With its vibrant island culture, dramatic emerald hills, and shocking stretches of turquoise waters, St. Martin is a true island paradise and one of the Caribbean's most slept-on secrets. 

Only 34 square miles, the true allure of this nation lies in its unique dual French and Dutch ownership. 

Dubbed the 'Friendly Island' for this very reason, St. Martin welcomes everyone – from the conservative donor desiring elegant luxury to the exuberant traveler seeking a lively island experience. 

Wherever your donors venture, they can expect easy access to pristine surf, colorful cafés and bars brimming with local flavor, and boutique beachfront boltholes.

Location

Part of the Caribbean's Leeward Islands, St. Martin's stretching lagoons, sparkling coastlines, and dramatic emerald hills are characteristic features of its prime tropical location. 

Gateway to ultra-chic St. Barths and laid-back Anguilla, St. Martin is the perfect base for exploring other Caribbean islands, thanks to its international airport and easy access. 

Culture

With more than 140 nationalities, St. Martin is a true cosmopolitan melting pot with deep Caribbean roots and a strong European identity. 

Lively island living characterizes its Dutch side, with vibrant beach bars, casinos, and nightlife. Those looking for a less American experience will treasure the French side's terrace culture, laid-back refinement, and charming boutiques.

Regardless of which side you favor, every corner of the island is packed full of characteristic Caribbean influence and flair. 

When to Visit

Blessed with a glorious dry season from December to April, donors can expect dazzling sun-kissed shores and highs of 80°-85° F throughout much of the year. 

June to November marks the island's low season due to the risk of hurricanes. Visitors during this period can expect a quieter and more authentic island experience without the bustle of tourists.

Bountiful Beaches

Let donors take their pick of 37 spectacular beaches, be they wild and windswept, or picturesque spots with rows of coconut palms and azure-blue waters.

While the shores of the French side are quieter and cruise-ship free, both sides of the island boast snow-white and golden sands. 

From kitesurfers' paradise Orient Bay to Maho's famed plane landings, or the pristine and secluded sands of Pinel Island and Plum Bay, there's sand and surf to satisfy all beach fantasies. 

World-Renowned Cuisine

Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and home to the yearly Gastronomy Festival, food is an integral part of St. Martin's cultural heritage. 

Donors venturing to Grand Case and culinary up-and-comer Orient Bay will easily find gourmet dining ranging from high-end French fare to flavorful Creole Fusion. 

Those looking for an authentic taste of the Caribbean can visit the island's many roadside 'lolo's, local open-air food stands that serve up mouhtwatering grilled favorites.

One Island, Three Nations

With dual French and Dutch ownership and a distinctly Caribbean feel, visitors to St. Martin can truly experience three islands in one. 

Those looking for a more traditional vacation will be right at home in the Dutch side's Simpson Bay, the epicenter of island entertainment. Flashy casinos, bars, and nightlife line the streets, infused with classic Caribbean flair. 

Cross to the French side and donors will feel they've arrived on a whole different island. Here travelers can relish life in the slow lane, with pristine shores untouched by cruise boats, lush tropics, and a decidedly French taste for fine food and wine. 

Historic influences can also be felt across the island, from the 18th c. fort Louis boasting panoramic views of Marigot Bay to Grand Case's colorful West Indian architecture and deep Caribbean roots. 

Affordable Luxury

Looking for a showstopping travel package for your fundraiser without the heartstopping price tag? 

With auction vacation packages starting at just $1950, St. Martin is one of the most accessible Caribbean destinations to place at auction.

With breezy Caribbean villas and stylish beachfront condos comparable to neighboring St. Barths, your nonprofit can prioritize lower consignment rates without sacrificing fundraising impact.

This makes St. Martin travel experiences a powerful choice for smaller organizations or events, as well as Golden Tickets, raffles, and silent auctions.

Private Homes and Villas

Thanks to the meteoric rise in luxury vacation rentals, your donors can experience the more exclusive side of St. Martin, close to all the attractions but away from tourist traps. 

From the classic Caribbean estates of Terres Basses to the glittering cliffside villas of Indigo Bay, each home immerses donors in the island's unique character and landscape for an unparalleled experience of island living.  

Five-star amenities, private infinity pools, and super social living spaces mean donors can unwind with the ones they love in complete comfort and privacy.

Easily accommodating tailored experiences like chef service and in-villa massage, It's no wonder private home and villa experiences drive 3x more fundraising revenue at auction than traditional auction travel packages. 

On-Site Expertise

With island experts on the ground and a recent St. Martin team trip under our belts, your nonprofit will get unparalleled expertise and guidance when placing a St. Martin vacation auction package. 

Benefit from professional marketing materials, ranging from auction cards to videos, winner’s certificates, and more, showcasing the best of the island to help turn donor interest into serious bids. 

Trip winners can also take advantage of our team's dedicated concierge service and luxury travel insights with destination-specific guides and interactive maps featuring our expert recommendations to take their stay to the next level. 

With LuxGive travel experiences, the trip is only the beginning. Take advantage of included local experiences and donor-tailored activities to help your auction vacation packages raise even more. 

Private Boat Charter

An essential part of any island experience, time on the water is a must. A private half-day charter is one of the best ways to beach hop or snorkel the island's many sandy shores.

For donors seeking a romantic getaway or intimate group retreat, offer up the magic of a private sunset cruise across Simpson Bay, complete with onboard cocktails and unparalleled views. 

Trip winners can also make the most of St. Martin’s fantastic location with private day-trip charters to neighboring Anguilla and St. Barths. 

Grand Case Carnival

An experience unique to St. Martin, guests can join the island’s impressive carnival celebrations taking place each January and February. Think beauty pageants, costume and calypso competitions, parades, shows, assorted revels, and more.

Point your donors in the direction of the party with soulful street celebrations frequently taking place across the island. There’s nowhere better to get grooving than Les Mardis de Grand Case.

In-Villa Indulgence

Indulging your donors has never been easier with exclusive in-villa dining options ranging from private chef dinners to delectable island brunches. 

For those seeking relaxation, in-villa massages and rejuvenating treatments promise an escape from the everyday that leaves donors feeling refreshed and recharged.

Easy to include in any of our St. Martin travel experiences, these highly-personalized in-villa experiences encourage donors to bid more on each package, helping you raise significantly higher funds than a stay alone. 

ATV and Jet Ski Tours

Get the adrenaline pumping with a fast-paced excursion over land and sea. A donor favorite, ATV and jet ski tours are a fantastic way to connect with nature and experience the island from a different perspective.

Explore St. Martin's many tantalizing beaches and bays as you cruise down the sparkling coast, or hit the island's hills for breathtaking views between Philipsburg, Mullet Bay, and Marigot. 

Placing a St. Martin charity auction package is simple and risk-free. Our fundraising consultants work with your nonprofit one-on-one to assess your event needs and provide high-impact marketing materials to accelerate your fundraising. 

Browse our exceptional St. Martin auction item ideas to get inspired or connect with a fundraising consultant to learn more.