The Iconic La Samanna

Arrival and Location

La Samanna is located on the westernmost part of French St. Martin in Terres Basses, about 10-15 minutes from the SXM airport. Taxis are readily available or the hotel can arrange transportation in advance. It is located on Baie Longue (Long Bay), one of the best beaches in St. Martin. There is limited public access, so the beach feels private and secluded.

At check-in, we were given La Samanna's signature cocktail, the Samanna Kiss (a different kind of rum punch). We also got a small snack in the Baie Longue bar while we waited for our room.

We requested an early check in at 12pm, which was accommodated. We were escorted to our room by golf cart. A bottle of champagne on ice greeted us when we arrived in the room.

The Property

The iconic La Samanna was built in 1972, but does not feel dated or tired. La Samanna has a small number of rooms and suites (83) and a few villas. But it is more than a mile from the villas on the cliffs down by the beach. The guest rooms are spread out, with some in the main hotel building and others lining the beach with direct beach access. The landscaping is impeccably manicured.

Baie Longue beach is the main attraction at La Samanna. Pink striped loungers and umbrellas stand out against the white sand and turquoise water.

There is a spa onsite which is centered around a tranquil garden. There is also a well-equipped fitness center, yoga studio and tennis courts.

There are several boutiques on the property selling high-end clothing and souvenirs.

The Room

We were upgraded on arrival to a one-bedroom suite with an ocean view in one of the beachfront buildings (building A, the furthest from the main hotel building). The room was light and airy and featured classic Caribbean decor.

The stunning marble bathroom featured dual sinks, a large bathtub and separate large shower. Acqua di Parma bath products were provided and replenished throughout our stay. Other bath products were also provided, including L’occitane items, French aloe and local mosquito repellant.

The balcony overlooking the beach was a highlight of the suite and included a small table and two lounge chairs.

There was a small kitchenette in the room stocked with free water, sodas, juices and beers. Additional items can be stocked at an additional cost. There was a pod-based coffee machine similar to a Nespresso machine.

Each evening a turndown service was provided, and the sweet housekeepers left various treats and surprises for us. They also arranged our slippers by the bed and placed bottles of water on the nightstands.

Dining

Breakfast is served daily at Corail restaurant, which is in the main hotel building and overlooks the sea. The breakfast buffet had many tasty choices, including omelet and crepe stations, fresh fruit, pastries and a changing list of other breakfast foods. An a-la carte menu is also included within the buffet rate (daily buffet breakfast is a free perk when booking with an advisor!) and features other options such as eggs Benedict and French toast.

Lunch is available at La Plaj, which is beachfront and has extensive food and cocktail menus. The La Plaj menu is also available for service on the beach loungers. The calamari and bruschetta were excellent.

There are two primary options for dinner at La Samanna. La Plaj converts into La Spiaggia, an Italian trattoria. The menu is more Mediterranean than New York Italian (you won’t find chicken parm on the menu). The seafood is fresh and delicious. My favorite dish was snapper baked on parchment paper with tomatoes and olives.

L’Oursin is the fine dining option at La Samanna, by Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin. It is a French bistro-style restaurant on the cliff overlooking the sea, perfect for an early dinner to watch the sun set over Baie Longue. The menu is seafood-heavy with creole inspiration. Marcel’s egg is a must-try

Baie Longue Bar, in the main hotel building adjacent to the lobby, offers cocktails and casual food options all day. Food options include tapas-style snacks, burgers/sandwiches and ceviche.

In-room Dining is available 24 hours a day. The quality of the in-room dining food was excellent and on par with what was served in the restaurants. There is nothing like a room-service cheeseburger after a long day of adventuring around St. Martin.

The property is large. Staff with golf carts are readily available to provide transportation around the property.

While seclusion and privacy are key at La Samanna, it is only about a 10-minute drive from the Maho area on the Dutch side and Marigot on the French side, providing easy access to St. Martin’s finest restaurants and attractions.

La Samanna has one of the largest wine cellars in the Caribbean. It has over 12,000 bottles of wine and hundreds of types of rum. Private dinners and tastings can be reserved within the wine cellar.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to St. Martin. In need of further inspiration? Check out Julie Powell’s guide, Top Things to Do in St. Martin/Sint Maarten.