Luxury HotelsDirectoryBeach ResortsBoutiqueParisLondonNew YorkTokyoLuxury HotelsDirectoryBeach ResortsBoutiqueParisLondonNew YorkTokyoBelmond La Samanna overlooks Baie Longue on the island of Saint Martin in the French West Indies, sitting on 55 acres of beachfront in Terres Basses. The resort is 15 minutes by car from Princess Juliana International Airport and 20 minutes from Marigot, positioning it within Saint Martin's distinctive blend of French, Dutch and Caribbean cultures. Nearby attractions include Fort Louis and the Marigot market.
Check availability Official websiteLa Samanna occupies a clifftop position on Baie Longue, one of the island's longest and most secluded beaches. The resort's 55-acre beachfront extends across Terres Basses, the western coastal area of Saint Martin. This positioning provides seclusion and privacy while maintaining proximity to island infrastructure and attractions. The setting reflects both French Caribbean colonial architecture and natural coastal landscape.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is 15 minutes by car from the resort, providing primary access for international visitors. Marigot, the island's capital, lies 20 minutes away by car and serves as the main market and commercial center. Alternative ferry access from Blowing Point, Anguilla, is available 20 minutes away, while Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, is 40 minutes by car.
Saint Martin is characterized by a blend of French, Dutch and Caribbean cultures, reflected in local commerce, language and architecture. Fort Louis and the Marigot market represent accessible cultural and historical attractions within driving distance of the resort. The island's position in the French West Indies shapes the broader context of the destination.
Construction of the original resort began in 1971 and was completed in 1973, designed by architect Happy Ward of the Barbados firm Robertson Ward. Original owners James and Nicole Frankel named the property after their three daughters—Samantha, Anouk and Nathalie—by combining letters from each name with the French prefix 'La.'
In 1996, Orient-Express Hotels acquired the property and began comprehensive renovation. The corporate entity changed its name to Belmond Ltd in 2014, when the hotel was renamed Belmond La Samanna. In 2019, La Samanna underwent comprehensive refurbishing and complete redesign led by Muza Lab, a London-based design firm, modernizing the resort while maintaining its historical and architectural character.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is 15 minutes by car. Marigot is 20 minutes away; Blowing Point ferry terminal is 20 minutes away.
La Samanna is in Terres Basses on Saint Martin's west coast, characterized by a blend of French, Dutch and Caribbean cultures as part of the French West Indies.
Yes. The resort occupies 55 acres of beachfront with direct access to Baie Longue, one of the island's longest and most secluded beaches.
Built 1971–1973 by architect Happy Ward (of the Barbados firm Robertson Ward), acquired by Orient-Express Hotels in 1996, renamed Belmond in 2014, and underwent comprehensive redesign by Muza Lab in 2019.
Original owner James Frankel named it after his three daughters—Samantha, Anouk and Nathalie—by combining letters from their names with the French prefix 'La.'
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