Why Stunning St. Maarten Is Perfect for Couples Travel

If food is the language of love, St. Maarten wrote the book. The stunning white sand beaches, gin-clear turquoise water, and fiery sunsets are enough to inspire romance. Then, you have all the food and drink experiences that make this the culinary capital of the Caribbean.

While wandering Front Street on a recent trip with my husband, a painting on the side of a building caught my attention — an enormous yellow, pink, and orange octopus haloed with turquoise water brought to life by local artist Jessica Murtha. The Philipsburg Art Walk features 20+ murals right in the heart of downtown. I meandered to view them all, stopping for drinks and snacks during the Philipsburg Mural & Sunset Tour organized by We Are SXM. There’s nothing like a bit of art and imbibing to inspire romance.

That’s just an appetizer. There are cooking classes, romantic dinner spots, and beach hideaways where a secluded lunch with toes in the sand awaits. I’ve rounded up some favorites below for a romantic rendezvous while on The Friendly Island.

The Flavor Academy

Let’s start with the ultimate love story. After many independent successes and awards, husband and wife Paul and Kristen Peterson longed to spend their days together following their culinary passions. They created one of the most memorable dining destinations on St. Maarten, The Flavor Academy. The unassuming exterior hides a romantic paradise inside with swagged palm fronds, soft lighting, and cozy seating. Menus for the intimate dinner table are curated based on the guests’ desires. The cocktails and dishes are delicious, but I fell in love with the cooking classes. Dig your hands into a bowl of dough for an interactive date.

Creole Culinary Classroom

I love a cooking class to heat up the romance in a relationship, and St. Maarten has another option to get your hands dirty together: the Creole Culinary Classroom. The informal yet intimate setting is a perfect date environment, and the chef allows you to design a class that fits your vibe and availability. Crunched for time? She can even prepare some items ahead. You can take group or private courses, choose the items you wish to cook, and even drink as you go. I’m a sucker for the Creole class with all the classic dishes like Salt Fish Accras, Stuffed Chayote, and of course, Rum Punch. Whether you are just here for a brief stopover or have longer to linger, the cooking classes at Creole Culinary Classroom offer a sweet memory that will outlast any souvenir you might find. What better way to bond than over a home-cooked meal?

Indigo Beach Restaurant

If you are looking for a secluded venue with stunning views, Indigo Beach Restaurant delivers. This “two steps above a beach bar” sits on a gorgeous stretch of St. Maarten coastline. Couples can slurp oysters (known aphrodisiacs) and sip Champagne as the sunlight glitters on the ocean. Shareable dishes and a thoughtful wine list make the perfect combination for a romantic meal. Save room for dessert — the tiramisu layers traditional lady fingers with local passionfruit and the lightest cream. Afterward, dig your toes in the awaiting sand as the sun dips below the horizon and lights up the sky with an orange and pink explosion.

Kalatua Beach Restaurant

This intimate beach club and restaurant offers secluded spots for couples to tuck away and share some private moments relaxing amid paradise. Kalatua Beach Restaurant is only open until 6 p.m., but come early and score a couple of beach loungers (you need to reserve), and the only thing between you and your sweetheart will be the powdery sand and fabulous cocktails delivered directly to your sunbed. Head up to the restaurant to experience the island’s bounty with dishes like grilled spiny lobster or tapas, perfect for sharing as the sun starts to set.

Bamboo House

If a romantic view at a luxe restaurant is on the menu, Bamboo House has the recipe. The twinkling lights of luxe yachts, Simpson Bay, and the Princess Julianna airport create a dazzling reflection on the water. Grab a table on the deck, take in the view, feel the warm St. Maarten breezes coming off the ocean, and groove to the live music. The Asian-Mediterranean menu has many delicious options. Order a dragon roll to feed each other and partake in some playful chopstick dueling while sipping a Sexy Geisha or Pea Blossom Bramble.

La Cave at La Samanna

St. Maarten is two islands in one with Dutch and French sides. About 40 minutes from the cruise port in Phillipsburg sits what I consider one of the most romantic experiences you will encounter: La Samanna, a Belmond hotel, has a venue called La Cave, where you can book a multi-course tasting in the oldest wine cellar on the island. On my last trip, I booked La Cave 200, a tropical adventure where I sampled some of the world’s finest rums, learned to roll cigars, and nibbled on chocolate and cheese — it rivaled any Valentine’s Day dinner.

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