Belmond celebrates 50 years in St. Martin

November 6, 2023

For winter, La Samanna is unveiling its renovated private poolside villas. Image courtesy of Belmond

LVMH-owned hospitality group Belmond’s La Samanna hotel is celebrating 50 years.

Situated on the lush, Caribbean island of St. Martin, the hotel is making its seasonal return on Nov. 15, just as its anniversary programming rolls out. Between eight renovated private pool villas, immersive experiences, exhibitions, culinary activities and wellness options, guests can expect not only a refreshed look but a slew of festivities to mark half a century of La Samanna.

Paradise property
For winter, La Samanna is unveiling American design firm Rottet Studio's reimagining of its private poolside villas’ interiors.

The three- and four-bedroom spaces now showcase original artwork by Caribbean painter Roland Richardson, one of St. Martin’s most famous artists. The stays also feature tropical aesthetics and fixtures, renovated kitchens, wraparound terraces, infinity pools, dining spaces in thriving gardens and, of course, views of Baie Longue beach.

The new artwork is inspired by the habitats found around St. Martin, as well as the colors of the sea. Image courtesy of Belmond New artwork is inspired by the habitats found around St. Martin and the colors of the sea. Image courtesy of Belmond

In total, the villas encompass 4,600 square feet of space, including rooftop decks and private yards.

Additionally, guests can enjoy roundtrip airport transfers, chauffeured transportation via golf carts around the resort and 24-hour Villa Host services.

In another development for the season, guided tastings, private dinners by candlelight, cigar-rolling workshops and a 200-rum-tasting experience are now available in La Samanna’s famed La Cave Wine Cellar. Stocked with over 12,000 bottles, the larder is among the largest in the Caribbean.

The French West Indies hotel is also soon to be home to meet-and-greets with celebrities, explorers and creative pioneers.

Wellness and education are offered in the lineup of events coming up for the season, held around the colorful spaces of the resort. Image courtesy of Belmond

On Nov. 17, French multimedia artist Florence Poirier is beginning a month-long residency at La Samanna. Her exhibition will be on display at the property’s Rendezvous Pavillion amidst the gardens, and guests can interact with her during guided tours, which will be available throughout her term.

American astronaut Nicole Stott is sharing her experiences of outer space and diving on earth from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30, 2023. Promoting her new book, Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet — and Our Mission to Protect It, art and stars will be used to help adults and kids alike connect with the messaging.

Those interested can expect a space-themed watercolor experience and celestial dining at the hotel's Laplaj restaurant that will incorporate Ms. Stott’s insights on the night sky and the moon-to-tide relationship.

Guests can enjoy the many pools and waterside activities on top of the new programming. Image courtesy of Belmond

Finally, Canadian spiritual advisor Cindi Tryon will be at the resort from Dec. 12 to Dec. 14, 2023, hosting a three-day “Enlightening Moments” workshop. She will provide one-on-one sessions in the cliffside villas, granting tips on how to focus and clear negative energy.

Her residency will come just after a big night, as La Samanna is hosting a celebration on Dec. 9 in honor of its anniversary. Attendees can expect music, dancing and food made by Martinican chef Marcel Ravin.

Mr. Ravin is leading the new culinary event program “Marcel and Ses Amis,” where he will bring his Michelin-starred cooking chops to the table. The scheduling involves the collaboration of recognizable chefs from around the globe, including French chef Bruno Verjus who, like Mr. Ravin, also holds Michelin stars and will kick off 50-year festivities throughout the weekend of Dec. 9.

A variety of culinary-themed events are scheduled to take place for the anniversary celebrations. Image courtesy of Belmond

Belmond is also commissioning American writer Chris Wallace, executive editor of Interview magazine, to publish details about La Samanna’s history in a new zine. First opened in the 1970s as a family home, the hotel has since attracted a multitude of Hollywood stars, government officials, artists, models and beyond; for the project, Mr. Wallace is talking to longtime and loyal guests.

Surrounded by 55 acres of tropical gardens, room rates for the LVMH-owned stay (see story) start at $1,300 per night. For the renovated private pool villas, that figure begins at $5,200 based on double occupancy.

From anniversary events to bolstered engagement, the new developments on the property put the guest experience first. Image courtesy of Belmond From anniversary events to engaging workshops, the new developments on the property put guest experience first. Image courtesy of Belmond

For more information or to book, interested parties can visit https://www.belmond.com/hotels/north-america/caribbean/st-martin/belmond-la-samanna.

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Belmond celebrates 50 years in St. Martin

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