Experience a Taste of Europe in the Caribbean
by Chantal Guillou-Brennan
Located just two and a half hours from Miami and four hours from New York by air, charming Saint Martin/Saint Maarten is the smallest land mass shared by two sovereign nations - French and Dutch, creating a rich cultural mix, which attracts citizens from all over the world. Although Dutch is the official language of St. Maarten, and French the official language of St. Martin, English is spoken everywhere. Nevertheless, you can hear Spanish, Papiamentu, Italian, Hindi, Chinese, and French spoken here and there, as well as Creole Patois–mostly on the French side.
This diversity is expressed not only in the culture, architecture and genuine joie de vivre of it inhabitants, but also in its cuisine which has earned St. Martin the title of “Gastronomic Capital of the Caribbean.” Legendary restaurants give voice to cooking styles from far-flung corners of the globe, from the traditional Lolo’s (local restaurants and cafes) and beachside cafes, to more than 300 restaurants offering French, Dutch, Caribbean, Italian, Chinese, Indonesian, Creole and more. Great chefs combine shellfish, seafood or meats with hints of local spices for multicultural cooking which will delight your taste buds, such as the Waikiki Beach Restaurant (05-90-87-4319) on Orient Beach.
This is the largest and most popular beach on the island, lined with beach bars, restaurants, shops, and watersport facilities offering parasailing and other watersports with “clothing optional” located on the secluded southern part of Orient beach.
Of the most reputed dining rooms, JAXFAX sampled a fabulous dinner à la Provençal at romantic Sol é Luna Guest House located above Etang Chevrise in Mont Vernon, (St. Martin) with views out to Orient Bay. This beautifully restored and carefully decorated home offers six suites, bathed in the tranquility of a well-manicured tropical garden. (www.solelunarestaurant.com).
Another notable restaurant is the beach-front Sunset Café at Grand Case Beach Club in Grand Case, recently coming under the direction of talented Chef Alexandre, who has introduced new nightly specials, while retaining many popular dishes for a fine candlelit dining experience. The Sunset Café is also open for lunch and breakfast and can make special arrangements to meet any dietary need and can create custom menus for a group event. (www.sunset-cafe.com.) Adjacent to the cafe and near the Pavilion at the Grand Case Beach Club is the Ti Case Boutique, carrying a line of jewelry and clothing for children and adults as well as many other unique items.
Low season is extra work for Resort Manager, Steve Wright. The steady up keep policy of the 72 units nestled between clear blue waters and flamboyant sparkled mountain has paid off with several awards. The resort was named the best medium-sized resort two years in a row by readers of Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine and won the “Golden Apple Award” from Apple Vacations. It was featured on Expedia’s Insiders’ List, which includes only one percent of the total hotels listed by Expedia; and recently won Orbitz’s Best In Stay Award in both the Leisure and Couples categories. Ending the rotating schedule of renovation, the resort now has new furniture in all the rooms.
New bathrooms have been finished in over half the units, with another 20 rooms completed this October. The balance will be done next August, to avoid having units out of service during the high season. A Fitness Center will also be ready for this winter season. Casual simplicity is the order of the day at this intimate and true beachfront property on the beautiful and quiet beach of La Petite Plage, at the far end of Grand Case Bay.
The calm waters are perfect for swimmers of all abilities with snorkeling in the best coral reef on the island and a full-service activities desk which can book clients for any watersport activity, tennis or golf. Rates start at single/double $185 per person per night in a cool garden side studio and range from $230 in single/double studio to $520 in a quad two-bedroom two-bath oceanfront suite where the lapping of the waves rocks you to sleep as the breeze sings through the coconut palms. Children 12 and under stay free with parents.
Rates include daily continental breakfast, non-motorized water-sports, chaise lounges at beach and swimming pool, day and night tennis. The two-bedroom rate is based on up to four persons, for a fifth and six person in two-bedroom accommodations, add $35 daily per person. The combined 15% charge for municipal room tax and service charges are additional. Call 888-845-5821; E-mail info@gcbc.com; visit www.grandcasebeachclub.com
Daytrip to Neighboring Islands
From the Grand Case Beach Club activities desk clients can book daytrips and sailing excursions to neighboring islands on the Scoobi-Too or Scoobi-Free catamarans. Visit the deserted Tintamarre Island for spectacular snorkeling and an optional volcanic mud bath, which is said to take years off of you, or at least be fun for the whole family. Later, stop at exotic Pinel Island for a delightful lunch under cool swaying palms at the Karibuni; one of the four restaurants on this former tiny French penal colony, from which it derives its name. There you can enjoy a freshly caught snapper, or choose your live lobster from one of the underwater traps kept on the seashore, or select the barbecued chicken or other caribbean flavors. Then it’s back for more snorkeling or maybe a siesta in one of the shady hammocks before returning to the hotel on the comfortable vessel. For information and rates, visit www.scoobidoo.com
What to do besides enjoying the clear blue water?
