ST MARTIN AT A
GLANCE
The Richness of Island Life
The
Beginning
Born out of the drift of the
Atlantic plate, which formed a string of islands where it slides under the
Caribbean plate, St Martin is located at the heart of the Caribbean Arc, or
more precisely, at the North end of the Lesser Antilles archipelago.
St Martin is bordered on the East by the Atlantic Ocean and on the West by
the Caribbean Sea.
The island is characteristically dry, with sparsely wooded
hills, and a few areas with heavy vegetation. Large bands of sand shaded by sea grape and palm trees,
create the
magnificent white sand beaches, which are so much a part of the island’s idyllic decor,
and from the salt ponds, the white gold of the colonial era (the Arawak name for
St Martin was Soualiga, meaning "land of salt").
The East coast is swept by the warm, waterlogged
Trade Winds which, as they reach the mountains, condense their humidity
forming light showers that provides the Leeward side with its lush vegetation.
The
Beaches
From the peaceful unspoiled beaches to the busy,
active ones, St Martin is alive. Follow the rhythm of waves breaking on the
white sand lining the coast. Some 35 beaches encircle the island, both the
French and the Dutch sides, each one different in its own way and a paradise
in itself. Surfing, scuba diving, wake-boarding, windsurfing, sunbathing,
eating in a trendy restaurant or organizing a barbeque with friends or family…
St Martin’s beaches offer activities or relaxation for every taste.
Baie Longue / Baie aux Prunes
Starting on the West coast, we set out from
Pointe du Canonnier, in the Lowlands Region (Terres Basses) at eastern
Point, where we find Baie Longue followed by Baie aux Prunes, two unspoiled
beaches, relatively deserted except for a few intrepid surfers. This part of
the island is so quiet you may have the beach to yourself.
Following the coast North, you come upon Baie Rouge, the last beach in Terres Basses, you
will find it less deserted. Get out your masks and flippers to explore the
underwater world. Around the rocky point a snorkelers paradise awaits.
The Bay of Grand Case
A quiet relaxing place to spend the day. Some of
St Martins finest restaurants are located here. You simply have to stroll
along the beach and choose one by its tempting aroma. With a quick rinse of
your sand covered toes you'll soon find yourself sitting beachside with menu in
hand.
Orient Bay
Commonly referred to as the Saint Tropez of the Caribbean.
Orient Bay offers the thrill of water sports like kite surfing, jet skis and
parasailing for the enthusiast and a culinary experience that will reward
your palate. Lounging under a beach umbrella while feasting on filet mignon
and sipping Kristal champagne is the order of the day.
The Sea
The magnificence of St Martin's dive sites is no
secret to those who have experienced them first hand, but those who have
been tend to keep that information to themselves. Not everyone believes in
sharing. Most spots are absolutely gorgeous coral reefs covered with
multi-colored sponges and soft corals, labyrinthine rock outcrops which
serve both as first-rate havens and rich hunting grounds for the multitude
of brightly colored tropical fish which inhabit them: every kind of
angelfish, so graceful in shape and motion, stingrays and eagle rays, whose
easy, relaxed movements are so deceptive that any diver, fooled into
thinking he can catch up with them, will soon find himself out of breath…
schools of jacks suddenly appearing cloudlike out of the blue, and darkening
the environment, only to disappear just as quickly, drawn away by another
sight, parrotfish, constantly gathering pieces of coral, which they chew in
their powerful jaws, then evacuate in the form of sand.
Preserved Natural Area
Occasionally, with a bit of luck, you will be
escorted by a large, curious, green or hawk bill turtle, which will follow
you all through your dive, apparently happy to have found a traveling
companion.
All of this is St Martin’s well kept secret, which is fairly easy to
discover, though, thanks to the island's well-equipped dive centers which
will be happy to welcome beginners wishing to become certified as well as
advanced divers in search of adventure.
Sea-beds : Warning: it is important to know that the sea-beds of St Martin
are part of the natural reserve, it is your duty as a good citizen of the
world to respect the ecosystem.
The Neighbors
St Barths
From the traditional
to the trendy, hotels, restaurants, shops, and houses, all present a range
of styles extraordinarily broad for so small an island.
Every continent, every culture is represented here in the human cocktail
which gives St Barth’s its unique original character.
 How
to get there ?
By plane: departures several times per day, from L’Espérance airport, Grand
Case, or from Princess Juliana Airport, Dutch side
By boat: departures every day, from the ferry docks in Marigot or from Oyster
Pond and from Philipsburg, Dutch side. Or charter your own boat for the day
and anchor in beautiful Gustavia harbor, the centerpiece of St Barths island.
Language: French and English
Currency: Euros and US dollar
Formalities: Valid passport for foreign nationals and
identity card for French travelers.
What to do?
Visit Gustavia: traditional architecture and luxury shopping including Hermes,
Cartier and Versace.
Rub elbows with the mega-yacht set during high season.
Beaches: many and varied: St Jean Bay:
An idyllic spot for sunbathing and a quiet swim.
Anguilla
Dive into crystalline
turquoise water, succumb to the irresistible charm of the white sand beaches,
relax to the rhythm of the trade winds’ caress and take time to discover the
people…
How to get there?
By plane: departures several times per day, from Princess Juliana Airport,
Dutch side.
By boat: departures and returns every half-hour, from Marigot ferry docks.
Language: English
Currency: US dollar and East Caribbean dollar
Formalities: Valid passport required.
What to do?
Swim with the dolphins: Imagine yourself so close to dolphins that you can
touch their silky skin, look into their eyes and kiss them on the nose!
Beaches: many and varied: Shoal Bay: not to be missed. Voted one of the 10
most beautiful beaches in the world!
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The Food
St Martin, regarded as the gourmet capital
of the Caribbean, is now home to many of Europe's finest chefs. Offering a subtle blend of flavors,
the culinary experience is the jewel in
St Martin’s crown. In the magic hands of its accomplished chefs, peppers,
annattos, chayotes, fish, lobster and shellfish, are combined into unparalleled
gastronomic delights which reflect the flavor of the island: Spicy sweetness. As
renowned for its tiny bistros as for its sophisticated restaurants, often housed
in colorful old traditional houses or “cases”. Truly unique for
its long and rich tradition of culinary excellence and true cosmopolitan flair,
the island has adopted, and sometimes adapted, the cuisine of many nations.
Dining out in St Martin is often like traveling to a foreign country: the
decor, the aromas, the flavors and even the accent of the staff, can transport
you
instantly to a little corner of European.
The Nights
When the sun sets and the day is
done, barmen, croupiers, waiters and musicians spring into action to capture your
imagination for the evening. Whether it's the heart pounding sounds of the
discotheques, the traditional calypso and reggae or the more relaxed offerings
of a jazz trio, there is music to soothe all tastes. Perhaps lady luck is
tugging at your sleeve and a turn at the cards is in order. Whatever your
evenings expectations, St Martin will deliver it in fine style.
And when the day is over and you're properly sated
you can sleep the sleep of angels with the knowledge that tomorrow...the
masseuse will be waiting for you at the beach.
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