Each summer time our household of 5 likes to travel. Final 12 months, we needed 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 aren’t any checkpoints when crossing over into each. 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’re feeling like you’re in Europe with a Caribbean twist.
Tourism to the island has been rising for various years partially because of the Dutch-French duality expertise, in line with journey recommendation web site TravelAge West. A St. Martin newspaper reported that the island noticed a 7% development in cruise tourism at the beginning of 2024.
We stayed on the new JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach 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 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, harking back to the landscapes you’d see in Italy or Greece. If I needed a bigger place to swim, I may stroll only a few steps to take a dip within the ocean—by far the closest my resort room has ever been to the water.
Whereas we have been there, we rented a automobile in order that we may expertise either 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 once we travel, however neither was an choice because of the 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 have been capable of discover your complete island (each international locations)—seashores, eating places, historic forts and extra—which wouldn’t have been attainable with no automobile.
The French aspect: Saint-Martin
On the French aspect, the official language is French. Nonetheless, most individuals additionally spoke English and did so with us as soon as they realized we have been People. The road signs and menus have 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 general—was consuming breakfast at an outside 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 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 workers converse French and watching the boats move 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 principally because of 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 Seashore Resort
Subsequent to our resort was the Oyster Bay Seashore Resort. We ate dinner there one night time after which ventured over to the bar space to look at 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 positively a Greek vibe to our adventures that night time.
Dutch Blonde Seashore Bar and Restaurant
Situated within the Sint Maarten capital Philipsburg is the Dutch Blonde Beach Bar and Restaurant, which has a windmill like these the Netherlands is legendary for, just a bit smaller and fewer practical. You possibly can dine on Dutch delicacies like pannenkoeken whereas viewing the attractive Caribbean ocean.
Able to pack your baggage?
Despite the fact that we didn’t get to go to Paris, our journey to Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin was unimaginable and allowed us to expertise a wide range 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
