Hotel/Restaurant/Beach Club

Le Temps des Cerises couldn’t be any closer to the ocean.

Grand Case has always held an indefinable attraction for me. A small fishing village deep in the French territory of Saint Martin, FWI, Grand Case is famous for its “restaurant row”, a series of small charming establishments featuring some of the Caribbean’s finest chefs. It has long been a magnet for visitors in search of a fine meal literally steps from the sea.

On previous trips to St. Martin (and there have been many), a visit to Grand Case was always a tradition, regardless of where we were staying. Whether it was for a lazy lunch or a celebratory last-night-of-vacation dinner, we just had to go there.

In recent visits, we were drawn to the idea of actually staying in Grand Case. It had everything we were looking for: proximity to a calm beautiful beach, a healthy selection of restaurant and bars. And something else: the unmistakable French joie de vivre.

Hurricane Irma and COVID were particularly hard on Grand Case, but I’m happy to say that the village is experiencing a wonderful re-emergence, and at the forefront is a place that offered everything we could ask for.

An early morning view of Grand Case from the balcony of our room.

Le Temps des Cerises (or LTC) is an eight-room hotel with a charming restaurant, boutique and a terrific beach bar/club. It has survived the rough times, dusted itself off and just got better. It’s a place where we could really give ourselves up to the pleasures of Grand Case. Our room, while compact, had a lovely beach décor and a drop-dead gorgeous view of Grand Case Bay, literally a stone’s throw away.  The cozy restaurant and adjacent bar served as the focal point of hotel operations.

A popular draw was its beach club/lounge/bar, enjoyed by a variety of clientele: families with young children, older couples, attractive young people, pretty much everyone. LTC’s location, right in the village of Grand Case, allowed us to explore other restaurants, boutiques and lounges, all within walking distance. It was amusing seeing people arrive, perhaps a bit grumpy and fraught, slowly charmed by the staff. After one cocktail and a dip in the sea, the guests happily gave themselves over to the pleasures of LTC.

The hotel is conveniently located within easy walking distance of stylish boutiques and fine dining.

The best part about Le Temps des Cerises is the staff, who blend French efficiency and charm with Caribbean warmth and kindness. Whether it was crafting an expert cocktail (Mimosas and Margaritas were great!), serving a delicious meal or drying out our soaked clothes, the LTC team took great care of us.

Reflections…

With everything situated in close proximity, Le Temps des Cerises is not a quiet place, but it felt like staying in a good friend’s beach villa. I hope my LTC friends will welcome us again very soon.

NH 2022