Maybe it was the Caribbean air, maybe it was because I hadn’t been out of the country in a while, maybe it was just the perfectly mixed Aperol Spritzes, but there’s no doubt that something special happened on a recent MIT FAM and it was all rooted in authentic experiences and meaningful connections.
The backdrop for this experience undoubtedly played a role: La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel is a luxury property located on a quiet, pristine stretch of St. Martin beach complete with those iconic blue waters that the Caribbean is known for. The property is a combination of hotel rooms in the main building, standalone beachfront suites, and stunning cliffside villas. The resort amenities include two pools, a handful of dining and bar options, beachfront cabanas, yoga studio and so. much. more. The décor exudes classic Caribbean with the right punch of personality to keep it from feeling stuffy - proof that a scalloped edge on a coral colored umbrella and a mermaid-tiled bar make quite an impression. The bright and breezy design can’t help but lift your spirits from the moment you enter the hotel’s dramatic lobby
I could have toured this property and loved it for everything mentioned above. But the opportunity to experience La Samanna for 3 days allowed me to soak up the best of what La Samanna offers. I felt the property benefits that aren’t as easily captured in a bulleted list of amenities, or even in a striking photo gallery.
As the MIT group was guided into La Samanna’s wine cave on our first night, we were immediately taken with this subterranean space. It was unexpected in the best possible way. Luca, the onsite sommelier, broke the ice of this group who had just met and guided us through a Veuve Cliquot and cheese tasting. He did this all while charming us with little known facts on bubbly, tales of his life in Sicily, and rich experiences working at other Belmond properties. He was so engaging and set the tone for the days to come. When talking to clients, I can’t wait to send them Luca’s way so they can feel the passion he has for his craft.
It doesn’t take much to imagine a private dinner on the beach or a luxury villa pool party being an incredible way to spend an afternoon or evening. But when you’re sitting under the stars enjoying elevated BBQ cuisine and swapping stories with a table filled with smart, interesting people - calling it a cool experience somehow seems to undersell it. That night is a night I now want all of my clients to have the chance to enjoy.
The La Samanna team could have simply given us a tour of their villa properties during our stay. Instead, they called in their Italian chef, Anchise, to whip us up cocktails and the most perfect pasta dishes and bruschetta you can imagine. Pool inflatables were blown up the perfect pool party playlist was piped in. I will never have to tell clients that this villa could make for an incredible backdrop for a party. I experienced that party and know just why someone would love it.
The thoughtful moments the La Samanna team curated standout. But what surprised me most, was the impression I was left with in the unplanned hours of our day. My mornings started with taking care of emails and client needs, but I did that with an espresso in hand, sitting on my room’s ocean view balcony, enjoying the utter silence of the morning (as a mom of 3, I kind of forgot what a quiet morning feels like – it’s WONDERFUL!). I understood why clients escape to La Samanna and how relaxing into a property like this can be so incredibly restorative.
Our FAM agenda fortunately included unstructured time as well. We quickly realized that experiencing La Samanna was far more fun together. We paddle boarded, snorkeled, enjoyed leisurely lunches and late-night card games. We sat by the pool, relaxed by the sand, took far too many photos - and got to know each other. The professional tips and resources shared, the learning about each other’s business and other Belmond properties, the insight on each other’s lives – this time allowed us to actually connect. After the past year and a half we have all had – that’s something that can feel like a true luxury.
Connecting with people through travel has always been what I value most about the trips I take and this trip did that in spades. I will always be grateful to the amazing La Samanna team and Millennials in Travel for being the catalyst to making those meaningful connections happen in St. Martin as we experienced the magic of La Samanna.
MIT Host and Author: Sarah Bogaczyk, Connections Luxury Travel, affiliate of Departure Lounge