As hotels increasingly position themselves as cultural destinations, the most compelling properties are those that cultivate a singular flavor of intrigue. At La Samanna, Belmond’s retreat on St. Martin, that unfolds through a collection of rooms and private villas where mounted works by Sir Roland Richardson and the island’s rich architectural traditions shape the experience in equal measure.
The property is centered around its portfolio of villas, each named after a flower native to the island and conceived as a world (lush, unsparing, and balanced to a tee) deeply influenced by local architecture. Privacy is the unspoken amenity: The space includes expansive indoor-outdoor living, secluded terraces, and uninterrupted views of the ocean waves ahead. Also embedded in the villas is a curatorial sensibility that reflects a much broader cultural ambition—one that reaches across Belmond’s global portfolio.
Through its international contemporary art initiative, Mitico, the hospitality group has partnered with Galleria Continua to commission site-specific works and exhibitions across Brazil, South Africa, Italy, and Spain, while the Belmond Photographic Residency supports emerging image-makers whose work offers fresh views on travel. A juried competition results in a cash prize, published book, and showcase, as well as a gratis residency at a Belmond hotel.
Back at La Samanna, that artistic commitment takes a more intimate form. Thoughtfully-placed works by Sir Roland Richardson (whose luminous paintings have helped define the visual identity of St. Martin) create moments of discovery throughout the property. It’s a formula that offers an alluring sense of Caribbean repose, as well as a feeling that lingers long after the tan fades and the suitcase is unpacked.
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