Overlooking Orient Beach in the West Indies, Alamanda Resort is one of St. Martin's newest resorts.

The Orient Bay shopping center is adjacent to the property, and the French capitol of Marigot is just 12 kilometers away, offering guests a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. There are over 30 white sand beaches on the island and a wonderful array of recreational possibilities are available to visitors.

Several casino's are located about the isle, and there many restaurants serving a variety of international cuisine.

The resort features a large outdoor pool surrounded by thatched shades and thickly cushioned lounge chairs. A path leads from the pool to the beach, where vendors offer a variety of water sports and guests can utilize the complimentary snorkeling equipment provided by the hotel. After dark, the resorts' rooftop sundeck beckons guests to grab a cocktail, find a lounge chair and just kick back.

The resort issues identification cards that allow for charging privileges at several of the alfresco dining venues that line Orient Beach.

Café Alamanda is a casual restaurant and bar offering breakfast and dinner, with lunch served during the winter. French and Caribbean specialties include chicken with ginger cream sauce, salmon with tagliatelle and scallops with rum ginger Creole sauce.

A kiosk in the lobby provides Internet access and the 24-hour front desk staff can assist with concierge, tour assistance and business services.

Each of the studio and two bedroom accommodations features a balcony or veranda with teak lounge chairs and cocktail tables. Kitchenettes contain ranges, refrigerators, microwave ovens and other common appliances. Dial up Internet access is offered and cable television is standard.

A stroll along the beach may turn up a few beach barbeques, typically featuring steel bands, native music and folk dancing.