Kakao Beach Bar

A family-run beach restaurant right on the sand in Orient Bay, opened by two St. Martin natives with deep roots in the island’s hospitality scene — Shana’s family owns La Belle Époque and Bali Bar, Achille’s comes from Ô Plongeoir. The kitchen turns out French-Caribbean fusion under a French-trained chef, from mahi-mahi ceviche to a beef-and-lobster surf-and-turf special, backed by a curated wine list. Full beach service, ocean breeze, and a Sunday DJ party make Aloha one of Orient Bay’s most welcoming stops.

One of Orient Bay’s most established clubs, Kontiki runs full lounger service and a strong cocktail program on the same long, brilliant stretch of sand that made this beach famous in the first place.

The French side of St. Martin runs at a noticeably calmer pace than Dutch Sint Maarten, and Karibuni captures exactly that relaxed rhythm with cold rose on the island’s quieter eastern shore.

Orient Bay is one of the Caribbean’s longest, most beautiful stretches of white sand, and Bikini Beach Bar operates with the relaxed French sensibility that has made this beach a genuine institution.

On the beach in Grand Case – St. Martin’s self-declared gourmet capital – Captain Frenchy looks like a classic down-and-dirty beach shack until you notice the kitchen’s actually running a legitimate restaurant program. Wooden deck seating, loungers on the sand, and a crew that looks like they stepped off a pirate ship in the best way. Order a cold beer, a rum drink, or – since you’re in Grand Case – a properly chilled rose or glass of champagne. Family-friendly, well-placed for a beach-stroll break, and busy enough that dinner reservations are wise. The location and the classic beach-bar energy are still the draw.