Monday Morning Ahhhh: Bleu Emeraude, St. Martin

Opened in 2009 and still gleaming, the intimate 11-room Bleu Emeraude is aptly named, as it sits along a peaceful crescent-shaped white sand beach, where the water is the bluest shade of blue. Modern rooms are sleek with updated electronics, designer furnishings, and white-on-white decor that puts the focus on the stunning ocean views. Though the hotel sits on a particularly busy street and has virtually no amenities beyond the beautiful beach, it is just a short walk away from the culinary mecca of Grand Case, and its reasonable rates make it a great value pick on the island. So as we say every week: sit back, relax, and soak up the goodness that is the Bleu Emeraude.