Casita los CabosIt may be small, but it surely is in no way boring. The tiny 87 square kilometer island in the northeast Caribbean is fascinating for the way it blends its two dominant cultures. Fifty-three kilometers belong to France, while the rest are under the administration of the Netherlands. You might think that such small expanses of space will not be differentiated—you would be wrong. It makes all the difference which side you’re on, and, anyway, you’ll spot the differences as soon as you’ve landed. However, the important thing is that there are wonderful villas for rent and fun to be had on both sides of the island. The nightlife always seem to be festive and bustling. There are nude beaches on the French side, as well as awesome outdoor markets and clothing boutiques. It’s a great idea to shop for jewelry in St. Martin, and, no matter your side, you can enjoy exotic drinks made with local rum-based guavaberry liquors. Yet, when it’s all said and done, what can you actually do for fun on this tiny island in the middle of the ocean?
Go Snorkeling
There are plenty of places to go snorkeling, as anyone who’s ever rented St. Martin villas will tell you. However, if you want to enjoy this typically Caribbean experience in the best conditions, take up Captain Alan’s Three Island Snorkeling Adventure. Besides the snorkeling stops, you will also enjoy a mud bath adventure. The ride is very parent-friendly, since special admittance rates apply for children under twelve, while children under four ride for free. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are not for the more prudish ones of you, yet are great for the free spirited, since clothing is optional around the island on those days. The chartered boats can be operated either by public or private staff, and the whole fun experience is as safe as can be.
Shop Till You Drop
If you’re in that snazzy set of tourists who can afford luxury villas for rent in St. Martin, then you are bound to love the Tijon Parfumerie & Boutique in Grand Case. Not only can you purchase the latest, greatest and most expensive scents on the island’s only French perfumery. The truly amazing thing about the Tijon is that you can actually combine basic aromas to your heart’s content and create your very own perfume. Additionally, full lines of men’s and women’s perfumes, colognes, lotions, gels and powders are locally manufactured and sold here. For a truly fragrant souvenir, purchase anything in the Caribe Baie Sun Care Line, a candle or any other gift that tickles your fancy—bring your own piece of the Caribbean ack home with you.
Planes Overhead!
If you’ve gotten a bit to used to the tranquility and peace offered by most St. Martin villas, with their exclusive, privacy-focused locations, then head down to the Maho Beach. First off, it’s a great beach to explore in and of itself, with a beautiful view opening up to the Maho Bay. Secondly, aviation enthusiasts will be more than excited to watch planes flying overhead right above the beach. Basically, the beach is situated right at the very end of the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. And if you get thirsty or hungry, there’s a great little restaurant bar on the beach, ideal for a bit of people-watching on the side of plane-spotting.