Featured

Hotels & Villas
Oyster Bay Beach Resort

Perched on a palm-dotted promontory and surrounded by Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond is St. Maarten's most private and distinctive hideaway - Oyster Bay Beach Resort. Like St. Maarten - a beautiful island that [ ... ]

Hotels & Villas
Belmond La Samanna Villas

One of the most distinguished addresses in the Caribbean, Belmond La Samanna Villas offer the ultimate in luxurious Caribbean accommodations and services. Residential in feel, but private and exclusive [ ... ]

Hotels & Villas
Porto Cupecoy

Perfectly situated on the Dutch/French border of internationally acclaimed Sint Maarten, Porto Cupecoy is redefining resort living with an inspiring style, an unassuming elegance, and a wealth of amenities [ ... ]

Restaurants
Lee's Roadside Grill

Lee’s Roadside Grill opened for the first time in 1997 and it has now grown into a thriving must visit open air restaurant. Located in Simpson Bay on the lagoon, Lee’s Roadside Grill offers a totally [ ... ]

Restaurants
L'Oursin Restaurant at Belmond La Samanna Resort

The elegance of Belmond La Samanna's rooms and suites is complemented by the tempting variety of its cuisine, an irresistible combination of French and Caribbean specialties enhanced by one of the most [ ... ]

Restaurants
The Infinity Restaurant

The finest, most delectable international cuisine is just steps away from your room at Infinity Restaurant, located across from our open courtyard. Ocean views, outdoor dining on our elegant terrace, [ ... ]

Shopping
Caribbean Gems

CARIBBEAN GEMS, established in 1983 has been consistently voted as St. Maarten’s #1 jewelry store in an independent poll conducted by The Daily Herald. High quality merchandise, competitive pricing and [ ... ]

Beaches
Dawn Beach

Dutch Side - Atlantic Ocean
This is a lovely white sandy crescent shaped beach with plenty of coral rocks and big ‘surfing’ waves. Remember, you’re now on the Atlantic Ocean with bigger and rougher [ ... ]

Beaches
Orient Beach

French Side - Atlantic Ocean
Do you enjoy Monte Carlo, St. Tropez or Nice? If your answer is yes, you will love Orient Beach, THE most popular beach on the island. On the hillside, several hotels provide [ ... ]

May 2014 Newsletter

The
StMaarten/StMartin
Connection

"…the SXM newsletter for experienced travelers!
 
Connecting YOU with Paradise!"


Dear Friends of St. Maarten,

From everything I've heard from speaking with Managers/Owners in the business community on St. Maarten/St. Martin, the 2013-2014 Winter Season (December 15th to April 15th) "Was great, excellent, one of the best, or very good" depending on who I spoke with. No one told me they had a bad season or that business wasn't good. That's refreshing because like the rest of the countries on this planet, the island is tied to the World's economy and as many of you remember, the recession that began in 2008 was pretty devastating to millions of people in numerous countries.

That said, I'm very happy to report that for the last few years, our little piece of paradise has been doing extremely well. As you probably already know, the tourism numbers for the island are up again. On some days, there just isn't enough room in Great Bay to park all the gigantic cruise ships that visit the island. Here's some stats: During January, 112 ships visited the island and in February 86 ships. This was during the Winter Season. Thirty ships are scheduled to arrive in May and 25 ships in June, which is part of the Spring or Slow Season. In all, more than 2,000,000 tourists visit the island each year by ship and another one million plus visit by planes arriving from many countries of the world.

To handle this avalanche of visitors, new hotels are in the planning stages, new condos, villas and apartments are being built and as I write this newsletter new restaurants and other businesses are opening to ensure that visitors from abroad will go home with wonderful memories. On top of all this, I know that the Dutch and French Tourism staffs are hoping that in the months to come YOU will be among those visitors to the island making your own beautiful memories.

Don't wait! Start planning your trip today! 

Regards,
Sam Fusco
President/Publisher

Winner of the 2006/2007 St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association's
Crystal Pineapple Award for Outstanding Tourism Journalism -
Former Board Member of the St. Maarten/St. Martin American Marketing Association

Featured in this issue:

1. Poem: Oh, Sweet St. Martin Land by Laura Richardson
2. Featured Villa: Belmond La Samanna Villas
3. Featured Shop: Sint Maarten Guavaberry Company
4. Featured Restaurant: Rare & Temptation
5. Sign Up to Win a Dream Vacation for Two
6. Featured Hotel: The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach, Resort & Spa
7. Sam's Selection: StMaarten/StMartin Images

8. Featured Activity: Belmond La Samanna Weddings
9. Featured Article: Marigot, The French Capital by Laura Richardson 
10. Complimentary FREE Gift Certificates
11. What's Happening in Paradise?
 


Featured Poem 


SweetStMartinLand 703x384

“Spring Cedars in La Savane” an original “Plein Air” oil by Sir Roland Richardson, St. Martin


Oh, Sweet St. Martin Land

Oh, Sweet St. Martin Land, 

whose slopes and curves

recline to bathe in sun,  

and valleys glow in

verdant shades of velvet grass,

 
that breathe with fresh cool breeze,

and lift the quiet dawn as day’s begun,

 
as turquoise rolls in endless laps,

her constant churn like smooth sea glass, 

Oh, Sweet St. Martin Isle,

with pearl white sands and

porous limestone cliffs, 

that mark the treasured lands

of people past, 
 
a rainbow world, with hidden caves

and stone-carved petroglyphs,  

where wood-laid galleons toured

by ancient sail and mast, 

Oh, Sweet St. Martin Home,

Here, love bound me,

sewn perfect to her seam,  

and smoothed the rippled
spirit of my past,  

as if a stone was thrown
into a stream, and landing still,

its pattern flowed in burgeoning rings,

born of a fertile dream.

Oh, Sweet Martin Land. 

 

 <><><>

Painting by Roland Rechardson; Poem by Laura Richardson
Laura and Sir Roland Richardson would be delighted to hear from you!
Visit their beautiful gallery at:
Roland Richardson Gallery Museum
#6 rue de la Republique Marigot, St. Martin
Where Fine Art, History and Nature Abound!
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Magic Jack, Tel: 1.443.982.0683 - Website: www.rolandrichardson.com


© Copyright Laura and Roland Richardson 2014

 

 


 

 

 

 

Featured Villa

 

Belmond La Samanna

 
VillasCliffside1-R

 

------------__The Villas at Belmond La Samanna

 

------------------ Opportunities to Rent a Belmond La Samanna Home  

One of the most distinguished addresses in the Caribbean, Belmond La Samanna Villas offer the ultimate inLSVLiving375x250 luxurious Caribbean accommodations and services. Residential in feel, but private and exclusive in nature, the Villas exude simple elegance and exquisite design. Each Villa features more than 4,600 square feet of exclusive living space, private wraparound infinity pools, breathtaking Caribbean ocean views and master bedrooms with alcoves and oversized private terraces. Whites, blues and corals shimmer against white granite. And off in the distance, a setting sun is the evening's entertainment. Our Villas have three or four bedrooms and can be rented for as long or as short a time as you wish.  

LSVVilla375x250Elevated high atop a rocky bluff, Saba Island rises in the distance, while La Samanna's Baie Longue beach rests down below. The gentle cove is known the island over for its mesmerizing marine life. It's not unusual to see dive boats frequent the calm waters, giving first-time divers easy access. The Caribbean sea glows and undulates with a steady tide.  

Next door, one of the Caribbean's most legendary resorts holds reign -- Belmond La Samanna. As guests of the La Samanna Villas, each is afforded the same privileges as those staying at La Samanna. Swimming pools, yoga, sailing, snorkeling, professional Peter Burwash International (PBI) and more round out the on-property activities. Of course, a dedicated Concierge is on call 24/7 to arrange any off-property pursuits.  

The Villas are perfectly situated to make the most out of the Caribbean island of St. Martin, with just a short trip to the capital of French St. Martin, Marigot with its gingerbread houses, sidewalk bistros and Caribbean vegetable markets.  

On an island known for its gastronomical exploits, the Executive chef at La Samanna does not disappoint. The day begins with buffet LSVBedroomView-375x229breakfast to rival the finest on the mainland. Fresh fruits, homemade French pastries and gourmet coffee delight guests. During the day, The Beach Bar and Grill Terrace serve up lunch. While at night, Trellis Restaurant celebrates French-Caribbean fare and La Cave--the region's most talked about wine cellar--entertains with more than 12,000 bottles.  

La Samanna Spa offers seven treatment rooms, including five indoor/outdoor treatment suites--each with a private Zen garden and outdoor shower. From a detoxifying body wrap to a classic deep tissue massage, the Spa has a full range of services focusing on extravagance, rejuvenation and wellness using natural elements.  

LSVOceanView375x250We can customize any of our treatments to fit your special needs. And, at your request, we will gladly and discreetly extend sound advice for integrating a healthier lifestyle for you to take back home. The La Samanna Spa team hopes that our talent, dedication and hospitality will help make your stay at La Samanna Villas the ultimate vacation.  

Exclusive only to the Villas, several amenities are designed to lavish guests for the perfect stay. They include: Concierge service; a dedicated host at your service to drive you around the resort; champagne and fresh flowers on arrival; twice daily housekeeping service; daily breakfast; and basic stock of water, soft drinks, beers and tea and coffee.  

For additional charges, La Samanna Villas offer everything from VIP airport transfers and private 43-foot Italian yacht charter to a full-time maid and private chef.  

Welcome to paradise at Belmond La Samanna Villas in the Caribbean, a secluded haven for luxury, elegance and superb cuisine. To rent with us simply call our dedicated concierge on 1.800.780.4028. 

Belmond La Samanna Villas, St. Martin, F.W.I.
For reservations or information, telephone 1.800.780.4028 or 011.590.590.87.64.00.
Please visit: www.lasamanna.com/web/omar/villa_rentals.jsp 
or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Featured Shop

 

GuavaberryLogo-706x288

 

The History of Guavaberry 

 

Guavaberry, the Legend
Guavaberry is the legendary folk liqueur of Sint Maarten/St. Martin. It was first made here centuries ago in private homes. People made what they needed for family and friends. It became an integral part of local culture and tradition. Guavaberry is our national liqueur. It is a cherished symbol of the olden days. There are folk songs and stories about it. 

It is made from fine oak aged rum, cane sugar and wild Sint Maarten Guavaberries. The fruit is found high in the warm hills in the center of the island. They are rare. They are not at all like guavas. The aged liqueur has a woody, fruity, spicy bitter-sweet flavor all of its own. The name “Guavaberry” is of Caribbean Amer-Indian origin. 

History, Botany, Folklore  

It is a quirk of nature, a blessing we say. Yes, you can find Guavaberry trees scattered throughout the wide Caribbean basin. Yes, they are found in the Philippines and Hawaiian Islands and indeed you can handle dusty old samples of brittle Guavaberry branches (Eugenia or Myrciaria Floribunda) in the herbariums of the large natural history museums in Europe. 

But there is only one known tree growing on the U.S. mainland, in a State Park in Florida where it is known as a “Rumberry.” There are trees in the US Virgin Islands and in the BVI where the same old time romantic folkloric traditions exist, but it is likely that there are more Guavaberry trees on Sint Maarten/St. Martin than anywhere else on earth. 

The Guavaberry fruit has never been cultivated and with the exception of a recent revival on St. Maarten/St. Martin, it was more popular 100 years ago than it is today. The fruit could lie rotting on the trees to be enjoyed only by birds. The trees are irregular in size and shape. Some trees are full and bushy (10 feet high and wide) while others are tall and thin (60+ feet high). 
GuavaberryBarrel-500x204
They blossom with tiny delicate pink and white flowers. The flowers and the berries are attached directly to the branches without stems. The ripe berries are spherical from 9-14 mm (c. ½ inch) in diameter with a thin grape-like skin. There is a large irregular round seed or stone which is surrounded by a thin layer of translucent, juicy, and pungent, bitter-sweet flesh. 

All the berries are pale green when unripe but when they ripen, about half the trees bear bright orange colored fruit while the other half bears very dark red/black fruit. There is a very slight difference in taste between the orange and the black fruits, discernible only by an elite few, they say. The Guavaberry is considered by botanists as a curiosity. 

First cousin to clove and eucalyptus, the trees are hard to grow, the fruit is difficult to harvest and there is little flesh on the Guavaberry. The trees bear fruit at completely different times each year and often, on Sint Maarten/St. Martin, there is not crop at all. In an eight hour day, a healthy person would have difficulty in picking and filling a five gallon basket with the tiny fruits. 

 StoreArtwork-500x204RWe read that 100 years ago the Guavaberry was used to make fresh juice, jams, and tarts and cakes in the N.E. Caribbean and in Cuba and that in the late 1800s some Guavaberry wine or rum was exported from the Danish Virgin Islands (now the USVI) to Denmark. Aside from these references, until recently, no one found a way to turn the fruit into commerce. 

To the indigenous Sint Maartener, Guavaberry conjures up warm and treasured memories of the good old days. There are folk-songs and stories about it. Guavaberry is an integral and distinguishing feature of local culture, heritage and tradition, a point of pride, a symbol of Sint Maarten/St. Martin, a living link to the past. 

In the old days on Sint Maarten/St. Martin, Guavaberry was known as the drink of Christmas. In the 1950s, the population of Sint Maarten/St. Martin was at its lowest ebb, with only 1,600 people living on the Dutch side. In those days Guavaberry was an essential part of the annual Christmas festivities and people would go from door to door singing – “Good Morning, Good Morning, I come for me Guavaberry…” The host or hostess of each house would take the precious bottle from the cabinet and pour a little tot for the serenaders. These activities are most precious to those who remember them and they equate Guavaberry with everything that was unique and special and quiet about the island only one generation ago. 

Below is the recipe for a Guavaberry Colada. Try it, you’ll find it tasty and refreshing. 

Guavaberry Colada ingredients:  

  • 2oz. Sint Maarten Guavaberry

  • 1oz. Coconut Cream

  • 3oz. Pineapple Juice of Pieces

  • Ice 

How to Mix the Drink:

Put ice in blender, add Sint Maarten Guavaberry, cream of Coconut, pineapple pieces or juice. Blend well. Garnish with pineapple, toasted coconut and fresh nutmeg. Share with family or friends.


Sint Maarten Guavaberry Company

8-10 Frontstreet, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

From the USA tel: 1.721.542.2965 Fax: 1.721.542.4598

Email: manager@guavaberry.com


 

 

 

Featured Restaurant   

  

  

TEMPTATION & Rare
Bar and Restaurants

 

Let yourself be led into Temptation...

The dual nationality island of St. Maarten / St. Martin has come to be known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean attracting thousands of visitors annually and seducing them with its unique blend of European and Caribbean gustatory delights. Two flag-bearing restaurants, Temptation & Rare, have become household names amongst the resident and visiting community under the masterful culinary talents of award winning chef and owner Dino Jagtiani. 
 

