Karma St. Martin'S Lower Town

The Resort and Its Setting

Karma St. Martin's Lower Town sits right on the water in Lower Town, on the island of St. Martin's in the Isles of Scilly. It's a stone-built, hotel-style beachfront resort with a restaurant, cocktail bar and spa on site, along with an art gallery and its own jetty for arrivals by boat. Google reviewers rate it 4.3 out of 5 from 280 reviews, reflecting its small-scale, independent character rather than a large resort complex.

St. Martin's and the Isles of Scilly

St. Martin's is one of only five inhabited islands in this archipelago, which lies around 28 miles southwest of Land's End, Cornwall, and is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are no cars on the islands, so getting around is done on foot, by bike or by local boat — part of the appeal for anyone after a genuinely quiet break. Within easy reach of the resort are two of the island's best-known beaches, Lawrence's Bay and Great Bay, both known for clear water and pale sand, plus St. Martin's Church and the inter-island ferries that connect to Tresco's Abbey Garden and the shops and museums of St. Mary's. Birdwatching, coastal walking and simply slowing down are the main draws here, rather than nightlife or shopping.

Selling or Renting a Week Here

Owners who decide a Karma St. Martin's Lower Town week no longer suits them can list it for resale or rent directly on BidMyTimeshare.com. It's a private, owner-to-owner marketplace: you set your own asking price, pay a one-time listing fee to publish the ad, and there's no commission taken when it sells — buyers contact you directly through the platform to agree terms.

Because this is an independent resort, resales aren't handled through a big-brand transfer department. Ownership changes are processed through the resort's own owners' association or management team, so before agreeing a price with a buyer, ask them to confirm two things directly with the resort: the transfer fee for putting the week into a new owner's name, and the current annual maintenance fee. These figures aren't published centrally for independent resorts like this one, and they can change from year to year, so get written confirmation rather than relying on what a previous listing may have said. Also check whether the resort or association holds any right of first refusal on resales — some independent properties do, and it affects how quickly a sale can complete.

A resale buyer typically takes on the week itself along with the ongoing annual fee obligation going forward; they shouldn't assume access to any past owner perks, and it's worth confirming in writing exactly what is and isn't included before money changes hands.

What Renters Look For

Renters researching a week at Karma St. Martin's Lower Town are usually drawn by the beachfront setting, the on-site restaurant, bar and spa, and the novelty of a genuinely remote, car-free island stay. Be upfront in your listing about which week or season you're offering, how guests reach the island (ferry or helicopter from Penzance, then on foot or by local boat to Lower Town), and that this is a quiet, nature-focused destination rather than one built around entertainment — that sets the right expectations from the start.

Practical Notes for Owners and Buyers

Ferry and helicopter schedules to the Isles of Scilly vary by season, so anyone renting your week will need to book travel well ahead, particularly in summer. Weather can turn quickly even in good months, so pack lists for renters should mention layers and waterproof clothing. If you're a prospective buyer, it's worth asking the current owner or the resort directly about past maintenance fee increases and any special assessments before you commit.