Beach-lover’s guide to St. Martin

Îlet Pinel

If you placed a want ad for the perfect beach, it might read something like this:

Seeking idyllic, uninhabited island with tall coconut palms gently swaying in the breeze, calm, baby-blue water perfect for swimming, gorgeous mountain backdrop and colorful umbrellas dotting the soft sand. Must have beach bar within whistling distance and lobster lunches that swim in the sea until ordered. Secret spots and excellent snorkeling a plus.

Zach Stovall / Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine Karibuni, Ilet Pinel, St. Martin

Îlet Pinel would be sure to get the job. It even has water sports, an island boutique and two beach bars within whistling distance.

Where to Play: Karibuni ($$; 011-590-690-39-67-00), from the Swahili word for “welcome,” is the longest-running beach bar on this slice of paradise, and its lobster lunch is a must. The waterside deck, restaurant and bar look out over sapphire water. A row of banana-colored umbrellas leads to the Yellow Beach Restaurant ($$; no phone). Its bar sits under a bent palm just steps from the water. Tucked between the two, Paradiso Boutique sells flowery wraps, wind chimes and other beachy knickknacks. Pinel Watersport, a little hut in the sand, keeps it lively with water bikes, kayaks, snorkel gear and pedal boats.

Hot Stuff: Ferries ($6) run from Cul de Sac to Pinel daily, on the hour, from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the last return trip at 4:30 p.m. Or you can hop aboard a CNS Watersports catamaran from Orient Beach for about $45. Snorkeling is best near the secret beaches on the back (east) side of the island and at the rocks on the southern tip.

Orient Beach

You know that a place called the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean” is not going to be just another beach. Orient Bay’s very popular beach is a world-renowned destination, with food, faces and style from around the globe. It’s definitely the place to see and be seen on St. Martin. Euro-beauties cavort topless up and down the strand past a rainbow of beach umbrellas while sunscreen-slathered Lotharios vie for their attention. A multitude of beachfront bar/restaurants serve up everything from baby back ribs to sushi to beluga caviar, and margaritas to piña coladas to Dom Perignon.

Zach Stovall / Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine Orient Beach crowd, St. Martin

When it comes to activities, you can play on, in and under the water, or soar above the shoreline by parasail. Kiteboards, windsurf gear and Hobie Cats are available right from the beach, and if you don’t already know the ropes, they’ll teach you. Sometimes the best activity is to claim a prime spot and admire the passing show. And, if you dare, you can do it in the altogether.

Where to Stay: It’s surprising to most visitors that the Caribbean’s most famous beach doesn’t offer any rooms directly on the sand. There are, however, many hotels, such as quaint La Plantation ($131 to $180; 011-590-590-29-58-00; www.la-plantation.com), just a short walk from the action. If you want to let it all hang out, hit Club Orient ($143 to $247; 011-590-590-87-33-85; www.cluborient.com), the clothing-optional mainstay at the south end of the bay.

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