintenance are included, making it a polished, low-effort choice for families or couples traveling together.
Be Happy follows a similar two-level concept, with wide glass openings that connect the main living space to a generous terrace and sea views. The lower-level bedrooms provide direct pool access and en-suite bathrooms, creating separation between shared and private areas. Clean lines and straightforward design keep the focus on the setting.
Happy Bay blends classic Caribbean character with contemporary updates. A heated infinity pool anchors a sweeping wood terrace designed for extended outdoor living. Four en-suite bedrooms sit under one roof, with a separate primary suite and a media room wing that works well for families. A private gym adds another layer of flexibility for longer stays.
Dreamin Blue Villa expands the scale with five bedrooms, dual heated pools, and broad sea views from multiple vantage points. Several bedrooms open directly to the pool terrace, while one sits more independently with its own access path. The villa can be configured as a two- to five-bedroom rental, offering flexibility for changing group sizes.
A valid passport is required to enter Saint Martin. Entry rules can vary by nationality, so confirm current requirements with your airline or the relevant government source before travel.
Most travelers arrive via Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side of the island. From the airport, Happy Bay is typically about 25 to 30 minutes by car. Your Rental Escapes Concierge can arrange private transfers or rental cars in advance.
A car is recommended. Happy Bay is a residential hillside area, and while Friar's Bay and the trail to Happy Bay beach are accessible on foot, driving is the easiest way to reach Grand Case, Orient Bay, Marigot, and the Dutch side. Private drivers can also be arranged.
Happy Bay beach is accessible only on foot via a trail from the Friar's Bay road. There is no vehicle access, which is part of what keeps it quiet and uncommercial. The walk is typically about 10 minutes and is straightforward, but it is not ideal for guests with significant mobility limitations.
Happy Bay is a quiet residential neighborhood and is generally considered safe for travelers. As with any destination, take standard precautions and avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach.
Peak season runs from December through April for the driest weather and the most consistent sunshine. Shoulder season (May and November) can offer excellent conditions with fewer crowds. Low season (July through October) is warmer and has a higher chance of rain, with greater availability and value.
Happy Bay itself is residential and does not have restaurants directly on the beach. However, Grand Case is just a short drive away and is widely considered the culinary capital of the French side, with a mix of beachfront restaurants, French bistros, and traditional lolos. Many guests also choose to enjoy private chef service in their villa, allowing you to experience local flavors without leaving your terrace.
Grand Case is typically about five minutes by car from Happy Bay. This is one of the neighborhood's best advantages: you can stay in a quiet setting while keeping the French side's top dining close.
Spend time on Happy Bay’s quiet stretch of sand, or head next door to Friar’s Bay for beachfront dining. Grand Case is just minutes away for restaurants and waterfront evenings. For something more active, Loterie Farm offers hiking trails, zip-lining, and a jungle-style pool club experience in the hills above the island. Many guests also choose to charter a private boat for the day to explore nearby coves, Anguilla, or Tintamarre. Your Concierge can arrange excursions, restaurant reservations, and boat charters in advance.
Terres Basses is known for estate-scale beachfront villas, gated roads, and expansive private compounds. Happy Bay tends to be smaller in overall scale, with hillside homes, elevated sea views, and walk-only beach access in a more natural setting. While both areas offer privacy, Terres Basses generally emphasizes beachfront estates and larger properties, whereas Happy Bay focuses more on setting and seclusion within a lower-density neighborhood.
Orient Bay is a well-developed beach community known for its long swimmable shoreline, beachfront restaurants, and easy access to watersports and services. Happy Bay is quieter and more residential, with hillside villas and a walk-only beach that sees far less activity. Both areas offer sea views and strong villa options, but Orient Bay places you closer to organized beach life, while Happy Bay offers a more natural and secluded setting.
Anse Marcel is calmer and more organized around a protected bay and marina setting with flatter water. Happy Bay feels more natural and open to the sea, with hillside villas and a walk-in beach that stays quiet.
Yes. Happy Bay is ideal for couples who want a quieter base with a private pool and easy access to Grand Case for dining. Three-bedroom villas also work well for couples who want extra space or are traveling with one or two other guests.
Yes, with one consideration: Happy Bay beach requires a short walk via a trail, which families with very young children should factor in. Many villas offer private pools and layouts that suit families well, and larger properties can work for multi-generational groups.
Yes. Happy Bay villas typically include private pools designed around sea views and outdoor living. Some properties also feature heated pools and additional wellness amenities depending on the villa.
Happy Bay villas offer a quieter side of Saint Martin’s French side, defined by hillside sea views, walk-only beach access, and close proximity to Grand Case dining. The setting feels residential, natural, and intentionally low-key.
Our Happy Bay villa rentals range from intimate three-bedroom retreats to larger properties suited to families and extended groups. Every stay is supported by a dedicated Villa Specialist and your Concierge, who coordinates airport transfers, chef service, restaurant reservations, boat charters, and the details that shape a seamless experience.
Contact us to secure your Happy Bay villa, or explore our full St Martin villa collection to compare neighborhoods across the island.
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Luxury Villa Rentals for 2+ people
