Toll Free: 877-624-6889
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Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on September 08, 2022
A tropical paradise in the Caribbean Sea is an island actually divided into two countries. St Maarten is the Dutch side on the southern side of the island. Saint-Martin is the French side on the northern side. All around the island are gorgeous beaches, and there are many luxury resorts where you can enjoy the amenities and services for an affordable price if you own St. Maarten timeshares.
Here are a few of the most popular things to do in St. Maarten, on the Dutch side, and some on the French side too.
Ziplining is popular around the world, and St. Maarten claims to boast the world’s steepest zipline. Called The Flying Dutchman, the thrill and adrenaline rush peaks at 56 miles per hour in a single drop as the 2,800-foot cable drops more than 1,000 feet. The ride is fast at 45 seconds, but it gives you time to take in the sweeping views.
It is located in Rockland Estates at Rainforest Adventures Park. The park also has a canopy tour, an innertube track, and an excellent restaurant. This is considered by many visitors to be one of the top things to do in St. Maarten.
The Dutch side of St. Maarten has several beautiful beaches that draw visitors from around the world to bask in the legendary Caribbean sunshine. Simpson Bay and Little Bay are two of the most popular, especially for St. Maarten timeshare owners since some of the best resorts are located off their beaches.
Simpson Bay features spots such as Simpson Bay Beach, the longest beach on the island, which stretches along most of the bay, but the nooks like Kim Sha Beach and Pelican Key Beach are wonderful as well. There are great restaurants and watering holes all across the coastline, and the sailing and watersports are terrific.
Little Bay Beach is the closest of the main beaches to the capital city of Philipsburg – about a 10 minute walk – and has some of the best motorized watersports on the island. Dotted with shops and restaurants, you can even take a brewery tour or explore nearby Fort Amsterdam – standing sentry since 1631.
Maho Beach offers the requisite white sand and crystal blue water but it also has an unusual attraction. The Princess Juliana International Airport is nearby with a short runway and huge passenger jets drop very low over the beach when they come in for a landing.
The Sunset Beach Bar has been right on the beach since 1942 and offers a perfect view of the incoming planes. It even has a flight schedule. If you prefer, go and stand with the people on the beach and watch the plane fly right over your head.
There are many places to swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean, but in St. Maarten, the preferred place by locals and tourists alike is Mullet Bay. You will find private coves, soft sand, and gorgeous scenery. An 18-hole golf course borders the bay as well as several palm tree groves.
St Maarten is famous for its many flavors of rum. You will find tasting places where you can sample the delicious variety and buy the ones you like the most. The best place is at the Guavaberry Emporium on Front Street. Samples of the famous Guavaberry Liquor is also available blended with cane sugar, guava berries that are native to the island as well as rum.
While shopping is not unique anywhere in the world, some of the items you can buy in St. Maarten are unique. Jewelry is cheaper because there is no sales tax and the items are duty-free. You can expect to pay up to 25% less on beautifully crafted jewelry and gems. Other items to look for on Front Street are:
• Dutch porcelain
• Guava berry products
• Designer clothing and shoes
• Hot sauces
• Cosmetics and perfume
• Linens
Strolling along the boardwalk in Philipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten, is a great way to unwind and tap into the local culture. You will have spectacular views of the Great Bay and the Salt Pond. There are plenty of quaint shops, and places to swim, relax and eat. St. Maarten timeshares give you access to all this and more - with activities on either side of the island.
Sailing is a popular activity throughout the Caribbean and St. Maarten is no different. One of the top things to do in St. Maarten is a sunset cruise with cocktails. You and your partner can embark at Philipsburg on one of the many boats and enjoy time alone, or you can join one of the arranged parties that float dreamily in the light of the setting sun, and on into the night.
Shipowners at the marina also offer sailing around the smaller islands that surround St. Maarten. This gives you the chance to see untouched islands and even visit a private cove.
One of the best luxury experiences on the island is on the French side. Loterie Farm is far from a farm, and considered more of a nature reserve, but has more than your standard walking trails. With private huts and tree houses, a cascading swimming pool surrounded by cabanas and day beds. It is like a club where you can meet new friends.
The delicious cocktails are served throughout the park. If you are interested, you can join the adventure activities such as ziplining over the canopy or enjoy the hiking trails that meander through the lush greenery of the 100-acre park.
The Canopy tour inside the park has a Fly Zone Extreme Canopy Tour that takes you through the treetops on your own. You will spend your time in the tree tops and you need not worry about environmental impact. The tour has minimal impact on biodiversity. All of this is located in the middle of the island at its highest point.
An important historical building on the island is Fort Louis in the capital city of St. Martin, Marigot. Built high above the city in 1776, you can meander through it for free, and get great views.
The French side also has perfumeries where you can learn about how to combine fragrances. Owners regularly gives a class about scents and how to choose your base scent, and then create your perfume. You won’t believe how many essential oils are there.
As you might expect, water sports are plentiful on both sides of the island. Surfing and snorkeling are the most popular, but for something different you can explore the rock cliffs at Tintamarre Island. Visitors need to bring their picnic because there are no shops, but the serene environment is heavenly.
Another possibility on the French side is SNUBA diving. This allows you to experience SCUBA diving without any lessons. You are attached with an airpipe to a raft with a 20-foot tube and you can see all of the underwater worlds and experience SCUBA diving without getting a certification.
Also, on the French side, there is Orient Beach, a clothing optional beach. It is perfectly legal to strip down and swim or enjoy the sun without getting a tan line. Don’t worry if you want to avoid nudity, there are plenty of other beaches in St. Martin but be aware that many of the beaches on the French side can be topless.
This popular Caribbean island may seem way out of your reach, but this need not be the case. Buying St. Maarten timeshares opens the world of travel for you and your family at a price you can afford.
St Maarten timeshares are hugely popular and getting out in the sun is good for your health. Your family will thank you for years to come, so take a look at the resorts below as decided by our customers.
Just steps away from Kim Sha Beach opening onto Simpson Bay, you’ll have access to this stunning part of the island. Studio, one-, two- and the three-bedroom Penthouse suites are your choices with kitchen facilities and all the comforts of home. Enjoy a massage in the Spa or a drink at the bar when not lounging poolside.
Right in the middle of all the action, this beachside resort in Philipsburg means you can bask in the sun on Great Bay Beach, yet stroll into town for shopping, dining and even casinos. Studio, one- and two-bedroom units provide plenty of choices, and beach chairs, beach towels and Umbrellas are all provided for your comfort.
Divi Vacation Club’s St Maarten resort sits on a private peninsula between Little Bay and Great Bay, providing everything you need for a spectacular stay. Amazing beach, pools, Spa, watersports, bars, restaurants and even an all-inclusive option are on offer from your choice of studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom suite.
Just above Kim Sha Beach facing Simpson Bay, your one-, two- or three-bedroom suite gives you views that will take your breath away along with access to the beach, pools, fitness center, beach bar and restaurant. Palapas are available on the beach in case you need a break from the sun.
Looking out over Simpson Bay from Pelican Key, the views are extraordinary from the studio and one-bedroom timeshare suites. Apart from the beach, you’ll also enjoy sports courts, tennis court, pool, hot tub and onsite pool bar and restaurant. Watersports are close by and the car rental desk makes it easy to organize trips over to the French side of the island.
Whenever you choose to visit St Maarten, we can help you find the right timeshare for your trip. Contact one of our licensed agents by clicking here to leave us a message or by calling on 877-624-6889 for more information.
Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner.
A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 36 years’ experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives.
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