What you need to know
As you can all see I put a slash between “St.Maarten/St. Martin” this is because it’s two completely different places. Half of the island is Dutch and the other half is French. The two parts of the island have completely different governments, laws and even holidays! There’s even a boarder (but don’t worry, you don’t have to go through customs or even show your passport) each side is unique and has different things to offer, which is exactly why I’m making this post!
Where to stay
Depending on the length of your trip, I highly recommend staying a few days on each side. I’m going to give you guys a hotel on each side that is clean, comfy, and hospitable.
1. The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa
This hotel is on the Dutch side of the island, it’s excluded from the busy Simpsons bay (but only around a 15 minute cab ride) it’s safe, comfy (the beds 10/10), and clean. There’s a spa and a workout facility that’s actually up to date w their machines. If you go to the spa, get the after sun treatment! My fav part of this hotel is how quiet and secluded it is!
2. Belmond La Samanna
This hotel is on the French side of the island. The food on the French side is better in my opinion and this hotel is extremely high end, unfortunately the price reflects that, so it may not be the #1 choice for some. However if you’re willing to spend whatever it takes for an amazing hotel, then this is the one for you!
Where to eat
For this I’m going to give you guys 2 restaurants on either side of the island!
1. Aura Steakhouse
This restaurant is actually located in the Westin, it has your typical steakhouse menu. My favourite part of this restaurant was the service, everyone is so nice! P.S if you go, have the chocolate lava cake for desert!! (P.P.S, there’s a dress code, so check it out before you go!)
2. Canoa
This restaurant is on the Dutch side, it’s on the ocean bay dock. I’m a super picky eater so I pretty much live off of carbs and am not a great food judge, but the people I ate here with all loved it!
3. Spiga
So this restaurant is located in grand case which is on the French side of the island, grand case is a little town with a variety of different restaurants as well as a great beach view of the sunset! This restaurant is an Italian restaurant and is honestly just super yummy. It also has a lot of vegetarian options!
4.Trellis
This restaurant is also on the French side of the island, it has a great variety of food, it’s especially great for cheese and dessert!
What to do
1. Orient Beach
This beach is so much fun! There’s restaurants, shops, and a bunch of water sport opportunities. There’s also an adorable little restaurant turned nightclub on the beach called Kontiki. It’s so much fun & the vibes are great!
2. Loterie Farm
Where to shop
PSA: guys be super careful when you’re shopping here, there are a ton of fakes and they won’t tell you if you’re a tourist! Make sure you know how to tell the difference before making a big purchase!!! I honestly CANNOT stress this enough.
1. Marigot
Marigot is a city on the French side of the island, it has a great open air market as well as the West Indies Shopping Mall. If you’re looking for souvenirish authentic things then the open air market is perfect! However if you’re more into high end shopping then the West Indies shopping mall is for you.
2. Front Street Philipsburg
So this street is on the Dutch side of the island, it has lots of shopping from souvenirs to high end items. If you’re looking for stores like Cartier, Bvlgari, and Hublot then here’s the place to be. If you’re looking for jewellery of any kind then this is perfect since its tax free and prices are negotiable.
So that’s all I have to say about St. Maarten/ Martin! If anyone has any further questions feel free to hmu & I’ll answer them all.
Hope you all enjoyed, until next time, xoxo!
