Fusing Caribbean spirit and French sophistication, La Samanna on St. Martin enjoys the reputation as one of the world's most romantic and exclusive hideaways. An Orient Express property, the 55-acre resort sprawls along a secluded stretch of crescent-shaped beach, surrounded by lush vegetation that attracts a variety of exotic birds and butterflies. Moorish-inspired whitewashed facades, red-tile roofs and graceful arches add to the enchanted atmosphere, as do the resort's extensive wine cellar and outstanding cuisine, with provisions flown in daily from France. Guests stay in 81 lavish suites, savoring views of the Caribbean Sea from private balconies, verandas or rooftop terraces.

A destination wedding to La Samanna can be anything from intimate and laid-back to formal and extravagant, depending on the bride and groom's unique wishes. Upon arrival, couples meet with the wedding coordinator and special events manager to decide on such details as ceremony location, floral arrangements and dinner menus for the reception, leaving plenty of time to relax before the big day. The wedding planner will also escort couples to the Philipsburg Courthouse or Legislative Hall to handle necessary documentation. Once back at the resort, pampering treatments await at Elysees Spa as part of the Spa Wedding program.