Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Saint Martin / Terres Basses / La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin
La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin
Terres Basses, Saint Martin · Belmond · High Luxury
Founded in 1974 by New York entrepreneur Robert Richfield on the French side of Saint-Martin, La Samanna was among the first resorts to bring a Mediterranean-Provençal spirit to the Caribbean, all whitewashed walls and terracotta rooftops. It still operates seasonally across 55 acres on Baie Longue, the longest beach on the French side of the island.
- 83 rooms
- Opened 1974
- Rooms from 420 sq ft (39 m²)
About La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin
- Richfield was an investor partner of hotelier Leona Helmsley when La Samanna first broke ground.
- The resort closes every summer and reopens each November, one of the few Caribbean luxury hotels that still operates seasonally.
- Entry-level rooms start at 420 sq ft (39 m²).
History
Founded in 1974 by New York entrepreneur Leona Helmsley's investor partner Robert Richfield, La Samanna opened as a pioneering luxury resort on the French side of the island of Saint-Martin. Its Mediterranean-Provençal architecture — whitewashed walls, terracotta-tiled roofs — and the secluded Baie Longue beachfront distinguished it from Caribbean resort norms and established a 'Côte d'Azur in the Caribbean' aesthetic. The property was renovated in 2023. It operates seasonally, reopening each November and closing in summer.
The setting
Nestled within 55 acres of lush gardens on Baie Longue, the longest and most secluded beach on the French side of Saint-Martin. The island is split between French (Saint-Martin) and Dutch (Sint Maarten) jurisdictions. 5 km from Princess Juliana International Airport.
Restaurants and bars
- LaPlaj — Restaurant · French-fusion small plates and Créole Riviera-style light bi
- L'Oursin — Restaurant · Traditional French with Provençal and Caribbean flavors · Chef Marcel Ravin
- Baie Longue Bar — Bar
- La Spiaggia — Restaurant · Italian trattoria
- Corail — Restaurant · Casual breakfast dining
- La Cave — Bar · Wine cellar tasting menu and rum selection
Experiences
- Beach cabanas — 15ft by 15ft whitewashed beach cabanas dotted along Baie Longue Beach with tent tops and billowing curtains; reservations required.
- Escape to Tintamarre — Pre-dawn boat ride to Tintamarre, snorkelling with turtles, spotting humpback whales, beach breakfast, and a nature reserve tour.
- Champagne Sunset Cruise — Sunset sail over the Caribbean Sea with chilled champagne.
- Private wine & rum tasting at La Cave — Tasting in the hotel's wine cellar with world-class wines; La Cave 200 offers a selection of world-class rums.
- Sailing, snorkelling, cooking classes and tennis lessons — Group guests can engage in sailing, snorkelling, wine tastings at La Cave, creative cooking classes and professional tennis lessons.
Amenities
- 55 acres of tropical gardens
- Private beach (Baie Longue)
- Three pools
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Tennis courts
- Water sports
- Yoga
- Infinity pool
- Private pool
- Hot tub
- Pet-friendly
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star (2026)
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star
- Michelin Guide recommended
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