PHOTO ESSAY: Belmond La Sammana, Caribbean Dining With A French Twist

All photography ©Dale Sanders 2019, article written by Christine Sallas

Belmond La Sammana maintains a top place in the resort industry as a member of the exclusive Belmond Group. A part of the leading luxury group in the world, LVMH (also containing such iconic fashion brands as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Givenchy, among others), the Belmond Group aims to deliver unique experience to travelers looking for the most desirable destinations in the world.

As one of the most luxurious resort options in the French West Indies, it should come as no surprise that Belmond La Sammana is also home to some of the finest and most elegant dining options in the area. Located on the western side of this divided island (which has been split between the French and the Dutch since 1648, as St. Martin/Sint Marteen), this linear resort faces the pristine beach Baie Longue. As one of the longest and most secluded beaches on the island, the location beside Baie Longue helps give Belmond La Samanna its exclusive, secluded feel, part of the charm that makes it a particular favorite of celebrities looking for a relaxing vacation.

Beachside Dining Worthy Of The Hype

Though beachside dining in the Caribbean is quite common and not always worth the cost, the dining options at Belmond La Sammana are well worth it, offering elegant, luxurious dining experiences in a variety of locations around the resort. The Caribbean-themed food always comes with a unique French twist, so visitors can enjoy delicious and unexpected fare, with a few classics thrown in for good measure.

Belmond La Sammana offers a range of dining experiences for guests, with three different on-site restaurants and a number of other unique culinary options to enjoy. The three main on-site dining options include L’Oursin, Laplaj, and Courais, and all offer slightly different moods for guests to enjoy. Belmond La Sammana makes it easy to jump from casual al fresco dining to a refined fine dining experience with its range of dining venues.

Fine Dining By The Sea

The more formal option is L’Oursin (the French word for sea urchin), and it’s the main spot at the resort for dinner. For the ultimate in fine dining in the islands, look no further than L’Oursin. It’s breathtaking open-air dining room offers panoramic view of the crystal-clear waters and white sand beach stretching out below the resort, and the food is nothing short of world-class.

Enjoy classic French dishes and Caribbean-style cuisine made with traditional French cooking techniques, alongside fresh-caught seafood from local waters. Decorated with elegant white tablecloths, simple place settings and charming wicker chairs adorned with printed cushions, the restaurant manages to fuse an elegant French bistro with the relaxed feel of Côte d’Azur and the Caribbean. And you just can’t beat the panoramic beachside view.

Exclusive Wine Cellar

No discussion of Belmond La Samanna would be complete without at least a mention of its famous wine cellar, La Cave. One of the most talked about wine cellars in the entire region, La Cave features more than 12,000 bottles of wine in its depths, including such favorites as Beaune Clos des Mouches Premier Cru and New World Carmenere. For a truly romantic evening, book a private dining experience inside the dimly lit wine cellar two floors below sea level; chefs can cater to your particular dining preferences for a romantic experience that can’t be beat. Even if you don’t opt for the private meal, try to take a look inside the cool, candlelit space if you can.

Al Fresco For Lunch

Lunch is best enjoyed at Laplaj, located by the lower infinity pool, where you can enjoy lighter fare and more seafood options with a Caribbean and Creole influence. With chef-created French-fusion small plates featuring whatever was available that day at the market, you’re sure to find something unique and different every time you visit. Keep your feet in the sand while you dine if you choose!

Guests can also reserve one of the resort’s bamboo beach cabanas, which come complete with free Wi-Fi, sofa beds, and a private waiter. You can also dine privately at your own rooftop jacuzzi cabana or on the beach in your lounge chair sheltered by a beach umbrella; the options are seemingly endless! No matter where you are at the resort, a delicious meal can come right to you. If coming out of your room seems like a chore, you can order in and enjoy any meal in the privacy of your own accommodations.

Deluxe Breakfast Options

Breakfast is served at the Courais restaurant beside the main pool. There, guests can order à la carte or enjoy the sumptuous breakfast buffet, brimming with buttery French pastries, charcuterie, tropical fruits, and unexpected extra menu items. Enjoy fresh squeezed juice and gourmet coffee alongside eggs cooked to order and a buttery French croissant in the casual, al fresco dining atmosphere beside the pool. There’s no better way to start your day at this elegant resort in the Caribbean!

For more information on Belmond La Samanna, visit their website.