Temptation invites you to explore a fascinating array of "Nouveau Caribbean Cuisine" served against a backdrop of flowering water features and inspired décor from around the globe all elegantly wrapped in melodious piano music. "On Behalf of my team, I take this opportunity to welcome you to Temptation. Please allow yourself to capture the essence of the sounds, sights, aromas, and flavors all working in synergy to awaken your senses," Dino Jagtiani. 
 

Rare is the only steak house in St. Maarten where you will find top quality USDA prime, dry aged steaks - from 12 oz fillet mignon to 28 oz porterhouse - a must for those power eating moguls who want to capture the essence of the divine bovine. Those who "dare to be rare" will enjoy breaking tradition with Dino's creative take on the sauces and sides such as, truffled mac 'n' cheese, chili-garlic fries, Vidalia onion rings with rhubarb ketchup and wasabi hollandaise. Seafood lovers and vegetarians need not feel left out as Rare serves fresh Maine lobster, stone crab claws, and features a bread and antipasto bar that pumps out piping hot, baked-to-order, clay-oven flat breads. These are served with a variety of dips such as hummus, pesto and tapenade. Finally for all you lounge lizards, celebrated local designer Craig Span has yet again conceived and created the perfect backdrop for Rare'supscale, mature after dinner lounge… Enjoy rare and priceless moments at this gem in the Atlantis World Casino complex. 

Born and raised in St. Maarten, Dino Jagtiani knew from a very young age that he was destined for a life in cooking. In his early days, before the Food Network, he enjoyed watching legendary cooking shows like Julia Child, Great Chefs, and Pasquale's Kitchen on PBS T.V. At seven, he cooked his first full meal from start to finish - spaghetti and meatballs for his family.

Dino's love, and passion for food eventually led him to the Culinary Institute of America, where in 1994 he became the first St. Maarten born son to ever graduate from the world renowned culinary school. He accepted a position at the then Sheraton Port de Plaisance as a line cook and worked his way up to Chef de Partie learning as he went the many lessons of managing a kitchen in the Caribbean.

In 1995, after Hurricane Luis hit the island and closed the hotel, Dino went back to the CIA and completed his Bachelor's Degree. A rare opportunity to do a stage at the famed L'Espinasse at the St. Regis Hotel in New York with Chef Grey Kunz ended after 10 minutes when Dino showed up to work with a dirty apron. But, it was his experience working under RestaurantPixRGBChef Mark Harris at the 5 Star Le Meridien Waldorf in London that he says, "This is where I really learned to cook."

In 2002, Dino returned to St. Maarten to pursue his life-long dream of opening his own restaurant and Temptation was born. In its first few years, Temptation sky-rocketed to the top of the island's dynamic dining scene, winning "Restaurant of the Year" by the Gault Millau Guide three years in a row 2006, 2007 and 2008 while scoring 16 points by the same Gault Millau Guide. (Side note: There is no restaurant in Europe that has 16 points from Gault Millau and doesn't also have at least 1 Michelin star. Aka 16 points from Gault Millau is the equivalent of 1 Michelin star.)

In February 2005, Bon Appetit Magazine called Temptation "One of the Top 10 New Restaurans in the Caribbean." Dino has also been featured in National Geographic Traveller, Caribbean Travel and Life, Islands, American Way, and Hemispheres Magazines, as well as The Miami Herald, and Washington Times newspapers. Other awards include 2 time Gold Medal Winner at the Taste of Caribbean competition in Miami, Florida 2005-2006.

In 2005, Rare Steakhouse followed, and became the 1st Steakhouse in the Caribbean to offer Dry Aged CAB PRIME Steaks. The most recent feather in the cap for Dino was being selected by Certified Angus Beef LLC to participate as a chef for their 30th Anniversary celebrations at the James Beard House in New York. Dino was chosen from over 7,500 licensed CAB partners around the world, and is the only chef residing outside the United States who participated at the Great Steak Celebration.

Through his culinary exploration and creative approach, Dino coined the phrase "Nouveau Caribbean" and has labeled his cuisine "Freestyle." His cooking is a truthful reflection of the man behind the stove - inventive, adventurous and fun! When Dino is not busy seducing palates, he enjoys tennis, baseball, the gym, and spending time flipping the pages of many food magazines whilst dreaming up his next creation.

This creative twist on the American staple comes from one of St. Maarten's own rising stars - chef and owner of both Temptation & Rare, Dino Jagtiani. This explosive, talented young philosopher and artist is once again taking the St. Maarten dining scene to a new height. Expect nothing but the best from Temptation and Rare!

 

Dare to be Rare!

 
Temptation & Rare - Explore a fascinating array of "Nouveau Caribbean Cuisine."
For reservations, tel: Temptation at 1.721.545.2254 or Rare at: 1.721.545.5714.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. os e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it r visit www.rareandtemptation.com/EN/ 


Sign Up to Win our June 2014 Dream Vacation for Two

Subscribe to our Newsletter & you may
Win a 6 Day/5 Night Dream Vacation for Two
at La Samanna Resort & Spa, St. Martin
or Oyster Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten
plus, A Day of Sailing on a Random Wind Charter


Featured Hotel 



WestinPortico-700x199

A Unique Caribbean Escape!

 

The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, St. Maarten is an island treasure featuring 310 luxurious appointed guest rooms and 15 suites, each with french doors leading to a balcony with an ocean or island view. The Westin St. Maarten is located on one of St. Maarten's most beautiful beaches. While visiting, pamper yourself in our Hibiscus spa, explore local beaches on the island, some of St. Maarten's best scuba diving spots, or catch a local ferry for a day trip to the islands of St. Bart and Anguilla.

A Unique Caribbean Escape

Nestled into a lush hillside and fronted by beautiful Dawn Beach famed for its glorious sunrises, this gem seduces guests with a serene Caribbean atmosphere that yields countless recreational opportunities both in the water and on land. The island is renowned for its exotic European influence. Escape to St. Maarten and feel thousands of miles away! Come and experience all St. Maarten has to offer. This St. Maarten Resort is the perfect retreat, for couples, family gatherings, a destination wedding, and so much more.

Casino Action

Our Vegas-style casino offers a variety of games to satisfy anyone and everyone. Roll the dice and try your luck, challenge the black-jack dealer, or hit the slots. It's all you wished Las Vegas could be, just steps away. The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, St. Maarten is a paradise like no other. Come and see what we are all about and let us be your perfect getaway!

Enjoy The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, St.Maarten's Special Offers!

Features & Activities

Personal touches and thoughtful services: Renew your total health and wellness. The hotel features 2 restaurants, lobby bar, poolside deli and swim-up bar, a full service European style Hibiscus spa, casino, plus state of the art fitness center, retail shops and a beachfront watersports shop.

Hotel Amenities Overview

Concierge Service

Our concierge is available throughout your stay with us to assist you with dinner reservations, golf, special gift orders and any questions that you may have about St. Maarten/St. Martin. Concierge can also assist with babysitting services and enroll children ages 4-12 in our Kids Club program.

High Speed Internet Access

High speed internet available for a fee. We offer both wired and wireless internet access in all of our guestrooms.


WaterSports - Blue Bubbles

Blue Bubbles is located on property at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa, St. Maarten for all of your water sports needs. Blue Bubbles rents snorkeling gear, pool floats, kayaks and other non-motorized watersport gear to make your day at the beach a true adventure.

Caribbean Concierge Services

Caribbean Concierge Services can assist in booking a variety of island tours and adventures. Our in-house activities coordinators, Caribbean Concierge Services, can arrange all sorts of island activities, including scuba diving, ATV tours, shopping excursions, catamaran tours, horseback riding and private boat charters.
WestinSpa-700x199

Nourish Your Body & Mind

St. Maarten's lush landscape provides the perfect background for our pampering amenities, from sauna and whirlpools to luxurious treatments designed to pamper you. Enjoy peace of mind and let yourself go with one of our massages. Nourish your body and mind. Treat yourself to a magnificent view of the turquoise ocean waters. Soak up the sun on a white-sand beach. Enjoy fine dining, world-class shopping and the trendy nightlife. Embark on the road to complete rejuvenation at Hibiscus Spa at The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, St. Maarten.

The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, St. Maarten,

Dawn Beach, St. Maarten

For reservations, please tel: 1.721.543.6700 or fax: 1.721.543.6004

Visit us at: www.westinstmaarten.com or Email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 



Sam's Selection


------------ St. Maarten/St. Martin Images

LaSamBeach-332x222--A LaSam Villa-320x213----
------------ La Samanna's Beach --------------------   La Samanna Villa 

---
MarigotMall-329x219--MarigotMarina-333x222-- --
------- Marigot Mall & Fort Louis  ------------------- Marigot & Marina


RadissonsPool-336x224---WestinsPoolBeachView-333x223---
---------Radisson Pool ---------------------------- Westin's Pool & Ocean View 

---


 

 

 

 

Featured Activity  

 

Belmond La Samanna
WeddingCeremony

 


A Dream Wedding
For Every Couple at Belmond La Samanna! 

There's More Than One Way To Tie The Knot At La Samanna!

 

A wedding should be a seamlessly perfect day that unites two personalities and celebrates the life they are about to share. With this in mind, Belmond La Samanna - a world-class luxuryWedBeachPool resort hotel located on the French side of St. Martin - invites all types of couples to plan the wedding of their dreams at one of the resort's exclusive venues. Whether one has always dreamed of saying their vows while sinking bare feet into the white sand, overbooking the ocean from a cliffside perch or amidst lush courtyard vegetation, La Samanna has the ideal location to ensure every couple experiences the wedding of a lifetime. 

La Samanna's Special Event Manager will guide couples in choosing the perfect location for their ceremony, based on group size and requirements. The hotel offers unique locations ranging from the beach or gardens to the pool terrace or the breathtaking La Samanna Villas, where a customized reception and celebration can be held. For rehearsal dinners, couples can book Trellis Restaurant for gourmet, world-class cuisine or for WedTerracesmaller groups, La Cave, the resort's magical wine cellar.  

For the "Casual Chic" couple… Beach!
Baie Longue, La Samanna's private beach, is famous for its unforgettable sunsets, ivory sand and clear water that stretches into the horizon. What better place to tie the knot than one where couples can dig their toes into the soft sand while expressing their love among the sounds of gentle Caribbean waves?  

For the "Exclusively Romantic" couple… Beachfront Garden!
This charming venue is surrounded by lush bougainvillea with a unique ocean backdrop. Offering a quiet romantic setting makes it the perfect location to exchange vows and pronounce endless love for another.   


For the "Serenely Suave" couple... Pool Terrace!
With stunning panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, the Pool Terrace is the ideal location for a beautifully serene wedding, reception and dinner. Accommodating up to 100 people, couples don't have to limit the guest list.  

For the "Passionate" couple… La Samanna Villas!
Located on a bluff with stunning, panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Baie Longue, the Villas at La Samanna offer sumptuous accommodations and unparalleled service for a passion-filled wedding.WedVillasCliffside Featuring over 4,600 square feet of exclusive villa space with private wraparound infinity pools, the La Samanna villas provide couples and their guests with the most perfect location for an all night celebration.  

La Samanna is a world-class luxury resort in St. Martin, French West Indies. Cloaked in lush foliage and colorful splashes of flowers, the resort is residential in nature, appealing to a discriminating, international clientele seeking seclusion, relaxation, fine dining and attentive personalized service. The resort is legendary for its extensive wine cellar and cuisine with provisions flown in from France daily. Equally renowned is the La Samanna Spa with its indoor/outdoor tropical garden treatment rooms and Pilates studio. With 83 deluxe suites, located on 55 acres of breathtaking beachfront, Belmond La Samanna evokes a French spirit with a Caribbean soul.

 

Belmond La Samanna Weddings, St. Martin, F.W.I.
To start planning your once-in-a-lifetime wedding,
contact Jennifer Moeggenberg at 212.764.8225
or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Please visit us at: www.lasamanna.com   



Featured Article

 

MARIGOT, The French Capital

by
Laura Richardson

 



On March 23, 1648, the Treaty of Concordia established the terms of peaceful co-existence between the French and Dutch settlements of St. Martin/St. Maarten, with the French colonizers maintaining the Northern two-thirds, facing Anguilla, and the Dutch, the southern third. 

The village of Marigot appeared towards 1689 on the initiative of a few merchants who used the bay to load their ships with agricultural produce on the French side. Originally, the area was a marsh surrounded by mangroves where one could get many crabs, even in the streets. The town was baptized Marigot, from the word "maricage" meaning ponds and BlvddeFrancemarshes in Old French. 

Experiencing rapid growth the first half of the 18th century due to the introduction of sugar cane plantations, the little village became capital to different governors succeeding each other to develop and organize the colony. Batteries of canons and modest fortification guarded access to the port until 1789 when Fort Louis was built. 

Fort Louis remains the largest historic and only military monument in St. Martin. The plans were sent over directly from Versailles at the order of the ill-fated French King Louis XVI, who soon lost his head in the French Revolution. 

By the early 1800's there were 35 to 37 sugar cane plantations on each side of the island, worked by slaves brought from Africa. In 1848, slavery was abolished in the French Caribbean islands, and the sugar industry quickly waned, with the close of the last St. Martin plantation in 1915. The economy of the island from the early 20th century to the mid-1950's was very poor.  

MarigotCatholicChurch2Many of the families that carried the island's heritage at the turn of the 20th century still exist today. There are those whose ancestors arrived in the 1600's, who where charged with building Fort Louis, whose great-great-great-great grandparents are buried on their old plantation grounds like Loterie Farm and Golden Grove Estates in Colombier, Bellevue and St. John's on the outskirts of Marigot.

Life was simple in the absence of electricity, telephone and cars. Nature dominated. Even currency was not readily negotiated among these colonists. Trade and sharing linked families, where Christian doctrine influenced all of their lives in their effort to survive and grow. The Marigot Church up old "Church Hill," now rue de l'Eglise, has been a central force in the French community for over 150 years. 

One beautiful woman, now in her seventies, remembers the extraordinary spirit that united all. Her father's legacy includes many of the historic Creole homes in Marigot, Grand Case, French Quarter and Philipsburg. Because of his construction business, a cistern of grand proportions was built to secure water for the mixture of the island's first cement in the early 1920's, which he dug in the heart of Marigot by the now Palais de Justice, adjacent to their seaside home. In the worst of droughts, even this would run dangerously low, while many families had already lost their water reserves, and Marigot's community well had run dry.

She recalls, as a young child over sixty years ago, when she witnessed her mother's sharing from the giant cistern of their business, its water level greatly diminished.

 

She was afraid that they would have no water for their own family of ten children. Her mother quieted her when another mother arrived asking for water and she shared in the heat of the day. That very evening, the night skies opened and rain fell in bucketsful... 

The next morning her mother took her by the hand to visit their water supply. "Imagine," heDSCF0040Ar mother taught, "how I would feel today, if I had sent our friend away without water yesterday?" This is the spirit of faith and hope that kept this city alive. 

