Things to do in Sint Maarten

In stark contrast to the island’s hidden beaches, Orient Bay is a long-time fan favourite on French Saint Martin. With lively restaurants, powdery white sand, and calm, turquoise water, it’s easy to see why Orient Bay is a beloved spot for both tourists and locals alike. Head to the south side for the nude/LGBT-popular section. Over in Sint Maarten, Great Bay lies parallel to Philipsburg (the area’s main boardwalk and shopping street.) You’ll likely have to share Great Bay with cruise ship day-trippers, but the beach is still gorgeous (and just steps away from the riveting heart of the Dutch colonial downtown.) Of course, no mention of Saint Martin / Sint Maarten is complete without Maho Bay. This iconic beach is where Instagrammers flock to photograph planes flying low overhead on their way into the Princess Juliana International Airport. It’s undoubtedly touristy—and yet it remains an undeniable Saint Martin must-do.

When you’ve had enough of the sand and sea, head inland to explore SXM’s lush rainforest at Loterie Farm. A 300-year-old plantation tucked away in the Pic Paradis hillside, expect a combination of chic treehouse cabins, posh pool parties, and extreme zip lining. Whether you come for one of Loterie Farm’s epic events or simply to seek solitude hiking along its many trails, the expansive nature preserve delivers a unique way to experience the island’s tropical forest.

Travellers descend on Saint Martin / Sint Maarten in large part for its prized duty-free shopping. From high-couture fashion to jewellery, fragrances, and handicrafts, you’ll find a plethora of both independent boutiques and internationally renowned brands selling stylish essentials. Quaint and colourful Marigot is one of the best areas to explore, with a variety of beautiful shops and bistros conveniently located alongside one another. Keep an eye out for renowned brands like Jean Paul Gaultier, Gianfranco Ferre, and Vilebrequin. We also love 12 Kennedy Street, a wonderful concept store dedicated to promoting French brands that cultivate the art of living—and, even better, is curated exclusively for men.

There are plenty of cookie-cutter art shops around the island selling overpriced tourist kitsch. Skip these and head straight to Tropismes, a Fine Arts gallery run by artists Paul Elliott Thuleau, Nathalie Lepine and Patrick Poivre de La Freta. Tropismes exhibits original pieces and prints by the aforementioned artists, along with one-of-a-kind work by contemporary Caribbean talent. Another excellent spot is the Roland Richardson Gallery. An SXM native, Richardson’s 19th-century Creole home turned art gallery offers a mesmerizing look into his vast body of work that commemorates the raw beauty of Saint Martin / Sint Maarten.

Dining in Saint Martin is a unique way to indulge in the best of French cuisine (without all the pretence of the mainland.) Many of the island’s most esteemed restaurants are part of Restaurant Row, located on famed foodie street Grand Case. Be sure to grab a seat at Le Pressoir for classical French cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. Named 2016’s Caribbean Restaurant of the Year, the extensive wine list is the best on the island, and the prix-fixe menu changes on a biweekly basis. Le Pressoir’s adjacent cigar and rum bar promise a foolproof nightcap to a decadent meal. Also on Restaurant Row is Ocean 82, a contemporary ocean-view establishment with lovely vistas of Creole Rock and nearby Anguilla. Book a table at sunset to fully enjoy the scenery; you can’t go wrong with the lobster risotto or succulent beef tenderloin. Finally, take a break from all the fine dining with a visit to a lola, a quintessentially local experience. These casual eateries serve up local favourites like barbecue chicken, grilled lobster, and the island’s most beloved dessert: jonnycakes. Sky’s the Limit and Talk of the Town are two popular lolas in Grand Case, but you’ll find a smattering of these no-frills eateries all around. Look for the ones with the longest lines of locals.

Saint Martin / Sint Maarten might be small, but it doesn’t want for lively nightlife. L’Escargot is an island institution, easily distinguished by the kaleidoscope of colours decorating the 170-year Creole cottage. Come on a Friday night for SXM’s best drag and cabaret shows, a riotous good time that attracts all fun-loving souls. For something a bit more low-key, Rhythm’n Booze Wine Bar and Lounge is a casual spot for good conversation with events most nights of the week, including jazz on Mondays and men’s night on Fridays. The award for most beautiful bar and restaurant goes to Palapa Grill + Lounge, with its lush herb gardens, tropical terrace, turquoise sofas and vibrant red walls. The innovative craft cocktails live up to the intimate ambience. When you want to imbibe in style, this is the obvious choice. For a gay club, Club Eros is your only option, open on Saturday evenings. It’s a worthwhile stop to find out where the action is the rest of the week.