stmartin_en

Population:Approx: 36,000 - French St MartinApprox. 41,000 - Dutch StMaarten

Currency:Euro, €1 = 100 centsNetherlands Antilles florin orguilder, 1 guilder = 100 centsDollars, $1 = 100 cents

Opening hours:Shops are generally open 8.30amto around 5pm with a lunch breakof around two hours. Banks aregenerally open on the French sideMonday to Friday 8.30am to1.30pm, and on the Dutch sideMonday to Friday 8.30am to3.30pm, and some banks areopen on Saturday 8.30am tonoon.

Internet:www.st-martin.orgwww.st-maarten.com

Newspapers:The Daily Herald is the main dailynewspaper on the island, whileother publications include LePelican, St Martins Weekmagazine, St Maarten NatureMagazine and St Maarten Events.

Emergency numbers:911

Tourist information:Office du Tourisme St Martin/StMaartenAddress: Route de Sandy Ground,Marigot 97150, St MartinTel: +590 590 875721 or +590590 875643Email: [email protected] [email protected]

ST MARTINPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-06-25 | COUNTRY CODE: CBContents: The City, Do & See, Beach Life, Eating, Cafés, Bars & Nightlife,Shopping, Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps

Copyright © 2007 Fastcheck AB. All rights reserved. For more information visit: www.arrivalguides.com

© St Martin Tourist Office

ST MARTINSun-drenched and palm fringed, the island of St Martin/StMaarten is one of the most beautiful in the easternCaribbean. It also has a dual personality, with the north ofthe island being a little outpost of France, and the south sideoozing the warmth of the Dutch. The boundary between thetwo is almost non-existent, and visitors are free to enjoyeverything from watersports and cultural festivals toshopping.

Make your trip start at hoMe | www.arrivalguides.com

THE CITY #THECITY#


Hundreds of islands form the Caribbeanbut none are quite so enigmatic as StMartin and St Maarten. The island is one ofthe smallest ever to be divided, withresidents of both the French and Dutchsides working together in mutual friendshipand respect.

Culturally St Martin and St Maarten, whichcaught the eye of the Dutch and theFrench after Columbus discovered theisland in the 15th century, are quitedifferent. St Martin has some of the mostchic fashion shops and restaurants in theCaribbean, and beaches elegant enough torival those in Cannes and St Tropez, whileSt Maarten has the serious work and playethics of its fellow countrymen.

For the visitor, this means there’s lots todo, such as dining out on French a la cartecuisine and wines one day and samplefresh pastries inspired by the finest Dutchchefs the next, or enjoying activities likehorse riding, watersports and exploringbreathtaking beaches and scenery.

DO & SEE #DOANDSEE#


PhilipsburgThe capital of St Maarten, Philipsburg istucked in the southeastern part of theisland and is the centre for shopping andthe local cultural scene.

MarigotThe capital of St Martin, Marigot has rowsof patisseries and smart bistros that sitside by side with luxury fashion houses.Buildings are reminiscent of Colonialarchitecture.

Fort St. LouisFort St Louis is the largest historicalmonument in St Martin, and is named afterKing Louis XVI of France who built asettlement to protect Marigot during hisreign. It is located at Marigot Bay.

The Butterfly FarmThe Butterfly Farm in St Martin has rarevarieties of butterfly like the Tree Nymphand Blue Morpho which can be seen flyingin a tropical landscape within a meshcompound.

Phone: +590 590 873121Internet: www.thebutterflyfarm.com

OrleansOrleans is a little piece of 17th centuryFrance. A quiet fishing village also knownas the French Quarter, it is located on theeast coast and is believed to be where the

|DESTINATION: ST MARTINPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-06-25


French first settled.

BEACH LIFE #BEACH LIFE#

Ranging from long stretches of sandfringed by palm trees to coves and dunesthat attract families and sun worshippers,the beaches on St Martin and St Maartenare white, sandy and inviting. The largestare on the French side, and many arenaturist, while St Maarten has many prettycoves.

Maho BeachAlong the coast from Fort Amsterdam in StMaarten, Maho Beach is surrounded byrocks to be explored.

Address: Near Fort AmsterdamUnderground: Hire car or taxi

Simpson BeachThose who love secluded beaches will loveSimpson Beach. Shaped like a half moonand covered with the finest white sand, thebeach is reached from Simsonbaai, StMaarten.

Address: SimsonbaaiUnderground: Hire car or taxi

Orient BeachOrient Beach, known as the St Tropez ofthe Caribbean, is a sweep of sandy beachwhere rows of coloured sunloungers signalan affinity with tourism.

Address: Near OrleansUnderground: Hire car or taxi

EATING #EATING#


Visitors to St Martin and St Maarten will bespoilt for choice when it comes to eatingout. For lovers of French cuisine, there’sprobably nowhere else in the Caribbean, ifnot the world, where you can dine on a lacarte and French inspired gourmet food atsuch reasonably inexpensive prices - andusually al fresco or on the beach too. Finewine lists are usually in plentiful supply toaccompany the food.

