La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin

On the westernmost point of the French side of St. Martin lies La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin, a full-service, 83-room resort whose private, secluded nature has attracted its fair share of celebrity guests (Oprah, Salma Hayek, Kevin Kline). The beauty of its location and the elevated level of service have created a large contingent of repeat guests, who visit again and again for a glamorous but laid-back Caribbean vacation. Some staff have worked at the property since it first opened 40 years ago, and Christmastime here is often like one big family reunion. The resort’s location is second to none. It sits on the southeastern edge of Baie Longue (Long Bay) beach, arguably the most beautiful on St. Martin. The sweeping expanse of white sand bridges the gap between the stunning multi-million dollar homes of the Terres Basses neighborhood and the rolling waves of the Caribbean Sea.