Located in the amazing area of St Maarten Cay Hill, Lucky Stables may consider it self lucky for sure. They have a big ranch in the hillsides and with more than 30 horses they are the biggest riding school on the island. A dream came true for owner Roderick Halley when Lucky Stables opened in 1985. Truly dedicated to his job, he still enjoys every day being around these amazing animals and showing the beautiful nature around Cay Hill to his visitors.

Lucky Stables offers multiple thrilling and exiting rides through the hillsides of Cay Hill and you can even swim with your horse in the clear waters of Cay Bay. Next to this they have private tours and pony rides for children. Discover the amazing views and nature while your guide will tell you everything about the island that you want to know.

If you want to do something exceptional, you can go on a sunset ride, and enjoy the wonderful Caribbean sunset on a horse. If you are in the mood to do something romantic with your partner, go on the Champagne Night Ride. First you go on the trails for a nightly discovery. On the beach, a campfire awaits you, for roasting marshmallows and toasting champagne! Definitely an experience you will never forget.

For bookings at Lucky Stables you can contact the activity desk at the Princess Heights.

Princess Heights is a Luxury Boutique Hotel located in Dawn Beach, in the precious area of Oyster Pond. The hotel offers studio, one and two bedroom suites with stunning oceans views overlooking Dawn Beach and the French island St. Barths. Princess Heights is located on a 20 minute drive from Lucky Stables. This activity is highly recommended by the Princess Heights staff. For more information visit the website www.princessheights.com

Last Friday June 6 Irfan, Veronique and I from the Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Condo Hotel joined the Golden Eagle’s Friday farewell party for a full day sail around St Maarten. We would depart from Great Bay -Philipsburg, sail to Tintamarre (a small deserted island), after Tintamarre we would stop at Grand Case for lunch and then sail to either la Samana or mullet bay for a short stop before sailing back to Great Bay.

We had to be at their office at 8.30 am and around 9.15 am some strong guys joined forces and helped the crew to lift the sail (of course Irfan and I were helping); the trip could begin!

First up was Tintamarre, this was the roughest part of the trip, it happened more than once that we the front side of the catamaran was thrown in the air and splashed into the sea treating everybody up front with some refreshing ocean water in their faces. After surfing on some waves and enjoying the view of the east side of the island we arrived at Tintamarre.
This deserted island was great for some snorkeling, relaxing on the beach and in the water and for those interested for a mud bath. We stayed for about an hour and a half while the crew prepared some small sandwiches for during the sail to Grand Case where lunch would be. After some snorkeling and playing beach ball it was time to get back on board and continue trough quieter water to Grand Case.

In Grand Case they had an excellent 3-course lunch prepared at the calmos cafe which we enjoyed with everybody on board. After an hour or so it was time to get back on board and to head on to our next stop. Mullet Bay.

Back on the boat you could see that most people were a little tired because of the sailing, snorkeling, swimming, drinking and eating so everybody made sure they sat comfortable and enjoyed the easy and relaxing ride to Mullet. The last stop was at Mullet to swim and to drink some. After a short stop everybody got back on board again and we began our last part of the trip back to Great Bay.

We had a great day! The crew was excellent and made sure we had enough to drink and eat at all times; the sailing was so much fun in the beginning with the waves and so relaxing from Tintamarre. We honestly feel that spending a day on one of Golden Eagle’s boats is a guarantied day of fun.

Tom

Traveling abroad and getting to know the people as well as the many attractions each country has to offer is great.  But it is even greater when your visit may help contribute to the region’s social and economic background.

Such is the case of the Seaside Nature Park in the beautiful island of St. Maarten.  The Seaside Nature Park is owned by husband and wife, Alexandra and Roderick.  This couple has turned a former cow farm into a park that will seek to preserve the island’s pristine nature while at the same time offer tourists and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the trails and view of Cay Bay.

Aside for the love and respect of the land, the couple has a passion for horses which they share with the visitors.  Horseback riding tours are offered at the Seaside Nature Park where visitors may choose between 1 and 2 hour rides as well as carriage rides, romantic night rides and private rides for those seeking an intense experience.

The tour takes visitors out to the wide and numerous trails along the beach that will unveil the hidden beauty of St. Maarten.  The region’s vegetation includes wild cherry trees and a variety of cacti along the rocky shoreline.  Butterflies and hummingbirds will also accompany tourists during the ride.  And to top off this horseback riding tour, visitors will get to freshen-up while taking a swim with their horse in the blue ocean water.

Aside from sharing their horse passion and beauty of the land with visitors, Alexandra and Roderick also have big plans to work with the local children and community.  With the income gained from tourism, the couple is planning to offer Horseback therapy for the local children.

Alexandra, who works as a psychologist, has mentioned that many children in the region come from broken homes and from difficult situations.  Her intention is to offer these kids horseback therapy that will help them understand the relationship with other living beings.  With a horse for example, these give back what you give to them thus making it a wonderful exercise for the children.  Other activities will include a sort of youth group where outdoor classes and experiences will strengthen their ties and social abilities.

Other plans for the Seaside Nature Park include a souvenir shop that will be managed by the handicapped whom will also make and sell their arts and crafts.  An animal farm as well as educational guided tour for schools is also in store for the future.