La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin

Character and identity

Set on the westernmost tip of St Martin's French side, this 83-room beach resort wraps the southeastern edge of Baie Longue, a long sweep of white sand widely held to be the island's most beautiful. The architecture reads Mediterranean rather than Caribbean: whitewashed adobe walls, clean lines, airy rooms (some with private plunge pools). Bamboo beach cabanas come with sofa beds, WiFi and a dedicated waiter all day. Three tennis courts, a fitness centre with Pilates and yoga, a spa and non-motorised watersports round out the offer. Service is unusually personal, with staff who have been here since opening four decades ago.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The draw here is the beach and the seclusion: Baie Longue is exceptional, and the resort has it largely to itself, with Simpson Bay only ten minutes away when you want noise. Spend on a beachfront room or pool suite, reserve a bamboo cabana for at least one day, and consider the festive season if you want to see why so many guests keep coming back.