Sunset Café, Grand Case BeachFrom Dusk to Dawn, St. Martin’s got you covered! Travel News May 5, 2021 2776 The Caribbean’s St. Martin is a highly desirable destination for those seeking to spend their days in leisure, eating good food and swimming in the calm blue seas. In particular, this charming part-French, part-Dutch island enjoys a special reputation for its enchanting sunset and sunrise. With orange and red hues spread across the sky and reflected in the tranquil waves, the view from the shores of St. Martin looks like it leapt off a canvas. While going down to your hotel beach to soak up the sun’s splendour would be the obvious choice, don’t miss these other scenic sun gazing spots: they’re sure to have your Instagram followers envious of your impeccable eye for a truly sublime backdrop. Paradise Peak, St. Martin: Shout “I’m on top of the world!” by hiking up Paradise peak, the highest point on St. Martin. With an elevation of 420 meters above sea level, this ascent leads to the most panoramic view of the entire island and surrounding turquoise ocean. While getting to the top is an easy hike, you wouldn’t want to come down without witnessing the spectacular view you’ll find during the twilight hours. Orient Bay Beach: A favoured beach amongst Canadians, Orient Bay Beach is the perfect place to observe a breathtaking show of sunrise, particularly over nearby Caye Verte. It’s a beautiful, white, soft sandy beach and in the early morning hours, it will give you a moment of true tranquility. This beach has a soothing stretch of coastline where you can rent a lounge chair, get a tan, or catch up on that unfinished book. Apart from relaxing, Orient Bay Beach offers one of the best spots on the island for snorkelling: although the waves here can be a bit spirited, you’ll find an amazing reef tantalizingly close to the shore. Just a short kayak paddle away is Caye Verte (or Green Cay) also perfect for snorkelling. Start your day by witnessing the remarkable golden hour before heading off to enjoy the numerous activities and excursions this part of the island has to offer. The Sunset Café at Grand Case Beach Club: The Sunset Café is located in an award-winning intimate oceanfront hotel adjacent to the picturesque village of Grand Case. The restaurant is placed at such an angle that visitors experience the Caribbean Sea with a panoramic view of Grand Case and Creole Rock. It serves French and international cuisines, and their pineapple dessert is to die for. Set in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, this café, like its namesake, offers one of the most enchanting sunset views. There is something about sipping your favourite cocktail or beer and feeling the magic of the setting sun from this cozy cafe. While St. Martin is full of amazing things to do, make sure to make space on your itinerary for these calming, inspiring, and potentially life-changing locations. St. Martin is a charming, scenically beautiful island. It’s the smallest territory to be shared between two nations (France and The Netherlands), and home to over a hundred different nationalities and cultures. Surrounded by both the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, this small 88 square kilometer island is a paradise for beach lovers. Being the undisputed capital of gastronomy, St. Martin not only offers a blend of traditional French cuisine but as well innovative gourmet cuisine from around the world. With its lavish, unspoiled landscapes and idyllic beaches, St. Martin embodies the true spirit of vacation. This “Friendly Island’’, as it’s often referred to, is bursting with treasures for gourmets, hikers, adventures and dreamers alike. From hotels to resorts to boutique properties to beautiful villas, St. Martin’s hilly topography ensures beautiful views from the hills as well as on its beautiful shores. Its vibrant setting and tropical climate pleasantly cooled by trade winds year-round make this island your ideal destination, whether you wish to relax, explore or get active, alone, with a loved one, family or friends. Here, you’ll find all the right ingredients from an unforgettable stay on one of the most enchanting islands of the Caribbean. www.st-martin.org