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Beautiful Island of St Maartin St Martin

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This beautiful tropical island, is divided in two sections: Dutch and French. It makes for interesting differences in the culture and customs of each side.

New arrivals either come by sea or by air. If you are on a cruise liner, you will more than likely, anchor in Great Bay.If you arrive by air, you will land at Juliana airport.

PHILIPSBURG,the bustling capital city of Dutch ST.Maarten, is renowned for its' wide variety of duty free shopping, exquisite dining and glittering night life. You may want to visit the island Museum, rich in traditions and exhibits of the island's past. As far as currency is concerned, there is no need to worry. Dollars are accepted everywhere: Dutch side : Us. Dollars or Antillian gilders. ( one U.S.Dollar equals approximately 1.8 N.A.F.) French side : U.S.Dollars or French Francs ( one U.S.Dollar equals approximately six Francs) Dutch and French are the two official languages. However, English is widely spoken on both sides.

Shopping in St.Maarten is a totally wondrous experience. I will give you a few examples of its' diversity:
LA ROMANA ,
is a showcase for Italian high fashion, including elegant beach clothing and designer sunglasses...LA ROMANA is located on both sides of the island.
ANGELIQUE European Jewelry:
This lovely shop displays a fine selection of 18 karat gold jewelry .Choose from a wide variety of precious and semi-precious gems. If you are also looking for an unusual piece, very often one of a kind, you are in the right place. What a delight, don't miss it, even if you are just looking...
NEW AMSTERDAM:
Enjoy a most interesting collection of incomparable gifts: Nautical cruise wear, men's fashion including a well stocked Polo Boutique,pewter miniatures and fine embroidered linen of all types. In fact I couldn't resist , and purchased several unusual items, to bring back to the U.S.
ASHBURRY'S :
Discover dazzling jewelry, the world's finest watches, designer fashion, fine Italian leather goods of all kinds. Usually , prices are about 40 to 50% less than the U.S.
COLOMBIA EMERALDS INTERNATIONAL:
One of the most reputable and renowned jewelry shop.You will enjoy the finest collection of genuine Colombian emeralds,rubies,diamonds and sapphires. This exclusive shop is located on both sides of the island.

So many exciting places to visit,. The above mentioned are just a few... Allow time to browse Now, let's take a look at the other side of this beautiful tropical island, the French Side :

ST. MARTIN:
MARIGOT the capital city of French ST.Martin, will delight,you with its' romantic outdoor cafes , haute-couture fashion, and gorgeous white beaches. For those of you who enjoy open air markets, this is IT! So many unusual and colorful items to choose from...As on the Dutch side, ST.Martin has a wide variety of shops.Let me give you a few:
D'ORSY'S:
St Martin's showcase for quality fragrances. The shop carries brand names such as; Guerlain,Cartier, Chanel,Givenchy etc...Remember, all duty free...
PORT UNITED:
This shop displays some of the most comfortable and colorful beach wear. You will love it! When you are on a holiday, why not indulge a little ...
ORO DE SOL :
Offers an incomparable selection of 18 karat gold jewelry and precious gems , as well as the finest watches. Don't miss it .....

This island is truly unique , in the fact that one senses the difference between both sides . Neither side is an independent country. St Maarten is part of the five island constellation of the Netherlands Antilles. St. Martin , including Martinique and Guadaloupe ,is French territory. Both sides offer fine restaurants specializing in exquisite cuisine for all tastes : Mediterranean, French, Italian, Tropical and local seafood. I like to eat in small quaint restaurants, where I delight in discovering unusual tropical dishes. As far as activities are concerned, you'll love St Maarten.Here is just a small glimpse of what you can anticipate : Scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, water skiing, daily cruises and sky tours (helicopter or sea plane.

If you are adventurous, you can take a cruise with BLUE BEARD charters. It's definitely the ultimate Caribbean experience: You will sail from Marigot to the island of Prickly Pear,fringed by turquoise water, long pure white beaches and coral reef teeming with exotic tropical fish. Perfect setting for the snorkeling enthusiast. Incidentally, snorkeling gear is provided by the charter.Once you land on the island, a lunch will be provided, as as well as an open bar... What an adventure...

For the ones of you who delight in quiet and beauty .there are several magnificent beaches to choose from:
Mullet bay beach,Maho beach,Simpson beach ,and Little Bay beach These are located on the Dutch side. Now for the French side:Baie Longue,Orient Bay.coconut Grove,Baie Rouge and Grand case beach.

Each beach offers something for everyone's taste. I would like to caution the sun worshipers; Keep a shirt on... The night life on the island should not be overlooked.There are several casinos that offers all kinds of entertainment: Mont Fortune casino, Grand casino,

...Casino International, Casino Royale, Atlantis casino,Golden casino, Rouge et Noir and the Coliseum casino. As you can see, to be entertained is the least of your worries.. If you like dancing under tropical stars, that will not be a problem either; the Merengue music of the tropics, is HOT, HOT, HOT... No matter what your likes or dislikes are, there is something for everyone on this paradise island. I, for one, am going back again and again, to enjoy not only the beauty of this tropical island, but the charm of its' people.

 By : Maryvonne C.M.Martin

Caribbean cruise and travel magazine