in Saint-Martin, France
La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel
Updated 1 July 2026
- Baby
- Toddler
- Kid
- Teen
This is the grande dame of Saint-Martin, a serene hillside estate on the white sand of Baie Longue over on the quiet Terres Basses side. It is unashamedly high-end, with a superb spa and gourmet dining, yet it welcomes families warmly and runs a seasonal kids programme, so you can pair a genuinely calm swimming beach with a level of polish the island rarely offers.
Our verdict
If the budget is there, this is the island's most polished family address, and the beach out front is the calm, shallow kind parents dream about. Book a villa and use the seasonal kids programme.
The rooms
Whitewashed Mediterranean-style rooms, suites and villas above one of the island's longest, quietest beaches. Family suites and multi-bedroom villas give parents and older kids their own space, and several villas have a private plunge pool right outside.
At a glance
- Beach
- Calm white sand at Baie Longue
- Pools
- Main pool plus villa plunge pools
- Kids programme
- Seasonal, over holidays
- Spa
- Full hillside spa
How the KidProof Score works
Every hotel is rated on eight things families actually care about, then weighted by how much each one drives your choice. Room setup counts the most. The little touches break the ties.
Sleeps how many? Connecting rooms, family suites, a real extra bed?
Clean travel cot, high chair, bottle warmer, changing table, kit to borrow.
Shallow pool or paddling area, playground, kids club (free or paid).
Quick breakfast, kids menus, allergy options, snacks on hand.
Secured windows, protected corners, watched pool, well kept grounds.
Laundry, in-room fridge, stroller access, parking, reliable Wi-Fi.
Close to family attractions, easy transport, park tickets or access.
Welcome gift for the child, staff who talk to kids, themed rooms.
Why families love it
- Long, calm white-sand beach at Baie Longue
- Seasonal kids programme during school holidays
- Multi-bedroom villas, some with a private plunge pool
- Standout spa and a serious restaurant
🗓️A day here with kids
- 8:00
Breakfast over the bay
The terrace catches the morning light over Baie Longue.
- 10:00
Beach and shallows
Sandcastles and calm paddling on the long stretch of sand.
- 13:00
Poolside lunch
Light plates by the main pool, then shade for a quiet hour.
- 17:00
Sunset on the sand
Baie Longue faces west, so the sunsets here are the real show.
Family things to do nearby
Morning swim at Baie Longue
The long beach is usually calm and quiet early, ideal for a first family swim before the sun climbs.
Snorkel along the rocks
The rocky ends of the bay hold small fish, a gentle introduction to snorkelling with a parent alongside.
Spa hour for parents
Book a treatment while the kids programme is running, the spa terrace looks out over the bay.
Is it right for your kids?
Baby
0 to 1 yr
Cots available and calm water, though the hillside steps mean some carrying rather than pram-pushing.
Toddler
1 to 3 yrs
The gently shelving beach and shallow shorebreak suit first paddles, keep a hand close at the rocky ends.
Kid
4 to 11 yrs
Snorkelling, kayaks and the seasonal kids programme keep this age happily busy.
Teen
12 yrs and up
Watersports, the spa and the long quiet beach suit teens who want to unwind.
Plan your stay
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Live prices & availability
Stays near La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, Baie Longue, Terres Basses, 97064 Saint-Martin
We compare Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com and more so you book at the best price. Prices update in real time.
Parents also ask
Is the beach calm enough for young children?
Yes, Baie Longue is usually one of the calmer swimming beaches on the island, especially in the morning, though there can be a shorebreak on windier days.
Does it really have a kids programme?
There is a seasonal kids programme that runs mainly over school holiday periods rather than year-round, so confirm the dates for your stay.
Do we need a hire car?
The Terres Basses setting is quiet and a little out of the way, so a car is useful for reaching Grand-Case, Orient Bay and the rest of the island.
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