October 24th, 2007, by Mary Winston Nicklin
Caribbean Beach Bargains at La Samanna, St. Maarten
Experience paradise for a song. La Samanna, an Orient-Express hideaway in the French West Indies, is a chic, white-washed wonderland where restaurant provisions are flown in from France daily. And it recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation, to boot. This beachfront spa resort has all-time low promotional rates of $395 per night during peak season. The catch? You must arrive on one of the following arrival dates: November 25 and 26, 2007, January 30, 2008, or February 26, 2008. As Travel + Leisure points out, this is a whopping 60 percent savings, as normal peak season rates start at around $1,000 a night. But hurry, this “Best Deal Days” promotion is bound to book fast.
La Samanna is truly a wonderful property, one of St. Martin’s top picks.
Did you know that Philipsburg, the Dutch side capital of St. Martin / St. Martin was recently awarded the 3rd place in TripAdvisor’s World top 100 destinations list? On the French side, Marigot earned a respectable 21st place.
Speaking of capitals: the island boasts over 300 restaurants, and is often called the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. Many of its restaurants are absolutely spectacular and easily compare with some of the best establishments worldwide.
Rated by GaultMillau, bestowed with AAA diamonds, and employing chefs who trained in Michelin rated establishments, St. Maarten and St. Martin restaurants often come out on top in the yearly “Taste of the Caribbean” competition, organized by the Caribbean Culinary Federation. A new SXM dining guide was recently launched to give these restaurants the exposure they deserve. Additionally, the DineSXM restaurant guide at http://www.dinesxm.com offers visitors of St. Maarten / St. Martin the ability to make confirmed table reservations ahead of time.