It felt very Old Hollywood glam at the La Samanna Hotel in St. Maarten. It’s beautiful veranda and pool, perched perfectly on the side of the cliff. It’s a place I would only read about in novels. I whipped out my most ruffled and metallic dress for the afternoon…both it and my sweat glistening in the island sun, as I was lulled by the waves.

All I felt like doing was sit back and let the fans cool me down before a dip in the water. The hotel felt like out of an old Woody Allen movie. It sparkled. What I love about the summers in St. Maarten is that the island is a lot more relaxed and a lot less crowded. It feels secluded. It’s during the holidays and Christmas that the island is packed with returning visitors and new ones. La Samanna felt so classically elegant, a mix of old culture and new. The moment you drive into the exclusive driveway, through the luxurious rot iron gates, you’re immediately greeted by rows of St. Maarten’s national flower, the Lantana, blossoming from the trees with butterflies buzzing about in and out of your car windows. How is that for a grand entrance? This is an alternate universe I could certainly revisit again and again. I spent a little too much time by the pool and in the ocean and sipping on fresh strawberry banana smoothies in between. It’s what you come to an island to do…simply fall in love with mother nature’s wonders all over again. This summer has felt a lot like a mix of romance and understated glamour, two of my favorite things. I’m already planning my next summer, but how can you top this? Simple elegance on an island, not so far from home.

Rebecca Taylor blue dress

Lack of Color hat

X Nihilio handbag 

Humo Blanco sandals

Kore swim bikini

Zimmermann headband

Miu Miu sunglasses (similar on sale!) 

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