Sweet on St. Martin

We couldn’t help falling in love with the variety of culture and food St. Martin has to offer. The French side of this 100-square-kilometre island is the perfect place to indulge in peace, punch (of the rum variety) and patisseries.

stay: The winding drive to the Hotel Riu Palace St. Martin affords steep inclines with gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea, and the property itself includes a private sandy beach ideal for a refreshing swim. Order a margarita (shaken or frozen) from the bar and relax under the shade of an umbrella. Hotel Riu Palace St. Martin, Anse Marcel, French West Indies, St. Martin, www.signaturevacations.com

savour: Take full advantage of the food at this all-inclusive resort. Our favourite among the a la carte restaurants, Krystal, offers creamy lobster risotto that’s worth the extra calories. To break bread where the islanders do, head to the lolos (local independent restaurants) in Grand Case for terrific (and incredibly affordable) barbecue at Sky’s the Limit (our ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender). Sky’s the Limit, Bd. de Grand Case, Grand Case, St. Martin

sip: Though the cocktails at the Riu hit the spot (who doesn’t love a self-serve bar in their room?), grab a taxi and head to the Blue Martini in Grand Case for a change of pace. Watch live reggae, sip tropical drinks (a round of Planters punch is a must) and check out the fine selection of cigars. Blue Martini, Grand Case, St. Martin, www.blue-martini.fr

see: Had your fill of the pretty view of the sea from the perch of a chaise longue? Take a trip to Marigot, where Fort Louis, built in 1768, offers Instagram-worthy views of Marigot Bay. Then it’s a short walk to the Wednesday and Saturday market for souvenirs, island spices and homemade ice cream. For lip-smacking pastries (it is a French island, after all), queue up at Sarafina’s for une tarte au fraise. Sarafina’s Bakery, 14 rue Anguille, St. Martin —Karen Kwan