Where do I start. Finding St Martin in 1997 November was by luck. It just happened one day while searching on the internet  for a vacation spot I found it, and what a find it was. If you like relaxation, good food and the most beautiful beaches then St Martin is for you. Our first trip too St Martin was in March of 98.  When we first landed on the Island I thought we had picked the wrong place, however when we arrived at our hotel L'Hoste I knew this was going too be the best vacation ever. The airport area is not the best place too judge the Island by. L'Hoste was like being in paradise I thought. The view from the 3rd floor was  picturesque. The staff was very friendly and I would recommend it too anyone staying on the Island. Jeanne and I  like too walk the beach together in the mornings and the sand there is hard compact sand just right for walking on... Orient beach is breathtaking.  Its about a mile and half long and crecent with white sand. L'Hoste is located almost in the middle right on the beach facing the ocean...28 rooms...small quaint and romantic. Orient beach almost always has a slight breeze coming off the ocean which acts as an  air conditioner. It would be unpleasant if it were not present. We like La Playa beach bar also which is part of the L'Hoste. Basically we just stay at the beach until late afternoon then head back too the room too clean up for dinner. St Martin has some of the nicest Restaurants located in the Caribbean. We do have our favorites as do others. I will list them here in order. Top 10

1st Tie between Le Picolo cafe and Le Petite Auberge

Close 2nd between Mario's and Le Chanteclair

3rd II Nepttuno

4th Rainbow

5th Polo D 'Orleans ( unique atmosphere) Family run

6th. Passanggrahan

7th Richards Crepe's (dessert) chocolate banana with ice cream

8. Le du Soleil

9. Don Camillo

10. Le Bar de la Mar

Now too the beaches top 5 here

1 Tie between Orient,  Guana Bay...reasons why later

2. Baie Rouge

3. Cupecoy, when there (Sand)

4. Mullet Bay

5. Maho beach

We like too search out new beaches on every trip and so far we haven't ran out. More about the beaches of St Martin...I like the simplicity of Guana Bay a lot...but for action Orient beach is it. Guana Bay is fun too body surf and just lay out on the beach with lots of privacy. You might not even see another couple on the entire beach. Now Orient is very busy and is more of a people watching beach. St Martin offers secluded beaches as well as the more busy ones so take your pick. White sandy beaches are the norm on this Island. You can take day trips too nearby Islands of Anguilla, and St Barts.