While the 1920's were roaring in the United States, there were no planes for leisure travel. Air flight was just taking wing. It wasn't until the 1950's, after World War II, that St. Martin began to receive visitors by air. 

Michelette (Mimi) Fleming remembers her first trip to St. Martin in October 1957 when she arrived from New York with her fiance, Elie Fleming, to visit his homeland. She remembers a dirt airstrip with a little house as the airport, and stayed with her best friend and future Maid of Honor at Little Bay, the island's first modern hotel which hosted Queen Juliana of the Netherlands on her royal visits.  

Mimi was 26 years old, working in Wall Street as an interpreter for American Express, when she met Elie Fleming, an honored guest at a concert organized in a popular French club in Manhattan. Son-heir of major property owners on French St. Martin, Elie was also Mayor of Marigot, having succeeded his brother Louis Constant Fleming after his death over ten years earlier. 

DSCF0036Elie persuaded Mimi to break her engagement with another man and marry him. Upon his return to St. Martin, he wrote to her every day. Since there was no telephone on the French side, he had to travel to Philipsburg to place a rare call, and soon hooked up with one of the first American homeowners, and tycoon, who nightly contacted Mimi for Elie on his secret ham-radio. 

By the time Mimi arrived in 1958 as Elie's bride, he kept his promise by having the first phone installed on his family's estate, Loterie Farm. Mimi recalls the beauty of the garden with its glorious profusion of color. It was a whole new world for her. She remembers hosting Americans at Loterie Farm who were just arriving to the island. Private planes brought the elite, families of the Fortune 500, including the Fawcetts, Douglas's, and celebrities like Benny Goodman, Harry Belefonte, and Jasper Johns who also made their home here. 

The waterfront became active with bistros and fine restaurants, small, elegant shops, enticed by the duty-free trade of jewels, fine china, crystal and tobacco. Fashion etiquette was at a high, when women dressed up for lunch and dinner. Parisian designs fancifully arrived and were sought. 

The population on the French side jumped from 8,000 in 1980 to 30,000 in 2000 and is now estimated at 37,000. 

The filling in of part of the bay enabled an extension of Marigot in the late 1970's, creating a larger city with a marina. In the 1980's, the restoration of Fort Louis was undertaken by a small group of civic leaders; cutting through the rough terrain of cactus grown over the centuries. Even the original canons were air-lifted from all over the island by gendarme helicopters LaVieEnRoseCafeand reunited safely overlooking Marigot's harbor. Daily it beckons the curious to climb the mount and every night it glows majestically above the harbor. 

A similar spirit is driving the restoration of many of the historic Creole homes that can be found concentrated along rue de la Republique, known simply as "The Big Street" for many centuries. Families like the Richardson's, Petites, Flemings and Beauperthuys , whose ancestors were some of the first to arrive on these shores, are fueling the surge to protect and maintain the island's patrimony, whose city of Marigot, now in the 21st century, represents one of the most famous capitals in the French West Indies. 

Several frequent visitors shared their favorite things to do in Marigot. Their notes recall "strolling down rue de la Republique and stopping for a chocolate at the French chocolatier, Jeff de Bruges; looking at the beautiful Impressionist paintings at the Roland Richardson gallery across the way; photographing the gorgeous French gardens behind the historic houses and ambling up the hill to see Fort Louis. 

Also wonderful on the weekends is strolling through the open air spice and vegetable market and stopping for an espresso along the side streets to rest one's feet." 

LaVieEnRoseOne family wrote, "We love Marigot for its charm, its Caribbean and European influence. The boutiques offer a variety of high end and moderate merchandise. Our favorite stores are Max Mara, Carre Blanc and Christofle. One of our favorite restaurants, Le Chanteclaire, is located on the marina." 

On a personal note, twelve years ago, when I was invited to the lovely corner bistro on Marigot's harbor, famous for it fine cuisine and animated seating, I discovered in more ways than imaginable, La Vie en Rose. 

This is a story without end. Marigot is a blend of past and present magic that is waiting to be experienced by all visitors to the island of St. Martin, and should not be missed by any.  

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Many thanks to Cynthie Richardson, Mimi Fleming, Roland Richardson, the "Sur les Traces des Arawaks" Museum in Marigot, the French Office of Tourism, Linda Wellstein, Liz Lynch, Liliana Arrigoni, Randy Jones and Gina Baharani for their special contributions. 

International travel and tourism took another thirty years to evolve, until 1985 when the French law of defiscalization gave tax incentives for French citizens and businesses to invest in the islands of the French West Indies, thus making investment more profitable.  

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Article by Laura Richardson
Laura and Sir Roland Richardson would be delighted to hear from you!
Visit their beautiful gallery at:
Roland Richardson Gallery Museum
#6 rue de la Republique Marigot, St. Martin
Where Fine Art, History and Nature Abound!
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Magic Jack, Tel: 1.443.982.0683 - Website: www.rolandrichardson.com


© Copyright Laura and Roland Richardson 2014


Special Feature   

 

Complimentary (FREE) Gift Certificates from Island Businesses


Going
to the island?
Looking to save money?

Click www.stmaarten.org/free-gift-certificates to view our list of Certificates!

Choose the Certificates you wish to use on island; then, email us your choices! 

Please include: 
Your First & Last Name;
Your Email Address;
Your Travel Dates; and
The Name of the Hotel, Condo or Villa where you are staying on island.

We will Email the Certificates to you within 48 hours.


What's Happening in Paradise?

by Sam Fusco



St. Maarten Culinary Tours - With our new, and delicious way of experiencing the local districts of St Maarten/ St Martin, you're able to explore mouthwatering dishes and exciting cuisine, local culture and people - giving the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” tag line new meaning. With over 365 restaurants on St Maarten/ St Martin and each offering their very own unique menu and ambiance, St Maarten/ St Martin is one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the world! 

We are the pioneers of culinary tours on St Maarten/ St Martin and we’re ready to share our tours with both adventurous and selective eaters everywhere. Having eaten our way around the island we’ve carefully chosen only the best places in local districts we offer our food tours so you can sample the most savory dishes and learn about the culture and inspiration behind the food served here. 

Join our entertaining guides on our daytime and evening tours and taste the growing diversity of the local food scene with samples ranging from tasteful selects of Seafood and traditional ethnic dishes to delectable handmade chocolates and rhum tastings. Have a true culinary adventure with one of our food tours and take home a divine taste of the island you won’t soon forget. Persons interested in booking their tours can visit http://stmaartenculinarytours.com/food-tours/. Tours start at $59 per person. Private tour options and concierge services are available for groups and interested parties.
StMaartenCulinaryTours.com - The Only Way to Taste Your Way Around St Maarten/St Martin!

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Leisure Car Rental was nominated in the 2014 World Travel Awards.  We are up for the title of 'Caribbean's Leading Independent Car Rental Company'.  Leisure is up against some stiff competition from Puerto Rico, Jamaica etc.  We are the only St. Maarten Car Rental Agency nominated, so a vote for us is definitely a vote for St. Maarten / St. Maarten.  We are asking for everyone's support to put our Friendly Island on the Map once again.  Please use the following link to vote.  You will be required to register, confirm your email address, then cast your vote.  Thank you everyone for your vote!!   http://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote-for-leisure-car-rental-st-maarten-2014

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Princess Beatrix Set To Open Kingdom Youth Parliament
Princess Beatrix will open the Kingdom Youth Parliament in St. Maarten on Tuesday, May 20. During her four-day stay on the island, Her Royal Highness will also visit the Belvedere Community Centre, the Nature Foundation and the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Princess Beatrix will give a short address at the opening ceremony of the Kingdom Youth Parliament (KYP). She will attend some parts of the KYP which takes place from May 20 to 22. She will speak with some members of the five participating teams from Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands.

The former Queen will also attend the handing over ceremony of the history booklet “Unity in Diversity – 200 Years Kingdom, the Netherlands and the six Caribbean islands in years.” Chairlady of the National Committee 200 Years Kingdom Ank Bijleveld-Schouten will hand over the first copies to a group of students of the St. Maarten Academy on Wednesday, May 21. 
During her stay to St. Maarten, Princess Beatrix will make use of the opportunity to visit two organisations of which she is the patroness, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and the United Nations Children Fund  UNICEF.

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SHTA Announces Publishing Alliance with North South Net, a Custom Content Company Specializing in Print, Digital and Mobile Media Platforms  

Philipsburg, St. Maarten, April 28, 2014 –The St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), the largest business representative on the island, has announced today that it has entered into a new publishing partnership with North South Net (NSN), a custom publishing company specializing in print, digital and mobile platforms. 

North South Net will produce and distribute Visit St. Maarten, an in-room travel guide to our island.  Visit St. Maarten will be exclusively distributed in all SHTA member hotels, guesthouses, and villas.  Additionally, there will be individual stand-alone publications of the Dining and Shopping sections of Visit St. Maarten and a fold-out map featuring publication advertisers and SHTA members.

“We are delighted to be working with North South Net. Their staff brings a great deal of creativity, experience and local knowledge to this project,” said Karen Hana, Executive Director for the SHTA.  “More importantly, one of the most compelling aspects of the SHTA/NSN relationship is the print, digital, mobile and broadcast added value programs created for SHTA. The SHTA will receive significant exposure in US cold weather markets including opportunities for SHTA members and publication advertisers to participate in contests and promotions. In addition, NSN will be redesigning and adding significant content to the SHTA’s website, www.VisitStMaarten.com.  The website will be updated on a regular basis, will include a digital version of the publication and will be promoted through all added value components. North South Net has developed a program that includes multiple touchpoints for consumers in reaching millions of potential visitors. This is a significant contribution to exposing St. Maarten as a destination through a wide variety of media channels.”  

NSN has a team of individuals with years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. They have worked in advertising, marketing, public relations, promotions as well as digital and social media and, as a result, have developed programs that reach consumers in a variety of very targeted and effective ways.  The print and radio exposure coupled with the online and mobile presence will clearly have a tremendous impact on creating awareness of the St. Maarten product resulting in additional visitors to the island through a powerful and custom tailored integrated marketing and communications program.  

North South Net’s highly experienced team has produced hundreds of guides, planners, brochures, magazines, websites and mobile apps for a wide variety of travel and tourism clients.

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Annual Sea Turtle Nesting Underway
Nature Foundation reminds the community the sea turtle nesting season has commenced here. The foundation urges restaurants and beach bars along the major nesting beaches to refrain or limit the use of beach bonfires and artificial lighting, which can seriously reduce the survival rate of sea turtles.  Each year, between March and November, female sea turtles return to lay their eggs on the major nesting beaches of Simpson Bay, Guana Bay and Gibbs Bay. The Green Sea Turtle and the largest sea turtle species, the Leatherback, are known to nest on the country’s beaches.   Nature Foundation actively manages the sea turtle population here, particularly during the nesting season. The foundation conducts various activities related to nesting females, including beach surveys, nest excavations, tagging activities and nest success research.   

The foundation also relies heavily on volunteers to assist it in its sea turtle activities and welcomes any volunteers who would be interested in working with sea turtles.  Beach communities, in particular, are in the best position to help ensure that females nest safely, that nests are left undisturbed and that hatchlings make it safely to the sea.   The foundation asks that people not drive on the nesting beaches and that they walk their dogs on leashes.   Sea turtles have existed for well over 180 million years, even before the dinosaurs.  St. Maarten is one of the few places in the region that has a nesting population of sea turtles, so we should do all that we can to protect their nesting areas, said the foundation.   Sea turtle population numbers have plummeted to dangerously low numbers throughout the past century due to human impacts, bringing many species close to extinction and causing them to be listed as critically endangered. To reverse this trend, all sea turtle species are now protected by international laws and treaties as well as local laws.  
 
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Nationals Of Four Countries To Get Improved Access To St. Maarten
Nationals of Colombia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who hold a multi-entry visa for the United States, Canada or The Schengen countries, will not require a specific St. Maarten visa to visit the country, thanks to some changes to the visa requirement regulation. The Cabinet of the Prime Minister, in a press statement issued last week, stated that new visa regulations are in line with international and Dutch Kingdom standards and will benefit the country’s economy, in particular the tourism sector.  

St. Maarten’s position in the Caribbean, and its more American and Canadian influence rather than European, called for the visa policy to be in line with the international tourism of the United States. The changes were made in a kingdom partners meeting on Visa Policy and Border Control on January 8. Recent talks between Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and the Consul General of China for St. Maarten explored the possibility for cooperation to encourage tourists from China to visit St. Maarten, such as those who may be in transit to the United States.  China is predicted to be the top tourist market for the United States by 2018, with more than one million visitors to the US last year, spending an average of US$7,000 each. 

Note: Several Articles Courtesy of Caribbean Gems Newsletters


The StMaarten/StMartin Connection Newsletters are e-published bimonthly by Steeple Associates, Inc., 5201 Warrens Way, Wanaque, NJ 07465. For Questions or Comments, telephone: 1.973.835.0600 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Publisher: Sam Fusco, Editorial Consultant: Marilyn Fusco, Sales and Marketing: Barbara Fusco. Contributing
Correspondents: Laura Richardson and Sir Roland Richardson.   


January 2014 Newsletter

 

--------------------------------------- The
-----------------------------StMaarten/StMartin
---------------------------------- Connection

------------------------- "…the SXM newsletter for experienced travelers!
---------------------------------Connecting YOU with Paradise!"

 

Dear Friends of St. Maarten,

Wishing you all a Healthy, Happy & Prosperous New Year. Hopefully, 2014 will be a wonderful year for all of us; and, boy, do the years go by quickly. Have you made any New Year's Resolutions yet? Why? Don't bother. You probably won't keep them. Did you want to give up candy, lose 20 pounds or promise your spouse/partner a vacation this year? All a worthwhile endeavor which means nothing without a plan. That said, I can't advise you on candy or losing weight; but, I can handle a discussion about vacations. On this subject, I'm sort of an expert!

I'm going out on a limb here by saying, you're probably like most of us which means you work for a living and occasionally money gets a little tight. So let's think inexpensively! Your needs are basic. You need a place to stay and a mode of transportation to get there. First of all, you may not know this; but, most airlines change their fares on destinations worldwide Tuesday or Wednesday mornings just after midnight. So that the fare you see on Saturday may be cheaper or higher/lower next Wednesday/Thursday morning. You have to spend some days/weeks doing this to get a really good fare. Also, if you travel on weekends fares will be considerably higher; so, try to travel during weekdays for cheaper fares. Secondly, most hotels advertise "Special Deals" or discounts on their websites and sometimes a simple phone call to the Concierge or front desk of the hotel can save you 10% or 15%. Keep in mind if you wish to travel during the destination's "High Season," you will pay the highest room rates; but, during their "Low Season," you can work some magic and get cheaper rates. You have to be smart and creative to travel inexpensively.

