An economy-to-mid-range boutique resort on St. Martin’s Orient Bay (on the French side of the island), Esmeralda Resort caters well to couples with a mostly quiet atmosphere; with a +3 TripValue, it’s one of the island’s better bargains. The resort’s 18 villas comprise a total of 65 rooms and suites; each villa has its own swimming pool, but only two face the ocean. Some rooms are a long walk from the beach, most rooms lack ocean views and are somewhat dated, there’s no spa or fitness center, and the villa pools are small and lackluster; but the property offers a beautiful white-sand beach, quality French cuisine at The Astrolabe restaurant (the only on-site restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner), a complimentary continental breakfast, attentive and personalized service, and an excellent selection of water sports on the beach. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, wood furnishings, tile floors, kitchenettes, and iPod speakers; suites come with four-poster beds and more space, but are significantly more expensive. Activities include parasailing, jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling excursions, deep sea fishing, tennis, and horseback riding. A good selection of oceanfront bars and restaurants directly on Orient Bay Beach are within easy walking distance.
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