White sands, turquoise blue waters and colourful cultures soundtracked by the rhythm of island life; the Caribbean is truly one of the best luxury holiday destinations in the world. But, with over 700 islands, it can be difficult to decide which Caribbean island is best for your luxury summer holiday. The Saint Martin vs Anguilla discussion often sparks debate between even the most discerning travellers. These two neighbouring islands share many similarities, from their awe-inspiring landscapes and warm hospitality, but also distinct differences which hold down Saint Martin and Anguilla’s indvidual and irresistible allure.
We’ve teamed up with one of our destination partners to paint a picture of the complete Caribbean villa holiday experience on these two islands, including things to do and delightful local restaurants to dine in, to help you come to your own conclusion.
The Caribbean Experience
Luxury Caribbean Holidays in Saint Martin
Saint Martin is one of the most popular and best Caribbean islands, bringing a distinctive blend of French sophistication and Dutch culture. Across 88km², the destination known as the ‘friendly island’, comes brimming with diversity, natural beauty and fine gastronomy for travellers to experience. With its warm, tropical climate and temperatures ranging between 25–31°C throughout the year, the island is at its busiest from December to April, offering an inviting winter sun destination for those looking to escape the cold. Alternatively, during the low-season, visitors can expect to enjoy a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere.
From Orient Bay to Baie Rouge and Maho Beach, Saint Martin offers an array of beautiful beaches stretching along its 43 miles of coastline, perfect for sun-seekers and those looking to take advantage of a plethora of water sports activities available. However, villa holidays in Saint Martin don’t stop at the coastline! Rich in history and with a plethora of delectable restaurants, the Caribbean island also makes its mark on the culture and food scene too.
The island is often considered more livelier when compared with Anguilla, due to its busier lifestyle, a variety of nightlife options and an incredible range of island activities available (more on this later). Despite this, Saint Martin brings a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for travellers island hopping, couples wanting a romantic escape or those simply desiring a luxury Saint Martin villa for making memories with the whole family, all wrapped in a setting that effortlessly encapsulates the barefoot luxury appeal.
Caribbean Luxury Holidays in Anguilla
Exuding a quiet sense of luxury, Anguilla is highly regarded as one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. The island attracts a similar demographic to its larger island counterpart but is best suited to those who seek tranquillity and privacy, thanks to a calm and unhurried atmosphere. Retaining an exclusive feel, Anguilla is certainly best for those looking for remote island living.
Similar to Saint Martin, Anguilla’s natural beauty shines across pristine-powder white beaches, turquoise waters and a famed culinary scene which utilises fresh seafood and island ingredients – an incomparable oasis for a relaxed Caribbean villa holiday! Lobster, crayfish, fresh snapper, and other island specialities, are amongst some of the best-loved dishes prepared by the island’s acclaimed chefs. Famous beaches also take centre stage to bring the ultimate Caribbean experience, such as Meads Bay Beach, which is regularly voted amongst the top 20 beaches in the world and is home to a selection of the best beachfront luxury villas in Anguilla too! Other stretches of sand, like Shoal Bay and Rendezvous Bay, are also cited among the best on the island, allowing visitors to unwind as they please.
For those who don’t wish to participate in the Saint Martin vs Anguilla debate and would prefer to appreciate the beauty of both islands, Saint Martin and Anguilla reside close by to each other with easy accessibility. For the full Caribbean experience, jump on a short flight or boat transfer across the water – perfect!
Activities in Saint Martin vs Anguilla
Beach Hopping & Relaxation
Exhibiting crystal-clear waters, shining white sandy shores and coconut palm trees, St Martin beaches present a picture-postcard panorama to enjoy in real life. On the French side, Orient Bay is described as one of the largest and best beaches in Saint Martin, stretching across almost 2km of coastline. The bay is named the ‘St Tropez of the Caribbean’ owing to its lively and glamorous nature. It’s perfect for sunbathing, beachside dining amongst some excellent restaurants, or enjoying a variety of water sports – including windsurfing, jet-skiing, parasailing and more! Alternatively, on the Dutch side of the island, it presents a more unexpected and unique spectacle for beachgoers, as airplanes pass low overhead coming to land in the adjacent Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). For something altogether quieter, Baie Rouge offers a more secluded stretch, perfect for slow walks and peaceful afternoons by the waterside.
Similar to its island counterpart, Anguilla’s beaches also capture the essence of Caribbean life and the warm, tropical climate. Shoal Bay East stands out as not only one of the best beaches in Anguilla but also one of the world’s best, exuding an unspoiled charm that’s best enjoyed on the shore next to swaying palm trees or snorkelling amongst nearby coral reefs. Meads Bay, Maundays Bay and Rendezvous Bay pose as some additional, more well-known and popular Anguilla beach spots to visit, with the latter also sharing views across to Saint Martin. The quintessential Caribbean lifestyle and laid-back atmosphere felt across these beaches are often contributed to by bars and restaurants that line the shoreline, welcoming sunbathers to indulge in relaxed beachfront dining after a ‘tiring’ day.
