St Maarten Beaches: Exposing Yourself to Life’s Pleasures
Although interracial mix of Dutch and French lineage and dispositions on the island of St Maarten might initially confuse you, the clash actually starts there. Between the two factions on the island is one unifying factor: its famous beaches and the au naturel attitude that goes with it. If you still can’t take the hint, then read on.
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St Maarten Orient Beach
For those who are completely comfortable in their skin, so to speak, St. Maarten Orient Beach is one of the most popular options on the island. Not only is it one of the busiest shopping spots, it is also one of the most carefree, literally. Here on the island of St Maarten, clothing ranges from being an optional afterthought to NOT being an option at all. Don’t be surprised to encounter a comedic site all over St Maarten Orient Beach, nude tourists shopping for designer swimsuits and dresses!
But more than just a shopping and club hopping area, St Maarten Orient Beach is also one of the richest in natural resources. It must’ve been what poet Denisen pictured of when he said that the cure for anything is salt water- sand, sweat and tears, the latter from happiness, of course. Here, you can simply relax on its cliché but continuously effective pristine white sands, free beach chairs and lined tiki huts. There is never a lack in action too as this part of the island of St Maarten provides you with all types of water sports from sailing, paragliding, jetskiing and snorkeling.
The most famous beach in the area is Club Orient at the south end of the island of St Maarten which was destroyed by a strong hurricane back in 1995 and later renovated to become the most popular nudist beach in the Caribbean. It is also in Club Orient where the most populous collection of nude sunbathers can be found.
Marigot St Maarten
Don’t be surprised if the waiter belts out a friendly ‘Bonsieur’ while delivering your Piña Coladas. At Marigot, the most French of all the districts with its largely Colonial and colorful structures, this comes as no surprise. In fact, the whole town has seemed to so intricately both cultures in its area that you couldn’t imagine the St Maarten Caribbean lifestyle and French disposition any other way.
Marigot is the capital of St. Martin. For those thinking this is just some form of typo, it’s not. St. Maarten and St. Martin are neighboring although two completely different places. St. Martin is part of the French West Indies while St. Maarten is part of the Netherlands Antilles. Because of its closeness to one another though, one can’t help but find a unique mix of cultures that can only be described as uniquely its own.
For those itching for a taste of Marigot’s beaches, apart from the famous Orient Beach, there are several treasures that can be found on Marigot’s shores. Rouge Beach is considered as one of the most naturally-blessed parts of the island. It’s ideal for those looking for a commune with the sea such as those planning to snorkel, swim or just relax in its shores. For those looking for a quieter escape, there’s always Anse Marcel at the Northern part of Marigot, with its calm waters and sleepy disposition.
So what else can you do at a French-colonized Caribbean town? Why, you eat of course. Marigot is famous for continuing the French’s high culinary tastes. Stroll through the Grand Case and you will find several dining areas worth an enthusiastic ‘Merci’ from cades, pastry shops, bistros, taverns and 4-star restaurants. As it has also maintain a deeply provincial root, Marigot is also famous for its craft and produce markets which, like many parts of both St. Maarten and St. Martin, are clothing optional. Be sure to check out some of the designer boutiques as well, selling haute couture, jewelry, electronics and the like, all tax-free. All these can be found in a relatively small area only about 3 or 4 streets wide at the southern part of town. If you think this is too small to be high end, you should know by now the French always found the Bigger-Better rule overrated.
Philipsburg St. Maarten
If Marigot completely shouts C’est magnifique, Philisburg St. Maarten, the Dutch capital is absolutely screaming Ja for all types of roles especially it being a shopping haven. Because all purchases in the area are virtually tax-free, many bargain hunters flock to the area for long shopping expeditions for everything from Japanese electronics, Italian leather goods, French couture clothing and native crafts. There are two main roads found in the area, Front Street and Back Street. But if shopping isn’t really your thing, the two main streets are still ideal for some sightseeing. Of importance in their architecture, for instance, is the Courthouse found in Front Street. There’s also the Simartin Museum for those who want the basics in Philisburg history, tracing its founding by John Philips in 1763 and its rediscovery by Christopher Columbus prior to that.
In Philisburg St Maarten, like all parts of the island, most of its activity is centered around the water. Since its early commercial growth, the city has now expanded into being one of the easiest stops for cruise ships. Because of this, there are now several great sightsees found at their boardwalk. Find many restaurants that still retain Philisburg’s original French and Creole recipes. Of course, Philisburg St Maarten has its own share of beaches that are must visits such as Philisburg Beach and Market, where the entrepreneurial spirit is still well and alive even amidst the activities on water.
Choosing which sights and beaches to go into first can be quite confusing, but it’s a dilemma worth facing especially since St. Maarten and St. Martin has raised the bar high to compete with its other Caribbean neighbors. And yes, this is the naked truth.