Vacation Advice From An Islander
Written: Feb 03 '02 (Updated Jun 25 '04)
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Pros: Food, People, Diving, Sailing, Beaches, Diversity, Close to other islands, Great Family Spot
Cons: none really
The Bottom Line: Great Island, many things to do! The food alone makes it worthwhile, but so do the rest of the available activities.
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| islandalex's Full Review: St. Martin Island |
St Martin is a great island to visit. There are many places to go and things to do. The island is half French and half Dutch. English is spoken on both sides of the island, and dollars are accepted everywhere. The French side has converted to Euros, but the Dutch still uses the Antillean Guilder.
The French side is slightly larger than the Dutch side. It is a more beautiful than the Dutch side with better roads, and more green hills.
The phone system was just recently changed on both sides of the island to accomodate more numbers. However, many of the numbers have not been updated.
All 590 area code numbers are land lines on the French side. All 590-590 area code numbers are land lines on the French side. All 590-690 area code numbers are cell phones on the French side.
5995 numbers are all Dutch. A 4 following means it is a land line, a 5 following means it is a cell. to dial maho from the Dutch side (land line or cell), one would dial; 5 4 52115, from the French one would dial; 00 5995 4 52115, from america one would dial 011 5995 4 52115. confusing, i know...
If a family is going, I would suggest renting a villa. Orient Beach is a great spot as there is a beach with numerous water sports and restaurants. I will start my round trip tour of the island from there.
On half the beach there is a nudist resort. The other half (separated by a rock water break)is where all the restaurants and water sports are located. These range from very good but expensive restaurants that have a huge array of foods from around the world.
*Try the sushi platter at Kontiki. They also have the BEST calamari in the world. (trust me, I have tried it everywhere!)You will need to get a reservation (TEL: (590 590)87 43 27)
If you are watching you budget, or just want a quick bite to eat in an island atmosphere, try the rib shacks. They serve island food (beans and rice, BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs)
In Orient Bay there is an island called Ille Pinel. A ferry ($5 round trip) runs out to this island every half hour from Cul De Sac. Pinel has the best snorkeling on the island whether you are a beginner or a pro. There are also two restaurants on the island and a boutique which sells many island crafts, as well as an extensive range of pareos. Just make sure you don't miss the last ferry!
In Cul De Sac is Le Piccolo Cafe. Le Piccolo serves some of the best appetizers for very reasonable prices. I suggest you order 3 appetizers rather than a main course. The Maitre D describes the appetizers in a way that will make your mouth water. Reservations are a must, at least two days beforehand as it is a tiny restuarant in an old island shack with only a few tables. (TEL: (590 590) 87 32 47)
Nearby (3 minute drive) is the quiet Le Galion Beach. This is an ideal beach for young children. The water is calm because of a barrier reef that protects the entire beach. There is also a lot of natural shade from Sea Grape trees. There is a windsurfing school here, and it is an perfect place to learn to windsurf. There is also a small restaurant that serves lunch in the windsurfing school. (TEL: (590 590) 87 37 25)
On the way to Le Gallion there is the Butterfly Farm. It holds numerous butterfly species from around the world, as well as beautiful plants. Tour guides lead you through the farm, pointing out species, and answering questions. It is a must-see! Admission is not cheap, but after the initial fee, tourists are welcome to visit many times during their stay.
There is also a riding stable and in that area. (Bayside
Riding Center) They do beach rides on Le Gallion beach. The humane society of the French side is also located there.
Further around the island is French Quarter and Quatier de New Orleans. Here there is a wonderful restaurant run by a local family, called Poulet D'Orleans. They serve excellent fish and chicken island dishes. Three sons serve as waiters and escort you to anf from your car.
After French Quarter you get to Oyster Pond. It is a yachting community. I suggest stopping by and walking around the marina. There is a boutique, as well as the biggest dive store on the island (The Scuba Shop TEL: (590 590) 87 48 01 or (5995 4) 70823 www.thescubashop.net) which specializes in scuba and snorkeling sales and rentals. They also publish a free guide to diving in St Maarten/ St. Martin, and the surrounding islands. Captain olivers Hotel and Restaurant (TEL: (590 590) 87 40 84 www.captainolivers.com) is here as well. The saturday night buffet is $30 well spent dollars. The menu includes lobster, oysters, carpachio, roast pork, creme brule, chocolate mouse, and many other things. There is also live music and a limbo show. There is a wonderful restaurant outside the entrance to the marina called L'Escale. I suggest the Mozzarella and Tomato Panini, or the Croque Madam.
Dawn beach is another great snorkeling spot. Scavengers Beach Bar occupies one end of the beach with Busby's beach bar on the other. The best snorkeling spot is in the far corner on the Scavengers side. There is a mild current that runs perpendicular to the beach. However, it is not dangerous. If you start at the corner, and drift with the current, you can have a totally relaxing snorkel. The good reef ends right before Scavengers. This is the best place to exit the water as it has the least surf.
The next spot around the island is Philipsburg, which is on the Dutch Side, so I suggest you read my review for that.
Nothing beats ending a vacation than having a sundowner at Sunset Beach Bar (www.sunsetbeachbar.com)looking out for the green flash, and watching the 747's take off and land. I recommend going to their site to check out their photo gallery of the airplanes landing right over the beach. Check out their web-cam and message board before you visit the island.
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For more information on St. Maarten / Sint Martin and the surrounding islands, please take a look at my other reviews.
St. Maarten / Sint Martin
Sint Martin, French Side:
Vacation Advice From an Islander
Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten:
Front Street, Back Street, Pondfill
Maho, the tourist capital of Dutch St. Maarten:
Fun, Sun, and Jets!
Transportation:
Forget the Taxis
Princes Juliana International Airport
Health and safety:
French Side - A Healthy Place...
Dutch Side - A Healthy Place...
General Itineraries:
Advice from an Islander
Local Customs:
Great Island, Great People
Hotels:
Maho - A Happening Place
Great Bay Beach Hotel - Depends What You are Looking For...
Anguilla
Hotels:
La Serena - A Beautiful Gem
Airlines With Regular Flights to St. Maarten
US Airways - Delays
American Airlines - Unaccompanied Minors
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
islandalex
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Location: Neth. Antilles
Reviews written: 39
Trusted by: 14 members
About Me:
I'm an island girl. I love traveling, gadgets,and splurging on beauty products!
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