There are places that hold you, spirit, body, soul and creativity. For me, that place is Saint Martin. This tiny island is uniquely split between Dutch and French rule, yet it moves as one seamless, sun-kissed paradise. I’m partial to the French side, where the food, the charm, and the coastal beauty speak to me, but the whole island is easy to explore…and English is widely spoken everywhere. I’ve been more times than I can count, and yet every visit feels like the first. It’s why Saint Martin is perfect for micro-travel…those quick, intentional trips that reset your energy and fill your cup without requiring weeks away from life.
Saint Martin embraces Black travelers with warmth, flavor, music, and a sense of belonging. In just 72 hours, you can experience beaches, gourmet food, culture, and island joy in a way that feels luxurious but deeply grounded in Caribbean spirit.
Day 1 — Touchdown + Pure Bliss
The second my plane landed, I headed straight to the Beach Bar at Driftwood in Maho because nothing says, “Welcome to Saint Martin” like sipping the island’s best rum punch while airplanes roar just overhead. It’s wild, fun and the perfect way to drop your shoulders and breathe.
This trip, I wanted to experience the island differently, so I chose to stay at Aura in Anse Marcel. I’ve loved this quiet northern cove for years…its beach is one of the most peaceful on the island, but staying there took things to another level. My one-bedroom villa was tucked into the lush mountains with views of the ocean and rolling hills. The light, the stillness, the design… it felt like the island wrapped its arms around me. Inspired. Held. At peace.
Day 2 — The Island Plans Your Day
I’m an early riser in Saint Martin, so I started the morning at Enochs in Marigot, where you have to arrive before 7 a.m. if you want a still-warm johnnycake. From there, the day took a divine turn. The owners of Pyrates, my favorite gourmet boat charter, heard I was on island and offered me the one extra seat on their sail for the day. Moments like this remind me: Saint Martin plans your day for you… just show up and whisper, “Okay, God. I see you.”
On board, breakfast was a spread of fresh croissants, fruit, cheeses and prosecco with St-Germain and lavender liqueur. I met new friends, including a Jamaican man named Peter—super bougie and super fun. We sailed less than an hour to Anguilla, swam in turquoise water, popped into Cap de Luca for a glass of champagne, then headed back to the boat for a lunch of lobster and Tomahawk steak grilled right on deck. Gourmet heaven.
We made it back just in time for the 5th Annual Saint Martin Food Festival and its BBQ competition. The vibe? Pure family reunion. Smoke in the air, food everywhere, music pumping, happy people. Haitian artist Kai performed, and we danced until midnight. I’m already counting down to the 2026 festival.
Day 3 — Tranquility + Joy
I started the day with fresh coconut water, then headed to Loterie Farm, the island’s 135-acre eco-sanctuary tucked into the most luscious landscape. I love arriving early to meditate before settling into a cabana by the pool with a chilled bottle of something sparkling.
From there: a stop at Guavaberry for the best local rum, a quick visit to Spicy Milo to stock up on my Caribbean spices, then a plate of local food at Talk of the Town in Grand Case. After that, some beach-hopping: Rainbow, Friar’s Bay, Mullet Bay, and finally back to Anse Marcel. Each beach carries its own energy, but Anse Marcel is where the world gets quiet again.
The night ended with dinner at the extraordinary La Villa Hibiscus. Think Michelin-level artistry with Caribbean soul—a true culinary finale.
Saint Martin is that rare island where every hour can be full, joyful and delicious without ever feeling rushed. Thirty-seven beaches, incredible food and the friendliest locals. It’s a micro-travel dream.
If You Go…
Getting There: Fly into SXM (Princess Juliana). Nonstops available from major U.S. cities; Miami is the quickest jump.
Getting Around: Rent a car—easy driving and you can circle the island in about an hour.
Currency: U.S. dollars are widely accepted on both sides.
Vibe: Warm, stylish, deeply friendly. Dress how you want, eat well, greet people—it’s that simple.
If you need a micro-dose of travel, sunshine, and culinary joy, Saint Martin is the place.
Sidra Smith (@sidrasmithofficial) is a producer, storyteller and global travel, food and wine enthusiast.