Insider Info for St. Martin/Sint Maarten...
Both the Dutch and French sides of St. Martin are great places to play, shop, eat, drink and hang out on the beach. US dollars are accepted (change will be given in dollars on the Dutch side and Euros on the French side) and English is spoken almost everywhere, though it wouldn't hurt to brush up on a few basic French phrases before you visit the French side.
Our favorite place to stay on the Dutch side is Mary's Boon, a lovely laid-back hideaway that is right on the beach. It is off the beaten path, but not too far from the main promenade on the Dutch side, where you'll find casinos, restaurants and shops. The Fashion Cafe is affordable and delicious for breakfast and lunch, and it is just around the corner from the Maho Food Express grocery store, where you can stock up wine and snacks for your hotel room, or fully stock your villa kitchen.
For evening dining in that area, we like Soprano's Italian Restaurant (they are open late, which is nice) and Bliss, where you can lounge by the sea, enjoy great food and beverages, and have a dip in the pool. Rare, in Cupecoy, is a superb choice for an elegant, up-scale dining experience.
Simpson Bay offers many shops and eateries, including Ric's Place (where you will meet Di of Random Wind) and Top Carrot, serving great healthy food for breakfast and lunch. Topper's and Jimbo's in Simpson Bay both have excellent food and great atmospheres. (Check out the margaritas at Jimbo's!)
Marigot, on the French side of the island, is where you will find open-air markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They have everything from spices to fresh fish to clothing. A favorite eatery for lunch or dinner is L'Oiseau Rare, at the edge of the waterfront. At the Marina Royale, La Petite Auberge and Le Village serve great food right on the water.
If you are a wine lover, while you are in Marigot stop by Vinissimo, a wonderful wine shop ... Ask if they have a wine tasting scheduled during your visit! Outside of Marigot, Le Bounty Delicatessen is a great place to stock up on gourmet snacks and prepared dishes - we have purchased many a feast there!
Layla's in Nettle Bay is a recommended by Fanoula of Sunsmile Parasail. She says that this beach bar/restaurant has a pool and big playground for the kids ... Parents can socialize and have dinner while the kids play!
Need to chill on the beach for a while? Head to Friar's Bay and the Friar's Bay Beach Cafe - a perfect place to hang out, swim, eat lunch and just relax and enjoy yourself. The Calmos Cafe in Grand Case is another great place to enjoy sun, sea, beverages and food. Last time we were there, we spent the entire day with friends playing dominos, hunting sea glass, eating, drinking their killer margaritas, and generally having a great time.
Grande Case is the gourmet capital of St. Martin, so if you love good food this is the place to dine! Lovely shops and galleries are open late, and many of the restaurants are right on the water - very romantic! Il Nettuno is a favorite Italian restaurant of ours, and Sexy Fruits is a favorite boutique. For great places to stay, check out the Grand Case Beach Club and Le Petit Hotel.
Orient Bay is another great area on the French side. Visit Orient Bay village, where you can find live bands, local artists displaying their wares, markets, bars and restaurants. Fanoula also reports that there is a big "don't miss" party at Waikiki every Sunday night ... It heats up after 10:00 p.m!
A note about the beaches: Many beaches on the French side of the island are topless, and one area of Orient Beach is clothing optional. Going topless is a way to avoid tan lines, not an invitation to gawk, take photos, or hit on someone. Sexual activity is not permitted. Women who sun bathe topless should cover up when entering a bar or restaurant on the beach. Nude sun bathers will be expected to be dressed going to and from the beach, except when staying at a naturist resort, where clothing may be optional on the entire property. When in doubt, check with management or ask other guests!