Monday. The jetlag is real, so I get up at 5AM and wake up with the sunrise. It’s already 11 in Belgium, and whilst the office is already buzzing for two hours, I lean back on the terrace with a cup of coffee and take in the beautiful views.

Our guide Alexandra picks us up and together we drive through the entire upper part of the island. From shore to shore, we get to see the most breath-taking like-a-postcard spots with our own eyes. We check out Marigot for a little bit, where the sea was the perfect backdrop for this Hale Bob maxi dress.

We enter a residential area, a gated community with amazing villas in Terre Basse. The beaches aren’t private though, so this is the place to go when you’re looking for a secluded beach. Paulien and I take mental pictures and we decide to drive back the next day.

On to the next island: the pretty-as-a-picture île de Pinel. With its two taverns, one shop and only a few beach chairs, you’ll totally feel like you’re in The Beach. I didn’t spot a Leo DiCaprio when we visited, but I’m sure the island comes with one 🙂 Take the boat from Anse-Marcel to Pinel and submerge in pure tranquillity and island vibes. We have lunch at Karibuni, and I opted for the squid salad served in half a pineapple. Tropical!

Place: Karibuni Beach Bar
Order: the tuna steak or one of the exotic suggestions du jour.

Some sea chilling later, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for a rather fancy dinner. Océan85 is located in Cul-de-Sac, right next to the beach. It serves delicious French cuisine, and is an obligatory stop when you visit Saint Martin.

Place: Océan85, Cul-de-Sac
Taste: the profiterolles!

To be continued