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It was December in New York and the weather was bitter cold with a record snow fall. What a wonderful time to escape to the Caribbean. My wife Eva and I could not have found a more luxurious paradise than La
Samanna, on the island of St. Maarten in the French West Indies. La Samanna is a World Class Hotel, and most deserving of that recognition.
Overall
Impression –     
Upon arrival at the Juliana International Airport, we were met by a representative of the resort who whisked us off to the hotel where we were welcomed most graciously. A
cold cloth to soothe the fevered brow, an exotic cool tropical drink, and a non-stereotypical welcome recognition - made us feel relaxed and primed for a wonderful week's vacation. La Samanna is a very private, magnificently landscaped resort. One can spend a week in perfect privacy, or mingle with people of like tastes and interests.
1) Physical Plant -
   
The beauty of La Samanna is in its unprepossessing design inherent in its 55 acres of magnificent grounds with a surfeit of exotic plants and bushes that are meticulously cared for. There are a total of 81 rooms and posh specialty suites in the main house and separate villas, each overlooking the ocean. The views to the pristine, white beach and crystal clear blue/green water would have intoxicated Winslow Homer. The management and staff, beginning with the welcome from John
Volponi, General Manager, and Liliana Arrigoni, Guest Service Manager, are genuine, beguiling and immensely helpful.
2) Guest Rooms
Renovated -     
Not Renovated -    
Any hotel worth its salt, must of necessity undertake renovations. The trick is to do so adroitly, so as not to intrude on the creature comforts of its guests. Given its 30 years of exposure to the flung spray and blown spume of the Caribbean, the management is in the process of renovating the facility. Those rooms and suites that have been renovated are coordinated lavishly with designer furniture and fabrics, imported tiles and generous bathroom appointments. Our villa, although not yet refurbished, was beautiful. It had a bedroom, living room, kitchen area and bathroom. Much attention is paid to details and service - thick towels, robes, slippers, fine quality linens. The rooms are cleaned and freshened twice daily. The large glass doors opened out to a spacious tiled patio with a direct view of the water. In case we were not relaxed enough, there was a hammock outside the patio to dull our senses even more. The height of the season is between January and March. The rates are highest from mid-December through April. A delicious buffet breakfast and turn-down service are included. Special packages available.
3) Beaches
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There are about 35 beaches on both the French side (St. Martin) and Dutch side (St. Maarten.) Each one is distinctive; some are crowded and hectic; most serenely peaceful, but all have talcum-like sand and calm, blue/green water.
The beach at La Samanna was never crowded (mid-December). We spent hours in our lounge chairs, under umbrellas, watching the water drift in and out. Lounge chairs on the beach are plentiful. At times, there were those inevitable tropical bursts of showers, which lasted several minutes.
4) Recreation -    
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Spa - Full European Spa available.
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Tennis - Excellent tennis facilities with lighted courts at night.
Professional tennis/aerobic instruction available.
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Outdoor pool - Expansive, with a breathtaking view of the beach and Caribbean.
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Water Sports - Water skiing, para-sailing, jet skiing to name a few of the many water activities available.
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5) Restaurants –    
Given its half French/half Dutch heritage there are an almost limitless variety of intrinsic eating places. However, I ask you, would you be disposed to Dutch cuisine (an oxymoron) or to the genuine article? I thought so. On the French side by the Bay of Grand Case, we dined at Le Cottage and L'Alabama, both excellent. Marigot, also on the French side, boasts some beautiful shops and a wide variety of restaurants, surrounding a yacht-filled Marina. An exceptionally good restaurant is Tropicana. We enjoyed it so much that we went twice during our stay. The prices are comparable to gourmet New York restaurants. We tried a new Nouveau
Caribbean Restaurant called Temptation. The chef went to school in New York. He came to the tables and disarmingly accepted accolades for his interesting presentations and the delicious food. There are some gambling casinos, surrounded by less expensive Chinese, Thai,
and Caribbean restaurants.
The restaurant at La Samanna is the length of the main house, on a large patio overlooking the water. In all my travels, I cannot recall a more picturesque setting and a more sumptuous breakfast.. It included cheeses, cold cuts, pastries, eggs benedict, scrambled eggs/bacon, various fruits, cereals, and more. What a wonderful way to begin the day!
6) Weather –
   
Though there are sudden bursts of showers, the average temperature is in the high 70's to low 80's at this time of year. It is not too hot to play tennis at the beginning or end of the day, and
to swim in the pool or Caribbean. Sitting on the beach under an umbrella is perfect.
7) Proximity –    
Direct flight from JFK, New York - four hours and then a 10 minute drive from Juliana International Airport to La Samanna. The hotel is located about 10 minutes from the center of Marigot. A car is necessary to get around to the various beaches, restaurants and shops.
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