Tucked deep within the island’s only tropical forest on Pic Paradise (elevation 1400ft.) is Loterie Farm offering the “Eco Challenge” day trek to discover the island’s fascinating interior region. www.loteriefarm.com
In their search for painters and galleries, art lovers will quickly find the right addresses, and their successful quest will yield the added benefit of meeting most of the artists in person. One St. Martin favorite is Sir Roland Richardson, famous for his rendering of the flamboyant tree with galleries in historic Marigot and another at La Samana’s Conference center. A tour of the artist’s private home in Terres Basses is available by appointment. Visit www.rolandrichardson.com.
Not forgetting the amazing shopping available throughout the island, another idea would be to just take a stroll in the street of Marigot to admire the diversity of architecture or taking a taxi to the tiny village of Colombier to discover some traditional wooden Creole houses amidst lush vegetation.
What’s up in St. Maarten?
Island accommodations range from large, comprehensive resort facilities and condominiums to small, intimate guest houses, timeshares and apartments. With over 2,000 rooms on the island, there is a property to suit every taste.
In contrast to the French endeavor to preserve the island’s quaint charm and character seen in the capital of Marigot with its outdoor cafes, chic designer boutiques and a 17th Century Fort, a wave of economic expansion is presently in progress on the Dutch side.
This translates in the arrival in 2009 of mega hotels chains and resorts, a shopping mall and an additional pier in the center of Philisburg to accommodate cruise ships anchoring for a day of duty-free shopping, or an evening at the Vegas-style casinos, discos and night clubs which stay open till dawn. Porto Cupecoy on Sint Maarten, a marina village with units for sale is one such a mega complex nearing completion. (www.cupecoyyachtclub.com)
Scheduled to open in October 2009 is the Radisson St. Martin Resort, Marina & Spa nestled in the picturesque cove of Anse Marcel, one of the island’s best preserved bays. Call 888-201-1718, www.radisson.com
Getting There and Around
Air service from the U.S. to Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten is provided by: American Airlines direct from New York, Miami, and San Juan and seasonally by: Continental from Newark, NJ; Northwest from Detroit and Minneapolis; USAir from Charlotte and Philadelphia, all with connecting flights to numerous cities throughout the U.S. In addition, numerous charter flights are available from and throughout the Continental U.S.
Other airlines serving the island include: ALM Antillean Airlines from Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; LIAT from Antigua, Anguilla, St. Croix, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Tortola; and Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR) from St. Thomas, St. Kitts/Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Barts, Dominica and Tortola.
Jet Blue’s new schedule from JFK International Airport into Princess Juliana International Airport departs JFK at 9:45 am to arrive at 2:40 pm in St Maarten with daily service starting in November. From St. Maarten, flights depart at 3:45 pm to arrive in JFK at 7:15 pm.
If clients are flying in from another French territory, such as Guadeloupe or St. Barts, they will most likely land at L’Espérance Airport (airport code SFG; tel 05 90 59 04 47) in Grand Case, St. Martin.
Public transportation is available via buses or taxi cabs. Taxis are ready and waiting at Princess Juliana International Airport and at all major hotels. Fares can be paid in U.S. dollars. Another option is to rent a car. There are a number of rental car agencies at the airport. Although this option can give the freedom to explore at will, clients may also encounter the challenge of finding a parking place and squeezing through narrow and crowded streets.
New air service to St. Maarten
American Airlines is adding two new direct flights out of New York and Miami into St. Maarten. Flights from New York to St Maarten will begin on December 18, 2008. This new filght originates from JFK International Airport and departs at 10:45 am and arrives into St. Maarten at 3:40 pm and is scheduled to run twice a week increasing to five times per week on January 6, 2009 for the remainder of the peak tourism season. Flights from Miami International Airport will leave at 5:15 pm to arrive at 9:10 pm. The aircraft will remain in St Maarten overnight and leave the next morning at 9:10 am to arrive in Miami at 11:30 am. Visit www.aa.com
For resort information on the island, visit www.visitsxm.com/accommodations
For additional information on St. Maarten, contact the Tourist office, +599-542-2337; visit www.st-maarten.com or www.vacationstmaarten.com
For more information, contact the St. Martin Tourist Office; 877-956-1234; E-mail nyoffice@st-martin.org
June 2008 Feature
Cultivating Daytrip and Dining Palates in St. Maarten/St. Martin
Whoever said that a Caribbean vacation is limited to laying on a beach? With its numerous dive/snorkeling sites, miles of sunswept beaches, unparalleled shopping and dining, over a dozen action-packed casinos, visitors expect to find a bit more to do in to St. Maarten/St. Martin even if they are anchoring for just a few hours. This English-speaking twin country never disappoints and because of its European heritage it is like traveling to a foreign destination.