Let me give you a couple other examples. Let's assume today is January 4th, 2014, and you live in St. Paul, Minnesota and tonight the temperature is going down to minus -16 degrees Fahrenheit and on the Weather Channel, you noticed that in Orlando, Florida, where your favorite Aunt Mary and Uncle Tony live, Sunday afternoon's temperature will be +81 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny. Probably, if you pick up the phone right now and call Aunt Mary, she will be very happy to invite you to stay with them for a week during your trip to Florida; and, since her kids are long married and living elsewhere, she will honestly be happy for your visit. By the way, if you happen to know the brand of beer Uncle Tony drinks, bring a couple cases and he will welcome you with open arms.

Or maybe, you have a sister living in Paris, France, who you haven't seen in eight months. Chances are if you picked up the phone right now and told her that United Airlines has a great fare to Paris and that you would like to visit for a week, she would be so happy she would probably pick you up at Charles de Gualle International Airport. She would probably even give you her car to travel around the city or maybe plan a nice dinner or two at her favorite restaurant. Most likely, she would feed you all week and you wouldn't need to lift a finger. By the way, should you bring along a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black or a couple bottles of fine wine, you will be most welcome!

Now, I've given you a couple of reasonable examples of traveling without hotel bills and inexpensive transportation. But, should you find that money is not as tight as it used to be and you are really overdue for a vacation, let me remind you that 
the temperature in St. Maarten will be +83 degrees Fahrenheit and beautifully sunny every day for the next week. 

I do very much hope you will take a vacation this year and wherever you choose to travel, I wish you a wonderful trip.  

Regards,
Sam Fusco
President/Publisher

Winner of the 2006/2007 St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association's
Crystal Pineapple Award for Outstanding Tourism Journalism -
Former Board Member of the St. Maarten/St. Martin American Marketing Association

Featured in this issue:

1. Featured Shop: Caribbean Gems
2. Featured Restaurant: Pizza Galley
3. Featured Car Rental: Leisure Car Rental St. Maarten
4. Sign Up to Win a Dream Vacation for Two
5. Featured Hotel: Hotel L'Esplanade
6. Sam's Selection: StMaarten/StMartin Images

7. Featured Activity: Passaat Classic Schooner
8. Featured Villa: Villa Always by Pierres Caraibes
9. Featured Article: The Cock Fights
10. Complimentary FREE Gift Certificates
11. What's Happening in Paradise?
 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Shop 

    

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CARIBBEAN GEMS,
established in 1983 has been consistently voted as St. Maarten’s #1 jewelry store in an independent poll conducted by The Daily Herald. High quality merchandise, competitive pricing and excellent customer service certainly makes them the one jewelry store that must be visited if you’re in St. Maarten.

They specialize in GIA certified loose diamonds in all shapes and sizes, from half a carat to twenty carats. With a wide variety of settings in Platinum as well as 14kt & 18kt gold, you can select your ideal diamond and watch it being set in their in-house work shop. They also do trade-ins and diamond upgrades. Get full value on your trade-in and upgrade your diamond ring, tennis bracelet, diamond studs or other jewelry to something newer and better and just pay the difference.

If you are in the market for fine quality precious gemstones, including emeralds, rubies, sapphires and tanzanites or even semi-precious gems, then Caribbean Gems is the place to visit. Fine Swiss watches, pearls, gold chains, bracelets, charms, custom made jewelry and so much more round up their selection. Certified appraisals, life-time trade-in guarantee, toll-free service line, US service centers, mail orders are all part of their repertoire to be the best on the island.  

If shopping from back home, make sure to visit their website at www.caribbeangems.com to view the widest selection of fine jewelry, watches and pearls. Email them if you have any special requests. With priority international delivery, you can have jewelry delivered home in as little as 24 hours.

CARIBBEAN GEMS

2 LOCATIONS
22 & 40 Front Street, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Tel: 1-721-542-2176   Fax: 1-721-542-5862
Toll Free: 1-800-848-7925 or 1-877-904-4367

Web: www.caribbeangems.com - - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  
US telephone line: 1-646-472-7996 or 1-212-537-6094

PROUD MEMBER OF

Jewelers of America ● Diamond Council of America

Jewelers Information Council ● New York Diamond Dealers Club

Jewelers Vigilance Committee

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Restaurant 





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Pizza Galley - the story so far...


The story of the best pizza in the hemisphere began with the collision of JP's love for great pizza and Lorna's rare talents as a chef. From Trois Rivieres to Monte Carlo, from Toronto to Sint Maarten, the husband and wife team have sampled and gone on to make the best pizza in the world. Whether entertaining in their dining room at home ("more wine, anybody?", Lorna would say), or JPWithPizza-Raboard the now-defunct M/Y Lady Mary, the Guilbert's have become renowned as generous hosts and purveyors of some of the finest cuisine on the planet. Many guests have thoroughly enjoyed their hospitality ("Jolly good party old chap!", they would say), creative vision, and the value of their services.

The Lady Mary made daily dinner cruises on Simpson Bay Lagoon from 1991 to 1999, until the regal ship was torpedoed by another vessel during Hurricane Jose. When the Lady Mary went down, the resourceful couple accepted an offer to manage the popular Turtle Pier Bar, Restaurant and Marina.

One day while JP was visiting his friend Alan ("glass of red, JP?" said Alan) at another popular Sint Maarten attraction - the Crew's Nest at Port de Plaisance - he observed two pizza delivery boys staggering under their load to Alan's bar and to the mega-yachts in the nearby marina ("lift with your legs!" they yelled).

FrontDiningRoom-RJP wondered aloud ("Hmmmm..." he said) why Alan, no slouch in the kitchen himself, wasn't providing his own food for his patrons. He said that it was something he'd been thinking about for a long time ("I've been thinking about that for a long time" Alan said), but until now had been impossible. He also revealed that he'd just purchased a pizza oven ("and what an oven she is!" he bragged).

"Merde!" said JP, "Let's cook us some pizza!", and a few days later, Lorna and JP began creating homemade pizza pie from a hut so tiny they couldn't open the fridge door and the oven door at the same time. Lorna made her rich, mouth-watering sauce at home, caramelizing the onions and roasting the peppers in her own special way, and cut the pizza on top of the oven because there was no room for a counter. JP took care of their growing clientele at the bar and the marina nearby. Over the next two years they never saw the island's pizza chain delivery boys again.

At the end of the season in 2002, another friend, Michael Voges, PizzaGalleyMap-Rowner of the Lady C Infamous Floating Bar in Simpson Bay, had a similar dilemma - he had a very popular pirate ship bar with no food ("I have no food!" he lamented), and was losing customers because of it. He asked JP and Lorna if they would be interested in building a small kitchen and providing their now-famous pizza to his clients. After six months of negotiation (island time!) with the landlord, the hardy couple leased part of the dock and built the Pizza Galley. Besides the fantastic food and generous hospitality, there was something karmic about their opening - the Galley had been constructed on the same spot at the dock where the Lady Mary had been moored.

During their first season they were well-supported by locals, sailors, yacht crews and medical students alike, who in turn drove a lot of hungry visitors to the Pizza Galley ("I feel like a big fat juicy pizza from the Pizza Galley!" they would say). Fresh, daily-made, quality ingredients and Lorna's sinful dessert specials, complemented by great wine and espresso, made their first season spectacular ("what a spectacular season that was!", JP was heard to say proudly). 2004 was a big year for the Pizza Galley, being voted number one for Best Dessert on the island, and coming first runner-up for Best Pizza. They proudly received the same award in 2005 (two years in a row). They won again in the 'Best Of Pizza & Dessert" category in 2006 and 2007, and also introduced "Design Your Own Pasta". (Please check out the menu for more details).

By Christmas of 2007, JP's new VIP room was ready to accommodate another 25 pizza lovers. JP's other 'new baby' was delivered in time for the opening of the VIP room - a brand new four-oven pizza oven. What a beauty! Now pizza production has doubled.

RollerPinAwards-RHoly Pepperoni!! - it's a double-whammy! We finally did it! The much sought-after ISLAND'S NUMBER ONE BEST PIZZA, that was so long overdue in our customer's opinion, and the NUMBER ONE BEST DESSERT for the third time, making 2008 the best year so far for the Pizza Galley.

In the 2010/2011 season, Lady C unfortunately had to leave the dock, never to return. The Pizza Galley again won the "NO. 1 BEST PIZZA ON THE ISLAND" and "FIRST RUNNER UP FOR DESSERTS". And now we have gained 50 waterfront seats on the dock facing the WORLD'S BIGGEST MEGA YACHTS at Isle De Sol and Port de Plaisance. A truly unique experience.

It seems everyone who comes to the island must partake in one of its most unique and satisfying attractions - the couple's delicious, crispy, thin crust pizza.

On Sint Maarten, choose the Pizza Galley for superior pizza, desserts, service, hospitality and value.

The Pizza Galley - that's amore!

Thanks for visiting us. We look forward to seeing you for a pizza in paradise! Click here for a free glass of wine with your next meal.

NOW SERVING GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA

Click here to read our latest restaurant review from St. Maarten's leading newspaper!

 
Pizza Galley
Airport Road, St. Maarten
For reservations, telephone: 721.587.1330
Email: jp@pizzagalley.com or visit us at: www.pizzagalley.com


Featured Rental Car

 


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Leisure Car Rental – Get Ready for a Blissful Journey!

 

Whether you are planning a vacation, or Business Trip to St. Maarten, you will most likely require car rental services. Look no further, Leisure Car Rental is the only choice when considering Excellent Service at a Fair Price! We offer a GrayHyundaivariety of vehicles from Economy Cars to Luxury SUVs

Forget about the 45 minute Shuttle ride through unending traffic to get your rental car. Book with us, and we will deliver your rental car to the Airport at no extra charge! That’s right. No Shuttle, no waiting, no hassles! Arriving on a late Flight? or have an early Departure time? Fear not, we are available 24hrs to serve you better!

For those of you who have never visited our Friendly Island, St. Maarten is a very small Island located in the Caribbean. The Island is only 37 square miles and consists of two unique countries: Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin. There are lots of things to do in St. Maarten depending on your personal preference. Among others, we are well known for Duty Free Shopping, watersports, sightseeing, nightlife, fine dining, and the list goes on and on!

Leisure Car Rental has been providing outstanding Customer Service for the RedToyotapast seven years. We are proud to boast a Customer Satisfaction rate of 99.9%. Over the years we have built a very solid client base, with a long list of repeat clients who depend on us year after year to provide their Car Rental Needs.

We constantly conduct surveys to determine ways of improving the level of Service we provide our valued clients. To date, we are the only Car Rental Agency on St. Maarten offering Zero Deductible Insurance Coverage. This Couple-320x240is a truly worry free, peace of mind, walk away Insurance Coverage! Many customers choose to purchase this coverage when renting from us. One customer said ‘It feels good to know that there will be no additional expenses if anything happens to the rental car.’ Our ZD Coverage covers all loss and damage to the rental car, and to the third party. This coverage starts at $30-per day, and can be purchased when reserving your car on our website here: www.leisurecarrentalsxm.com/reserve-now.html.

Leisure car rentals ensure that the cars that we provide to our customers are well maintained and are kept in top condition. All of our cars are fairly new, with low miles. This is just one factor which keeps us ahead of the competition. We made it our policy not to keep a car in our fleet for more than three years. Remember to Like Us On Facebook, and see our most recent updates in your newsfeed. Be the first to see exclusive offers and Specials: www.facebook.com/lcarsxm.

Leisure Car Rental was established in 2007, with one objective: To always goJackieAward-320x240 above and beyond the Call Of Duty to ensure Maximum Customer Satisfaction. We offer a wide range of Automobiles to meet all needs and budgets. So whether you're the extravagant type, or the more cautious thrifty shopper, we have an auto for you. We can undoubtedly guarantee the Best Value in the Industry!

After seven years of hard work, and dedication, we were truly humbled, and amazed that a member of our Staff, Jacqueline Joseph Fitzpatrick, was chosen as the 2013 Auto Rental News Professional of the Year! This prestigious award was presented by American Express. This makes us the only Award Winning Car Rental Agency in St. Maarten.

Leisure Car Rental St. Maarten

So, on your next visit to our beautiful Island, be sure to choose Leisure Car Rental, and experience our Amazing, Award Winning Service! For reservations, email info@leisurecarrentalsxm.com, visit: www.leisurecarrentalsxm.com or call 721.581.8577. Our reservation system is fairly fast and simple. Thank you! 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sign Up to Win our June 2014 Dream Vacation for Two

Subscribe to our Newsletter - you may
Win a 6 Day/5 Night Dream Vacation for Two
at La Samanna Resort & Spa, St. Martin
or Oyster Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten
plus, A Day of Sailing on a Random Wind Charter


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Hotel 

 

 

HotelLesplanadeLogo

2013 Winner of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence

 

For five consecutive years, this premier property has been designated as a "Super Star Hotel" by Reed Publishing Star Service, a well-known magazine in the travel world. This award is granted to the world's truly outstanding properties; one out of 10,000 hotels. 

ViewOfBuilding---- Pool

Acknowledged by TripAdvisor as one of the Caribbean's "Best Hidden Gems," and more recently named #19 of the top 25 hotels in all of the Caribbean. This hotel has established a cult following from guests that enjoy an authentic, luxurious, unpretentious and un-touristy Caribbean experience with a homey feel. 

 Bedroom--- OversizedLoft




Perched on the hill with sweeping, panoramic ocean views, Mediterranean
architecture blends harmoniously with lush, tropical gardens, providing guests a delicious retreat into luxury. Each spacious accommodation, 24 in total, features a private terrace where beautiful sunset views will touch your soul. 

Balcony

 Bathroom2Kitchen

We invite you to find your own rhythm here - restore your inner peace with an in-room massage, take a relaxing dip in the oasis pool, or follow our delightful footpath to discover the village and crescent beach below. Our friendly staff is here to ensure that each day exceeds your expectations. For those who appreciate solitude, gracious hospitality and relaxation in blissful surroundings, we invite you to experience Hotel L'Esplanade.


Hotel L'Esplanade
Grand Case, St. Martin
For reservations, telephone Toll Free: 1.866.596.8365 or
Local: 011.590.590.87.06.55 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sam's Selection




------------ St. Maarten/St. Martin Images

 

12MetreChallenge-R---VisitingBaieLongue-R
------------ 12 Metre Challenge ---------------------------------Visiting Baie Longue 

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WestinResortPool-R- --
DiviResort-R
---------- Westin St. Maarten Resort Pool ------------------- Divi Little Bay Resort & Beach


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-----Roland Richardson Museum Gallery ------------- Rapid Explorer to St. Barts

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LaSamannaBungalow-R2
---- Dear Friend's sharing a beer at Lee's --------- La Samanna Resort Beach Bungalow


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Activity

 

Passaat Classic Schooner

 


PassaatFullBoat-R

 



St.Maarten’s Classic Sailing Experience

 

Passaat, Dutch for “Tradewinds” is a gaff rigged schooner built in 1911 in Holland. She has an interesting history that continues to build sailing in the turquoise blue Caribbean PassaatPeople-Rwaters of St.Maarten & Saint Martin. Pieter Bakker, the captain owner, and his partner Mirian Ebbers would love to invite you for a day sail, sunset or dinner cruise along the beautiful coast of St.Maarten & Saint Martin. Once aboard you will learn more about Passaat’s history taking you back to a time when schooners grazed the waters of the world.

