Luxury Travel

Spotlight on St. Martin Saint-Tropez Style — Creole Charm

ast issue we looked at the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of St.Maarten/St.Martin– a delightful

dual nation that boasts over 37 breathtaking beaches. �is edition we will unearth the fabulous o�erings of its French governed region. �ough there is no marked border save a stone monument between the two countries, you’ll notice a change of ambience and lifestyle once you cross over.

�e French side is typically more laid-back and less commercial; there are no high rises and there are no casinos (gambling is illegal). But there are plenty of hip little nightclubs and a multitude of �rst-class dining options, especially in the Grand Case area. �e colourful Creole houses and shops make Marigot a warm and vibrant capital with a very European vibe—think bakeries boasting fresh baguettes and little outdoor cafes. Wednesdays and Saturdays, the main square comes to life with a wonderful open-air market o�ering Creole spices, local produce, fresh �sh, Caribbean clothing and entertainment.

�e stellar cra�s of well-heeled seafarers �ll the berths at Porte la Royale Marina, and for those without boats but lots of bucks, No Limits Charters o�ers million-dollar mega-yachts and classic sailing cra�s for hire. If you want to learn to sail while on holiday, the Maritime School of the West Indies is a �rst-class operation. �ere are many artisanal haunts and art galleries, and music festivals and regattas abound year-round. �ough the French annual “Carnival” is smaller than the Dutch celebration, it’s colourful and great fun with a distinctive Mardi Gras �avour.

For eco-trekking enthusiasts, many of St.

Martin’s natural areas are environmentally protected preserves with abundant wildlife, both topside and underwater. Spectacular, picturesque beaches like Baie Rouge, Baie Longue and Le Galion (a windsurfer’s delight) are well worth visiting, but it’s undoubtedly Orient Bay Beach that puts St. Martin on the map as the “Riviera of the Caribbean”. �is sprawling surfside playground of the rich and famous has a clothing optional policy at Club Orient, and full-service amenities, restaurants, bars, and watersports of every ilk including jet ski rental and parasailing. Visit: www.iledesaintmartin.org. For Dutch side: www.vacationstmaarten.com .

L

SUSAN CAMPBELL

LR

-- LuxuryReportMagazine.com