Baie Rouge preview

Baie Rouge Beach, Baie Longue & Plum Bay, St Martin

Terres Basses. The quiet side of St Martin.

Some addresses on the island carry a certain weight, and Terres Basses is one of them. A beautiful corner of the island for those who like their privacy, without giving up everything else St Martin has to offer.

Which beach for you? Where to stay

A different side of St Martin

The pleasure of having both

On the western side of St Martin, Terres Basses is one of the island's most sought-after residential neighborhoods, with gated estates, generous plots and houses that seem to lean toward the sea. The roads are calm, the gardens are deep, and the evenings belong to the sound of the surf and the tree frogs. Nothing about it feels like a resort, and that is exactly the point.

For all its peace and privacy, Terres Basses is remarkably well located. Cupecoy and Maho are an easy drive when you feel like a lively dinner or a drink with a sunset view. Marigot is convenient too, for a long French lunch, an hour wandering the market or a table by the marina once the lights come on.

And then there are the days when leaving the villa feels like too much effort. I understand those days well. Baie Rouge, Baie Longue and Plum Bay are right here, three beaches with very different moods: the red-tinged sand and rocky headlands of Baie Rouge, the wide open stretch of Baie Longue, and the wilder, sometimes wave-swept shore at Plum Bay. No loungers in rows, no music competing with the waves.

That is the quiet luxury of Terres Basses. You get the privacy you came for, and the rest of the island is never more than a drive away.

Quick answer

Three beaches, three very different moods

First visit

Start with Baie Rouge. Ochre cliffs, a beautiful stretch of sand and rocks worth exploring with a mask when the water is calm.

A long walk

Baie Longue, for the pleasure of a long walk with hardly anything between you and the horizon.

Wild scenery

Baie aux Prunes (Plum Bay), for its untamed shoreline and lovely evening light. On swell days, come for the scenery rather than a swim.

Good to know

No public beach bars or sunbed rentals on these three shores. Bring water, some shade and whatever you need for the afternoon.

Baie Rouge

Baie Rouge. The one I would show you first.

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If you're discovering this part of the island for the first time, I'd begin at Baie Rouge. Its sand has a warm, reddish tint, the cliffs are beautiful in the late-afternoon light, and there's something very striking about arriving at such an open stretch of coast so close to the villas of Terres Basses.

Don't arrive expecting the old beach-bar scene. Those days are gone, and Baie Rouge is much simpler now. Bring your own water, a little shade and something for lunch. When the conditions are right, it's a wonderful place to spend a few unhurried hours.

The rocks at the right-hand end of the beach are interesting for snorkeling, and there's a natural arch around the headland. But I wouldn't encourage anyone to swim around the rocks unless the sea is genuinely calm. Swell and shore break can make this stretch dangerous very quickly.

Victoria’s tip: Parking is free, along the road and on the lot above the beach. In winter, look at the sea before you unpack: north swells can bring a strong shore break.

Baie Longue

Baie Longue. All that space, and very little noise.

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Baie Longue is the sort of beach that makes you walk farther than you intended. A long sweep of pale sand, a few beautiful properties tucked back from the shore, and La Samanna at one end. For all its prestigious addresses, the beach itself feels wonderfully unpretentious.

I'd come here for a walk in the late afternoon, when the sun drops toward the water and the whole coastline softens. On calm days you can swim too, but this is an exposed beach, so it's worth checking the waves rather than assuming the sea will be gentle.

And despite its surroundings, Baie Longue is a public beach. You won't find public sunbed rentals or casual beach restaurants along the sand. La Samanna has dining options, but check access and reserve ahead if you're not staying at the hotel.

Baie aux Prunes

Baie aux Prunes. A little wilder, especially at sunset.

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Plum Bay has a different personality altogether. The rocks are darker, the shore feels more rugged, and when the swell arrives the sea puts on quite a show. It's a favorite stretch for a sunset walk, especially if you prefer a beach without much happening around you.