Key words for Passaat are sailing & relaxing. The only music aboard is the wind in the sails and water against the hull. There is never a crowd on Passaat as Pieter and Mirian like to get to know their guests personally; and, with a 100ft. in length, there is lots of personal space aboard.

Passaat offers 3 different cruises during the week and also on weekends.

Lunch & Swim Cruise
Join us for a half day cruise from 11am to 4pm.
Sail on the comfortable & spacious classic schooner along the South West coast of St.Maarten. 
The wind in the sails and the water against the hull is the music accompanying you on this trip. 
Swim & snorkel in turquoise waters of a calm bay. 
A gourmet Caribbean lunch is served at our shaded table on the foredeck.
Lunch is a choice between a nice Mahi Mahi filet or chicken filet, with Mango Sauce, salad, rice, plantain & bread. Our snacks typically are banana or coconut cake andPassaatSunset-R fresh fruits. The open bar is available to you all day long and the choices are wine, beer, rum punch, various sodas and water of course. Snooze on the aft deck sailing back to “home port.” 

Sunset Cruise
Think all shades of yellow, orange and almost red or is it pink and it is not a rum punch! A typical sunset in the Caribbean… How better to enjoy this true moment of splendor on Passaat, sipping on a cocktail, enjoying the peace of the Caribbean Sea whilst hugging the shore of the island of St.Maarten/Saint Martin. 

Dinner Cruise
Whilst the sun is setting Passaat takes you on sail. Cruising along the South West island’s shores, enjoying your aperitif she will be your escort for an unforgettable evening.
A Caribbean 3- course Dinner will be served aboard upon return in port whilst at anchor. After a nice mixed salad gourmet Mahi Mahi filet or chicken curry will be served and you get to sample our famous home-made coconut cream pie for dessert. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies please let us know and we will try to accommodate you. After a joyous evening under star scattered skies the tender will take you back ashore. Look for the shooting star and make a wish! 

PassaatSteering-RProfiles: Pieter Bakker, the Captain & Owner of Passaat, has been sailing in the Caribbean for the last 19 years. He started his sailing career more than 32 years ago in the Netherlands, sailing his own ship on the waters around Holland and the IJsselmeer. After he delivered his first boat to the Caribbean he got hooked to sailing in the Tradewinds. With his broad experience and knowledge of the Caribbean waters, every sail is guaranteed to be an enjoyable one. 

Mirian Ebbers, his partner, has lived in the Caribbean for the last 15 years. From 1999 to 2007 she was the organizing director of the famous St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. With her hotel degree, background in the service industry, and love for cooking, Mirian feels right at home on Passaat and will do everything in her power to make your stay aboard a great one. 

Recently, Peiter and Mirian also acquired a nice 26ft. rebuilt navy launch. Passaat Too is nice for a Simpson Bay Lagoon day sail, a private sunset cruise or exploring the secluded beaches of the island for an hour or a day.

Passaat Classic Schooner is located in Simpson Bay, just outside the bridge in the bay. When you book a cruise on Passaat, we will pick you up by tender at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club in Simpson Bay, which is located next to the Simpson Bay Bridge opposite the Royal Palm Resort. For information and/or reservations for day sails or other cruises, please email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at: 1.721.580.3301. You can also visit our website at: www.sailholiday.com.


 
Featured Villa



------------------------------ Villa Always


"Always" returns to the rental market completely transformed into a fabulous 6 bedroom contemporary beauty. Built on 2 levels accommodating 6 bedroom suites, the residence has a vast living/dining area and gourmet kitchen and a large pool and deck with poolside gazebo.


PoolVilla-R---
Kitchen-R

 The main level accessed over a small bridge and water feature, houses the stunning white interior spaces of the living/dining area furnished with designs by Manutti , Blanc D’Ivoire and Philippe Starck and white oak flooring throughout. The European designed Haker kitchen has Viking appliances, white quartzite work tops and polished concrete flooring.  The whole length of the living and dining area is completely open on one side to the fabulous ocean sunset view and view over the pool area.


LivingRoom-1R--- DiningTable-R

 

Flanking the living area on either end are two palatial bedroom suites each with king–size custom made beds and Blanc D’Ivoire furnishings. Both suites have private balconies overlooking the pool terrace and “Victoriana” style en-suite bathrooms with Devon & Devon fittings.


Bedroom-R-- -
Bathroom-R

 A grand staircase descends from the main level to an extensive deck with a large infinity pool and shaded gazebo, with outside dining and lounge area furnishing by Paola Lenti and Tribu. The four remaining bedroom suites open off the pool terrace, each with en-suite designer bathrooms in polished concrete 

Always is a fabulous Caribbean retreat perfect for large families or groups. Located within minutes of the beautiful Terres Basses beaches.

Pierres Caraibes Real Estate

For reservations or information, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or Telephone: 011.590.590.51.02.85- From the US 213.805.0840
To view our complete selection of villa rentals visit us at: www.pierrescaraibes.com
For villa sales visit us at: www.exclusivecaribbeanproperty.com 



Featured Article


The Cock Fights

On a Saturday afternoon in French Quarter, St. Martin, approximately 100 local men and some women, gathered in an old rickety two story open-walled frame building to watch cocks fight. Outside local people with stands grilled chicken, ribs and fish, and sold soda and beer to customers. After parking our car in the only space available in a large unpaved dirt parking lot, we climbed questionable old rickety wooden stairs to a solid wood door on the 2nd floor of the building. To the left and right of the door, 2x4 poles twelve inches apart supported the structure’s roof. The lack of wall covering allowed us to see into this large open room. At the front door, a man stood collecting a $10 entry fee from entering patrons, which we assume went to the organizers of the fights. Since we accompanied a local friend who knew everyone, and, would only be watching one match, the collector waived our entrance fee.

On the 2nd floor, (Mezzanine Level), there was an informal bar tended by a few people who served hot dogs, hamburgers, Scotch ($2), other whiskeys, beer ($1), soda and chips. To the left of the bar, there were several wooden benches and tables where several people sat eating, drinking and talking while they waited for the first fight to begin. To the right of the bar, a railing surrounded by standing people allowed us to look down on an Octagon shaped 15 ft. wide fighting pit at ground level. The pit had a dirt floor with a 3 ft. high wall, which kept the cocks in the fighting arena. Three levels of a seating area rose from the dirt floor encircling the arena and were occupied by spectators talking, shouting, laughing and ready for action. Among them, we waved and said hello to several island businessmen and local friends that we have known for many years; and, in an area off to the side, we saw roosters in cages waiting their turn with worthy opponents.

After a few minutes, two fighting roosters, each with small, sharp, steel spurs attached to their ankles were brought into the pit by handlers who held the birds apart, but continuously jabbed them at each other allowing the cocks to drive themselves into frenzy while at the same time exciting the spectators who were deciding which fighter to wager on. These roosters are specially trained to injure or kill their opponent; and the steel spurs allow this to happen quickly.

Meanwhile, betting continues throughout each contest and it is not uncommon for owners and spectators to wager hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their fighter.

After several more minutes of teasing, the cocks were then placed on the floor about three feet apart facing each other and released as the handlers got out of the pit. Instinctively, the birds immediately began jockeying for position. Simultaneously, they attacked one another trying to peck, bite and stab each other’s neck, wings and shoulders. Fighting to intimidate and flapping their wings, they rose about 18 inches into the air and virtually bounced off each other trying to induce fear and overpower the opponent. They took turns chasing each other around the pit, banging heads, chest and wings, and trying to jump on the opponent’s back to pin him to the ground as they slashed out with their spur-lined feet and continuously pecking away. Like any trained fighter, each would put up his gloves/wings protecting himself while working to get out from under the opponent and trying to reverse positions.

One moment, one of the cocks would get the other down and get in a few good blows; the next moment positions reversed and the other scored blows. Everything happened very quickly. When a major blow/slash was scored, you could actually see the wounded cock back off to “lick his wounds.” During the flapping of the wings and the running around the pen chasing each other, one of the cocks took flight and flew over the three foot wall into the rows of spectators. Whether this was by accident or trying to run from a stronger opponent, I have no idea. The handlers then gathered the cocks, took up their positions and restarted the fight.

Periodically, each cock had the advantage and was on top of the other scoring blows. Several times, it looked like a clear winner would soon be announced; and, sadly, one of the cocks would probably lose its life. But, after 15 or 20 minutes of this ferocious fighting, we could see the cocks begin to tire. Then, much to my surprise, they started walking around the pit wearily watching each other while the spectators shouted remarks and expletives egging each fighter to attack the opponent.

As the cocks continued walking around the pit eyeing each other, a judge with two hour glass sand clocks turned one over to begin the period of not fighting. When one clock’s sand ran out, he turned over the other and within a few minutes that one expired. When something like this happens and both cocks are still standing, the judge gets to rule whether the match was a draw or to choose a winner. In this match, he chose a winner. His decision being the final word, the shouting stopped, all bets were settled, and the crowd began to focus on the next match.

Cock fighting is an old sport dating back hundreds of years and has been practised in many countries around the world. In the USA, it is illegal in most states; and, to my knowledge, there are only two or three states that still allow it. Apparently, on French St. Martin, it is a legal sporting event. "It is not to be watched by the faint of heart!"


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Feature   



Complimentary (FREE) Gift Certificates
from Island Businesses


Going
to the island?
Looking to save money?

Click www.stmaarten.org/free-gift-certificates to view our list of Certificates!

Choose the ones you wish to use on island; then, email us your choices! Make sure to include your first & last name, email address, travel dates and the name of the hotel, condo or villa where you will be staying on island. We will email the Certificates to you within 48 hours.


 

What's Happening in Paradise?

by Sam Fusco




King Willem Alexander Speaks Of Human Relations In Christmas Speech
King Willem Alexander has made his first Christmas address to the nation on Christmas Day, in which the relationships between people took centre stage. Seated in front of a fire at his home in Wassenaar, with photographs of his children, wife Máxima and parents around him, the King spoke of the importance of working together and the connections between people. King Willem-Alexander referred to the effects of the economic crisis that some people are feeling, and the suffering of people elsewhere in the world because of natural disasters, hunger, hate and terror. “Who loses a job or company, or cannot find a job or work anymore, loses more than financial security,” the King said. “Our work is part of who we are and helps shape the vision of ourselves and place in society and the world,” he said. 

The King used an African proverb to emphasize the importance of relationships. “People are people because of other people,” he said. Christmas is a festival which envisions peace on earth, the King said. Peace, he said, begins close to home, in the family, the street, the neighbourhood, the club, the village and the city. Everyone can contribute to peace by seeking connections with each other. King Willem-Alexander listed several examples: people who open their homes to children in trouble; buddies who are there for people with serious illnesses; innovative entrepreneurs who have a strong social awareness and neighbors who take the initiative themselves to improve their locality. The King concluded by Referring to his investiture on April 30. It was a day in which the collective power of people could be felt, he said. “For many people, and for me, it was an unforgettable experience. We must welcome the year ahead of us in the same spirit. There are many great things to be done,” said King Willem Alexander. 

Here's a note from Pizza Galley - It is that time again to vote for the: "Tell us who is the BEST OF 2013." If you like what we do please give us your support. Go to www.thedailyherald.com and click on the "Best of 2013" to vote. The deadline is January 13th, 2014. Seasons Greetings to All, J.P. & Lorna. 

St. Maarten resident Jacqueline Joseph has been named “Professional of the Year” in the Independent Category at the 2013 Auto Rental Summit presented by American Express. Participants at the event gathered in Hollywood, Florida on November 5 to hear the announcement of this year’s award winners. As a newly named Auto Rental News Professional of the Year, Jacqueline has been recognized for her outstanding customer service in the car rental industry. 

Jacqueline started working in the Car Rental industry as a Car Rental Agent at Easy Rentals in Roseau, Dominica. She is now a Marketing Executive at Leisure Car Rental in St. Maarten, an Independent Car Rental company known for their Excellent Customer Service. Joseph joined the Leisure team in 2009 as a Marketing Representative and was quickly promoted to Marketing Manager due to her consistent and effective work on behalf of the company and its customers. When asked to comment on the award and the ceremony Joseph said, “It is a great honor to be recognized as Leisure Car Rental’s Professional of the Year. Over the years, I've discovered that customer service is Key! We always strive to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure Maximum Customer Satisfaction.” 

According to Jimmy Fitzpatrick at Leisure Car Rental, Joseph wears many hats. In addition to her duties as Marketing Manager, she also assists the company with planning, operations and human resources. Joseph now has the distinction of bringing positive recognition to the company and to the St. Maarten community. According to Fitzpatrick, "This is indeed more than an honor for little St. Maarten to be recognized in this prestigious International Event. Congratulations, Jacqueline, you are indeed an asset to Leisure Car Rental and more importantly to the Island Nation of St. Maarten!" 

To learn more about Leisure Car Rental and the services they offer visit our website at www.leisurecarrentalsxm.com, become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lcarsxm or call 721.581.8577 to speak with a representative. You can also email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Every Tuesday enjoy 50% off your bill - max $50 at La Dolce Vita Ristorante Italiano courtesy of Princess Port de Plaisance Casino & Spa - Come and taste the finest Italian cuisine in a romantic setting. You can also receive the 50% off your bill if you go to Esco Pazzo Pizzeria on the promenade at Princess Port de Plaisance Casino & Spa on a Tuesday and enjoy one of their authentic stone oven pizzas in their casual dining setting. 

Simpson Bay, St. Maarten - All Aboard for Heineken Regatta Nights during the 34th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta: Organizers for the 2014 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta have been feverishly working to create the perfect formula for what will be a Legendary Party. The 34th edition of the Caribbean's biggest Regatta will feature 4 nights of Regatta parties. Starting on Thursday March 6 with the Dance Fever Party, Friday March 7th Rock and Reggae, Saturday March 8th Caribbean jam and the event ends in a Legendary Party on Sunday March 9th.

For over three decades, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has showcased the top boats and sailing and has become equally famous for its world class slate of parties and musical entertainment in the Caribbean. Now recognized by sailors around the planet as one of the sailing world's best regattas, each year the event lives up to its worthy motto: Serious Fun. 
For full information on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, including results, photos, videos, party and band information, and much, much more, visit www.heinekenregatta.com. 

Blue Mall Opens With Hopes Of Creating ‘New Life’ For Country
Three years after its first targeted opening, the multimillion-dollar nine-level Blue Mall officially opened its doors in grand style to a cross-section of the community on December 14th. The scores of guests who witnessed the blessing and ribbon cutting on the lower level were taken on a tour of the facility’s five shopping floors and then led into a section of the upper floor that had been transformed into a disco-like atmosphere with lights and an array of delicacies and beverages. A number of performers entertained guests live on stage.   There was a strong security presence throughout the mall as well as living statues on all floors, adding a special touch of class to the ceremony. 

