Anse Marcel, St Martin: beach, marina & where to stay

Anse Marcel. Worth taking the long way in.

There's a moment on the road to Anse Marcel when the hills seem to swallow the sea. Then you come around a bend, and there it is: a pale little beach tucked into the green, a marina full of boats and water that looks almost too calm to be Caribbean. It's a very different side of St Martin, and that's precisely why I like recommending it.

Where to stay in Anse Marcel The beach and the marina
Quick answer

Is Anse Marcel your kind of beach?

Where

Tucked into the northern French side, beyond a winding hillside road. Grand Case is nearby; allow extra time if you're coming from the airport.

The beach

A sheltered, curved bay where the sea is often much gentler than on the Atlantic coast. Always check the conditions on the day.

Best for

Slow mornings, families, a leisurely beach lunch and anyone who would rather hear the water than a DJ.

Good to know

Having a car makes life easier. Go early for more sunshine on the sand; the hills bring afternoon shade.

The feeling of the place

Not every beach needs a soundtrack.

Some days, you just want to hear the water.

Saint-Martin is brilliant at giving you completely different days within a short drive. One afternoon you're at Orient Bay, choosing between beach clubs and deciding where to have a long lunch. The next you're making your way down to Anse Marcel, where everything seems to happen a little more quietly.

What makes this bay special isn't a list of things to do. It's the setting: the hills close in around the beach, the water is often wonderfully gentle, and you can spend the morning doing very little without feeling you've missed anything. Of course, there's a marina, a handful of places to eat and boats heading out to the islands. But you don't have to do all of that to enjoy being here.

I would choose Anse Marcel for a day when I want the beach to be the plan, not just the backdrop. Come early, take your time, and don't be in too much of a hurry to leave.

Anse Marcel beach, a sheltered horseshoe bay in St Martin
The beach

The kind of water you can lose an entire morning in

The first thing you notice is how protected Anse Marcel feels. Hills rise on either side, the sand curves gently around the bay, and on a settled morning the water can be wonderfully still. It's one of the places I'd suggest to someone who wants to swim without dealing with the more energetic Atlantic waves. That said, even a sheltered beach deserves a quick look at the sea before you get in.

You can make a whole day of it without doing anything complicated. Bring a towel and find your own stretch of sand, or settle in around the beach club for lunch and loungers. The beach is public; the chairs and services aren't. And there's one little detail worth knowing: because of the hills, the afternoon shade arrives earlier than you might expect. If sunbathing is the plan, don't arrive too late.

The marina

A little marina with big possibilities

Just behind the beach, Port de Lonvilliers gives Anse Marcel another personality. You'll find boats tied up along the pontoons, a few terraces, shops and the small Galerie Les Acacias. It isn't a bustling town centre, and I wouldn't pretend otherwise. That's rather the appeal: you can have a coffee overlooking the boats without feeling that you need to be somewhere else.

It's also a very practical place to start a day at sea. Depending on the operator and itinerary, boats head toward Tintamarre, Pinel, Anguilla and St Barts from this part of the French coast. If you've been dreaming about a boat day, staying near the marina can make that early departure feel much less early.

See boat trips from the French side
Port de Lonvilliers marina in Anse Marcel
Where to eat

Lunch is part of the reason to come

Le Domaine Anse Marcel Beach restaurant
Le Domaine Anse Marcel Beach
One address, three tablesLe DomaineLe Domaine gives you several ways to linger around the beach, from a proper sit-down meal to something more relaxed with sand still on your feet. Choose the table that suits your mood, and check which restaurant is serving before you go.
Lunch over the pontoonsBlue SailI like the idea of stopping here after watching the boats come and go: a terrace over the marina, an easy lunch and no pressure to dress up for the occasion. It's a different view of Anse Marcel from the beach, and a lovely one.
Casual and easyAround the marinaThere are a few other places around Galerie Les Acacias, plus a supermarket for the practical bits. Anse Marcel isn't the village to choose for twenty dinner options. For that, Grand Case is close enough to make a very good evening plan.

Read the full Le Domaine Anse Marcel Beach experience →

Things to do

When you feel like doing a little more

There's absolutely nothing wrong with spending the day here moving between your towel, the sea and lunch. But if you want to get out on the water, the marina makes that easy. And if you're more of a walker, the hills around the bay hide a completely different experience: the trail toward Petites Cayes.

