Destination: Perfect? St. Maarten/St. Martin
Why Island of a Saint?
Pinel Island, Image by Cathynyc
Do you think Paris or somewhere in France has the best croissants in the world?
Yes, Paris but also…here.
St. Martin or St. Maartin is an island of the Caribbean broken into two sides, one French and French-speaking, and the other Dutch and Dutch-speaking.
Croissants
Some of the best croissants in the world are on the island of St. Martin.
Almond croissant, Good Morning Cafe
Pastry bar, Good Morning Cafe
The island overall is a standout breath taker. It’s enchanting point blank.
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What makes the island fascinating (aside from the croissants) is that it’s a petit island yet still partitioned in half, encompassing French and Dutch culture as well as French and Dutch language. This duet makes for an individual hybridity of place. Some feel the French effuse a more sophisticated atmosphere and focus on its French cuisine as the French ought to do, while the Dutch have a more bustling nightlife inclusive of casinos and bars.
The origin of the name and duality of the island is up to legend. Apparently, in the early 17th century two powerful competitors, one French, and one Dutch, fought over the islands. They decided it would be up to the competition itself. The two men raced around the island and the consensus was that where they met was where the division border of the island would form. Thus the island is comprised under an umbrella of two.
Top Beaches
The beaches of the island are top-tier for numerous reasons. These include their cleanliness, clear celadon turquoise waters, and that some have an unusual combination of rolling hills touchable in their background.
Pinel Island. Image by Benoit Pupin
Pinel Island (St. Martin)
Pinel is an island off the main that has crystal shallow waters, sandbars to walk along, and astounding vistas of rolling hills under a low skyline.
To get to Pinel you take a ferry which departs and returns regularly throughout the day. The island is known for its elongated stretch of sand with waters that lap close on either side and is a unique vision. In addition to the environmental splendor, the food on Pinel Island is delightful. Smoky fresh chicken, fish, and robust Caribbean flavors.
Red Bay (St. Martin)
Red Bay is a bigger stretch of beach that has hotels along it unlike the uninhabited Pinel. The beach itself is lovely, it’s clean, and its waters go deep quicker than the wading of Pinel. The beach is named as such because the sand is supposedly rouge-like. Sunsets are particularly superb here and the island drinks make it all the merrier.
Friar’s Bay (St. Martin)
A local haunt, the beach is more secluded and slightly rustic, nestled between hills. The water is clear and the beach is small but beautiful. This is a good spot for exclusive excursions or for a more laidback spot with little ones.
Great Bay Beach (St. Maarten)
Great Bay Beach is a long large stretch of white-sand beach and pristine aqua waters. The beach is located on the Dutch side and is one of the nicest ones there (overall the French side boasts more unique and beautiful beaches). It’s near shopping and cruise docking and is not as commercial as Maho Beach.
Mullet Bay (St. Maarten)
Known for its generous stretch of beach, and placid waves conducive to easy swimming and snorkeling, this Dutch beach is near restaurants and larger hotels.
View of Pinel Island. Image by Samuel Joubert
If you want to go the extra mile literally, a private charter boat will take you to Pinel from St. Maartin as well as Tintamarre Island. Going at your own pace and with your own driver at the helm, you’ll be sure to experience the magnitude of all St. Maartin’s best beaches.
Other Highlights
On the French side, Marigot is the capital area where thoroughfares give way to cute spots and sweet restaurants both Caribbean and French. The design of this area on the waterfront is thoroughly romantic. On the Dutch side, Philipsburg is the capital where a more commercial vibe showcases casinos and a lookout, Fort Amsterdam.
View from the fort on the Dutch side, Image by Lauren Ostrout
Where to Stay? Love Boutique Hotel
This is the way to go if you’re venturing to one of the globe’s most sumptuous beach escapes. The perfect combination of hotel villa and home-style apartment, this boutique lets you fully land on the island with a panorama vista of the ocean you came for.
*Safety tip
Cruise ship docking can bring in the crowds, if you’re looking to avoid the throngs, avoid Orient Beach.
Bottom line
St. Maartin/St. Martin is a heavenly haven. It hosts some of the most serenely fantastic beaches in the world. Its ambiance is an intriguing blend of Caribbean, French, and Dutch, and all of its elements are worth indulging in. Explore the town with harbor-side cafes, hike the lookout points at Pinel, and revel in an unusual duo of croissants and ocean waters.
As far as Caribbean escapes go this is at the top.
