Anse Heureuse BeachSaint-Martin (French part) Beach Guide
Golden cove at trail's end — clothing optional, no fuss
About
Anse Heureuse — known locally as Happy Bay — is a small, enclosed cove on the French side of Saint-Martin, tucked behind a dry scrub coastal trail that keeps the daytrippers away. Golden sand meets crystal-clear water in a setting with zero infrastructure: no beach bar, no sun-lounger rental, no lifeguard. The silence here is the point. It's a clothing-optional spot, which means you'll share the cove with naturists and clothed visitors alike — both are equally welcome. Getting here requires a 15-minute hike from Friar's Bay, and that short effort is exactly what keeps it wild.
How to get there
Anse Heureuse is reachable on foot only. Park at Friar's Bay — there is no parking at Happy Bay itself — and follow the dry scrub coastal trail for roughly 15 minutes to reach the cove. The trail runs daily and is the sole access route; there is no road, no shuttle, and no drop-off point at the beach. The trail is not wheelchair accessible.
Who it's for
For couples
The trail-only access and clothing-optional atmosphere make Anse Heureuse one of the most private spots on Saint-Martin — a quiet cove where you're unlikely to share the golden sand with more than a handful of other visitors.
For families
Families with older, trail-ready children will enjoy the short hike and the calm, safe swimming water, but the lack of any facilities means you must bring everything — water, snacks, sun protection, and a first-aid kit. Very young children or anyone needing accessibility support should note the trail is uneven and not wheelchair accessible.
Our take
Anse Heureuse earns its reputation as a local secret, but go in clear-eyed: no lifeguard, no shade structure, no water tap, no phone signal worth relying on. Swimming is safe in the calm enclosed cove, which is a genuine plus. The 15-minute hike from Friar's Bay is easy enough that it filters out the purely casual visitor without punishing anyone reasonably fit. It's clothing-optional, and that culture is relaxed and respectful — arrive with the same attitude and you'll fit right in. Skip September and October entirely; hurricane season is real and the trail can deteriorate fast. Come between November and April, hike in early, and you may well have the golden sand almost to yourself.
What to do
The trail starts at Friar's Bay Beach, a calmer bay beach with a beach bar — worth a stop before or after your hike. Back toward Marigot, Fort Louis is worth the short detour for its views over the area. If you want the highest vantage point on Saint-Martin, Pic Paradis sits at 424 m and is roughly 3.6 km away. The Observatoire de l'Étang du Cimetière, less than 1 km from the trailhead area, adds a quiet nature detour to round out the day.
Stand at the far end of the cove and shoot back along the golden sand toward the dry scrub headland — no infrastructure in frame, just raw coastline.
The trailhead exit point, where the scrub parts to reveal the first glimpse of crystal-clear water below, makes a strong arrival shot in early morning light.
Where to eat
There are no restaurants, snack bars, or vendors at Anse Heureuse — pack everything you need before you leave. Back near the Friar's Bay and Marigot area, you'll find Chez Karim for kebabs and Aglio-Olio for Italian, both around 1.5 km away. For something more local, Au Coin des Amis serves regional cuisine about 1.9 km out, and the Grand Case Restaurants Strip — with its lolos and Creole fine-dining — is roughly 4 km from the beach.
Where to stay
Les Jardin d'Agrément is the closest option at 2.8 km, a practical base for an early-morning hike to the cove before the sun gets high. Anse Marcel Beach Resort, 3.7 km away, offers a more resort-style stay in a convenient location. Golfe Hôtel at 4.7 km and Résidence Adam & Eve at 5.1 km round out the mid-range choices if you want a quieter, residential feel.
Photography
The best shots are from the far end of the cove looking back toward the scrub-covered headland — golden sand, crystal-clear water, and zero man-made clutter in frame. Come in the morning when the light is low and soft; by midday the sun is directly overhead and flattens everything out.
Good to know
Clothing is optional here — respect whatever choice other visitors have made, without comment or staring. There is no lifeguard and absolutely no facilities on site, so carry enough water for the hike and your time on the beach. Wear sturdy footwear on the trail; the dry scrub path is uneven underfoot. Avoid visiting in September and October: it's hurricane season, and the trail may be overgrown or flooded.
Map
Nearby places
Chez Karim
Aglio-Olio
Busco
Au Coin des Amis
Le Soleil
Les Jardin d’Agrément
Anse Marcel Beach Resort
Golfe Hôtel
Résidence Adam & Eve
Green Cay Villas
Things to see around Saint-Martin
Friar's Bay Beach
Accessible bay beach with a beach bar, trail start point for Happy Bay
Grand Case Restaurants Strip
Lolos and fine-dining Creole restaurants
Pic Paradis
Highest point on Saint-Martin at 424 m
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
More beaches in French Antilles
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — alljengi · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 2 — alljengi · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 3 — alljengi · source · CC BY-SA 2.0