EPICUREAN ESCAPES AT LA SAMANNA

ST. MARTIN, FRENCH WEST INDIES (December 5, 2007) – La Samanna, the exclusive Orient-Express hideaway on St. Martin, is pleased to announce the details of its acclaimed gastronomic program for 2008. La Soiree des Chefs Act IV and Gastronomic Week Act II will be an opportunity for gourmands to enjoy a tempting variety of offerings from world-class chefs and vineyards in La Samanna’s elegant, beachfront setting.

La Soiree des Chefs Act IV, a five-course dining experience complete with a specialized menu and carefully selected wine pairings, is being held on February 20, 2008. La Samanna’s award-winning Chef Daniel Echasseriau brings a love of the Islands and the discipline of his extensive French training together to create unforgettable dining with a St. Martin influence, while John Jordan of Jordan wineries seamlessly couples his Northern California wine with Chef Echasseriau’s indulgent creations. Together, the unique tastes and flawless blend of the Caribbean and California create gastronomic perfection set in the picturesque paradise that is La Samanna. Prices begin at $200 per person including set menu, wine selection (one glass of wine per course) and service. Space is limited to 60 guests. For an even more unique experience, dining in La Samanna’s wine cellar, La Cave, is available for a party of four to eight people for $300 per person.

Gastronomic Week Act II, La Samanna’s five-day culinary event, runs from June 18-22, 2008.  Throughout the week, La Samanna is pleased to offer guests the opportunity to experience the culinary delights of renowned chefs from five properties worldwide, including some Orient-Express sister hotels, as well as wine pairings from five different wineries. The chefs will take culinary enthusiasts on a journey of discovery during which they will enjoy different tastes from around the world and be presented with an unforgettable dining experience.

The week begins with Chef Raymond Blanc’s cuisine from the Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxfordshire, England, to be complemented with wines from Chateau de Beaucastel (Rhone Valley). On Thursday, celebrate the cuisine of Chef Francesco Carli, from Copacabana Palace in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, with wine pairings from Marques De Caceres (Spain). Chef Daniel Echasseriau from La Samanna will share his passion for French and Caribbean cuisine on Friday with wines from Domaine Louis Jadot (Burgundy), while Chef John Greeley from 21 Club, New York City, entices the palate on Saturday with New York’s finest delicacies and wine pairings from Tablas Creek Vineyard (owned by Chateau de Beaucastel, California). Lastly, Chef Wilo Benet from Pikayo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, masterly transforms elements and ingredients discovered throughout his extensive travels to be complemented with wines from Pio Cesare (Piedmont, Italy).

During Gastronomic Week, La Samanna invites guests to book the “Gourmet” five-night package, the “Appetizer” three-night package, or a customized package.

The Gourmet package includes five nights’ accommodation, the gastronomic week cocktail every night by the deck of the main dinning room, the chef’s dinner for two each night with wine pairings. Package also includes a sumptuous breakfast buffet in the main restaurant, access to all of La Samanna’s amenities including non-motorized water sports, scheduled yoga, Pilates, use of tennis courts, and airport transfers. Prices start at $3495 for two people.

The Appetizer package includes three nights’ accommodation, a cocktail every night by the deck of the main dinning room, the chef’s dinner for two each night with wine pairing, a sumptuous breakfast buffet in the main restaurant, access to all of La Samanna’s amenities including non-motorized water sports, use of fitness center, tennis courts and scheduled yoga sessions, and airport transfer. Prices start at $2315 for two people.

Packages can be customized for any number of nights with one night (double occupancy) starting at $395 a night for a deluxe one-bedroom suite to $1500 per night for accommodation in one of La Samanna’s premiere one bedroom pool suites, which features separate bedroom, living room and petite kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with private pool, bistro table and chairs for dining, chaise lounges, shaded gazebo lounge, outdoor showers and exquisite views of the Caribbean sea. 

###

[Back to Press Releases Main]