I booked my second trip to the beautiful island of St. Martin in August of 2022. This time was a bit different as I was able to enjoy the island with a few family members including my parent’s, little brother, close cousin, and a family friend.
Saint Martin or Sint Maarten, depending on which side you’re on, has such a unique blend of cultures. The small island, split into two sides, was colonized by the French and the Dutch in the 1600s. It has since become a melting pot of French, Dutch, Latin, African, and British influences. Let’s explore a bit about the island and my time there during this trip.
SAINT-MARTIN: A TASTE OF FRANCE
St. Martin, the French side, includes long stretches of secluded sands, clothing optional beaches for a truly European experience, French cuisine that will put you right in a bistro in Paris, and open shopping markets. A day trip to Grand Case, a small fishing village, boasts a mile of eateries called “restaurant row“. This street contains a variety of flavors from high end French cuisine to Carribean lolos to please all palates.
To indulge my adventurous spirit, I frequent places like Loterie Farm, an idyllic haven offering nature exploration, ziplining, obstacle courses, a spacious outdoor pool, hot tubs, a restaurant, and hiking trails, all conveniently located in one spot. The farm also hosts poolside parties with live DJs for added vacation enjoyment. I relish exploring the jungle and observing vervet monkeys gracefully navigating from branch to branch, often with their adorable babies clinging to their backs.
After some adventure, it’s always delightful to hop on a catamaran or speed boat to reach Ile Pinel (Pinel Island). This small, charming island boasts only two restaurants for visitors, along with a quaint gift shop. Pinel is protected by the French Marine Reserve, which prohibits further development and emphasizes wildlife conservation. As an ardent supporter of environmental protection, I wholeheartedly admire this initiative by the French.
You can explore Ile Tintamarre, an uninhabited island known for its stunning wildlife and small caves, ideal for a day trip. My initial visit to Tintamarre was part of a snorkeling excursion, offering views of sea turtles and various tropical fish. The water during this tour was incredibly turquoise and blue, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere as our group enjoyed some leisure time floating around.
After a day of excursions and some relaxation, we explored the capital of St. Martin, Marigot. The city boasts a blend of European and Caribbean styles evident in its colorful architecture, reminiscent of Miami Beach. Our shopping spree took us to Le West Indies Mall, a three-story beachfront shopping center offering a wide range of items from clothing and shoes to jewelry. High-end brands like Cartier, Gucci, and Dior can be found on the first level. For a more authentic experience, we wandered a few blocks to Marigot Market, an open-air market teeming with fresh produce, seafood, and spices, as well as local souvenirs like sun dresses, hats, and trinkets.
We also indulged in traditional dishes like oxtail stew, beef or fish patties, and Callaloo soup at stalls in the market. We then ventured to Orient Bay Beach, the French side’s favorite spot, beckoned with its pastry vendors and inviting beach chairs. With its clothing-optional policy, the beach exuded a European charm, offering a taste of naturism found on nude beaches across France. After a long day, we took our tour bus back to our resort on the Dutch side to prepare for the next day’s activities. However, for a truly relaxing and low-key experience, I prefer visiting the French side of the island.
SINT-MAARTEN: THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
When you first fly to the island, you will land at the Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side. It is adjacent to the famous Maho Beach, where planes fly extremely low over, providing some fun pictures for your Social Media feed. My family and I stayed at the close by Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, a 4-star all-inclusive hotel that is in proximity to the airport, local shopping, casinos, restaurants, and much more.
Now the Dutch side is a night life and party lovers’ paradise! It has several clubs where you can wear some of your sexiest club wear and party till the early hours of the morning. My parents of course preferred the slower pace of the French side, but I definitely enjoyed the Dutch side. About a half a mile from our hotel was what we called “day party central” formally known as Mullet Bay Beach. We visited Da Waterhole restaurant, which is right in the middle of the fun festivities of this party beach. They serve a variety of food and alcoholic beverages during many of the day parties. There are also plenty of other restaurants to try along the beach as well.
For your nighttime party needs, head to downtown Phillipsburg, the Dutch side’s capital, bustling with clubs. Lotus, a premier nightclub in the Simpson Bay area, epitomizes the island’s nightlife hub. Experience a range of music from Dancehall to Soca to Reggaeton, alongside popular American hits. Lotus delivered an unforgettable night! My cousin, friend, and I mingled with diverse Caribbean islanders, making it an exhilarating experience at this vibrant club.
For daytime excitement, we opted for the Flying Dutchman, the world’s steepest zip line. Perched atop Sentry Hill, one of the island’s highest peaks, it offers unparalleled thrills. Upon reaching the summit, I hesitated, overwhelmed by the dizzying height. The zip line, towering 2800 feet above ground, provides breathtaking vistas, as attested by my adventurous cousin who braved it and marveled at the scenic views of the island and neighboring gems like Saba, St. Barts, and Anguilla.
“After our zip lining excursion, we decided to explore Sint-Maarten’s capital, Phillipsburg.
We explored many different casinos, a staple on the Dutch side, and did a little shopping at Front Street, a mile long stretch of shops that include designer items and small boutiques. Here, you’ll find an array of souvenirs like t-shirts, bags, hats, towels, and other items featuring the name St. Martin/Sint-Maarten or the country’s flag. Shopping at the markets was delightful, with friendly locals displaying their beautiful wares. As tourism fuels the island’s economy, I appreciated contributing by purchasing many lovely items, some of which were handmade. We also visited Old Street. Lined with 19th century architecture and many different shops, Old Street is the destination for experiencing the local atmosphere.
Here you can grab a coffee at a nice cafe or a Belgian chocolate at one of the fine chocolate establishments on the island. La Sucriere has the most delightful almond pain au chocolate. Filled with almond cream and topped with toasted almonds is a delight. Pair it with one the many refreshing beverages and you are in heaven. The signature chocolate brownie is a treat to behold and taste. Located on the French side of St Martin is Maison Chocolat. The staff at Maison are experienced chocolatiers who take their craft seriously. There is a variety of decadent chocolates to savor. Truffles, bon bons, unique flavors with the finest ingredients are what they are known for. The finest ingredients are used to create each confection. If you are a lover of all thing’s chocolate, Maison Chocolat is worth the visit.