Boat trips from the marinaSwap the beach for a boat and explore the islands offshore. The exact route depends on the trip, so choose one for the stops you actually want to make.See the boat tours → Jet skiIf a little speed sounds more appealing than a slow afternoon, check the jet-ski excursions departing from the marina and the latest sea conditions.Read the jet ski guide → The hike to Petites CayesThe reward for putting on proper shoes: a wild stretch of coast with none of the beach-club comforts. It's a walk to plan, not one to attempt in flip-flops.How to go →
The hike to Petites Cayes

Petites Cayes is the opposite of a serviced beach: no loungers, no restaurant, no easy rescue if you've forgotten the water. The coastal path crosses exposed, uneven ground, so choose a cooler part of the day, wear decent shoes and check the route and conditions before setting off. The wild setting is the reward.

The hills above the bay

Even a shorter walk up the surrounding hills can change your view of the bay completely. When the air is clear, the sea opens out beyond the green slopes. Take water, and remember you'll be walking back down again.

Where to stay

Stay a little longer in Anse Marcel

Anse Marcel is the sort of place that feels different once the day visitors have gone. The beach gets quieter, the light slips behind the hills and the marina settles down for the evening. If that sounds like your kind of holiday, it's worth staying a few nights rather than squeezing it into an afternoon. The choice isn't enormous, which is why I'd decide first whether you want to wake up near the sand, above the bay or beside the boats.

Quick picks

Beach at your doorstepLe DomaineThe hotel on the sand, with three restaurants and a spa.See it ↓ A room with a viewAura Anse MarcelHillside residences, some with a private plunge pool.See it ↓ For boat daysBlue Sail HotelRooms on the marina, steps from the boats.See it ↓ A little hideawayThe ForestA family-run boutique in the hills.See it ↓ Easy beach baseLa Vie est BelleA spotless apartment 100 metres from the beach.See it ↓ Room for the familyLe Petit St BarthThree bedrooms and an infinity pool with a view.See it ↓ A special group tripVilla AbacaFive en-suite bedrooms high above the bay.See it ↓ Pool timeParadizeAn apartment with a private pool near the beach.See it ↓

The four hotels, by style

The hotel on the beach

Le Domaine Anse Marcel Beach

Formerly Anse Marcel Beach Resort

If your ideal holiday involves the shortest possible walk between breakfast and the beach, start here. Le Domaine sits by the sand, with restaurants and spa facilities that make it very easy to stay put. It's the choice for people who want a proper beach day without organising one.

For: Families, couples who want the beach at their door, and anyone who wants everything on site.

Check dates on Booking.com or on Expedia
The most luxurious

Aura Anse Marcel

For those who would happily trade being right on the sand for a terrace and a beautiful view. Aura's residences sit above the bay, with kitchens and space to spread out; some add a private plunge pool. I'd look here for a quieter stay where the accommodation is part of the pleasure.

For: Couples and families who want space, privacy and a view, with hotel-style comfort.

Check dates on Booking.com or on Expedia
For a sailing holiday

Blue Sail Hotel

There's something lovely about waking up to masts and morning activity on the pontoons. Blue Sail is for travellers who want a simple, comfortable base by the marina, particularly if they're planning boat trips. Come for the location rather than resort-style extras.

For: Travelers chartering a catamaran or heading out on boat trips from Anse Marcel marina.

Check dates on Booking.com or on Expedia
The most intimate

The Forest

Up in the green hills, The Forest has a different rhythm altogether. It's small, family-run and designed for people who enjoy a bit of space around them. There's a pool and room to slow down; the beach is nearby, but you aren't living directly on it.

For: Couples and travelers who want peace, nature and a personal welcome.

Check dates on Booking.com or on Expedia

Vacation rentals, by kind of trip

For a couple

Apartment · 1 bedroom · Sleeps up to 4

La Vie est Belle

A practical little address if you'd rather spend your holiday budget on good lunches and days out. You're close to the beach, with a terrace and the useful comforts of an apartment. Simple, easy, and exactly what some trips need.

Check dates
Apartment · 1 bedroom · Sleeps up to 4

Paradize, Plage & 3 Piscines

If you're the kind of traveller who enjoys a swim before even thinking about breakfast, this apartment is worth a look. There is a private pool as well as access to the residence pools, plus room to settle in rather than live out of a suitcase.

