• Inquiries
  • About
  • Travel With Me
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Cotten Tales

  • MY GIRLS
    • DOROTHY
    • FRANCES
  • MOCO FIXER
  • STITCH FIX

Vacation Recap | Saint Martin

Travel

6 Jul

trip report
I needed a vacation.

I wanted a vacation, yes, but I didn’t realize how much I actually needed a vacation. I needed to have real conversations with my husband, and not just talk to each other in passing about bath time, nap time and poopy diapers. I needed to laugh until I cried. I needed to waste a day (or week) just sitting on a beach chair and listening to my own thoughts. I needed to remember that I’m more than just a mommy, and in the same day recognize that there is nothing else I’d rather be.

If you’ll remember, Mr. Cotten surprised me with a trip to Saint Martin for our wedding anniversary in May. The last time we took a vacation alone together was two years ago on our babymoon, and friends – that is too long to wait.

It became apparent to me while on the island that I have neglected my role as a wife. Being a stay-at-home mom has challenged me more than I could have ever dreamed, and as a result has demanded all of my attention. This vacation was needed. I needed to laugh, and flirt, and go on a grand adventure with my man. I needed to focus on us, for a change.

And with that serious-toned prelude, I can now tell you that 10 nights away from my one-year-old is a smidgen too long.

We did some amazing things, ate some amazing food, and had the absolute worst experience with US Airways on our flight home (oh, my complaint is most definitely in the mail). Instead of boring you all with a play-by-play of our trip, I’ll just post a thousand pictures and highlight the must-do’s and must-see’s.

IMG_8822
We stayed in an AirBnB located in Cul-de-Sac on the French side of Saint Martin. Courtny and I prefer vacation rentals to resorts most of the time, however I’m pretty sure we wouldn’t stay at this particular place again. It wasn’t bad, but we know from experience that there are better options. Our studio was what we needed – nothing more, nothing less. It wasn’t exactly luxurious, but we didn’t spend a lot of time there.

We have stayed on both sides of the island during our trips, and after giving the French side what we consider to be a fair shot, we will probably only stay on the Dutch side if/when we return to the island. I love the French restaurants in Grand Case, but $100 a meal pretty much every night is too salty for us. Plus, the Dutch side has their act together – everything is clean and well-kept. The French side is practically falling apart in areas. It’s unfortunate, really.

IMG_8855

Cocktails before ziplining at Loterie Farm

One thing we did on our first trip that we just had to do again was the Fly Zone Extreme at Loterie Farm. Ziplining is cool anywhere, but it’s extra cool when you’re flying down a mountain looking at the Caribbean waters.

We joined the rest of our group in the back of a truck, and rode a nearly vertical road to the top of Pic Paridis for two hours of ropes. If you have the chance, do it. Pictures do not do this view justice.

IMG_8867

IMG_8943
IMG_8923
IMG_8933
IMG_8941
And because we decided to be crazy adventurous while on vacation, I booked us a day long sailing trip aboard the ScoobiToo. Another must do if you’re on the island. We selected a trip that took us to Tintamarre Island (an uninhabited nature reserve that has pretty incredible snorkeling), and the country of Anguilla.

Here’s the quick and dirty:

Sailing is awesome.
Anguilla is picturesque.
I felt like I was in Finding Nemo snorkeling with sea turtles. SEA TURTLES!
It turns out that my car sickness DOES translate over to sea sickness.
No one batted an eye when I lost my cookies somewhere in the Caribbean Sea.

IMG_9073
IMG_9078
IMG_9081

IMG_9086

Tintamarre | I managed to get off the boat and take a quick peak at the turtles, but I was so nauseous at the time this photo was taken that I spent the rest of our stop in a fetal position on the beach. No joke. The smile is fake.

IMG_9098

Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla

IMG_9099

Post-puking, and so happy to be on land that I took a selfie with the boat.

IMG_9094
IMG_9096
If that’s not enough nature for ya, we visited The Butterfly Farm and held butterflies one afternoon. It was actually quite magical, and way more fun than we thought it would be.

IMG_9006

IMG_9020

IMG_9039
Other than that, we beached and we ate.

A lot.

Like, a lot a lot.

