SAINT MARTIN— The Caribbean island of Saint Martin is known as an idyllic beach destination with gorgeous white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and friendly locals. In addition, there’s ample entertainment to amuse travellers of all ages, foremost the recently concluded SXM Music Festival.

Taking place from March 11-18, the annual SXM Music Festival (SXMfestival.com) has become a must-see event for music lovers, particularly fans of house music. Travelweek was there to take part in sunrise events, daytime parties on the beach and evening soirees at larger venues. Attendees showed up in good spirits, often looking very glamourous and ranging in age from 21 to early 40s. Event venues were diverse and included secluded beaches, popular beach clubs, luxurious villas, nightclubs, boat parties, swanky restaurants and secret locations. Event security was adequate, in line with the island as a whole, which seemed quite safe to a first-time visitor. Taking taxis is advisable and made simple by a plethora of reliable drivers available throughout the island to help get around safely. The 2025 edition of the festival is already scheduled for March 12-16.  

The SXM Music Festival is an annual event (photo credit Chris Kinasz)

Fire dancer at Boho Beach Bar (photo credit Chris Kinasz)

Aside from SXM, there were ample opportunities to explore Saint Martin’s plethora of attractions and offerings. With the Dutch side of the island (Sint Maarten) close by, a little Dutch can be heard on the French side of Saint Martin, however, it’s primarily English and French that are spoken. This melting pot of cultures makes the island destination a foodie’s dream, with ample French cuisine to sample. 

The French side has a little less nightlife and action but is more upscale and quieter, while the Dutch side is more developed, commercial and busy with tourists. When visiting the French side, Grand Case is an excellent little town to visit. There’s shopping and delectable dining, like at Océan 82 (ocean82.fr) where you can watch the sunset. Rainbow Café is a terrific beach club to rent a beach bed and spend the day on Grand Case Beach, with possibly the best sushi on the island. If you’re on the Dutch side, head to Alina Restaurant (AlinaRestaurant.com) for the best sushi, and Bamboo House (BambooHouse-SXM.com) for stunning panoramic views. 

Of course, no visit to Saint Martin would be complete without watching planes fly overhead Maho Beach on the Dutch side, a daily occurrence that’s become one of the island’s top attractions. Nearby is beautiful Mullet Bay Beach, which is home to Kalatua Beach Restaurant (Kalatua.com), considered by many to be the most upscale beach club on the island. Baie Rouge Beach is also not to be missed, located slightly off the beaten path but still easily accessible. And if you’re looking for a more bohemian feel, head to Boho Beach, which also held day events for the 2024 SXM Festival.      

For more information about travel to Saint Martin, go to St-Martin.org.