I´m Anne van Maanen and I study at NHTV University of Applied Sciences in Breda, Netherlands. I went as an intern to St Maarten in 2008-09 to work for the St Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association. These are the five reasons I would love to go back to St.Maarten
1. 37 Beaches. After five months of discovering the island, I still did not see every beach that St.Maarten has to offer! With its thirty-seven different beaches, one has many to choose from. Myself, I have seen about 20 beaches, each of them with their own characteristics. Meaning that I still need to experience 17 other beaches. From the quiet and peaceful Baie Plum till the crowded and entertaining ´Baie Orientale´, all of them cherished in my precious memories.
2.Culture. While being in SXM, I have experienced a lot of the culture. The whole laidback culture is still influencing my lifestyle here in Europe and I miss it every day. People are on the streets, socializing, playing games or just chilling. Or as they might say ´LIMING´. The way of living, makes me think that worries are for other times, just enjoy life! Just like the locals would say: ´awyo relax, nuh!´. Although people have a laidback way of living, they dress to impress. Especially going to the supermarket, where everybody knows everything about everyone. Just love it! As a former slogan of St.Maarten stated: ‘A little bit of Europe, a whole lot of Caribbean’.
3.Nightlife. If there is one island in the Caribbean where they know how to party, it is St.Maarten. With its diversity of bars, clubs and nightclubs on both French as Dutch side, you will never have a boring night. In fact if you would like you could go from happy hour to happy hour. From the typical Caribbean music style ‘Zouk’ at Lago Height, Reggae and Dancehall at Club Dejavu till House in one of the clubs like Tantra, Mansion or Bliss, you name it. Besides, every day has its own popularity spots to go to. Two for Tuesdays at the Alley, where you get two drinks for the price of one, or Soggy Dollar Bar at Friday where you can have a good beer for only 2 dollars. Or what about the parties at the beach, like Full Moon Party at Fryars Bay or the monthly house party at Karakter – Simpson Beach. For those who prefer a night of dancing definitely have to go to Booboo Jams on the French side where one can dance Salsa all night. Finally there is a Party Bus who travels to all party hot spots of the island, while doing all kind of drinking games. In brief, concerning nightlife St.Maarten has a lot to offer for everyone.
4.Experience St.Maarten. The island has a lot to offer, relaxation, shopping and nightlife are three important factors that make me want to come back. Moreover the events that are being organized are other important reasons for my comeback. To give you some examples: the well known Heineken Regatta, which is a 3 day event in March where sailing boats, fun and excitement are three keywords. The Regatta is a combination of sailing competitions and as the slogan says ‘Serious Fun’ at the Caribbean party nights. Another example is the Caribbean Carnival in April-May. Traditionally Caribbean Carnival parades showcase their talent and thereby preserving the islands culture.
Except for the events, St.Maarten by itself has also a lot of exciting activities to do/visit. Whereas I have visited Paradise Peak, the highest point of the island with a panoramic view of 360 degrees of SXM and neighboring islands, I never have visited the The Lottery Farm next to this point. One who visits this exceptional place feels like being in “paradise”. For there, everything is far from the daily activities and beaches which prevails on the island. Different scents, sounds or rather silences and vegetation. The Fly Zone through the trees is one of the many things that are on my ‘to do’-list in SXM. What’s more on the list; while being in SXM from August till January I have missed the Tuesday’s markets in Grand Case, a little Creole village. From January to May there are the ‘Mardis de Grand Case’ where you can discover the local craft, the local and gourmet cuisine in a festive, family and convivial environment. And then the Harmony Night festival, with brass bands and West-Indian orchestras is also something to come back for. Summing up there are a lot of things I haven’t seen yet, which are worth to experience in a Lifetime.
5.Food. The Creole village Grand Case, as mentioned above, is a capital of variety of cuisine. Dining at Michelin star awarded restaurants or just eating spare ribs for only 4 dollar at the local grills at seaside. The island has a lot of diversity in food and places to eat. Dining at the beach is one experience I will never forget and I would not mind doing this every night again. Except for the delicious dining possibilities on the island, the prices are also varied. All together makes the island a great place to dine extraordinary in all different ways!
