Loterie Farm is one of our absolute favourite places on island, and it’s like no other! It’s the perfect spot; far from the hustle and bustle of the roads and beaches, tucked away up in the hills, surrounded by lush green vegetation and the relaxing sound of silence. This is heaven. We’ve loved this place ever since we discovered it years ago when it was just the Hidden Forest Café and a trail up to Pic Paradis. Things have changed but not in a bad way. Everything that’s been added on has been done with taste and style and enhances the location in many ways.

The farm was established in 1721 as a sugar plantation and was called Loterie Plantation as the owner won it in a land lottery. It spreads out over 135 acres from the bottom of Pic Paradis (the highest peak on St Martin) right up to the top. Today, American BJ, guardian of Loterie Farm, does everything he can to preserve and protect the land, thereby developing eco tourism, a rare thing on island.

As well as the possibility of hiking and treetop adventure courses that we’ll talk about in the activity section, you’ll find the Hidden Forest Café and the Tree Lounge. The food is fabulous at both locations. Canadian chef Julie treats us with homey style, fragrant and comforting cuisine. At the Hidden Forest Café you’ll find dishes like baked brie puff with mango chutney, classic escargots, Caribbean conch salad or baked banana-leaf bundle of red snapper and plantain, all beautifully presented with fruit or flowers from the gardens. Our favourites here have to be the curry spinach chicken and beef tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes. Desserts don’t let you down either. The banana tempura have to be the best in the world. Yes, you read that right, in the world! The brownie is pretty incredible too.

The Tree Lounge is a tapas lounge bar, with some similar dishes to the café but in smaller portions and in more of a relaxed setting. Comfy banquettes and low tables are perched on a wooden structure 25 feet from the ground. Try the fondue of crab, the cumin lentil balls and the bacon-wrapped dates. All very, very tasty! And if you don’t want to eat here, make sure you go by for at least a drink.

Both venues are awesome in the evening too, but being up there during the day gives you a better view of the surrounding hills and green lushness. Why not do one venue for lunch, the other for an evening meal? And soon, you’ll be able to go and hang out by their swimming pool which is currently being constructed, and spend the whole day there, eating and drinking at your leisure.