"Sint Marteen - the Happy Island!" Sint Maarten by michelle_x11


Sint Maarten Travel Guide: 361 reviews and 793 photos

The contrastful island

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 and Cons
  • Pros:Everything - beaches - cuisine - atmosphere
  • Cons:Time-sharing vendors : cheap tricks and harrassment
  • In a nutshell:One of the best experiences so far
  • Last visit to Sint Maarten: Mar 2004
  • Intro Updated Jan 18, 2005
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Reviews (11)

Comments (4)

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  • CaribNomad's Profile Photo
    CaribNomad Oct 16, 2008 at 1:22 PM Report Abuse

    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!

  • y2ketan2007's Profile Photo
    y2ketan2007 Oct 31, 2007 at 7:30 PM Report Abuse

    Sint Maarten seems very beautiful.

  • Scoutcat's Profile Photo
    Scoutcat Jun 15, 2007 at 10:48 AM Report Abuse

    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.

  • dsantosh Jul 14, 2005 at 6:08 AM Report Abuse

    Nice page and tips.

michelle_x11

“"Still waters run deep"”

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