“Caribbean reality resembles the wildest imagination”
– Gabriel Garcia Marquez
St Martin
What the tiny French/Dutch Caribbean island of St Martin may lack in size, it certainly makes up for in personality! A seaside-lover’s paradise, St Martin (as it is known on the French side, whereas it is referred to as St. Maarten on the Dutch side) boasts more stunning white-sand beaches than its possible to explore on your first trip. And it goes without saying that water sports, boat trips, diving and snorkelling opportunities are offered in abundance here too.
Beautiful beaches aside, the island is rich with untouched wildlife (as can be seen in the St Martin National Nature Reserve), history, and a very lively nightlife! With all this and sunshine expected pretty much all year round, you’d be hard pressed to find a reason not to keep coming back!
From the island’s taxi drivers to its shopkeepers and locals chilling at popular beach bars, you’re always in for a warm welcome from everyone you encounter. St Martin certainly lives up to its ‘Friendly Island’ nickname!
THE VIBE
With 37 beaches, St Martin is the ultimate beach-bums paradise. And when you’re done topping up your tan or sipping cocktails by the pool, the island has a tonne of activities to offer…
Marigot Market
Visit the markets in Marigot, the main shopping hot-spot of the French quarter.
Pinel Island
Take a day trip by boat to Pinel Island – voted as one of the the 25 Best Caribbean Beaches to visit in 2019 and inhabited by friendly iguanas!
St Barths
Book a ferry trip to explore St Barths, holiday destination of choice for the likes of Beyoncé.
Loterie Farm
A must-see destination (ask any local!) has to be Loterie Farm, a secret jungle hideaway complete with a wild zip wire experience.
ART SCENE
Regardless of whether you consider yourself an art lover or not, a trip to Marigot would not be complete without a visit to Roland Richardson’s Art Gallery!
I had the pleasure of hearing him speak about his artwork and influences and aside from being incredibly talented creatively, Roland also offers such a beautiful outlook on life and nature.
Address: Rue de la Republique 6, Marigot, St. Martin
FOOD & DRINK
From the best ribs on the island at Rosie’s Snack Hut on Mullet Beach to the freshest of seafood at Ocean 82 at Grand Case, one thing you won’t have to worry about is where you will be eating!
St Martin is well renowned for its fusion of culinary influences due to its heritage and you will find pretty much every cuisine and taste catered for here, from creole flavours to Indian and Italian influences.
Drinks wise, you really can’t go wrong with some ice-cold Carib beer!
SHOPPING
Did you know that St Martin is the only island in the Caribbean to offer duty-free shopping? The island’s capital of Philipsburg is the ideal place to stock up on luxury goods (watches, clothing, electronics etc.), while Marigot is the ideal destination for those looking for affordable china, perfume and crystal.
THE PLACE TO STAY
The Hommage Hotel & Residences is nestled on the western coast of the island, a mere stone’s throw from Princess Juliana International Airport and a 10 minutes drive from world- famous Maho beach where you can watch planes come in to land directly over your head (if you dare!).
Whether you choose to laze around by the luxurious pool or want to try some water sports at the marina centre, at the Hommage you will be thoroughly well looked after! I also love the addition of colourful artworks dotted throughout the hotel as a personal and unique touch.
EPIC VIEWPOINTS
Fort Saint Louis
…For stunning 360° degree views of Marigot.
Fort Amsterdam
… Overlooking Philipsburg and full of cannons, ruins and history (and a great place to spot pelicans!). Follow the trail up the hill through Little Divi Bay Hotel Resort.
Pic Paradis
… The highest point on Saint Martin.
THE WEATHER
With year round sunshine and an average annual temperature of 80 degrees, this tropical paradise is just what you need to escape Britain’s unpredictable (to say the least) weather!
St Martin is an ideal winter retreat, with December- April being a popular with tourists.
PACK
Something light and comfortable! With watersports and warm seas galore, swimwear will more than likely become your daily uniform.
It may also be worthwhile to note that while the Dutch side of the island is more ‘modest’ in terms of beach attire, the French side of the island has ‘clothing optional’ beaches!
THE LOWDOWN
GETTING THERE
Return flights start at roughly £600 from London with Air France.
LANGUAGE
Over 120 nationalities can be found on the island. On both the French and Dutch sides, most people are bilingual, speaking either French or Dutch as well as English.
CURRENCY
The two official currencies on St. Martin are the Euro on the French side and the Florin (Netherlands Antillean guilder or florin) on the Dutch side. US dollars are also accepted across the island.
TRAVELLING SOLO?
I visited St Martin on my own for a press event and spent a good proportion of my time on my own exploring the island, both by foot and taxi. I can honestly say that I never felt unsafe wandering around and locals were always more than happy to have a chat (more often than not people struck up conversations with me rather than the other way round!).
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
The St Martin tourist board are insanely passionate about their beautiful slice of Caribbean paradise (how could they not be?!) and will be more than happy to tell you more about what the island offers!
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
I am thrilled to announce that I will be visiting the stunning island of Saint Lucia next month! Follow my blog and Instagram account for updates on my upcoming Caribbean adventures….
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
