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Saint Martin is an island split between French Guadeloupe and the Dutch Netherlands Antilles. It is one of the smallest land masses divided between two countries. The northern, French side of the island is known as Saint-Martin, and is 20 square miles. The southern, Dutch side of the island is known as Sint Maarten, and is 13 square miles. To avoid confusion between the three variations on the name, the two regions are commonly referred to as "the French side" and "the Dutch side".
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SEE DO EAT
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 SEE
- Butterfly Farm, Rte. de Le Galion, Quartier d'Orléans, Phone: 590/87-31-21, [2]. Daily 9AM-3PM. Stroll through hundreds of colorful butterflies under a tented mesh. A fun outing. $12 (good for your stay on the island).
- Pic du Paradis, Route de Pic du Paradis from Friars Bay Beach. Pic du Paradis is the highest point on the island (1400ft/427m) with two viewing areas that provide great views. The road is steep and isolated and four wheel drive is required. This is also an isolated area and is safest seen as part of an excursion or tour.
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Beaches are a main attraction on the island of Saint Martin. It has 37 beaches total, with hotels holding property on most of them. Beach Bars and Cafes are very popular attractions on the island. They offer exquisite cuisines with European and Caribbean inspiration. Frozen cocktails are also a trendy treat to keep down the heat. Orient Bay, for example, has an underwater marine reserve where snorkeling and other water sports are available. All the beaches of Saint Martin are fine for swimming and sun bathing. The island caters to all, with beaches of fun things to do as well as secluded and more private ones. This being a European island, topless sun bathing is frequently seen. Completely nude sun bathing is also accepted but for the most part is limited to a section of Orient Beach on the French side of the island and Cupecoy Beach on the Dutch side.
One particularly famous beach is Maho Bay beach. The beach is situated at the end of the airport's runway, meaning large aircraft fly just feet over your head. Some people hold on to (or attempt to hold on to) the fence on airport premises as aircraft depart, but this isn't recommended. People have been injured doing this. However, the spectacular view of the airplanes landing so close is one that should definitely not be missed. Just beyond Maho Bay is Mullet Bay; some say it has the nicest beach on the island, but has few facilties. Virtually all beaches are described in web sites for the island.
A full complement of tours and excursions is available as well as watersports and parasailing.
- Loterie Farm, Rte. de Pic du Paradis, Phone: 590/87-86-16 or 590/57-28-55; [3]. Hikes and ecotours on a 150 acre preserve. Also a great cafe. Daily sunrise-sunset. $5, 1½-hr tour $25, 4-hr tour $45.
Casinos are also a main attraction on the island. The casinos are known for being high class, Vegas-like casinos located in a pristine Caribbean environment. St. Martin offers plenty of casinos located on both sides of the island. Some of the casinos available are Atlantis World, Casino Royale and Paradise Plaza. Come enjoy your playground!
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EAT
The island consists of 300 restaurants with a wide variety of catering available to both tourists and locals. The French cuisine and local flare is an exciting experience to most, but if you are apprehensive about trying new things, there are other restaurants to dine at. The island has restaurants that are American, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Vegetarian and more. Large modern supermarkets are available with American and European products as well if you would rather not eat out.
Sunset Beach Bar is right near Maho Beach. Basic food is served, like hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, etc. Be aware that you are paying for the view, not the food. As they advertise, topless girls drink for free. That being said, the view is perfect for viewing incoming aircraft, particularly between 2 to 4 pm.
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