PHILIPSBURG, SAINT MARTIN – The Netherlands are in bed with France on the tiny island of Sint Maarten and have been peacefully so for more than 200 years. The border divides the smallest land mass in the world of approximately 96 sq km, by two countries. The smaller Dutch Sint Maarten is brash with large resorts, casinos and fast food joints, whereas the French St. Martin is prettier, quiter, and more sophisticated, with Parisian-styleshops and cafes.
Thousands of tourists are drawn to this island, and many of them return each year to take in the glories of a distinct tropical paradise.
Philipsburg is the capital of Sint Maarten. It is easy to find your way around Philipsburg, there are only two streets running parallel to the waterfront and one is called Voorstraat (Front Street) the other Achterstraat (Back Street). These are the main shopping areas and tend to get very crowded when cruise ship passangers descent on the duty-free port, which has designer boutique and traditional architecture.
Old Street is one of many lanes connecting the two, and here you will find pretty, alfresco restaurants and the Old Street Shopping Centre, a small mall with more than 20 shops as well as grill and pizza restaurants.
Good places for catch-of-the-day specials are Antoine’s on Front Street and the Greenhouse nearby.
The most convenient beaches are Great Bay, located just along the Philipsburg’s Front Street, and Little Bay, slightly further west, both crowded. For more privacy, take a taxy further afield to Simpson Bay Beach. Nice place for water sports and gambling within nearby Pelican Resort. Great beach for snorkeling is Dawn beach or Maho Bay Beach where you can sunbathe in style or play the tables at the Maho Bay Hotel and Casino.
Duty-free shopping is available throughout the whole island.
It is here where you can get the best deals on jewellery, gadgets, clothing, cosmetics, and even food.
In Wathey Square, which faces the pier, there’s a late 18th century courthouse and some beautiful old buildings decorated with traditional West Indian gingerbread fretwork. A lively market, a selection of restaurants and plenty more shops make this a place to head for, along with the little lanes, lined with more boutiques, cafes and the occasional courtyard, spilling over with tropical plants.
Among the best buys is jewellry, which is resonably priced. Posh shops sell Gucci an other designer goods as well as alcohol and leather products at duty free prices, although not as low as they are in St. Thomas. But for a real taste of the West Indies, look in at a local store crammed with spices, cane sugar, batik clothing , handwoven hammocks, local crafts and quavaberry liqueur, the local rum based firewater made from wild red berries, which can spike up a cocktail.
If you prefer to experience the island from a different perspectives than book a tour. That’s the only way to explore St.Maarten and discover it’s natural beauties as well as it’s ecological treasures. Country roads, mountain breezes, and beautiful beaches await you. Plenty of choises among which you can make an escape from the crowds and head to the beautiful uninhabited Pinel Island – the very essence of the Caribbean.
If you have always wanted to try scuba diving but just have not had the right opportunity than you can join ”Discover Scuba diving program” and experience an undersea world full of tropical marine life, coral reefs and sunken wrecks in just a few hours. You will enjoy some of the best pre selected dive sites available in the waters that surround St. Maarten. The journey starts at the dive shop where you will be outfitted with dive gear and board a dive boat before divided in groups. At the dive sites, the Dive Master will provide a dive profile and will lead you into the water for two 30-40 minute dives with a 35-40 minute surface interval. The sites will be chosen prior to your dive based on prevailing weather conditions. All sites are excellent and vary between 35-70 feet in depth. When possible, a combination reef and wreck dive will be chosen with safety being the main concern. You may see sting rays, barracudas, lobster, eels, beautiful sponges, corals and a variety of reef fish. Turtles, sharks and eagle rays have been seen on occasion.
The most popular tours offered in the Caribbean are the Catamaran tours. Usually a half day tour filled with lots of rum, reggae tunes and deserted beach visit on a nearby island. While on St. Marteen experience the Golde Eagle Catamaran Tour to the deserted island of Tintamur. Why Goldedn Eagle? Because is the biggest, fastest and best looking 76-foot, winged mast catamaran in the Caribbean. Open bar and light snacks are included while sailing at speeds up to 30 knots. Be on the lookout for flying fish or dolphins while you lay in the nets or laze in the shade of the sailboat, embossed with a gigantic golden eagle. During a stop at a quite cove, you will have the opportunity to snorkel from the boat in the crystal clear waters or bobo around ona beach float. Explore and swim around coral formations teeming with fish. The Golden Eagle will nuzzle her bow into a fabulous golden sandy beach without a doubt, one of the fnest you will see in the World. Homeward bound, the gigantic yellow spinnaker will be set up as you will start cruising back listening to great music while enjoying cocktails and snacks.
A very unique and one of a kind tour experience while in St. Maarten is America’s cup Regata racing simulation. By booking this tour you can participate in one of the most exclusive sporting events in the world as you grind the winch, trim the sails or take the helm to help lead your crew to victory. No expereince is necessary to participate.
First contested in 1851, the America’s Cup is a match race for sailing’s most coveted prize, an ornate Victorian silver trophy in sports and a symbol of excellence and national achievement.
Feel the thrill of racing the famous 12 meter race boats ”Stars and Stripes” , ”Canada II” , and ”True North”. These are the actual yachts raced in previous cups and you will have the opportunity to compete in your own race around a shortened America’s Cup course.
Other amasing tours of particular interest for the tourists visiting Saint Maarten are deep sea fishing adventure with the high possibility of catching Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Marlin or Baracuda, following Catamaran Tour, Horseback adventure, ATV experience and many more one of a kind tour adventures. More infos regarding the tours offered in St. Maarten are available through Viator Reserve Now & Pay later Program
Try to find a lovely villa location on the beach or away from the crowded towns if you plan to stay for a week or longer with your loved one. There are many places to stay, therefore making reservations in advance is advised. Seeing all the options for lodging can be a little intimidating, so we’re happy to recommend a few options with links from our partners so you can plan your stay more creatively, regardless of your budget – luxury, low or mid-range.
Located in Terres-Basses on the island of St. Martin, this beautifully furnished seven-bedroom villa boasts stunning views of the ocean as well as chic interior and external design elements. Key interior elements include numerous eating places, an open concept living area, a fully functional kitchen with a breakfast bar, and cozy sofas. Your gorgeous private pool, sun loungers, and lots of spots to relax in the Caribbean heat are all located outdoors.
Within the private Nettle Bay Beach Club, this stylish one-bedroom apartment is perfectly situated, providing immediate beach access and plenty space for two guests to enjoy a romantic holiday. Highlights inside include a modern en suite bathroom with attractive white and purple accents, an American kitchen with a seated breakfast bar, and an open-concept living and dining area. The living area opens onto a covered veranda with a dining table and seating for you to have dinner outdoors while admiring the views of the beach and sea.
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David López
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