Turquoise waters, golden sands and luxury resorts combine into an irresistible siren call for visitors to the north-west Caribbean island of St. Martin. Well-known as a destination for the rich and famous, the tiny atoll in the West Indies is uniquel

Family fun

Condos and hotels with kitchens are best for families with children. There are many hotels in St. Martin that offer rooms that come with a kitchenette where parents can whip up home-cooked meals for their kids. There are also numerous grocery shops on St. Martin to stock up on ingredients. Options for hotels that are family friendly and come with their own kitchen include La Vista, Sunterra Resorts Royal Palm Beach or the Cliffs condos at Cupecoy Beach.

Best beach experience

Many resorts in St. Martin offer access to pristine beaches and many hotels are located right on the water's edge. For the best access in a five-star setting, few hotels in St. Martin can beat the Westin at Dawn Beach, which has all the amenities you can expect from a luxury mega-chain. On the Dutch side, Mary's Boon Beach Resort is a small, intimate hotel which has been twice voted one of the top ten hotels in the West Indies by Conde Nast Travel magazine.

Spoilt for choice

Nothing captures a sense of indulgence more than a combination of the beach and the spa. Spoil yourself at a resort in that offers guests world class spa facilities, such as Divi Little Bay Beach Resort or Maho Beach Resort. Both these hotels have their own in-house spas. Guests at Holland House Beach Hotel, located in St. Martin can even enjoy a massage on the beach while the sun sets. However, the most famous spa of all is L'Aqualigne Health and Beauty Clinic, which is attached to the Pelican Resort and offers holistic spa treatments and luxurious skin pampering programs.

Loll in the lap of luxury

When the rich and famous come to the island, they congregate at La Samanna, one of the most expensive hotels on the island. The hotel is beautiful, private, romantic and very intimate, set near the white sands of Baie Longue Beach. Another option for those looking for a little luxury is Alamanda, a relatively new hotel in St. Martin, located near Orient Beach. Both hotels feature lavishly appointed rooms and the option of private suites or villas set in lush tropical grounds.

Choosing a resort or hotel in St. Martin largely depends on your own personal preferences. There are many different accommodation types available, for every kind of budget. Low season on the island is in September, when rates may be lowered, however it is prudent to book ahead of time for the best prices. No matter which hotel you choose, St. Martin promises gorgeous beaches, waving palm trees and fun in the sun.