Check dates

For a family or friends

Villa · 3 bedrooms

Anse Marcel Villa, Pool & Hot Tub

Three bedrooms, a pool and a hot tub: the sort of villa where the temptation is to cancel an afternoon's plans and just stay in. A good option for friends or family who want their own space, especially if days by the pool matter as much as time at the beach.

Check dates
Villa · 3 bedrooms · Sleeps 6

Villa Le Petit St Barth

This one's about the view. High above Anse Marcel, the infinity pool looks out toward the sea and the villa feels properly tucked away. Just bear in mind that the drive up is steep, and the pool design may not suit families with very young children.

Check dates

High-end villas

Villa · 5 bedrooms · Sleeps 10

Villa Abaca

If you're gathering a larger group, Abaca has room for everyone without sacrificing privacy: five en-suite bedrooms, big sea views and a pool that will probably become the centre of the holiday. It's a villa for staying in together, not simply somewhere to sleep.

Check dates
Villa · 3 bedrooms · Sleeps 6

Villa Saba

Villa Saba has a quieter sort of appeal: a private setting, a pool, big windows and views that remind you exactly where you are. I'd consider it for a small group that wants to enjoy Anse Marcel at its own pace, with a car for exploring beyond the bay.

Check dates
Getting there

Yes, I would rent a car for Anse Marcel

You can certainly take a taxi to Anse Marcel, but the winding road in and out makes having your own wheels a much more comfortable option. A car means you can spend the morning in this sheltered bay, go to Grand Case for dinner or explore another beach the following day without organising a lift each time. Check your accommodation's parking arrangements before booking, especially in the busier months.

Compare car rental prices at the airport
FAQ

Anse Marcel, St Martin: your questions

Is Anse Marcel beach public?

Yes, Anse Marcel is a public beach. Beach-club loungers and services are paid, but you don't have to rent a chair to enjoy the sand. Respect any access signs and private facilities.

Is Anse Marcel good for families with young children?

Usually, yes. The sheltered shape of the bay often means gentle water, which is one reason families like it. Conditions still change, so supervise children closely and assess the sea on the day.

What is the best hotel in Anse Marcel?

Le Domaine Anse Marcel Beach if you want to be on the sand, with three restaurants and a spa. Aura for views and space, The Forest for quiet and character, and Blue Sail if your trip is built around the marina and boat days.

Is Le Domaine the same as Anse Marcel Beach Resort?

Yes. Le Domaine Anse Marcel Beach is the hotel formerly known as Anse Marcel Beach Resort, the only hotel directly on the beach.

Can you stay in a villa in Anse Marcel?

Yes. There are apartments a short walk from the beach, family villas with pools on the hills, and a few high-end villas with sea views above the bay. You’ll want a car for the hillside ones.

Can you get to Anse Marcel without a car?

Yes, by taxi, but I'd recommend a rental car if you want to explore beyond Anse Marcel. The village is at the end of a winding road and public transport options are limited.

Are there boat tours leaving from Anse Marcel?

Yes. The marina is one of the main French-side departure points for Anguilla, Tintamarre, Pinel Island and St Barths.

How do you hike from Anse Marcel to Petites Cayes?

A coastal trail leaves from the Anse Marcel side and climbs over the headland to Petites Cayes, a wild beach with no facilities. Wear good shoes, go early to avoid the heat, and bring water and shade.

What is the best time to visit Anse Marcel?

Mornings are especially lovely, partly because the surrounding hills cast shade over parts of the beach later in the day. Weather and sea conditions vary throughout the year.

More beaches

Beach clubs at Orient Bay, dinner on foot in Grand Case, red cliffs at Baie Rouge: find the beach that fits your day.

All St Martin beaches →

Grand Case, ten minutes away

The French side’s culinary village, for dinner after a day at Anse Marcel.

Read the Grand Case guide →

EXPLORE MORE STAYS

Looking for something else in Anse Marcel?

Our favorite places to stay are listed above, but they're not the only options in Anse Marcel. Haven't found quite what you're looking for? Browse more villas, apartments and vacation rentals below. You might just find the perfect place for your trip. Search with our partners, Booking.com & Vrbo.