The Dutch side hosts world-famous clothing-optional Cupecoy Beach. This beach looks south to southwest affording great sunsets and has Danny and the boys providing chairs, umbrellas, drinks, and BBQ. The French lowlands has Bay Long and Plum Bay. Bay Long is a beautiful white crescent with La Samanna at its southern end and public access, but no amenities, in the middle. A bit further is Plum Bay or Bay of Prunes which has public access and no facilities.

Most hotels have some shopping, if only a convenience store. La Samanna has several high end stores and Sapphire Beach Club has Royal Caribbean Jewelers.

There is quite a bit of construction in the area that will bring more shops and restaurants. La Samanna's owner, the Orient Express Group, is expanding over the border to the lagoon and several other parcels are building high rises or selling lots for villas.