The Island Through the Eyes of Valérie Damaseau

"Through the eyes of Valérie Damaseau, President of the Saint-Martin Tourist Office, the island reveals its true character, from its idyllic beaches to its local cuisine and authentic Caribbean way of life."

Ask Valérie Damaseau where to experience the real SaintMartin, and she won’t hand you a list of attractions. She’ll simply tell you to wake up early. Not because there’s an itinerary to follow, but because the island feels different before it fully awakens. The sea is calm, the air is cooler, and the only sounds are the gentle waves and the first conversations of locals beginning their day. Her perfect morning starts at a charming seaside hotel. The bush tea can wait. First comes a leisurely walk along the bay, watching the sunrise paint the horizon while fishermen head out to sea and the island slowly comes to life.

Breakfast depends on the mood.

Some mornings, it’s a stop at one of Marigot’s famous Lolos, where locals gather over a traditional island breakfast accompanied by a cup of bush tea. Other days, it’s simply a neighborhood bakery for a warm, buttery croissant fresh from the oven. No rush. Just taking the time to enjoy the moment. One place she never misses is Tijon Parfumerie. Creating your own fragrance isn’t something you expect to do on a Caribbean island, which is exactly why she recommends it. You leave with far more than a souvenir—you leave with a scent that instantly brings you back to Saint-Martin every time you wear it.

By lunchtime, it’s time to settle into a local restaurant.

The menu follows the rhythm of the day’s catch and whatever is simmering in the kitchen. Perfectly grilled whole red snapper, slow-braised oxtail, peas and rice, fried plantains, johnny cakes, or a generous serving of stewed chicken. Simple, comforting dishes that have been shared around family tables for generations.

The afternoon is reserved for wandering.

Saint-Martin isn’t an island to experience with a checklist. It’s an island where you wander into small boutiques, discover local artisans, stop whenever something catches your eye, and simply let the day unfold naturally. As the afternoon heat begins to soften, she heads into the hills toward Loterie Farm. Beneath the tropical rainforest canopy, Saint-Martin reveals an entirely different side. The air is cooler, the vegetation denser, and for a little while, the beaches feel a world away. When it comes to the sea, she always returns to two places. Grand Case has a serenity that’s difficult to put into words. The waters are usually calm, the beach never feels crowded, and there’s something deeply soothing about watching the fishing boats resting just offshore that makes you want to stay far longer than planned. Le Galion offers a different atmosphere. Sheltered by the coral reef and surrounded by nature, this beach has welcomed families, paddleboarders, and locals for generations. A naturally peaceful place.

As the day draws to a close, there’s one final stop.

The walk up to Fort Louis is short, but the breathtaking view quickly makes you forget the climb. From the summit, Marigot stretches out below, sailboats drift quietly across the bay, and the sun slips behind the surrounding hills in brilliant shades of gold and amber.

Dinner is an easy decision. Grand Case.

Not because the village is famous, but because this is where Saint-Martin’s love affair with gastronomy truly comes alive. One evening, it may be fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant with your feet in the sand. The next, refined French cuisine infused with Caribbean flavors just a few doors away. The restaurant hardly matters. What matters is dining outdoors, listening as the village slowly settles into the evening, and letting dinner last a little longer than expected. This is the Saint-Martin Valérie Damaseau knows. Not the one you rush through. The one that invites you to slow down. It’s a feeling.

Biography

For as long as she can remember, Valérie Damaseau has been committed to serving her community. Sport was one of her earliest passions. Through local organizations, she learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, and solidarity—values that have guided her throughout her career. Her family remains her anchor, and her approach to public service is deeply rooted in a strong sense of responsibility toward those around her. She firmly believes that progress is built on strong communities and lasting relationships. Today, she is dedicated to helping Saint-Martin grow in a way that remains true to the island’s identity. She is passionate about creating economic opportunities, strengthening cooperation throughout the Caribbean, and promoting development that respects Saint-Martin’s culture, environment, and unique identity.

Valérie Damaseau President of the Saint-Martin Tourist Office