Each summer season our household of 5 likes to journey. Final 12 months, we wished to enterprise to Paris however between the excessive value of airfare and the Summer season Olympics, it simply wasn’t possible. As a substitute, we opted to go to the Caribbean Island of St. Martin on a direct flight from Boston Logan Worldwide Airport.
This distinctive island contains two international locations with open borders, so there are not any checkpoints when crossing over into every one. Saint-Martin is an abroad collectivity of France whereas Sint Maarten is a constituent nation of the dominion of the Netherlands. Regardless of which aspect of the island you’re on, you’re feeling like you’re in Europe with a Caribbean twist.
Tourism to the island has been rising for quite a lot of years partly because of the Dutch-French duality expertise, in response to journey recommendation website TravelAge West. A St. Martin newspaper reported that the island noticed a 7% progress in cruise tourism at the beginning of 2024.
We stayed on the new JW Marriott St. Maarten Seaside Resort and Spa for every week on the Dutch aspect of the island, nevertheless it was solely a five-minute drive to the French aspect. The plunge pool exterior our room was our favourite characteristic of our keep. As we cooled off within the pool, we appreciated the ocean views of two islands, paying homage to the landscapes you’d see in Italy or Greece. If I wished a bigger place to swim, I might stroll just some steps to take a dip within the ocean—by far the closest my lodge room has ever been to the water.
Whereas we had been there, we rented a automotive in order that we might expertise each side of the island. Driving was a bit tough with all of the velocity bumps and winding roads, nevertheless it was undoubtedly price it. Sometimes we use public transportation or stroll once we journey, however neither was an possibility because of the lack of public transit, massive hills and few sidewalks. We couldn’t even stroll to the resort subsequent door and a cab experience would’ve value $50 spherical journey. We had been in a position to discover your complete island (each international locations)—seashores, eating places, historic forts and extra—which wouldn’t have been attainable and not using a automotive.
The French aspect: Saint-Martin
On the French aspect, the official language is French. Nevertheless, most individuals additionally spoke English and did so with us as soon as they realized we had been People. The road indicators and menus had been additionally written in French however usually had English beneath. The official forex is the euro however U.S. {dollars} are accepted at most locations.
Eat crepes in a French café
One of the crucial French experiences we had—and my favourite expertise general—was consuming breakfast at an out of doors café situated within the Saint-Martin capital Marigot. My daughter loves crepes so I researched the very best crepes in Saint-Martin and located Ti Breizh. Our waitress, who was additionally the proprietor, warmly greeted us with a “Bonjour.” She appeared to know the opposite prospects, chatting with them in French as they learn the newspaper whereas consuming their crepes. We ate our délicieux meal whereas people-watching the passersby.
Take a ferry to Îlet de Pinel
For a French expertise much like the French Riveria, take the five-minute ferry to Pinel Island, or Îlet de Pinel. We rented chairs and an umbrella for the day. In addition to catching some rays on the seashore, you may as well hike a path to view the opposite aspect of the island. We dined within the Karibuni restaurant for lunch whereas listening to the workers converse French and watching the boats cross by within the harbor. C’est magnifique!
The Dutch aspect: Sint Maarten
On the Dutch aspect, Dutch is the official language however most individuals spoke English. Throughout our keep on the island as an entire, we heard extra French than Dutch spoken largely attributable to folks talking English on the Dutch aspect. The official forex is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, however the U.S. greenback is accepted at most locations.
Karaoke on the Oyster Bay Seaside Resort
Subsequent to our lodge was the Oyster Bay Seaside Resort. We ate dinner there one evening after which ventured over to the bar space to observe different visitors carry out karaoke. The entire expertise—the singing, the ocean views and the cobblestone patio—reminded us of the musical theater manufacturing of Mama Mia, simply with barely much less seasoned singers. It might not have been a Dutch expertise, however there was undoubtedly a Greek vibe to our adventures that evening.
Dutch Blonde Seaside Bar and Restaurant
Situated within the Sint Maarten capital Philipsburg is the Dutch Blonde Seaside Bar and Restaurant, which has a windmill like these the Netherlands is known for, just a bit smaller and fewer practical. You may dine on Dutch delicacies like pannenkoeken whereas viewing the gorgeous Caribbean ocean.
Able to pack your baggage?
Although we didn’t get to go to Paris, our journey to Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin was unbelievable and allowed us to expertise quite a lot of European-like international locations along with the Caribbean. We hope to return someday, so bon voyage or fijne reis—relying on which aspect of the island you’re on!
Picture courtesy of FredP/Shutterstock
