La Samanna

Eight villas and 83 guestrooms sit scattered on the much-dreamt-of shores of St. Martin. Swaying palms and tiny clouds are the only objects decorating the perfect blue skies.

When not lying back on the beach contemplating whether the latest cloud to stray into view is a bear of a pony, cool off in one of two pools. The infinity pool located closer to the shore, is the ideal place to explore all those fruity Caribbean drinks you've been salivating over. For a slightly larger body of water, head for the sea, where fishing, diving, yacht cruising, snorkeling, and kayaking are all at your fingertips.

In each of the rooms and villas, a mix of colonial, modern, and country furniture makes for a welcoming atmosphere. When dinner rolls around, choose La Réservé, an open-air fine dining establishment that combines vibrant island flavors with French technique. After, schedule a private rum tasting at La Cave, and see what kept Caribbean pirates in such good spirits.