As the smallest island in the world shared by two sovereign states, St. Maarten/St. Martin offers visitors the best of two worlds: French and Dutch.
Located 144 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, this Caribbean tourist spot has grown tremendously over the past decade. If you’re in the mood for shopping all day and nightclubbing all night, this is your spot.
With a Las Vegas-style atmosphere, the Dutch St. Maarten will keep you entertained with its many casinos and island stores. Thanks to the free port and sales-tax free buys, you can stock up on imported bargains from all over the world. Or take advantage of the beautiful shores lined with bays and beaches which offer many watersport activities. Another attraction is St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden which is home to over 100 animals of 35 species and 100 plant species of South America and the Caribbean Basin.
Whether on the Dutch side or the French St. Martin side, make sure both states are visited. St. Martin is just as active as its neighbor with a French flair. Shopping here is an experience on the “rues” of Marigot, the capital. Don’t miss the evening hot-spot of Club l’Aventure where, whatever the age, you’ll dance the night away.
Climb to the peak of Mount Paradise which rises 1,500 feet from sea level at the center of the island and gasp at the spectacular view of this tropical paradise.
St. Maartin Facts
• Climate: Temperatures average in the low 80’s.
• Currency:
St. Maarten: Netherlands Antilles guilder (U.S. currency widely accepted).
St. Martin: French franc (U.S. currency widely accepted)
• Language:
St. Maarten: Dutch is the official language. English is commonly spoken.
St. Martin: French is the official language. English is commonly spoken.
• Banking: Banking hours are 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 3:30p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Time: Atlantic standard time year round (one hour ahead of EST).
History
Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and claimed by Spain, it wasn’t until the 17th century boom of West Indies trade that St. Maarten/St. Martin was settled.
First the Dutch wanted the island and eventually pushed out Spain only to discover a French settlement established. Legend has it that a Frenchman and Dutchman, both intoxicated, settled the land dispute by meeting in the center of the island walking in opposite directions until they marked off their country’s territory. Today the border remains and after a treaty of friendship was signed, both countries have remained peaceful neighbours.
Here is a sample of the available accommodations. We recommend requesting brochures and further details before making a selection:
St. Maarten:
Port de Plaisance, Union Rd., Cole Bay: 88 suites with A/C located on a saltwater lagoon.
Atrium, Bill Foley Rd., Pelican Keys, Simpson Bay: studios and apartments with A/C, TV; beachfront highrise.
Belair Beach Hotel, Little Bay: 72 suites with A/C, TV; oceanfront condo, suitable for families.
Cupecoy Beach Club, Cupecoy Lowlands, Simpson Bay: 35 rooms and 53 suites with A/C, TV in condominium clusters on four acres of landscaped grounds.
La Vista, Pelican Key Estates: 24 suites and cottages with A/C, TV and kitchenettes with each looking onto the sea.
Maho Beach Hotel and Casino: rooms and 35 suites; the largest hotel on the island, set along a coastal road and beach.
Pelican Resort & Casino, Simpson Bay: 342 suites with A/C, TV arranged in a village-style cluster with full kitchens.
Town House Villas, Philipsburg: 11 apartments with A/C and TV grouped as duplex villas in the district of Philipsburg and the Great Bay Beach.
The Beach House, Philipsburg: 8 studios with A/C, TV and kitchenettes as well as private balconies.
Holland House, Philipsburg: 54 units, 6 suites with A/C, TV and Tel right on the beach at the center of Philipsburg.
St. Martin:
Le Meridien L’Habitation/Le Domaine, Anse Marcel: 314 rooms and 82 suites with A/C, TV, phone and minibars; largest resort complex in St. Martin and opens onto a white-sanded beach.
La Samanna, Baie Longue: 36 rooms and 46 suites with A/C, minibars, TV and phone, set on 55 acres of landscaped property near Mullet Bay.
Captain Oliver’s Hotel Resort, Oyster Pond: 50 bungalows with A/C, minibars, TV, and phone set in cottage clusters on a hill offering a panoramic view of the island.
Esmeralda Resort, Baie Orientale: 55 rooms and 10 suites with A/C, kitchenette, TV and phone, overlooking Orient Bay.
Hotel L’Esplanade Caraibe, Grand-Case: 24 suites with A/C, TV and phone, set on a steep hill above the road from Marigot with terraces angled towards the sea.
Mont Vernon, Chevrise Baie Orientale: 394 suites with A/C, TV and phone as well as other amenities, decorated in lacy gingerbread architecture.
Laguna Beach Hotel, Baie Nettle: 63 rooms with A/C, TV and phone offer basic but pleasant accommodations with a pool and babysitting available.
Marine Hotel Simson Beach, Baie Nettle: 120 studios and 45 duplexes with A/C, TV and phone located between a saltwater lagoon and the beach.
La Residence, Rue du Geneeral-de-Gaulle: 22 rooms with A/C, minibar, TV and phone, set in the heart of town where most upscale shops are located.
Le Pirate, Marigot: 60 rooms with A/C, TV and phone, located between the open sea and a salt pond.
Getting Around
Rental car: great idea to explore the island on your own and for more convenience and a better price, rent a car BEFORE you get to the airport.
Taxi: Unmetered and a minimum fare for two passengers.
Minibus: Inconvenient and overcrowded but cheap fares.
Activities
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Golf
• Horseback Riding
• Windsurfing & Jetskiing
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• Casinos
Shopping
St. Maarten
As a free port and sales tax free, St. Maarten is one of the best Caribbean islands to stock up on imported goods. The main stores are found in the center of Philipsburg on Front Street.
St. Martin
The shopping here is just as good and carries most of the same stores as St. Maarten with an emphasis on French luxury items.
Restaurants and Eating Out
St. Maarten
Antoine’s, Philipsburg, dine on French cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere by the sea.
Felix Restaurant, Simpson Bay, French cuisine served al fresco under candlelight.
Le Perroquett, Airport Rd., unusual dishes like ostrich and boar served French-style, as well as more traditional meals.
Spartaco, Almond Grove Plantation Estate, Cole Bay, dine on spectacular dishes of Italian cuisine in art deco surroundings.
The Wajang Doll, Philipsburg, set in a West Indian wooden building, feast on the best Indonesian restaurant in the area.
St. Martin
La Samanna, Baie Longue, upscale dining, reputedly some of the finest French dishes in the Caribbean including lobster, salmon and other delicacies.
La Vie en Rose, Boulevard de France at rue de la Republique, whether seated in the parlor or on the veranda, the candlelit meals of lobster fricassee, duckling in black-currant sauce and red snapper bedded in spinach mousse will delight your every tastebud.
La Maison sur le Port, Rue de la Republique, stare upon the gardens and cascading waterfalls as you dine on French-style fresh fish and salads or even steak and lamb.
La Mini Club, Rue de la Liberte, set high above in the coconut palms with floors covered in grass carpeting, feast upon lobster souffle, fish and vegetable terrines or red snapper with Creole sauce.
La Brasserie de marigot, Rue du General-de-Gaulle, decorated in a marble-and-brass motif, menu items consist of French food with a Caribbean twist, here you have the choice to dine-in or take-out.
L’Auberge Gourmande, Boulevard de Grand-Case, known for its food and family atmoshere you won’t be disappointed when your meal of red snapper filet with red sweet peppers or mushroom stuffed pork arrives!