“We are finally open,” Fondo de Valores Immobiliarios (FVI) President Luis Emilio Velutini told The Press during the ceremony. FVI operates Blue Mall. Velutini said there had been some unfortunate challenges during the construction phase and some difficulties attracting top brands here due to the worldwide economic crisis, but noted that the mall was here to serve the people of St. Maarten for the long run.   “They [the brands – Ed.] believe now in the island and we hope that the mall brings new life to the island,” he said. “The people believe in us and I am very glad and happy. We bring to the island our experience, we bring brands that have never been on the island and we are not just thinking about tourists, we are also thinking of the local people.  And after this opening, all the local people will have a place to come and a place to purchase a lot of things that they had to go off-island to buy.”   Many of the stores are open and more than 60 per cent of the luxury condos have been sold. Some stores have been open and serving the community for some months already.   Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams Told guests in brief remarks that the opening of the mall proved the resilience of the developers and, in particular, of Velutini and of St. Maarten. She also said the opening was happening at a time when St. Maarten was looking at 2014 and beyond with “a lot of confidence and hope.”

Simpson Bay Lagoon Causeway Opened
The rain held up just long enough on December 23rd afternoon to allow Minister of Infrastructure Maurice Lake to officially open the Simpson Bay Lagoon causeway. In just under two years, contractor Volker Stevin delivered a project envisioned by Member of Parliament and United People’s (UP) party leader Theo Heyliger as a key road link to alleviate traffic in the area. Heyliger was present along with representatives of the St. Maarten Police Force Traffic Department, representatives of the contractor and subcontractors, and members of Lake’s cabinet. After a final inspection by all involved, Minister Lake moved a road barrier and motorists started using the causeway immediately. No pomp or speeches signaled what is being called a soft opening of the causeway. 

The causeway, now St. Maarten’s newest landmark, spans 760 metres and supports two traffic lanes, with walkways on both sides with protective barriers. There is a swing Bridge at its centre and it can accommodate heavy equipment and vehicles. Motorists connect to the Causeway via two roundabouts, one on Union Road, Cole Bay, and the other just off Airport Boulevard. Minister Lake said there had been a noticeable increase in traffic activity over the past two weeks due to the tourist high season and holiday shoppers. “The causeway was built as part of the vision for the country’s road network to alleviate traffic congestion and to also have an alternative route in the event the Simpson Bay Bridge developed mechanical problem,” he said.  
  
Dawn Beach Westin Named Island’s Best Resort For 2013
The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa emerged victorious as the winner of St. Maarten’s Best Resort for 2013 from the World Travel Awards at the Caribbean and North America Gala Ceremony, held in Antigua on September 14. The event was Hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and welcomed guests from across the region. “The Westin Dawn Beach Resort, Spa and Casino is thrilled to have been recognized at this wonderful event. Our associates strive each day to provide our guests with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The Westin Dawn Beach is truly a great place to unwind, while enjoying all that the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin has to offer,” stated Daniel Beddor, General Manager at The Westin St. Maarten Resort and Spa.

Note: Several Articles Courtesy of Caribbean Gems Newsletters


The StMaarten/StMartin Connection Newsletters are e-published bimonthly by Steeple Associates, Inc., 5201 Warrens Way, Wanaque, NJ 07465. For Questions or Comments, telephone: 1.973.835.0600 or email: info@stmaarten.org. Publisher: Sam Fusco, Editorial Consultant: Marilyn Fusco, Sales and Marketing: Barbara Fusco. Contributing Correspondents: Laura Richardson and Sir Roland Richardson.   


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 2013 Newsletter

 

--------------------------------------- The
-----------------------------StMaarten/StMartin
---------------------------------- Connection

 

------------------------- "…the SXM newsletter for experienced travelers!
---------------------------------Connecting YOU with Paradise!"

 

Dear Friends of St. Maarten,

If you take only one vacation/holiday this year, make it St. Maarten/St. Martin. Why, you ask?

Let's start with the climate. How's an average daily temperature of 86 degrees with a nighttime average of 78 degrees. When the nighttime temperature dips to 70, our local friends wear a sweater or a long sleeve shirt/blouse. With temperatures like these, whenever you visit the island, you are almost guaranteed to have a wonderful and memorable trip/holiday.

How about rainfall. On average, St. Maarten has approximately 40 to 45 inches of rain per year. That is less than the 50 inches of rain annually for New York City. The difference is that when the island has rain, it is usually in squalls that last for 30 minutes or an hour. Then, an hour later the ground is entirely dry and you never know it recently rained.  

Let's talk about the Caribbean Sea. As I write this at this very moment, the water temperature of the Caribbean Sea around St. Maarten/St. Martin is 82 degrees; that is similar to relaxing in a warm bathtub. The water of the sea is soothing. It rejuvenates your body and eliminates your aches and pains. You know those pains, the ones you had when you stepped off the plane; but, 20 minutes in the water and your muscles will feel younger than yesterday and your mind will be clearer than it's been in months. 

While you're standing in four or five feet of the crystal clear azure waters of the Caribbean, you will be able to see small fish swimming around you. Take a dive into the water and you will see colorful schools of fish weaving back and forth in synchronized
waves while casting about the rainbow colors of the sun. Add music to this picture and you will fantasize hearing an orchestra playing a master's concerto at Carnegie Hall. 

Let's see if I can think of a few other enticements. Did I mention the island has approximately 400 restaurants including local entrepreneurs grilling fish, chicken and ribs in front of their homes to gourmet establishments serving exquisite meals on fine China? How about the 37 cottony white sandy beaches; one more beautiful than the next? Or, the 13 casinos on the Dutch side just waiting to separate you from your money unless Lady Luck came with you. Of course, there are available numerous other activities both on the land and in/on the waters of the Caribbean. Then, there's good old shopping for any kind of products or merchandise that you may want; and, most of it is duty-free. In addition, there's fun as much as you can handle and if you can imagine it, you can enjoy it. To top it all off, local St. Maartenians/St. Martinians are wonderful people and will try their hardest to make sure that you enjoy yourself. So, come on down to Paradise!

Phew, all this thinking has gotten me tired. I'm going down to the beach to relax on a chaise lounge and let the warm Caribbean waters tickle my toes while I start reading my new John le Carré (book) between sips of my Johnny Walker Black (Scotch). Cheers!

In the meanwhile, enjoy our Newsletter.

Regards,
Sam Fusco President/Publisher
Winner of the 2006/2007 St. MaartenHospitality & Trade Association's
Crystal Pineapple Award for Outstanding Tourism Journalism


Featured in this issue:

1. Newsletter Sponsor: La Cave Restaurant
2. A Poem: Family Tree by Laura Richardson
3. Featured Condos: The Cliff at Cupecoy Beach
4. Featured Shop: The Belgian Chocolate Box
5. Featured Restaurant: Lee's Roadside Grill 
6. Sam's Selection: StMaarten/StMartin Beaches
7. Featured Hotel: La Samanna Resort & Spa
8. Featured Article: The Almond Bottom by Sir Roland Richardson
9. Featured Activity: Happy Hour Charters 
10. Sign Up to Win a Dream Vacation for Two
11. Complimentary FREE Gift Certificates
12. What's Happening in Paradise?

 


Newsletter Sponsor

La Cave Restaurant at La Samanna Resort

Perfect for a private celebration, business dinner, or just to enjoy life… La Cave offers to our guests a completely different dining experience. Sit among some of the finest wines in the world, experience the finest cuisine of one of the best Caribbean chefs, complimented by elegant and attentive service.

Private Dining: This is a great opportunity to enjoy a private dinner in our Restaurant La Cave, surrounded by over 12,000 bottles of our very special wines. A five course or a nine course menu will be served with a wine paired with each course by our Head Wine Waiter.

Exclusive Dinner: Enjoy a special dinner featuring some of the very best vintages from exceptional wine appellations including: Bollinger, Dom Pérignon, Cheval Blanc, La Bourgogne, “Parfums du Sud”, and the USA.
Wine Tasting: Traveling through the world, guided by our expert Sommelier, you will discover the hidden secrets of the wine accompanied by a selection of fruits and French matured cheeses.

------------------12,000 bottles of wine - 1,250 labels - 13 countries

----------------------------------------- AWARDS
--------------------- Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2010
-------------------
Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2008
------------------- Best Wine List of the Caribbean Gault & Millau 2007
--------------------- Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2007
------------------------ Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2006


-------------------------- La Cave Restaurant at La Samanna
------------------For reservations, tel: 1.800.854.2252 or 011.590.590.87.64.00
----------------Please visit us at: www.lasamanna.com/web/omar/wine_cellar.jsp
---------------------------- Email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


A Poem



JulyBloomsGrandStMartin-640x343
 

Family Tree

by Laura Richardson

 

Old markings on a sprawling tree declare love’s ageless mystery.
Young hearts joined in frivolity carve deep their hope,
“Remember me.” 

A father’s arms knot tirelessly his birthday gift hung from the tree.
Then, swinging high, his daughter’s glee, returns his wish,
“Remember me.” 

Clothes lined to dry soak peacefully the sunny warmth that bathes the tree,
with Mother’s morning melody, sweet harmony,
“Remember me.” 

Two sisters set their cakes and tea on checkered cloth besides the tree.
As babies nap, they jokingly recall their youth,
“Remember me.” 

Grandpa relives his memories in dappled shade beneath the tree,
while Grandma calls him gingerly, her gentle prayer,
“Remember me.”

Strokes brushed on virgin canvas, palettes mixed with reverie,
an artist’s soulful effort paints a portrait of this tree,
whose broad, gnarled trunk rose steadily, in witness to their history,
of love and play and family, forevermore, 

“Remember me.” 

“Remember me.” 

 <><><>

 

Poem by Laura Richardson
Painting by Sir Roland Richardson
Titled “July Blooms, Grand St. Martin” 
painted “en Plein Air” on St. Martin, West Indies

Visit their beautiful gallery at:
Roland Richardson Gallery Museum
#6 rue de la Republique
Marigot, St. Martin
Where Fine Art, History and Nature Abound!

Laura and Sir Roland Richardson would be delighted to hear from you!
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Magic Jack, Tel: 1.443.982.0683 - Website: www.rolandrichardson.com

© Copyright Laura and Roland Richardson 2013


Featured Condos


 thecliff logo

Pool-700x334
The Cliff at Cupecoy Beach offers Luxury Vacation Rentals on the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. The Cliff is a great choice for your Caribbean dream vacation. Located on a Caribbean beach, the Cliff at Cupecoy Beach has luxury condominium suites with ocean views, full amenities and privacy and features the first Full-Service Christian Dior® Health Spa. A much better alternative to a St. Maarten Hotel room, it's like renting your own St. Maarten vacation villa on the beach, but with total security. Each vacation rental condo is elegantly and comfortably furnished for a great Caribbean Holiday.

BedroomView-440x210A testimonial to Caribbean life on St. Maarten/St. Martin, The "Cliff at Cupecoy is a prestigious, one of a kind vacation experience. Situated on St. Maarten's "Gold Coast," The cliff at Cupecoy looks over the pristine white sand and sapphire waters of secluded Cupecoy beach. Each Luxurious suite offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, and neighboring islands; Saba, St. Eustatius (Statia) and St. Kitts. Cupecoy Beach is known for its caves and cliffs making it one of the most picturesque beaches on St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Each suite extends from the front to the back of the building guaranteeing spectacular views of the caribbean sea. Suites have oversized living and dining rooms for lounging and entertaining and have fully equipped kitchens with granite tops, stainless steel KitchenAid® appliances and all necessary utensils for preparing
a gourmet meal. All Suites have a view of the Ocean and suites from the 5th level and above have views of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Anguilla, and French Lowlands (Basses Terres). There are four elevators in the building which service a maximum of two suites per floor to ensure privacy.

It took an entire year of planning and paying attention to every detail to achieve the goals of The Cliff. Those goals are simple: ideal location, magnificent view, beautiful design, practical layout, complete security, latest technology, full range of amenities, and luxury living on the beautiful and friendly island of St. Maarten/St. Martin.

St. Maarten/St. Martin's 36 beaches are all legendary, but many savvy beach goers will point out Cupecoy Beach, which lies under sandstone cliffs, as one of the island's natural treasures. A small, intimate beach, with dynamic rock formations and caves as well as cliffs and white sand beach.

Situated above this beach is The Cliff at Cupecoy beach, a gated luxury condo resort community that opened in 2006. The Cliff occupies a dramatic setting offering high-end comforts, panoramic views and 330 feet of Cupecoy's white sand frontage. Surrounded by lush landscaping, the resort is a balconied NiceBuildingBeach12-story structure featuring 72 deluxe two and three bedroom residences, including a handful of stunning penthouse apartments. All told, it's 180 bedrooms. The appointments and furnishings have been carefully chosen. Look for travertine marble floors, granite kitchen counters, KitchenAid appliances and whirlpool tubs.

The resort's Dior Institute Spa is not only run by Christian Dior®, but its his first spa in the Caribbean. Among the resort's other amenities, you'll find an indoor two-lane, 25 meter lap pool, a fitness center with beautiful Caribbean ocean views, a sculptured outdoor pool and children's pool, as well as a tennis court lit for night play.

Upon entering The Cliff at Cupecoy you are greeted with a 3,000 ft² lobby with extra high ceilings and travertine tiles.The lobby is professionally decorated with quality furnishings, including trees and plants. While you are checking-in with our professional staff you will be overwhelmed by the open arches revealing views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands. Come, join us, and ensure your wonderful vacation!


The Cliff Luxury Vacation Rentals at Cupecoy Beach, St. Maarten
For reservations or questions, Tel: 1.866.978.5839 or 1.721.546.6633
Please visit us at: www.cliffsxm.com Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
     ------------


Featured Shop  



LogoNChocolate

For 9 years now, we make Belgian Chocolates and are considered the oldest original Belgian Chocolate Factory in the Caribbean. We have no subsidiaries or branches on other islands.

Our 75 different chocolate flavors are made with love daily fresh by factory Beatrixowner Beatrix in our Philipsburg Atelier in Old Street. From here we sell direct or distribute them to our sales outlet in Simpson Bay next to Village Portofino (opposite Windward Island Bank and Druggist) or to first Class Hotels, Casinos, Villas and Yachts on this island.

Chocolate
There are few foods that people feel as passionate about - a passion that goes beyond a love for the "sweetness" of most candies or desserts: after all, few people crave caramel, whipped cream, or bubble gum. Chocolate is, well, different. For the true chocoholic, just thinking about chocolate can evoke a pleasurable response. You may want to grab a bar or make a nice cup of hot cocoa before you begin exploring here.

Candy bars, milk shakes, cookies, flavored coffee - even cereal and medicine! Chocolate is a key ingredient in many foods. In fact, it ranks as the favorite flavor of most Americans. And yet, few of us know the unique origins of this popular treat.