In settled weather, some people explore the rocks with a mask. When the waves are up, I'd be perfectly happy just sitting on the sand and watching. There are no facilities here either, so come with what you need.

Getting there

Close to everything, but bring a car

One of the nicest things about staying in Terres Basses is being able to come and go on your own terms. Drive through Sandy Ground and Nettle Bay from Marigot, or approach from the Dutch side via Cupecoy. The exact journey depends on traffic and where you're staying, but the beaches are all close enough to visit together.

I would absolutely rent a car here. There's no practical bus service into the neighborhood, and relying on a taxi to collect you from a quiet beach isn't something I'd recommend. With a car, you can spend the afternoon by the sea and choose a restaurant in Marigot, Cupecoy or Maho later on.

Compare car rental prices at the airport

Read my car rental guide →

Before you go

What to bring now that there are no beach bars

Water and food

There’s nothing to buy on these beaches. Pack a cooler, or grab lunch in Marigot or Sandy Ground on the way.

Shade

Baie Rouge has a few trees, Baie Longue and Plum Bay very little. An umbrella makes the afternoon much easier.

Mask and fins

For the rocks at Baie Rouge and the north end of Plum Bay, on calm days. There’s no rental on site.

Nothing in the car

Parking is along the road or on rough lots. Leave the car empty, as you would at any quiet beach.

Where to stay

Where to stay in Terres Basses

If you choose Terres Basses, chances are the villa will be as much a part of your holiday as the beaches. Some properties are made for two and a peaceful terrace; others have the space and service for a whole family or group of friends. And if you prefer a hotel, La Samanna is very much in a class of its own.

The only hotel on the west coast

La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel

La Samanna has been part of the St Martin luxury landscape for decades, and it's easy to understand why. Set above Baie Longue, the white buildings, terraces and sea views are elegant without feeling showy. It's the address I'd consider if you want the privacy of this coastline but prefer the comforts and service of a hotel.

A long lunch by the beach, dinner at L'Oursin, a glass of wine when the evening cools down… It's the sort of place where you can enjoy a whole holiday without being in a hurry to leave. Do check which restaurants and facilities are available when you travel.

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Villas in Terres Basses

For a couple

Villa · 1 bedroom · Sleeps 2

Villa Zenitude

For two people who would quite happily spend the afternoon on their own terrace. Zenitude has a private plunge pool and broad views toward Baie Longue, with the evening sun doing most of the decorating. It's an appealing choice if you want a smaller villa rather than a large estate.

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Villa · 1 bedroom · Sleeps 2

Ti Riviera

Ti Riviera is a particularly lovely option for a couple who wants to be close to the water. Set by Plum Bay, it has a bedroom opening toward the outdoor living space, a hot tub on the deck and direct access to the shoreline. The setting does the talking here.

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Bungalow · 2 bedrooms · Sleeps 4

Barefoot Beach Bungalow

Not every stay in Terres Basses has to be a grand villa. This one has a more relaxed, individual character, with a private pool, a garden reaching toward the sea and Plum Bay nearby. It's a good fit for friends or a small family who like the idea of having their own little place.

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Villas for a family or friends

Villa · 3 bedrooms · Sleeps 7

Stunning Caribbean Beachfront Villa

For a holiday spent moving between the pool and the sea, it's hard to argue with a house right on Plum Bay. This three-bedroom villa has an oceanfront terrace and space for everyone to settle in, while still keeping that wonderful feeling of having the beach on your doorstep.

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Villa · 4 bedrooms · Sleeps 9

Villa Azur

Villa Azur is one to consider when everyone wants something slightly different from the holiday. Two adjoining houses offer space to spread out, while the pool, jacuzzi and private tennis court give you plenty of reasons to stay in. And when it's time to go out, Baie Longue isn't far away.

