Have you ever been to an island with dual personalities? One such island is St. Maarten / St. Martin.
St. Maarten is the Dutch side of the island and St. Martin is the French side of the island. Together they share a fantastic island! The island has its own distinct charm, but the combination is a fabulous blend of colonial and Caribbean splendor. Visitors have the unique experience of enjoying 2 distinct cultures on one stunning tropical island. Dutch St. Maarten is known for being lively and cosmopolitan, while French St. Martin is more tranquil and has the flair of San Tropez. The island is widely known for some of the best dining and duty-free bargains in the Caribbean!
St. Maarten / St. Martin is a 37-square-mile, tropical island in the northeast Caribbean with year-round temperatures in the 80’s. The island is surrounded by spectacular beaches where you can snorkel, dive, windsurf and kayak in the stunning, warm and crystalline waters. Away from the beach lie colorful open-air markets, sites rich in colonial grandeur, acclaimed restaurants of every flavor and variety, and an artistic community that brings the world’s cultural elite to celebrate this tropical brilliance. This island is ideally suited for beach lovers, foodies, and shoppers.
The Dutch side, St. Maarten, is on the southern side of the island. It offers a lively atmosphere with an American feel, and fun that includes great beaches, fine dining, bars and nightclubs, and Vegas-style casinos. Nights are the time to experience true Caribbean evening culture on this little metropolitan island. Simpson Bay and the bustling capital of Philipsburg are where you’ll find St. Maarten’s dining and entertainment hubs. Philipsburg is also known for its long streets of quaint shops with terrific duty-free bargains.
The French side, St. Martin, is on the north side of the island and exudes a chic European charm. Very reminiscent of France it is enhanced by sidewalk cafes and an array of bistros and restaurants that cook up the most fabulous gourmet cuisine in the Caribbean. The beaches are peaceful serene and very European in their atmosphere. Certain nights at Marigot port and Marina Royale feature many local bands and avant-garde street entertainers. The Marina area is also a hotspot for several chic nightclubs.
The capital of Marigot is slower paced than Philipsburg, but the duty-free shopping here and elsewhere is excellent, with French-inspired arcades offering a wide selection of European goods.
When it comes to beaches on St Maarten / St Martin, they are spectacular! There are 37 white sand beaches that encircle the island. Whether they prefer people-watching, nonstop action, or peaceful seclusion, there is something for everyone. Some beaches feature calm waters perfect for families, while others boast waves large enough for surfing. As a note, there are a number of beaches on the French side of the island that are clothing-optional. Orient Beach is the island’s only official nudist beach. The beaches on the Dutch side are a bit more conservative.
St Maarten / St Martin is an island that lives up to the phrase big things come in small packages! I hope you have enjoyed your brief overview of St Maarten / St Martin.
Let me know when you are ready to start planning those future memories!
Kelley
Robin Roberts, Certified Health Coach and Certified Consulting Hypnotist specializing in helping people get on track toward optimal health with lifestyle programs and customized hypnosis sessions. Robin says “Travel and vacations oftentimes find us more physically active than the rest of the year. To get the most out of your trip (and not be sore or uncomfortable) use the rest of your year to get in, and stay in great health! Get in shape before you go by incorporating healthy foods, healthy portions and physical activity into your daily life. With this new routine when vacation time rolls around you’ll be ready to play those rounds of golf, go zip-lining through the tree tops, climb high mountains or swim in the ocean with great ease! (Btw – hypnosis is great for improving your golf score!).” Need guidance?
Regina Rowley, Personal fitness coach. Regina says “As your Team Beachbody Coach, I can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Decide. Commit. Succeed! Transform your body and your life before your big event or vacation experience! Get support and personal coaching as well as the tools you need to achieve real results”. For more information, contact Regina at reginarowley@gmail.com or 713-569-2189. You can also visit her website at www.beachbodycoach.com/reginarowley Regina also founded KUTA Empowered Women and is dedicated to stopping violence against women.
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