"Sint Marteen - the Happy Island!" Sint Maarten by michelle_x11
Sint Maarten Travel Guide: 361 reviews and 793 photos
I discovered Sint Maarten or Saint Martin, a very interesting island during a cruise when i was 15 and i always remembered this beautiful place i had visited during that day: Pinel Island ( a small nature reserve island close to St Martin's coast) and i had to go back there one day!!! This is a contrastful island as it is such a small territory shared by two nations - France and Netherlands.
The french side still reminds you of France (it is a french overseas department), whit its very pretty capital Marigot. You will see typically french bistrots, tabac/presse, bakeries and of course french cuisine. There is simply a laid-back atmosphere and you can enjoy your days away from home in the calm.
On the other hand, Philippsburg, the dutch capital doesn't really have anything to do with the Netherlands, except for some stereotypical souvenirs. It is fully in the hand of Americans or Cruiseship passengers who come to shop for the day.
For the rest, the island has got 32 beaches, all different but amazing and you will surely have a wonderful time on the happy island (as says the stamp that you will be given into your passport). :)
- Pros:Everything - beaches - cuisine - atmosphere
- Cons:Time-sharing vendors : cheap tricks and harrassment
- In a nutshell:One of the best experiences so far
Reviews (11)
the prettiest colors!!
Things to Do
(6)
Don't even think about not visiting Pinel Island. This is really one of my favorite places of all the places i have... more travel advice
Colonial history of St Martin
Things to Do
(6)
Visit the old fort in Marigot, you got great views over the whole area, Marigot, Nettle BAy, Simpson BAy Lagoon... more travel advice
The natural reserve
Things to Do
(6)
Don't miss this - a huge part of St Maarten's east coast is a nature reserve. You can go walking through the shallow... more travel advice
A stroll through lovely Marigot
Things to Do
(6)
You have to visit the french capital Marigot, the atmosphere reminds you of southern France, totally decontracted--- more travel advice
Sint Maarten Travel Guide
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- "The Friendly Island"
- "Our Visit to the Friendly Island"
- "St. Maarten of the Dutch Antilles Islands"
- ""The Friendly Isle""
- "Gateway to the Caribbean"
- "I Still Have Sand in My Shoes"
- "Sint Marteen - the Happy Island!"
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Comments (4)
Hi Michelle, I saw your Happy Bay comment, and I share your thoughts. If you want to see a bit more of this fine beach, I even have a photo album here: http://www.dreambeaches.us/happybay/ Enjoy!
Sint Maarten seems very beautiful.
Bougbht candy and cookies at this shop while in St. Maarten Dec. 2005. I found that my local supermarket in Dayton, OH carries the same cookies! Not a big deal money-wise....but still a lesson learned.
Nice page and tips.
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