Eating out is not so much a luxury as away of life and can takes hours. It isalways a sociable event. Most restaurantshave a good menu of meat, fresh fish andshellfish dishes, and look out for thewonderful aromatic Creole and Caribbeancuisine. Other popular cooking stylesinclude Mexican, Indonesian, American andItalian.

For diners looking for a quick snack, thereare plenty of beach bars which have almostnon-stop barbecues going with spicychicken and fish dishes cooked withtraditional Caribbean recipes. The aromaalone captivates the senses.

Antoine RestaurantA waterfront restaurant serving traditionalFrench cuisine with a strong fish influence.Known for its Lobster Thermidor.

Address: 119 Front Street, PhilipsburgPhone: +599 542 2964

TemptationA nouveau Caribbean restaurant in theDutch lowlands, with an expansive menu ofgourmet style cuisine and wines.

Address: The Lowlands, CupecoyPhone: +599 545 2254

L’EscargotThe colourful Creole style building temptsdiners inside to a menu of fine seafoodcuisine complemented by a French winelist.



Address: 96 Front Street,PhilipsburgPhone: +599 542 2483

Restorante LagunaDecorated to a style reminiscent of Italianarchitecture and decor, this restaurantserves fine Italian cuisine, includingauthentic pasta dishes with sauces, allprepared and cooked using ingredientsimported from Italy.

Address: 102 Airport Road, Simpson BayPhone: +599 545 2011

Citrus at CupecoyElegant surroundings provide the settingfor a menu inspired by French a la cartewith a strong fish presence. A good winelist is offered.

Address: 130 Lowlands, Cupecoy.Phone: +599 545 4334

CAFÉS #CAFES#

© Stockexpert

Throughout St Martin and St Maarten thereare cafes and informal restaurants to enjoysnacks and beverages, while most of thebusier beaches have their own cafes.Usually offering good, local fresh producethey are always relaxing.

Bikini Beach CafeCafé serving fresh snacks and beveragesright on the beach.

Address: Orient Beach, St MartinPhone: +590 590 874325

Coco Beach CaféServes fresh snack food and beverages

throughout the day.

Address: Esmeralda Resort, Orient bay, St MartinPhone: +590 590 873462

Pizza GalleyGreat pizzas and pasta dishes, dessertsand coffees all from an atmospheric cafélocated just a few steps away from thedrawbridge near St Maarten Yacht Club.

Address: Airport Road, Simpson Bay, St Maarten.Phone: +599 557 7416

Joes Grill & RibsInformal restaurant serving snacks andmeals of ribs, beefburgers and kebabsstraight from the grill.

Address: Simpson Bay, St MaartenPhone: +599 557 9954

Top CarrotInformal café restaurant with a terracecomplete with palms and shrubs, servinginternational cuisine.

Address: Simpson Bay Road, St MaartenPhone: +599 544 3381

BARS & NIGHTLIFE #BARSANDNIGHTLIFE#

© Stockexpert

Nightlife in St Martin and St Maarten tendsto mean long, cool cocktails on the terracebefore dinner, followed by relaxing mealsof French and Caribbean inspired cuisine,although often visitors head for the casinosand beach bars for a livelier evening ofmusic and local drinks. The island has 12casinos, all on the Dutch side.



8 Ball Pool Room & BarBar offering a chance for all the family tolearn pool in a fun atmosphere. All daybreakfast and meals served.

Address: Sister Modesta Road, Simpson Bay, St MaartenPhone: +599 545 5624

The Gizmo OverloungeA new, modern nightclub with a residentDJ playing the latest sounds, oftenaccompanied by bongo drums. The Gizmohas one of the biggest bar areas in thearea.

Address: Maho Beach Resort, St MaartenPhone: +599 557 1995

Sint Rose CaféAn arcade in the centre of Philipsburg openthroughout the day and into the eveningon selected nights.

Address: Front Street, PhilipsburgPhone: +599 542 5101

Diamond CasinoA casino in the heart of the St Maartentown for anyone who loves a flutter.

Address: Front Street, St Maarten.Phone: +599 543 2583

Bamboo BerniesA popular Tiki garden, Bamboo Berniesserves more than 30 exotic cocktails,including a lethal concoction called SharkBite, which can be enjoyed during eveningslooking out over the Caribbean. It also hasa sushi bar.

Address: The Caravanserai Resort, St Maarten.Phone: +599 545 3622

Kontiki BarLong days and evenings can be spent atthe bar sipping cocktails and relaxing tomusic on the beach. The aroma from a grilloften entices.

Address: Orient Bay, St MartinPhone: +590 590 874327

Cabana Beach Bar and RestaurantThe Cabana is a lively venue with localmusicians providing the entertainment fordancing until dawn.