IMG_8961

Karakter | Simpson Bay

IMG_8966

I dream of the passion fruit daiquiris from Karakter.

IMG_8975

Anse Marcel Beach Restaurant

IMG_8972

Anse Marcel

IMG_9114

Le Piment | Every restaurant on the island gives you a shot of house-made rum after your meal. I make this face every time, apparently.

IMG_9139

Sunrise over Cul-de-Sac | I was not awake for this. Thank you husband.

IMG_9158

IMG_8976

Karakter | Simpson Bay

Karakter | Simpson Bay

 

IMG_9121
Boom. Vacation done right.

—

Have any of you reading this ever been to Saint Martin? What were your must-do’s and must-see’s?

If you go…

{our favorite beaches}
Simpson Bay, Orient Bay, Baie Rouge, Anse Marcel

{our favorite restaurants}
Le Piment (Orient Bay Village), Ocean 82 (Grand Case), Bistro Caraibes (Grand Case), Karakter (Simpson Bay), Zee Best (Simpson Bay)

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

2 Comments

Previous Post: « Hi blog.
Next Post: Inspiration | Dorothy’s Big Girl Room »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jacquelyn says

    July 6, 2015 at 9:04 pm

    Looks like you had so much fun! I think I’ve been neglecting my role as a wife too.. and my baby is only a month old. I’ll have the change that.

    I’ve stopped here a couple times on cruises, but I’ve only ever been to the big beach by the cruise port on the Dutch side, and I’ve taken a catamaran ride to a little island off the main island. The last time was on our honeymoon =) I’ve always wanted to visit the French side just to see it, but I agree the Dutch side is super clean compared to most other Caribbean islands!

    Reply
  2. Adrian says

    July 7, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    Looks like you both had a blast. Ten days of relaxation is definitely wonderful. Hopefully one day I can visit Saint Martin it looks amazing.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hey there, I'm Samantha. Recovering SAHM, and aspiring competitive dance mom. I have a passion for travel, am known to say it like it is, and I most certainly do not have it all together. Currently on a journey toward self love and discovery. Join me. 2021 | Bloom

Latest from Instagram

NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha I’m focusing a lo NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha

I’m focusing a lot of effort on self love and self discovery right now. But, just how am I perceived by the people around me? Audience determines your brand - what qualities are you projecting, and do they match how you want to be seen? Link in bio. 

#cottentales #personalbranding #rebranding #blogger #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #momofgirls #selflove #selfdiscovery #momblogger #travelblogger
Follow on Instagram

Follow Me

  • Bloglovin
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Get $25 for Your Stitch Fix!

Stitch Fix

Categories

  • MY GIRLS
  • MOCO FIXER
  • STITCH FIX
NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha I’m focusing a lo NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha

I’m focusing a lot of effort on self love and self discovery right now. But, just how am I perceived by the people around me? Audience determines your brand - what qualities are you projecting, and do they match how you want to be seen? Link in bio. 

#cottentales #personalbranding #rebranding #blogger #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #momofgirls #selflove #selfdiscovery #momblogger #travelblogger
I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for alway I’ll love you forever.
I’ll like you for always.
As long as I’m living,
My baby you’ll be. ❤️

My baby turns 7 today, which feels unbelievable in many ways. Dorothy Laura, you make me so proud to be your mommy. 

#dbunny #cottentales #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #momofgirls #birthday #7yearsold #firstborn
If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’ If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’s, it will be enough. 

We lost 94 years of memories today, and even though we knew this day was coming it doesn’t make it easier. I’m just so glad my girls could know and love their Papaw Great. 

RIP, Upe. 💛
Have courage, and be kind. ✨ #waltdisneyworld # Have courage, and be kind. ✨

#waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #cinderella #cottentales #cottensisters #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #momofgirls #travelblogger #disneysmmc #fallbreak2020 #spontaneous
Sunday breakfast surprise, courtesy of Dot and Fra Sunday breakfast surprise, courtesy of Dot and FranDog. 🍳 #cottensisters #dbunny #francesbelle #blogger #momsofinstagram #mommyblogger #momofgirls #lifestyleblog #cottentales #sundaymornings

Copyright © 2021 · Cotten Tales & Samantha Cotten