Imagine sitting in an outdoor area of a bar with a bucket of Miller Lite Island Flavor and with a platter of mozzarella sticks and Dutch snacks at the beach by the airport. During lunchtime between the hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. crowds flock to Maho Beach in St. Maarten to see airplanes flying by ‘inches’ away and taking off, creating huge waves in an otherwise calm beach.
St. Maarten is the second busiest airport in the Caribbean and is also one of the most visited. One of the many draws to the island is the location of the Princess Juliana Airport. Its close proximity to Maho Beach creates a unique opportunity for tourists to witness the creation of huge waves and to see jets flying overhead a few feet away.
There is nothing quite like an experience at a beach where the main activity is not for sunbathing or swimming. Maho Beach is the ‘runway’ of St. Maarten.
Come with me to the island of St. Maarten where Dutch is widely spoken in one end and French is written on road signs and select restaurants and stores at another end. My guide and driver spoke perfect English as he hooted his horn and pointed out – that’s my friend from high school and that’s my uncle’s restaurant. Its like he knew everyone on the island.
When the Dutch came to St. Maarten in 1624 they found The Great Salt Pond. The native Arawaks had named the island “soualugia” – the land of salt. Local men of all ages and children were involved in the production of salt in that period. Slaves were brought in from Africa to meet the demands of salt. Production ended in 1949 in the Dutch side of the island and in 1967 at the French side.
St. Maarten is no longer a salt producing country. It is now made famous for its friendly people, beautiful beaches of all sizes, colors and shapes, duty free shopping at Philipsburg, the capital city and homes to the rich and famous.
Will Smith has a home up on a hill and we stopped in front of Clint Eastwood’s home. There was a horseshoe on the left side of the wooden gate.
As we traveled along the winding road to the French side, some of the houses looked run down and stores were empty. Many were colorful set on top of the hill. A lady walked with a baguette and red, white and blue flags were flying with the help of sea breeze.
Secluded on the east end of St. Maarten is Oyster Bay Beach Resort where cool drinks are served in the shaded courtyard by the bar or by the infinity pool overlooking the blue sky and turquoise water. The sun was shimmering hot and sunbathers were lying on the beach chairs either with a book or just enjoying the sun.
We were showed the apartment side of the resort with miles of ocean views, sandy beaches, less crowds and a view of St. Barts Island. He pointed out to a boat coming towards us from St. Barts. You can easily get from St. Maarten to St. Barts byboat in less than an hour. Water can be choppy and be ready for motion sickness.
Great Bay Beach by the capital city Philipsburg is a one and a quarter mile long beach with many restaurants, cafés, bars and shops just a few feet away. Surprisingly this beach was calm. We were told on a clear day we could see Saba Island. In the distance was our cruise ship.
Given the fact that St. Maarten has been the busiest cruise port in the Caribbean in the past decades, the island still maintains its island culture and friendliness. Attractions include shopping for gadgets, cameras, clothes, imported leather jackets and shoes and hundreds of variety of perfume and designer clothing.
A quick stop to the upper floor of a Chinese Restaurant was a perfect way to end our short trip to St. Maarten.
Are you yearning for a break from the cold? I am… reminiscence on the good times in St. Maarten.
Note: The bar in Maho Beach – Sunset Bar and Grill, Beacon Hill Road, Maho Beach, St. Maarten
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.