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It is hard to resist the charms of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, a tiny gem of an island that welcomes guests with lodges that will knock your socks off, if not your swimsuit.
Where else can you go to two distinctive but equally beguiling international locations in the span of an hour? The smallest land mass with two countries, St. Maarten delivers a pleasant mélange of cultures and cuisine.
Now is a best time to stop by, in advance of the cruise ships ramp back again up and the crowds descend on picture-postcard Philipsburg and Marigot, the town centers on the Dutch and French sides respectively.
Lush mountains, 37 idyllic beaches, European culture, Caribbean flair, responsibility-no cost shopping and epicurean encounters — how can you not enjoy the “Friendly Island”?
Four several years ago, Hurricane Irma broken 90 p.c of the island’s structures, leveling a third of them, but resilient St. Maarten emerged phoenix-like with even posher accommodations for its visitors. A situation in position is the luxurious and exclusive Morgan Resort & Spa. It is really positioned within just going for walks distance of the island’s famous Maho Seashore, where by element of the practical experience is watching the jets from around the planet glide on to the runaway at Princess Juliana Airport at heights so very low it seems you can touch these metallic birds.
The Morgan, unveiled just this earlier June, shimmers in white and blue, a resort seemingly transported from the shores of Santorini. The luxury boutique lodge with 124 ultra-modern guestrooms and suites encircles what at first seems to be like the top beach, total with swaying palms, gently undulating shoreline and crystal aquamarine waters.
Hold out, it is not a seashore at all, but alternatively a double-infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It mimics all the good of the real thing, minus the sand and the sharks.
With a swim-up bar with blackjack table and a waterfall, slide and grotto cave, it is tempting not to venture beyond, specially considering that overlooking the pool is a established of stylishly appointed cabanas with killer views of exercise at Maho Beach, moreover the personal Salt Cafe, helmed by government chef David Seeman and “Top Chef” competitor Ron Duprat, professional on Afro-Caribbean delicacies.
Enjoy bold flavors this kind of as the Caribbean paella for dinner and the Caribbean Benedict with lobster for breakfast. Rum flights that includes regionally crafted rums enhance the eating expertise.
Should you decide to enterprise out of the Morgan enclave, a on line casino awaits a several methods absent from the resort’s gated entrance. Mullet Bay, prosperous with snorkeling prospects, is a 20-moment wander, mainly alongside the shore.
A keep on the island should really incorporate a tour of island highlights. Swing by charming Oyster Pond with a picturesque marina on the French facet of the island. Feed foliage to the resident iguanas. Adhere to Coralita Road together the coast to the lookout in which St. Barth and Tintamarre Islands loom nearby.
Naturists will definitely stop at clothes-optional Orient Seaside, a will have to-do vacation spot for world-trotting nudists.
On the way to Marigot, swing by minor Grand Scenario, little in dimension but substantial in flavor as the Culinary Money of the Caribbean. In Marigot, regarded for its seaside open up-air current market, French cafes beckon with croissants and café au lait.
Loop again to Philipsburg, exactly where alongside Entrance Street you will find pastel-colored buildings, a quirky courthouse and an abundance of jewellery shops, memento outlets and luxurious brand name outfits retailers.
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The Boardwalk, ordinarily a beehive of travelers, is still vacant as it awaits the return of the cruise ships. The large promenade by the sea offers a crescent seaside, views of yachts, a plethora of retailers and eating places, as well as bars these as the eclectic Blue Bitch, recognized as “the spot to interesting down when you are in heat.”
Far more journey awaits the future working day. Sailing catamarans these as Spellbound consider people to Divi Bay, wherever tropical fish dart all over a sunken sub, helicopter and cannon. Ginger, the canine very first mate of Spellbound and a pooch acknowledged to climb a rope ladder, will welcome you aboard.
Rhino Safari Excursions go for the adrenaline with self-piloted two-man or woman Rhino Rider watercraft. The guided tour presents views of multi-million-dollar villas and mega yachts as it wends its way to Marigot ahead of heading to secluded beaches and Grand Scenario.
At Creole Rock on the French facet, visitors can snorkel amidst the wild reef.
For a mountain practical experience, Rockland Estate supply the Souliga Sky Explorer, a chair elevate that leisurely ascends 2,997 feet to the top of St. Maarten’s highest peak at 1,125 ft. Listed here you can witness stunning 360-degree views of Saba, St. Barth, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, and, of system, St. Maarten.
Return by means of the Sky Explorer or go for the rush of the Flying Dutchman, the world’s steepest and swiftest zip line.
2020 was an incredibly difficult 12 months for all the Caribbean islands, but the sun is shining once more in St. Maarten as visitors are lured by the water and the foodstuff and new lodges like The Morgan.
“We welcome guests as they take pleasure in a vacation like no other,” claimed Stewart Weiner, COO of Morgan.
More data on St. Maarten
St-maarten.com
Themorganresort.com
Rainforestadventure.com
Rhinotours.com
Stmaartencharters.com
Sonnenberg is a Melbourne-based travel and life author.
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