And just like that we have entered the second month of the year. Can you believe it? February is here.
If you are considering visiting, this is definitely the best time to visit. February is definitely part of the so-called high season here on beautiful St. Maarten. The island is bustling with visitors and the airport and cruise terminals are filled with happy people arriving and sad faces leaving. February is also the month of L-O-V-E and what better place to spedn some quality time with the one you love than right here on the Friendly Island?
If you’re wondering what romantic experiences you can have in beautiful St. Maarten, stress no more. You have me, your St. Maarten bestie with all the local connections. I am thrilled to spill the beans on the most romantic experiences this Caribbean paradise has to offer. Trust me, these insider tips are bound to make your romantic getaway unforgettable and win you some serious brownie points 😉
*Just a heads up, some of the links you might come across in this post are affiliate links. What does that mean? Well, it means that if you decide to make a purchase or book a service through one of these links, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you, of course!Now, rest assured, I only recommend products and services that I genuinely believe in and that I think you’ll find valuable. These affiliate links help support the time and effort I put into creating content like this, allowing me to continue sharing awesome tips and recommendations with you.
Sail into the Sunset
Let’s kick off our romantic escapade with a classic Caribbean sunset sail. Picture this: you, your sweetie pie, a cozy boat, and the warmth of the setting sun. The skies are painted in shades of pink and orange, with a dash of red, and the two of you have front seats to nature’s nightly show. You can book a private charter, where it’s just the two of you with the crew serving you champagne and tapas or you can opt for a shared catamaran with others.
Whatever your choice, there are plenty of boat companies on the island, too many to mention, if I’m honest. So, finding the right one for you is going to be a breeze.
Beach Vibes Only
This one is obvious but I’m mentioning it anyway. I guess that the beach is one of your main reasons for choosing St. Maarten for your romantic getaway. And you chose right, my friend, because this little island has over 30 beaches to choose from.
Which brings me to the next romantic experience: a beach day for two. Grab a lounge chair and umbrella at one of the many beach bars and restaurants lining the beaches of Orient Bay, Grand Case, Philipsburg, Friars Bay, or Mullet Bay. Most places will not charge you to use the chairs and umbrellas if you’re having lunch at their establishment, and best yet, most offer beach service so you won’t even have to lift a finger.
For a more intimate beach experience, bring your beach chairs and umbrella, perhaps a baguette, some French cheeses, and a bottle of rosé and spend the day on beaches like Baie Rouge, Baie Longue, Baie aux Prunes, and Happy Bay where there are no amenities and are less likely to be crowded. Most Villas and Airbnb rentals will offer beach chairs, umbrellas, and even a cooler.
If you want to plan something a bit more elaborate, there are businesses that offer beach picnics with all the bells and whistles on. Beautifully decorated and ultra romantic beach picnics are all the rage these days.
Or perhaps you want to spend part of your beach day in a kayak, on a paddle board, or with a mask on exploring the gorgeous underwater world of St. Maarten. There are no limit to the beach activities available here.
More Beach, Please
One thing that my husband and I like to do is have an FLFL, which translates to a Fudging Long French Lunch. It’s a concept we came up with after realizing that our lunch experiences were getting longer and longer and were usually at one of our favorite beach spots on the French side. It’s the kind of lunch that lasts so long that it borders on to dinner time.
We take a table where we can either sit with our feet in the sand or at least close enough to the beach, where we then order a two or three-course lunch and a bottle of wine. We enjoy each other’s company as well as the succulent taste of the phenomenal food.
While we’re on the topic of beaches, there is much more that our beaches offer than just a nice day under an umbrella with a cocktail in hand. Beach strolls are about the most romantic thing that you can do on any beach. Hand in hand, the surf lapping around your feet. It’s something straight out of rom-coms. However, beware of sandflies. These pesky little creatures have a nasty bite and have the habit of making an appearance at dawn and again at dusk. Keep this in mind before you go on that romantic beach stroll at sunset and wear an environmentally safe repeller.
Table for two, please
If you’ve done your homework you know by now that St. Maarten is the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean. It’s an unofficial title we take seriously too. The island has so many great restaurants that is almost impossible to eat at all, even if you eat out for all three meals at a different restaurant each time and every day for a month.
Many of these restaurants specialize in romantic dinners. So, dinner by candlelight at one of the island’s top restaurants has got to be on your list when planning a getaway with your love. Some restaurants, like Emilio’s will even offer a private dining experience just for the two of you in their wine cellar.
A hike to the Summit of Love
This one is for the adventurous couple. A lot of people think that there’s not much else to do on St. Maarten other than the beaches, and while most activities here tend to be water based, there are also many other activities that are not, like hiking. St. Maarten is hilly which makes it perfect for those who like to travel with their hiking boots.
Out of the many trails, there is one that is super romantic, or at least the view you get at the top is, and that is the hike to the very top of the island, Peak Paradis. The views that await you on the very top are just stunning and you’re going to want to pinch each other just to make sure you are not dreaming. You might even encounter some Vervet Monkeys on your way to the top. They are shy little creatures but quite adorable and mischievous too.
Another great hiking trail is the one to the natural pool. Go early in the morning as this one does not have any shades to help keep you cool but at the end you will be able to take a refreshing dip in the little pool called the Devils Cupper.
The couple who creates together stays together
Since we’re on the topic of non-beach activities that still offer that Romantic vibe, what about creating your very own scent? Yes, St. Maarten is one of the few places in the Caribbean where you can make your own perfume and name it too. It’s a lot of fun, learning about the different scents and mixing them together to create something totally yours. You even get to choose the bottle.
Besides making your own perfume, you can also sign up for a candle-making class or a ceramic class. This last one is giving me slight Demi Moore and Patric Swayze vibes even though it’s not a pottery class.
A Sensory Escape
If relaxation is your game, indulge in a Spa Day. Book a couple’s massage or a body wrap for two. Whatever your spa fancy, there’s bound to be a spa that offers what you’re looking. If you’re preference is a massage beachside, we have that too. And you can always hire a masseuse to come to your hotel room villa so you don’t have to move.
Capture the Moment
This next recommendation is for those who want to make lasting memories by capturing their romantic escape. St. Maarten’s lush environment and vistas from on top the many hills offers countless stunning spots. Each one makes for the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot. There are photographers for every budget and every theme, whether you are looking for that ultimate romantic shoot or a fun shoot with friends and family. Get your professional photos taken under a landing Airbus A330, with the cliffs at Cupecoy Beach at sunset or on rolling hill in the popular Flying Dress. If you need help booking the best photographer for you, click here for a customized itinerary.
Nights to remember
St. Maarten’s nightlife is everything but boring. There are bars and restaurants galore and some will have some sort of live music or entertainment happening. The Piano Bars are popular for couples looking for a fun night out. Snuggle up and let the music serenade you. Ask your personal or hotel concierge for the best local spots hosting bands under the stars.
The Dutch side of the island has many casinos as well. If gambling is your thing, the casino Royale in Maho is the place to be. Besides gambling, it has a theater in the back with nightly entertainment.
And there you have it, lovebirds! The top most romantic things to do in St. Maarten, straight from my heart to yours.
If you enjoyed these tips, and you would like somebody to help you with the logistics, reservations, bookings, and even that surprise element if you have something special to celebrate, consider my concierge service. This service has helped many couples have a stress-free romantic adventure on my little island home. If you take pride in doing it yourself, let me help you with the itinerary and the contacts so that you can make your arrangements.
Until next time,
Love and Sunshine from St. Maarten!
