Although the island of Saint Martin is just a three-hour flight from Cayenne, it actually takes over five hours to get there with a stop-over in Fort-de-France (Martinique) then a change of planes in Point-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe). However, Saint Martin is one of the ultimate Caribbean destinations for those who love the beach, water sports, and duty-free shopping.
This small island was also colonized by France and the Netherlands, and today it is split into two parts. The Dutch side drains nearly 80% of the island's economy because it caters to mass tourism, cruise ship passengers, and party-goers. Casinos, prostitution, and stripping bars are all legal there. Moreover, taxes and the minimum wage are half as high on the Dutch side as on the French side which also favors business owners to operate on the Dutch side.
Anyways, here a few highlights of our ten-day stay on this very cosmopolitan English-speaking island. (Click on photos to enlarge)
Like most people, we enjoyed a little shopping in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side.
Another big thrill is Maho Beach, which is located just next to the airport. Planes are literally dropping on swimmers and sunbathers. Strangely, people don't even seem to mind the jet blasts of sand...
Just a five-minute boat ride from Saint Martin is Pinel Island (French side) part of a nature reserve. Unlike the Dutch side with its rampant urbanism, the French side is striving to protect the environment and create sustainable (but more expensive) tourism.
Here's the town of Marigot, the capital of the French side. There's a great open-air market in town most days and life is a lot more slow-paced than in Philipsburg.
The town of Grand Case (French side) is also highly reputed for its restaurants, considered some of the best in the Caribbean. Jack and I decided to treat ourselves to a tasty lunch with a fantastic view over the beach.
Here's Mullet Bay (Dutch side), a popular place for nudists. As I was taking pictures of the scenery, I saw some naked people sunbathing and OH MY GOD, I got so worried that they might think I was taking photos of them!!
With such a craggy coastline, it's always easy to find a secluded beach on Saint Martin and imagine yourself as Robinson Crusoe.
What a place, eh?!