Water Activities & Adventure
Naturally, due to Saint Martin and Anguilla’s settings, water is a very important aspect of island life, which makes it a playground for tourists looking to try something new. The Caribbean offers one of the best places to snorkel in the world. A popular Caribbean Island for snorkelling is Anguilla, which caters to divers of all capabilities across its underwater playground of 20 colourful coral reefs and 7 wrecks. It is known to offer easy access and shallow snorkelling from its beautiful shores where large fish varieties, nurse sharks and sea turtles can be observed. Meads Bay, Limestone Bay, and, possibly the best, Crocus Bay are all amongst the best places to snorkel in Anguilla. Saint Martin also appeals to underwater explorers with approximately 15 excellent snorkelling spots across it’s 67km of coastline. The beaches of Coconut Grove, Cupecoy Beach, and Grand Case present some of the more well-known snorkelling spots to explore in Saint Martin.
Alternatively, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy on the water too, with a number of watersports available. Le Galion beach and Orient Bay (Saint Martin), and Meads Bay and Rendezvous Bay (Anguilla) are popular hotspots for water-based thrills. Slowing the pace to that particularly typical of Anguilla, luxury yacht charters and boat tours invite a more leisurely way to explore the neighbouring archipelagos. Uninhabited beaches and turquoise waters that surround islands like Prickly Pear, Dog Island and Sandy Island are must stops, whilst there is also the opportunity to venture to Saint Martin from Anguilla and vice versa!
Cultural & Historical Exploration
Beyond its beaches, there are many things to do in Saint Martin, shaped by its characterful layered history and dual French Dutch identity. A visit to Fort Louis rewards travellers with sweeping views across the Marigot Bay and out to the Caribbean Sea, whilst a number of open-air markets provide visitors with a glimpse into everyday island life.
In Anguilla, the colonial history of the island can be discovered across a number of museums, the Wallblake Plantation House (the oldest and only surviving plantation building in Anguilla), guided tours in The Valley and more. Anguilla Day, a traditional island festival on 30th May annually, entails lively gatherings with food and music at Sandy Ground, and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the classic Caribbean lifestyle!
Dining & Cuisine
Whether you’re a travelling gourmand and love to try local cuisine or simply enjoy the chance to break from routine cooking duties, dining in the Caribbean is sure to leave a lasting taste influenced by bold flavours and fresh, local ingredients. When it comes to choosing dining in Saint Martin vs Anguilla, we promise equally elite cuisines that are mostly differentiated by heritage, but not compromising on quality. Below is a list highlighting some of the very best restaurants in the Caribbean. We can’t promise this makes the decision on which Caribbean Island to choose any easier though…
Restaurants in Saint Martin
Incorporating influence from French and Dutch cuisine, Saint Martin’s dining scene has created an established identity that feels indulgent, refined and sophisticated. Throughout a variety of Saint Martin restaurants, classic French techniques blend with fresh, traditional island ingredients to create delightful menus that are sure to satiate different palates.
- Le Pressoir Restaurant (French Side – Grand Case) – Located in the heart of Grand Case, Le Pressoir is a chef-owned, French gourmet restaurant with Caribbean influences that exudes a special and unique culinary experience for those who visit. Known for its contemporary presentations, its variety of colourful and flavourful dishes combine classic and local ingredients to create an ambitious menu within an intimate atmosphere.
- Bistrot Caraibes (French Side – Grand Case) – Also located in Grand-Case, Bistrot Caraibes adopts a careful mix of French fine dining that’s paired beautifully with fresh island ingredients. In a lovely and delightful setting, the restaurant promotes an incredible menu and impeccable service, ensuring quality without compromise. With seafood and classic dishes at the heart of the menu, complemented by an expertly curated wine selection, it’s certainly a must-visit Saint Martin restaurant for your luxury holidays to the Caribbean.
- La Cigale (French Side – Baie Nettle) – Sitting on the edge of the calm waters of Baie Nettle, La Cigale presents a truly idyllic setting to indulge in refined French cuisine. With seating under a palm grove and lagoon-side views and a Gault & Millau award, it’s no wonder why this dining spot is popular with celebrities and ideal for lingering lunches or evening meals watching the sunset. Between authenticity and creativity, the menu stays faithful to French culinary tradition, including fresh seafood dishes and a selection of the most prestigious wines, to allow visitors to simply slow down and savour the moment.
Restaurants in Anguilla
Anguilla has quietly earned its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most enticing dining destinations. Fresh seafood dishes, vibrant Caribbean flavours, and an effortless connection to serene coastal surroundings are something that’s felt in and amongst many Anguilla restaurants.
- Veya – Veya offers an intimate, refined dining experience in a treehouse setting that feels special from the moment you arrive. Visitors are welcomed to its romantic, open-air style design to indulge in Veya’s ‘Cuisine of the Sun’ creative menu, which utilises the freshest ingredients for a fusion of flavours that are Caribbean and internationally influenced. Also, the Meze, a Moroccan-themed cocktail lounge, has live music each night to fulfil your evening experience.