The story of chocolate spans more than 2,000 years and now circles the globe. The tale began in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America where cacao (kah KOW) first grew. Chocolate is made from the seeds of the cacao tree. But the journey from seed to sweet is a long one, spanning many centuries and requiring many processes.

Cacao open fruit2History of Chocolate
The tasty secret of the cacao (kah KOW) tree was discovered 2,000 years ago in the tropical rainforests of the Americas. The pods of this tree contain seeds that can be processed into chocolate. The story of how chocolate grew from a local Mesoamerican beverage into a global sweet encompasses many cultures and continents.

The first people known to have made chocolate were the ancient cultures of Mexico and Central America. These people, including the Maya and Aztec, mixed ground cacao seeds with various seasonings to make a spicy, frothy drink.

Later, the Spanish conquistadors brought the seeds back home to Spain, where new recipes were created. Eventually, the drink's popularity spread throughout Europe. Since then, new technologies and innovations have changed the texture and taste of chocolate, but it still remains one of the World's favorite flavors.

How Chocolate is Made - Harvesting Cacao is Hard Work
We tend to think of chocolate making as an assembly-line process. Most people picture automated presses plopping out candies onto conveyor belts at speeds unmatched by humans. But, before cacao StoreFrontMapreaches the machinery of a chocolate factory, it must first pass through the hands of a farmer.

Making Chocolate Takes Years of Manual Labor
Like most agricultural crops, cacao must be closely monitored by farmers. They regularly walk their fields and check for pests, molds, and diseases that can potentially wipe out a whole harvest. In addition, a farmer must spend three to five years caring for young cacao trees before they'll produce their first yield.

Cacao Harvesting is Done by Hand
Unlike many contemporary crops; cacao can't be harvested by machines. Each thick pod growing off the trunk and branches of the cacao tree must be plucked by hand. 

To meet your taste we offer customized flavors, travel packaging and delivery service. Our boxes are insulated. If you are visiting St. Maarten on one of the cruise ships you can use our free ship delivery service. You must place your order either directly in our shop by 3 pm or you can use our pre-order facilities via internet, phone or fax directly from home or cruise ship. 

Once you taste our chocolate, you will appreciate our quality. Finest Belgian Chocolate (Callebaut), Pure Cream and Butter, natural Vanilla from Tahiti and other high end ingredients make our Chocolates unique. We will surprise you with traditional flavors and new combinations. Some of our chocolates take 5-6 different steps for finishing…


The Belgian Chocolate Box by Beatrix
109 Old Street, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
For information, telephone: 1.721.542.8863
Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or visit us at: www.thebelgianchocolatebox.com 


 Featured Restaurant 

    
--------------------------
   LeesGrillLogo-700x193
   ----------------------------The Place For Great Local Food!


Lee’s Roadside Grill opened for the first time in 1997 and it has now grown into a LeesAirViewthriving must visit open air restaurant. Located in Simpson Bay on the lagoon, Lee’s Roadside Grill offers a totally relaxing atmosphere for all visitors that want to surrender to the flavors of our local cuisine. Fresh fish, live lobsters, steaks, bbq Ribs, chicken and more will tempt your taste buds. If food is not what you’re looking for then, mingle with the locals and dance to the sounds of our live music while indulging in a cold tropical cocktail. Whatever reason brings you to Lee’s you can be sure it will be a totally fulfilling experience.

If you're planning a trip to St. Maarten, then you must visit Lee's for great local food. They serve mouth-watering lobster, fresh fish, ribs, chicken, burgers, etc. "Fresh it is!!" Every day, Lee's fishing boats catch some of the fish, which you enjoy on the B.B.Q. grill. All food is cooked in front or your eyes and if you want, the chef will let you do it yourself. Interested in lobster? The lobster tank has a good supply. Whatever you eat, you'll love it! If you like to have fun and dance, Lee's offers live music every night. 
 

Hours of operation vary during the year. Open daily (Closed Mondays) for lunch and dinner from 11 am to 11pm sometimes earlier - sometimes later. Live Music & Dancing Nightly 7:30PM to 10:30PM. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm and 10pm to 11pm daily. Lee's accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Cards. And, don't forget the "All Day Drink Specials" and "Free Wi-Fi." Lee's has been voted the "Best Seafood Restaurant" for six years in a row!  

Editor's Note: Here's a short story. In 1995, Hurricane Luis destroyed more than a thousand boats in the lagoon; and, by 1998, several other hurricanes contributed damage. During those years, St. Maarten/St. MartinLeesPhoto took a pretty good beating. Tourism was down; and, there weren't many smiles on the faces of the local people who made their living off the island. One of those unhappy faces was Captain Lee Halley's. The fishing business had sunk pretty deep and the future looked pretty bleak for lots of people. HappyFishermen-240x360

Lee had a shack on the property where he docked his boats and it was mostly loaded with fishing gear. Friends stopped by to pass the time, have a couple drinks and discuss fishing. One day, Lee set up a grill to cook fish for himself and his friends. Next thing you know, he decided to build a bar and offer drinks and grilled fish. Then he built a dining area. The more he built, the more people came. Then Lee built a restaurant building with awnings, a dance floor, tables and chairs, offices upstairs and a new dock for his boats. Then a funny thing happened. Tourists found Lee's Roadside Grill & Bar and they told their friends, who told their friends, and so on and so on.


One night, Lee went to bed. When he woke up the next morning and looked in the mirror, he found that he was no longer just the fisherman that he had been for most of his life. He was now also a businessman and the owner of one of the most popular restaurants on the island. So, stop by Lee's Place and enjoy yourself.

And, for those of you that crave excitement and adventure, the sport of deepsea fishing may be a fight up your alley. Nothing ever compares to man against nature, like fighting a Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Marlin or any other tropical fish that dares to test your will, Strength and skill.

Do you have what it takes to fight the good fight for a few hours and possibly land a fish that may weigh twice as much as you do? Yes, then let's go fishing...


--------------- Click the link below for a 360 Degree Virtual Tour of Lee's:
  --------------------------
www.caribwebservices.com/360/lees/int/



--------------------------------Lee's Roadside Grill
-----------------84 Welfare Road, Simpson Bay - Across from Royal Palm Resort
---------------For reservations, tel: 1.721.544.4233 Fax: 1.721.544.4234
-------------Visit us at: www.leesfish.com or Email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Enjoy a Complimentary Glass of House Wine or Soda with Dinner! 

If you’re planning a trip to St. Maarten, then you must visit Lee’s for great local food. They serve mouth-watering lobster, fresh fish, ribs, chicken, burgers, etc. “Fresh it is!!” Every day, Lee’s fishing boats catch some of the fish, which you enjoy on the B.B.Q. grill. All food is cooked in front or your eyes and if you want, the chef will let you do it yourself. Interested in lobster? The lobster tank has a good supply. Whatever you eat, you’ll love it! If you like to have fun and dance, Lee’s has Live Music nightly from 7:30pm. Happy Hour is 4-6pm & 10-11pm. Print coupon and present it when ordering dinner. Not valid with other offers.


Sam's Selection



StMaarten/StMartin Beaches

 DiviLittleBayBeach---GrandCaseBeach ----  --------
----------------- Divi Little Bay Beach --------------------- Grand Case Beach
CupecoyBeach---DawnBeach2
----  --------------
Cupecoy Beach ----------------------------------------- Dawn Beach
GreatBayBeach-- LongBeach
--------------- Great Bay Beach ------------------------------- Longue Beach
GreatBayBeachBoardwalkR-- RougeBeachR
--------------- Great Bay Boardwalk --------------------------- Orient Beach
PelicanKeyBeach-- PinelIsland
--------------- Pelican Key Beach ------------------------------ Pinel Island Beach


 Featured Hotel 

    
LASLogo180x50Orient-ExpressLogo

--------------- LAS-Deck-448x298 ----------------------
----------------------La Samanna... your archway to St. Martin!

 

La Samanna is an authentic hideaway of French Caribbean luxury along Saint-Martin's most exclusive beach--Baie Longue. The boutique resort offers 55 acres and a total of 83 oceanfront rooms, suites and villas. Located just minutes from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), La Samanna is within easy reach of major US cities. LAS-Bedroom-355x236

Located atop a rocky bluff and tucked within a gentle cove, La Samanna's Mediterranean-inspired architecture is bold white with clay-colored terracotta shingles--a throwback to personalized service and complete indulgence. Where umbrella drinks arrive upon request and celebrities stay tucked beneath sprawling palms. Dense mangroves and bright pink bougainvilleas offer added privacy. The Caribbean Sea's stunning blues shimmer throughout the day, as Saba Island rises in the distance. Wrapped in a dreamlike contradiction of intimate seclusion and adventurous activities, guests laze in simple solitude one day. Then engage in yoga, sailing, snorkeling and professional tennis the next. La Samanna's beachside Water Activities Cabana has an experienced staff to coordinate all activities, both on-and off-property.

LAS-LivingSpace-355x238In each of the 83-oceanfront guest rooms, whites and blues envelope guests in clean interior design. Rooms are graceful and light with decorative pillows, white travertine flooring and marble countertops in bathrooms. Accommodations include traditional guestrooms, one-and two-bedroom suites and three-bedroom cottages. All suites offer living rooms, dining rooms and private terraces. Washed in the resort's classic Caribbean grandeur, La Samanna Villas offer more than 4,600 square feet of exclusive space. Each three and four-bedroom Villa is complete with wraparound private infinity pools, generous indoor/outdoor living quarters, sweeping ocean views, oversized private terraces and more.

On an island known for its gastronomical exploits, the Executive Chef at La Samanna does not disappoint. The day begins with buffet breakfast to rival the finest on the mainland. Fresh fruits, homemade French pastries and gourmet coffee delight guests. During the day, The Beach Bar and Trellis Restaurant serve up lunch as each overlooks one of the resort's beautiful pools. While at night, Interlude Restaurant celebrates French-Caribbean fare and La Cave--the region's most talked about wine cellar--entertains with more than 12,000 bottles. 
 

"One of the Top Three Restaurants in the Caribbean"
Travel and Leisure Magazine
 
 

Award-winning French Cuisine La Samanna's renowned dining room, Interlude Restaurant, has been claimed as one of the finest in the world not to mention one of the most romantic settings overlooking the Caribbean Sea. La Samanna's blend of Caribbean and French influence is especially expressed in its fine cuisine. Acclaimed by Travel & Leisure Magazine as "one of the top three restaurants in the Caribbean," the restaurant maintains a world-class reputation through its constant commitmentRestaurant400x167 to fresh, first-class food, found locally as well as flown in daily from France. The menu is full of new passion, both in presentation and palate. Classical yet unique, the menu strives to explore new tastes beyond those known to the luxury restaurants in New York and in Paris, a fusion of French, Creole and Caribbean soul. More details...

Renovation of La Samanna's world-renowned Wine Cellar into La Cave Restaurant offers a remarkable opportunity to wine enthusiasts, with its cavern's inventory rivaling the top eight best resorts in the world for wine as written by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. A unique and private dining experience, created for individual tastes and mood, can now be had by candlelight in the Cellar itself, where new, sought and rare vintages will compliment a fine dinner menu.

On the more casual side, a very special treat is to plan a lobster barbecue on the beach for lunch, or in the evening with flamed torches, and island music. The selection each morning at our breakfast buffet pleases guests from around the world while enjoying their coffee with a peaceful overlook of Baie Longue. More details... 
 

"One of the world's best places to stay..."
CONDE NAST TRAVELLER
 
 

Caribbean Weddings at La Samanna La Samanna Resort & Spa in St Martin can provide the perfect setting for your Caribbean destination wedding. Our exclusive Caribbean beach Weddings400x167resort and professional staff are highly prepared to host your wedding celebrations and make your most special day look like an effortless vacation.

Our Guest Services Manager will assist you in choosing the perfect location for your wedding ceremony, based on your group size. The hotel offers unique wedding locations ranging from the beautiful beach terrace to the pool terrace or our stately Rendezvous Pavilion, where your wedding reception and celebrations can be held.

We look forward to welcoming you and your wedding party to our romantic Caribbean beach paradise. For more information on planning your Caribbean Wedding at La Samanna Resort, Click here.


Leisure & Activities For those who crave action, the choices at La Samanna are endless. Activities Jetskier400x168such as complimentary kayaking, yoga, pilates, tennis, snorkeling and more are all on hand, while scuba programs, water-skiing, wake boarding, kid's 'banana' boat, wave runners, snorkel trips, day charter boats, island tours and off-property excursions are easily arranged by our concierge. Read more...

La Samanna Spa Indulge in spa treatments or get yourself in prime physical and mental condition at our superb fitness center. Guests don't have to go far for world-class relaxation. La Samanna Spa offers seven treatment rooms, including five indoor/outdoor treatment suites--each with a private Zen garden and outdoor shower. From a detoxifying body wrap to a classic deep tissue massage, the Spa has a full range of services focusing on extravagance, rejuvenation and wellness using natural elements.

All technicians are European-trained professionals, thus we can offerSpa400x168 more than 40 different stress-relievers such as hot stone massage techniques, natural seaweed body treatments, cryotherapy, Shiatsu, reflexology, and balneotherapy. Also available at La Samanna's Spa are manicures, pedicures, waxing, face/eye care and hair styling. Phytomer, a sea-ingredient based line of natural French products are used exclusively with all treatments.

Our Spa manager will work with you ahead of time to create the perfect rejuvenation package for each guest, scheduling around activities. This will allow one less detail to handle when you arrive. We can customize any of our treatments to fit your special needs. And, at your request, we will gladly and discreetly extend sound advice for integrating a healthier lifestyle for you to take back home. More details... 



-------------- La Samanna Resort & Spa
-------------------------------------
Bay Long, St. Martin ----
For reservations, Tel: 800.854.2252 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

------------------Please visit our website at: www.lasamanna.com 


Featured Article

The Almond Bottom

by Sir Roland Richardson


Cracking almond shells makes a unique pounding sound. It has a roundness that floats. It recalls the general quietude that enveloped my childhood village of Grand Case.

I heard it again the other day and, unexpectedly it evoked the special crunchiness of the salt encrusted pondside ground of the path between the receding ponds. I always sought to walk where neither animal not people had tread; the crunch made walking here special. I always felt as if it was a passage into the unknown. We took this path whenever it was the season to pick cashews or mangoes, hog plums, sugar apples or soursops. Kenep trees grew like hedges at the foot of the hill, the cherry trees sweetened the air with their red brightness, the only Locust tree I knew rose gracefully, silver and blue... adventure was "Over the Pond."

The wind became the sound of endless numbers of little waves taping on the shore. The luminescent grey-green heavy water transformed into white fluffy fluttering froth. This "snow" would be blown across the path against our feet and shins-myriad rainbow-filled bubbles bursting, leaving a briny coating.

Often cattle walked the edge into the water and sank to their knees in the smooth black mud releasing the smell of primitive earth. Chichiwees and Daddy Long Leg pond birds rose and set in chirping flocks leading the way across the pond.