Address: Sunterra Resort, Royal Palm Beach, Simpson Bay, StMaarten.Phone: +599 544 3737

SHOPPING #SHOPPING#


St Martin and St Maarten are a shopper’sparadise, especially if high couture fashionfrom French and Italian houses, gold andgems, luxury electronic items from the FarEast, leather goods such as handbags andcases, watches, fragrances from theworld’s top perfumery companies, fineporcelain and crystal, and specialised craftssuch as Chinese and Caribbean goods aresought because the island enjoys aduty-free shopping environment.

Shopping in St Maarten centres aroundFront Street in Philipsburg, close to wherecruise ships arrive. Passengers from shipstouring the Caribbean are drawn to theshops, especially at the point where theydisembark. In St Martin, shopping tends tobe focussed on Marigot, where numerouschic shops and boutiques, and theair-conditioned waterfront West Indiesshopping mall prove a temptation forshoppers.

Markets hold a fascination for visitors, too,especially if looking for local crafts andproduce. At The Marigot Market forinstance, visitors rub shoulders with



residents as they purchase tropical fruitsand spices, freshly caught fish and crafts.It is a great way to experience theinformality of the St Martin and St Maartenand people watch.

SLEEPING #SLEEPING#


St Martin and St Maarten are populardestinations for affluent holiday makersand as such have seen many eleganthotels built. They range from town centrehotels to those overlooking the crystalclear waters and beaches. Prices can be ineither Euros or dollars, but mainly dollars.

EXCLUSIVEAlamanda ResortA 42-room hotel situated next to the beachat Orient Bay. Activities includewatersports and fine dining.

Address: Baie Orientale, St Martin.Phone: +590 590 528740Internet: www.alamanda-resort.com

St Tropez Hotels CaraibesA striking hotel set within tropical gardens,the hotel is located right by the beach.

Address: Baie Orientale, St MartinPhone: +590 590 874201Internet: www.st-tropez-caraibes.com

GOOD VALUEEsplanade HotelA night in this architectural hotel located inthe fishing village of Grand Case will beone to remember.

Address: Grand Case, St MartinPhone: +590 590 870655Internet: www.lesplanade.com

Beach Plaza HotelWalking distance from Marigot town centreand right on the ocean beach, this 4-starhotel offers the chance to watch thesunrise on its waterside terrace.

Address: Baie de Marigot, St MartinPhone: +590 590 878700Internet: www.hotelbeachplazasxm.com

BASICColombus HotelLocated right on the beach at Dawn Beachwith views out over the marina, the hotelis a place to relax and enjoy some finefood.

Address: Oyster Pond, St MartinPhone: +590 590 874252Internet: www.colombus-hotel.com

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION


AirportSt Martin and St Maarten are served by thePrincess Juliana International Airport in thesouth near Simpson Bay, with small planesonly arriving at L’Esperance airport in thenorth. Cars can be hired from the airportalthough taxis take visitors anywhere onthe island. Approximate fares fromPrincess Juliana International Airport are toMarigot €10 Grand Case €16 Nettle Bay€12 and Orient Bay €20.

Phone: +599 545 2060Internet: www.pjiae.com



Public TransportHiring a car is the best way to get around.Motorcycles and mopeds are also availablefor hire, or visitors can hop on jitneys, theusual modes of transport for islanderswhich are an inexpensive way to explorethe island. You can hail a jitney and theywill have signs as to where they areheading

TaxiTaxis can be hired at Princess JulianaInternational Airport and at all majorhotels. They have no meters, but driversmust follow official rates for travelthroughout the island. Rates rise 25% after10pm and 50% after midnight. Tel: +599545 4317.

PostPost collections and delivery times vary butare always displayed at post offices.

PharmacyPharmacies are located throughout theisland. Tel: +599 542 2222 for emergencyinformation.

DentistDentists are located throughout the island.Tel: +599 542 2222 for emergencyinformation.

TelephoneWhen calling from abroad, the countrycode for French St Martin is +590 590followed by the local number which is sixdigits long. The country code for Dutch StMaarten is +599 5 followed by localnumber which is five digits long. Callsbetween the two countries areinternational. From St Martin to St Maartenuse the prefix +599 54 followed by thefixed phone number or +599 55 or +599 5followed by the cellular number. Calling

from St Maarten to St Martin use the prefix+590 590 followed by the fixed phonenumber or +590 690 followed by thecellular number. Phone cards, which mustbe used for all public phones, are prepaidand bought at the post office and somestores in downtown Marigot.

Electricity220 volts (50 Hz) in St. Martin, and at 110volts (60 Hz) in St. Maarten.

Tourist TrapsVisitors need to buy a phone card ifplanning to use public telephone boxes,which must be prepaid. They can bebought from post offices or some stores inMarigot. When out exploring keep wellaway from the Manchionneel tree as it isextremely poisonous and should not beeaten or its caustic sap exposed to theskin. With deep green leaves and little fruitwhich look rather like green apples, ittends to grow alongside beaches Contact aphysician or a pharmacist immediately ifeaten or contact with the skin.

#ESSENTIALINFORMATION#


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