Visit www.st-maarten.com and www.st-martin.org
12-Metre Challenge: Test your sea legs and race like you’re part of the America’s Cup in the 12-Metre Challenge. This action-packed sea adventure pits first-time sailors and salty skippers alike in a race modeled exactly like the real America’s Cup. Be part of the crew and sail famous 36-foot boats, such as the Stars and Stripes and True North I, that were custom-made and used in the actual race. Visit www.12metre.com
Harleys in Paradise: Imagine a warm tropical breeze flowing through your hair as you cruise the meandering coastline of St. Maarten/St. Martin with its azure blue waters on one side and lush tropical vegetation on the other. Take this one step further and imagine straddling a power-packed Harley-Davidson motorcycle from Super Bikes St. Martin. Visit www.h-dstmartin.com
Tall Ship Adventure: Set sail with Lord Sheffield Tall Ship Adventures on a traditionally rigged, 72 foot tall ship, armed with three black powder cannons just like you’d find on a true pirate ship. Once aboard, the course is set for Little Bay where guests can enjoy snorkeling amongst historic wrecks, lost cannons from past battles in the island’s 350-year history, and abundant aquatic life. Next, the anchor will be weighed and the sails set as the tall ship sails towards Simpson's Bay. Visit www.Lordsheffield.com
Butterfly Farm: No trip to St. Maarten/St. Martin is complete without a visit to the Butterfly Farm where visitors wander through the “Butterfly Sphere” complete with waterfalls, coy ponds, and foliage vital to butterfly development. Guides identify species, point out courtship and mating displays. Guests can witness the stages of the butterfly's life cycle, from butterflies laying their eggs to caterpillars hatching, growing and forming their chrysalis. Visit www.thebutterflyfarm.com
Mountain Bike Adventure: When was the last time your client biked across two countries in one day? How about biking from sea level to the top of St. Maarten/St. Martin’s highest mountain and back in time for a great dinner at a fine restaurant on the coast? TriSports’ guests can do just that. This heart-pounding tour begins at the waterfront, extends along the island’s coastline, tops the island’s tallest peak and passes through quaint villages steeped in history. Visit www.trisportsxm.com
SNUBA & Snorkel Adventure: Guests of Aqua Mania Watersports explore the hidden depths of St. Maarten/St. Martin at three locations: The first is a sunken submarine that sits 20 feet below the surface; the second stop is “Shipwreck Cove” where guests explore shipwrecks that reflect three centuries; and, the third is the breathtaking coral reef where guests interact with the most “colorful” locals -- its tropical marine life. Visit www.familytravelfun.com/stmartinshoreexcursion.html
St. Maarten Park: Visitors of this distinctive zoological, botanical and floral garden will gain a new-found understanding of plants and animals that are indigenous to the Caribbean and the American tropics. Discover more than 80 species of animals, including the largest display of exotic parrots in the Caribbean. Take a stroll through the reptile house, get up-close and personal with tropical birds in the walk-through aviary and the Park’s botanical gardens. Visit www.stmaartenpark.com
Culinary Adventures
The island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, known as “the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” offers visitors more than 400 restaurants that serve some of the finest international cuisine created from local produce from the bustling open-air markets. The island’s numerous restaurants and cafes include French, Italian, Spanish, Continental, Caribbean, Indian, and American.
Dutch St. Maarten
Moulin Fou is an exceptional upscale dining establishment known throughout the island for offering guests an extraordinary meal that is paired with a unique ambience. Offering sensational meats and pastas, and mouth-watering seafood, Chef J. Bonnel, brings an eclectic approach to the restaurant, as most of his food is influenced by his travels and spices collected from around the world.Visit www.moulinfou.com
Dare to be Rare Steakhouse: Chef Dino Jagtiani's Dare to be Rare Steakhouse, located in the Atlantis Casino Courtyard, is commonly known as the first Caribbean restaurant to offer guests Prime dry-aged Certified Angus Beef. Serving top-quality steaks that go through a remarkable aging process, as well as delectable appetizers and sides, these gastronomic delights are sure to please even the most seasoned of steak connoisseurs.
