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Half French (St. Martin) and half Dutch (St. Maarten - not St Marteen!), this island is one of the most interesting in the Caribbean. The French call the whole island St. Martin and the Dutch call it St. Maarten, however, the language used is mostly English and French. See Web site for more information. And St Martin's Press is a great up and coming Website. Cruise ships dock at Wathey Pier located at Point Blanche one mile south of Philipsburg. Front Street is the heart of the commercial center located in Philipsburg. In addition, Philipsburg offers six casinos, a museum (built in 1888), and a tourist office (see Web site above). The shopping district in Philipsburg offers the same bargain discounts on jewelry and electronics found in St. Thomas, however, the selection is better than any Caribbean island. See A Touch Of Gold for some extraordinary examples. In addition, St. Maarten has the highest maximum allotment ($ 1,200) exempt from duty in the Caribbean. By comparison, St. Thomas allows only $ 400.00 to be exempt from duty. Locally made jewelry, unset gemstones, and other items may be completely exempt on most islands. On the French side of the island is the truly French town of Marigot. French style boutiques, art galleries, perfumes, and outdoor cafe's are abundant here. Next to the marina is a Caribbean style open air market where locals sell arts and crafts. The French reputation for rudeness to tourist is not obvious on St. Martin. The locals are charming and friendly here. One of the finest golf courses in the Caribbean is located at Mullet Bay Resort. Horseback riding is available at Bayside Riding Club and includes ridding on the beach. Windjammer sailing charter at St. Martin (see
cruise ships on home page) Perhaps the most exciting and busy event that occurs on the island is the The Heineken Regatta sailboat race that occurs in March each year. The majority of the beaches are found on the French side. The Dutch side has the gambling, modern resorts, and duty free shopping. Clothing optional is the norm on both sides of the island although there are signs on many beach's prohibiting nudity. The signs are ignored in most places. Some of the finest resorts in all the Caribbean are located on the island. Flamingo Beach Resort is an extraordinary resort located five minutes form the airport, ten minutes from downtown Marigot, and fifteen minutes from Phillipsburg. Privilege Resort & Spa is another luxurious resort on the island. And Le Petit Hotel offers extraordinary luxury on the beach at St. Martin. For time share or whole ownership, see Sapphire Beach Club. Hotel L'Esplanade Caraibe is a Super Star Hotel located at Grand Case Bay. La Plantation at Orient Bay is another extraordinary hotel. And Maho Beach Hotel & Casino and Great Bay Beach Hotel are two of the larger hotels on the island. For a taste of Europe in the Caribbean, see Hotel St. Martin in the historic district of Colmar. The best local guide for hotels, restaurants, and Real Estate published in English and French, is Top St. Martin. St. Martin with it's European culture,
casinos, fine dining, and extraordinary shopping has taken much of
the tourism from the Virgin Islands. And rightly so, St. Martin has
a lot to offer.
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