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Villa · 3 bedrooms · Sleeps 6

Villa Monchal

I like the arrangement here for two couples or a family travelling together. There's the main villa, a separate bedroom bungalow in the garden and a pool terrace that naturally becomes the gathering place. Plum Bay is nearby, should you manage to pull everyone away from the house.

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Luxury villas on the beach

Villa · 5 suites · Sleeps 12

Ocean View Modern Design Villa

For people who love contemporary architecture, this villa above Plum Bay brings together generous open spaces and a striking sea view. The infinity pool and expansive terrace make outdoor living central to the stay. It's the kind of property where an evening at home may be the best plan of all.

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Villa · 4 bedrooms · Sleeps 8

Villa Blue Beach

There are sea views, and then there is staying directly on Baie Longue. Blue Beach is all about that exceptional setting, with four sea-facing suites, a beautiful terrace and a pool between the wings of the house. If waking up close to the water is your priority, this deserves a closer look.

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Estate · 6 bedrooms · Sleeps 14

Villa Le Rêve

Le Rêve is designed for a larger group that wants to enjoy Terres Basses without constantly organising outings. Right by Baie Rouge, it offers a pool, spa, tennis court and plenty of room for everyone, with chef service listed among its amenities. A very different kind of family gathering, and quite a memorable setting.

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See all luxury villas in St Martin

FAQ

Baie Rouge, Baie Longue and Plum Bay: your questions

Are there beach bars at Baie Rouge in 2026?

No. The beach bars and chair rentals mentioned in older guides are gone. Baie Rouge is now a bring-everything beach: water, food, shade and snorkeling gear.

Which beach is best: Baie Rouge, Baie Longue or Baie aux Prunes?

Baie Rouge for a first visit and snorkeling, Baie Longue for a long walk and a quiet afternoon, Baie aux Prunes for wild scenery and sunset. They’re all within a few minutes of each other, so you can see two or three in one afternoon.

Is Baie Rouge good for swimming?

Yes on calm days, with clear water and a sandy entry in the middle of the beach. In winter, north swells can bring waves and a strong shore break. If the sea looks rough, enjoy the view and swim another day.

Can you snorkel at Baie Rouge?

Yes. The best area is the right end of the beach: swim along the rocks and around the point to reach the natural arch. Go only when the sea is calm, as swell clouds the water and makes the rocks unsafe. Bring your own gear.

Is Baie Rouge clothing-optional?

Not officially. Topless sunbathing is common on French side beaches, but Baie Rouge is not a naturist beach. For clothing-optional beaches, see the naturist beaches guide.

Is Baie Longue a public beach?

Yes. All beaches in St Martin are public, including Baie Longue, even though it sits inside Terres Basses and next to La Samanna. There are public access points; you just can’t use the hotel’s loungers or services unless you’re a guest or a restaurant customer.

Are Baie Longue and Baie aux Prunes serviced beaches?

No. There are no restaurants, chair rentals or toilets on either beach. La Samanna’s restaurants, at the south end of Baie Longue, are the only option nearby; book ahead.

Do you need a car to visit these beaches?

Yes. There’s no bus service to Terres Basses and taxis are hard to find for the return. Baie Rouge is about 10 minutes from Marigot and about 15 minutes from the airport.

Where to stay near Baie Rouge?

Terres Basses is villa territory: beachfront villas on Baie Rouge, Baie Longue and Plum Bay, from a cottage for two to estates for 14. For a hotel, La Samanna on Baie Longue is the only option and one of the most famous on the island.

What is the best time to visit this coastline?

Late afternoon for the light and the sunset, which faces you on all three beaches. The calmest seas are usually from April to August. In winter, check the swell: Plum Bay and Baie Longue can get big waves.

Naturist beaches guide →

More French side beaches

Lunch at Friar’s Bay, a walk to Happy Bay, dinner in Grand Case.

Friar’s Bay → Happy Bay → Grand Case → Orient Beach →

All the beaches

Find the St Martin beach that fits your day, French side and Dutch side.

All St Martin beaches →