Each summer time our household of 5 likes to journey. Final yr, we wished to enterprise to Paris however between the excessive price of airfare and the Summer time 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 includes 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. Irrespective of which aspect of the island you’re on, you are feeling like you’re in Europe with a Caribbean twist.
Tourism to the island has been rising for plenty of years partly as a result of Dutch-French duality expertise, in keeping with journey recommendation web site TravelAge West. A St. Martin newspaper reported that the island noticed a 7% development in cruise tourism in the beginning of 2024.
We stayed on the new JW Marriott St. Maarten Seaside Resort and Spa for per week on the Dutch aspect of the island, however it was solely a five-minute drive to the French aspect. The plunge pool outdoors 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 may stroll just some steps to take a dip within the ocean—by far the closest my resort room has ever been to the water.
Whereas we had been there, we rented a automotive in order that we may expertise each side of the island. Driving was a bit difficult with all of the pace bumps and winding roads, however it was positively value it. Sometimes we use public transportation or stroll after we journey, however neither was an possibility as a result of lack of public transit, giant hills and few sidewalks. We couldn’t even stroll to the resort subsequent door and a cab journey would’ve price $50 spherical journey. We had been capable of discover the complete island (each international locations)—seashores, eating places, historic forts and extra—which wouldn’t have been potential with no 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 Individuals. The road indicators and menus had been additionally written in French however typically 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 French experiences we had—and my favourite expertise total—was consuming breakfast at an outside café positioned 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. Moreover catching some rays on the seaside, you can even hike a path to view the opposite aspect of the island. We dined within the Karibuni restaurant for lunch whereas listening to the staff communicate French and watching the boats go 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 a complete, we heard extra French than Dutch spoken largely attributable to individuals 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 resort was the Oyster Bay Seaside Resort. We ate dinner there one night time 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 could not have been a Dutch expertise, however there was positively a Greek vibe to our adventures that night time.
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 legendary for, just a bit smaller and fewer useful. You’ll be able to dine on Dutch delicacies like pannenkoeken whereas viewing the attractive Caribbean ocean.
Able to pack your baggage?
Though we didn’t get to go to Paris, our journey to Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin was unbelievable and allowed us to expertise a wide range of European-like international locations along with the Caribbean. We hope to return sooner or later, so bon voyage or fijne reis—relying on which aspect of the island you’re on!
Photograph courtesy of FredP/Shutterstock