- Blanchards Restaurant – Blanchards Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the Caribbean, actually consists of two dining experiences. Firstly, the open-air dining room offers an elegant atmosphere, surrounded by tropical gardens, for guests to dine in a warm environment in view of the shores of Meads Bay Beach. The neighbouring Beach Shack is perfect for a more leisurely dining alternative, offering lunches, dinners, sunset drinks and ice cream that can be enjoyed on picnic tables on the sand or as a takeaway option. Blanchards’ food is recognised for its bold Caribbean flavours, with global influence, and refined presentations.
- Jacala Restaurant – Jacala is an Anguillan beachfront restaurant like no other. Located on the shores of Meads Bay beach, the views are almost as good as the food itself! Perfect for long, leisurely lunches or romantic mealtimes with sand between your toes, Jacala strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined. Well-known for its exceptional seafood and vegetarian dishes, incorporating simple, authentic flavours, the restaurant delivers a dining experience that feels effortlessly Anguillan.
Luxury Villas in Saint Martin vs Anguilla
To truly experience everything that Caribbean villa holidays have to offer, having the right place to stay makes all the difference. Whether a special occasion villa for a large celebration is needed to house all the family or a modern villa rental with direct beach access to truly make the most of your time with friends, our trusted partner offers a collection of luxury villas in Saint Martin and Anguilla, each designed to feel like a home away from home. Complete with wellness amenities, sea views and more, Villa Le Reve and Sandcastle Villa are two of the finest luxury Caribbean villas that make the Saint Martin vs Anguilla debate that much more difficult…
Le Reve, Saint Martin
Residing along the golden shores of Baie Rouge Beach, Villa Le Reve captures the essence of Saint Martin island holidays. Accommodating groups of 12 guests, this incredible luxury villa in Saint Martin leaves nothing to be desired across its contemporary design, magnificent living spaces, six bedrooms, and a selection of high-end wellness facilities. Inside, high ceilings house light and airy interiors to unwind in, complemented by sculptures and artwork which add to the property’s luxury beach house feel. Ocean views, looking beyond the terrace to the seemingly endless horizon, further blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. On the terrace, the levels of opulence only intensify. Here, guests can choose to relax across multiple lounge seating areas, enjoy an invigorating dip in the pool or Jacuzzi, explore the villa’s luscious gardens or even access the beach directly for the ultimate barefoot luxury experience! For those who wish to remain active during the stay at their luxury Saint Martin villa, an outdoor tennis court and gym facilities will more than suffice, whilst TV and games areas present an inviting spot for younger members on a family Caribbean holiday.
Alongside a substantial list of luxury facilities, Le Reve also offers impeccable service levels to match. With a hospitable team of staff taking care of every need and desire – including a private chef, housekeeper, bartender, personal guest specialist and security guard – the whole group will be fully looked after during your Saint Martin holidays.
Sandcastle Villa, Anguilla
For those seeking privacy, indulgence and effortless island living on a luxury Anguilla holiday, Sandcastle Villa will be sure to exceed expectations. Staying true to its name, this beautiful 10-14 person villa lies on Limestone Bay Beach, and again, is another of our Caribbean luxury villas with direct access to the beach. As such, the pristine white sands becomes an extension of the property, allowing guests to fully utilise the villa’s beach loungers and firepit for long beach afternoons, or exploring the waters on kayaks and paddleboards that are available for guests’ use – pure bliss!
Offered on a self-catered service, including daily housekeeping, Sandcastle Villa allows guests full flexibility to enjoy its plethora of facilities, as well as tick through a list of the many things to do in Anguilla. The expansive outdoor terrace is perhaps the more preferred choice for relaxation spent at the villa. Featuring an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, assortment of pool loungers, and a tremendous banquet dining table, this area presents an elegant, oceanfront space to be enjoyed by all ages. Beneath this, on the ground floor, sits a beach ‘Zen Den’ for those desiring a bit more peace and tranquility. Whilst inside the villa, the open-plan interiors adopt a sleek, clean style, exuding a light and calming atmosphere to unwind to the sounds of the piano in the living room. To keep your fitness routine in progress, gym facilities are also available, whilst the children will be left spoilt for choice thanks to the outdoor play area and kid’s TV lounge.
Anguilla luxury villas encapsulate the heart and soul of barefoot island living, and Sandcastle Villa is a five-bedroom beachfront property that lives up to its name.
We’d like to thank Apolline for assisting us with this useful guide of the Saint Martin vs Anguilla debate – hopefully it has helped you with your decision! If our guide has inspired you, to holiday in the Caribbean at Christmas or any time of year, then don’t hesitate to contact our team of expert Villa Specialists! Our team will be more than happy to start planning your search to find a luxury villa in Saint Martin for all the family or for an Anguilla villa holiday with friends. Get in touch to find out more and discuss your plans with our Villa Specialists by sending an email, or giving us a call on +44 1202 203656.
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