Visit www.dare-to-be-rare.com
French St. Martin
L’Auberge Gourmande: Known throughout the island for its romantic ambiance and excellent cuisine, this lovingly renovated, yet historic restaurant was voted among the best restaurants in the Caribbean by Caribbean Travel & Life. Executive Chef Didier Rochat features savory dishes that include roasted duck breast, sea bass and rack of lamb, to name just a few. Visit www.laubergegourmande.com
Mario’s Bistro: Located in the village of Sandy Ground on the Marigot channel, Mario’s Bistro features an informal yet elegant décor that is combined with tranquil ambiance and waterside dining that offers a hint of romance. Known as a culinary artist, Executive Chef Mario Tardif’s dishes include baked mahi-mahi with macadamia nut crust, half rack of lamb with roasted with goat cheese and pesto and sautéed veal scaloppini with lemon & caper butter sauce, to name just a few. Visit www.mariosbistro.com
CITE 2007 REPORT - July 2007 Issue
St. Martin/St. Maarten: Bring an Appetite for Life
By Randi White
On an island of more than 37 beautiful beaches, lies the idyllic getaway of St. Maarten/St. Martin that offers clients diverse accommodations, mouth-watering delicacies, spectacular nightlife, amazing shopping and various outdoor activities. Surrounded by turquoise waters edged by white sands, this tropical island encourages relaxation, well-being and serenity.
Accommodations range from luxurious private villas that provide complete privacy, to small cottages and townhouses, to full-service luxury hotels and spas.
Water sports are a main attraction. Sailing, surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing and parasailing are practiced all over the island. Explore underwater treasures by deep-sea diving, scuba or snorkeling. Over the years, St. Maarten/St. Martin has earned a reputation in the worlds of navigation and yachting thanks to the marinas that welcome boaters for brief stopovers or longer stays. Sport fishing is also a huge draw, where a day’s catch might include yellowtail, snapper, kingfish, grouper, marlin, barracuda and bonefish, to name a few.
For more than 25 years, the Heineken Regatta has attracted the biggest names in sailing each March. More than 250 sailboats in all categories and thousands of crew members and attendants participate in this five-day water sport event, combining the competitive spirit with a serious party atmosphere.
Historical Attractions
Rich in history and culture, visitors can climb Mount Concordia, the historic site where the French and Dutch settlers agreed that the people of St. Maarten/St. Martin should coexist in a cooperative manner and signed the Treaty of Concordia in 1648.
Located on the road to Galion, the Butterfly Farm has succeeded in creating a unique experience, using a scientific and playful approach to introduce visitors to the astonishing world of butterflies. Each day’s show begins in the morning, where chrysalises metamorphose into multi-colored butterflies. You can also discover the island’s most surprising facets on over 20 miles of hiking trails, either on foot, horseback or ATV, combining culture and adventure.
With its subtle mix of flavors, fine cuisine remains the flagship of St. Maarten/St. Martin’s culture. Spicy sweetness, peppers, annatto, fish, lobster and shellfish are in the hands of great chefs. No matter where you dine, whether at a “lolos” for local dishes, or in any number of restaurants or bistros along the water or in any of the villages, visitors will create a memorable gastronomic experience. This island boasts that it has transformed itself into the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean.
Shopping
One of the joys of vacationing on this island is the duty-free shopping. Whether you are on Frontstreet in Philipsburg on the Dutch side or on the French Port, it is a shopper’s paradise. Open-air markets display everything from clothing to jewelry and high-quality linens while indoor markets offer elegant high fashion designer goods. There are a number of fascinating art galleries and studios on the island featuring the finest local and Caribbean works.
Warmth and friendliness is what this island is about. Steel bands, jazz and traditional music provide occasions to dance to frenzied and furious rhythms. Accessible from the U.S. via direct flights offered by Continental Airlines, American Airlines, US Airways, United Airlines. Spirit Airlines and Delta Airlines, the brief, three and a half hour flight from New York makes the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin an ideal destination for your client’s next tropical vacation.
Visit www.st-maarten.com and www.st-martin.org
Update on SMART 2007
SMART 2007, the St. Maarten/St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow took place May 9th – 11, for its sixth consecutive year. Designed to showcase the islands of the northeastern Caribbean, which include Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, St. Barths, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts & Nevis, Barbados and St. Maarten/St. Martin, provides buyers and sellers the ideal venue to network and negotiate future business opportunities.
Said Regina La Bega, Director of Tourism for the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, “Through the combined efforts of both the French and the Dutch Tourist offices, as well as all the islands located in the Northeastern Caribbean, it’s our goal to further develop the financial future of this region through the spirit of growth and mutual cooperation.”
The SMART Tradeshow took place over the three-day period at the newly opened Westin Dawn Beach, which is located in Philipsburg along the southeastern shore of St. Maarten. This 317-room resort is home to nearly 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Visit www.shta.com