Memories are mysterious and magical. They exist intact and unchanged by time. They interconnect yet maintain their integrity. They weave the network of a whole life while inhabiting their own space and timelessness within our life. Memories are more than remembered past events and though they are part of the fabric making up the present person, they are somehow apart. What happens that makes an event or an experience a memory? We don't remember our whole life with the same distinctness as a memory. Within them, all our senses are intensely active simultaneously.

The Almond Bottom was over the pond in a place all its own. AlmondTreePhoto-R400x324Unlike other trees, Almonds go through several full seasons every year. Leafless, their dark trunks and spreading knobby branches are scary. Soon young spring-green buds shoot out shinny and shimmering, then transform rapidly into large emerald and cool deep green leaves in which cluster its hidden fruit. The almond fruit ripens from a lentil shaped invisible green fruit to a bright yellow which falls to the ground. Then autumn's splendor of yellow, orange, flaming red and purple all cascade, covering the ground and fallen nuts, under a thick brown coat that sounds hollow and mysterious to our searching feet.

Bats and rodents and kids love to eat the thin yellow skin, but the nut hidden inside is what brings us on this adventure. In the deep shadow that lay like a pool separating it and us from the rest of the world, we scrambled and searched amidst roots that writhe as if alive. The trees' huge purple barked trunks took several of us to span them with our encircling arms. They were so tall we called them great-grandfather trees and were certain that they were aware of us and offered us these nuts as a reward for our daring.

On the way home we walked in the mud and all went home with black "shoes." After sunning the nuts for a few days, the cracking would begin. The pounding would float intermittently over the village and stop when that distinctive crack was heard. Hidden inside a thick spongy fibrous cover is a thin hard inner shell which nestles our prize. Despite pounded fingers and much labor and its tiny ness, the almond nut is one of the Caribbean's true hidden treasures. It is like a little rolled cigar. Brown outer skin, pearly moist and crunchy inside, this treasured flavor contains memories that have nourished numberless generations. An old lady friend once said to me "My children partly rear from these nuts, you know. Oh, we eat good bread from these."

As eager children, we would and could at any time of year crack a few and delight in their fresh state. But boiled in brown sugar and cooled on a wet board or on a piece of marble stone, these almond sugar cakes preserve Sunday afternoon strolls in our finery, giggling, sharing, munching the treasure we held in pieces of brown paper: moments when we were content with the present.

-------------------------------------------- <><><>

Sir Roland and Laura Richardson happily invite you to discover their beautiful gallery in Marigot at a charming Creole landmark building with private garden.

Roland Richardson Gallery Museum
#6 rue de la Republique, Marigot, St. Martin 97150
Website: www.rolandrichardson.com ~ Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Artist's tel: (011.590) 590.87.32.24 ~ Gallery tel: 590.87.84.08


Featured Activity

HappyHour-Logo-300x162
CoupleOnJetSki-400x240
----------------------------- Welcome to Happy Hour Charters
------------------ Where we help you plan your St. Maarten Activities.


Whether you are looking for a Jetski adventure, a day on a boat, enjoying a sunset sail or exploring the island by Scooter we can help you. Explore our site and contact us with any questions or to book your activity. We also have activities for cruise ship passengers as we can provide transportation to our location.

Other Activities
Other Activities we can help you with: Snorkel Trips, Catamarans,MegaYacht-400x240 Snuba/Scuba Diving, Fishing, Water Taxi, Lagoon Tours, Sunset Tours, Private Charters, Power Boats, Boat Rentals, Scooter Tours. We live on the island so we know great activities, restaurants, beaches and things to do. Let us help you with your vacation ideas. If you have questions about the island such as where to stay, ideas for kids or quiet beaches, just send us an email at sailstmaarten@yahoo.comThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Private Charters
Enjoy your own Private tour by boat to discover St. Maarten. We offer either a half day or full day option for up to 8 passengers per boat. Our half day option is a 3.5 hour trip leaving from our dock at 9:00am or 12:30pm. Our full day trip leaves at 9:00am and returns at 3:30pm.

We provide snorkel gear, floating noodles, captain, cooler with ice and beer, water, soft drinks and light snacks. The full day has a picnic lunch option included in the price or we can also arrange a restaurant stop - this would be the clients cost.

Our boats have plenty of shade as they have full bimini tops as well as boarding ladders to make swimming and snorkeling very easy to enter the boat. Our price per boat is $650 for the half day and $950 for the full day with the picnic lunch. (Sandwiches, salads, fruit platter, etc.)

Discover the Lagoon by JetSkis
From our dock you will take the jetskis through the largest salt water lagoon in the Caribbean and head toward Marina Royale in Marigot, the French Capital. Here you will see all the restaurants and shops along the dock. Up on the hill you will also see Fort Louis, built in 1789. From Marigot we will make our way towards the French Lowlands where you can see the beautiful homes and villas of the wealthy only from the lagoon. We then make our way past Porto Cupecoy where you see the Mediterranean style complex. As we continue our tour we pass all of HappyPeople-400x300the Mega Yachts in the lagoon; we get up close for some great pictures! On our return to our dock everyone has a James Bond moment as they land their Jetski back on its lift.

No experience is necessary, we have had passengers as young as 4 years old and drivers as old as 75. In fact we had a 75 year old grandmother with her daughter and 2 grandchildren come out with us, she had so much fun (never done it before) that when she landed the Jetski, she jumped off and gave us a high five and proclaimed "when I get home I'm buying a Jetski!!"

This is a great way to discover the lagoon and to see things that you can only see by water.

Price per Jetski is $110 with up to 2 riders per Jetski (maximum weight is 500 pounds). We take a maximum of 5 Jetskis per guide; you must be 18 or over to drive the Jetski. This is a 60 minute excursion. The trip may be modified based on sea conditions/safety. Life jackets and safety equipment is provided for all participants.

For Cruise Ship Passengers
You will need to arrive at the meeting point a minimum of 15 minutes prior to your starting time. You will be met at the main entrance as you are exiting the port. There is only one main entrance and exit to the port. There are turnstiles at the entrance and this is where you will be met by the representative of "Happy Hour Charters." Please keep in mind all departure times are based on local time not ship time. 


Happy Hour Charters
Welfare Road, St. Maarten
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Visit us at:
www.happyhoursxm.com
Call us direct to book at 1.721.581.2124 or 1.721.553.2184


 

------------ Sign Up to Win a Dream Vacation for Two

 

Subscribe to our Newsletter and you may:
Win a 6 Day/5 Night Dream Vacation for Two

at La Samanna Resort & Spa, St. Martin
or Oyster Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten
Plus, A Day of Sailing on a Random Wind Charter

 


 Special Feature 
 



Complimentary (FREE) Gift Certificates
from Island Businesses

Going to the island?

Looking to save money?

View our list of Gift Certificates below!

Choose the ones you wish to use on island.

Click Here: To email us your Gift Certificate choices! Please include your first & last name, email address, travel dates and the name of the hotel, condo or villa where you will be staying on island. We will email the Certificates to you within 48 hours.

(Click the Business Name to visit their Website)

Hotels
Bleu Emeraude Residence (Gift Certificate: $100 off)
LaVista Beach Resort (Gift Certificate: 30% off)
The Cliff at Cupecoy Beach Condos
(Gift Certificate: 5% off)
Oyster Bay Beach Resort

Click the Language to Print your Oyster Bay Resort
Gift Certificate: English - French - Spanish - Portuguese


Restaurants
Beau Beau's Restaurant at Oyster Bay Beach Resort (Gift Certificate: $25 off)
Esco Pazzo Pizzeria (Gift Certificate: $10 off per couple)
Hideaway Restaurant at LaVista Resort (Gift Certificate: 10% off)
Infinity Restaurant at Oyster Bay Beach Resort (Gift Certificate: $25 off)

La Cave Restaurant at La Samanna
(Gift Certificate: $50 off)
La Dolce Vita Ristorante Italiano (Gift Certificate: $10 off per person)
Interlude Restaurant at La Samanna (Gift Certificate: $25 off)
Peg Leg Pub and Steakhouse (Gift Certificate: $10 off)
Rare Bar and Restaurant (Gift Certificate: One Free Dessert Per Person)

Temptation Bar and Restaurant (Gift Certificate: One Free Dessert Per Person)
Toppers Restaurant and Bar & Toppers by the Sea (Gift Certificate: $10 off)


Shops
Ballerina Jewelers (Gift Certificate: $100 off)
Blooming Baskets by Lisa (Gift Certificate: $20 off)
Caribbean Gems (Gift Certificate: $50 off)
La Samanna Spa (Gift Certificate: $50 off)
Roland Richardson Gallery Museum: $50 off)
Zhaveri Jewelers (Gift Certificate: $50 off)


Activities
Aqua Mania Adventures (Gift Certificate: Buy $150 of Watersports Dollars for $125)
Happy Hour Charters (Gift Certificate: $10 off Jetskis)
Random Wind Charters (Gift Certificate: $20 off)
Scuba Fun Dive Center (Gift Certificate: 10% off)


Car Rentals
Summer Set Car Rental (Gift Certificate: One Free Day with 7 Day Rental)

Casinos
Tropicana Casino (Gift Certificate: A $10 free play, free beer & hot dog)


What's Happening in Paradise?

by Sam Fusco

 
July 8, 2013 - L'Hoste Hotel, Orient Bay, will be open all year and is under a new management since the 12th of December 2012 whose name is Mr. and Mrs. Guillot-Tournus, a French couple. With 56 spacious Junior Suites and one villa "La Cabana" designed in tropical style, the hotel lies directly on Orient Bay Beach with a poolside solarium, a beachfront restaurant and a bar "La Playa." Its private beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas is open to serve you breakfasts and lunches. More information is available on its website www.hostehotel.com 

Island Businesses Summer/Fall Closings & Promotions: 
 


Aqua Mania Adventures: It’s Summer and we are running a special promotion for daytrips to St. Barts on Saturdays. Take The Edge from Simpson Bay Resort, $45pp plus port fees. Summer Sales are starting, the beaches are gorgeous and it’s time to treat yourself. Grab a friend and head out for a day of relaxation and fun. The Edge departs 9am and returns 4:45pm. For reservations, call: 1.721.554.2236.

Bleu Emeraude Residence, Grand Case, will be open all summer but may close for a couple weeks in September.

Bobby Valins, “The Villa Lady,” has villas waiting to be rented.

Caribbean Gems, Philipsburg, will be open all year.

CaribbeanKidsClub.com: Jill Steinke is currently taking advanced reservations for the summer months. She also has a wonderful house for rent in Anguilla, which is an opportunity for time share owners to extend their vacation while touring a neighboring island.

Celine Charters, Simpson Bay Lagoon, will not be closing this year. They have two boats and even when one is out of the water for cleaning, etc., the other is always working.

Club Orient Resort, Orient Beach, will be closed from August 18th to October 7th. Of course, the beach will be operating as usual.

Happy Hour Charters, Simpson Bay Lagoon, will be open all year barring any hurricane specific activities.

Hotel Beach Plaza, Marigot, will close on August 26 for renovations to the rooms and facilities and will reopen on December 12, 2013.

Hotel L'Esplanade,
Grand Case, will close from September 8th until October 8th.

L’Hoste Hotel
, Orient Bay, will be open all year. In addition, their beach restaurant, "La Playa," will also be open. And, keep in mind that you don't have to be staying at the hotel to enjoy a great lunch or bask in the sunshine.

Leisure Car Rental,
St. Maarten, will be open all year and has car rentals available.

La Samanna Resort & Spa
, Bay Longue, will close September 1st and reopen November 2nd. The closing dates include Interlude Restaurant, Trellis Restaurant, La Cave Restaurant and La Samanna Spa.

Lee’s Roadside Grill, Simpson Bay Lagoon, will be closed for vacation from September 9th to September 29th. In addition, they are now closed on Mondays during the summer/fall seasons. By the way, Lee’s now accepts American Express, Visa, Master Card and Discover Cards; so, “Don’t leave home without them!”

Le Petit Hotel, Grand Case, will close from August 25th to September 7th.

Mirian and Pieter, Passaat SailHoliday Charters, Simpson Bay Lagoon, have already taken vacation so they will be operating throughout the summer and fall seasons. They will probably haul Passaat out of the water in September to paint the bottom.

Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Oyster Pond, will be open all year.

Pizza Galley, Simpson Bay Lagoon, will close for vacation on July 19th and reopen in mid-October.

Radisson Blu Resort Marina & Spa, Anse Marcel, St. Martin will not be closing for summer vacations; but, the pool will be closed for maintenance and there will be less activities available during the summer months.  

Scuba Fun Dive Center, Philipsburg, St. Maarten/St. Martin’s longest established PADI 5* Dive Resort will be open all year. We offer resort courses, diving and snorkeling trips. For reservations, tel: 1.721.542.3966 or 1.721.586.2822 cell.

The Butterfly Farm, Orient Beach, will be open all summer from 9am to the last tour of the day at 3pm, 7 days a week.

The Horny Toad Guest House, Simpson Bay, will be open all year.

The Loterie Farm, Pic Paradis, reports that the Hidden Forest Café restaurant will be closed for the month of September until mid-October; but, the treelounge and l’eaulounge will be open as well as all activities in the forest.

The Marquis Boutique Hotel, Anse Marcel, has a new Hotel Manager whose name is Moira Olivieri. I did some advertising work for Moira a few years ago. She is a professional who takes pride in her work. I wish her well in the new position. Marquis is a beautiful hotel on the hillside with spectacular views. By the way, Marquis is offering a Summer Special valid for July 1st to August 31st: a 30% discount on rates and the 5th Night Free.

The staff at Pierres Caraibes Villas, Marigot, may take vacation; but, the business will be open all year and has villas waiting to be rented. 

The US Coast Guard Tall Ship Eagle which is a training ship visited St. Maarten on May 25th. Once in port, the cadets were given shore leave for the day to be with their families who came down from the States to visit with their relatives who were in training on the vessel. The cadets enjoyed the island and their families as well helping to advance the economy of the island. There was a reception by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams who spoke during the event. The US Coast Guard and the St. Maarten government are trying to make this a regular stopping point for the vessel while the cadets and officer candidates learn seamanship skills. 

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) recently reported that visitor traffic to the Caribbean should be up 4-5% this year compared to 2012 which saw strong growth. All in all, more than 25 million tourists visited a Caribbean island compared with 2011 which is the largest number of travelers to the region in the last five years. 

During the 2014-2015 tourism season, Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Lines newest vessel which will launch in November 2014, will make six calls (stops) in St. Maarten. The Quantum has 16 decks and can carry 4,180 passengers in 2,090 staterooms. 

In June, JetBlue Airways started a 2nd flight on its very popular San Juan, Puerto Rico to St. Maarten route. This is an extremely valuable route for daily travelers who wish to go to San Juan on daily shopping trips and for travelers coming down from the States who want to connect to St. Maarten. Right now, this 2nd flight will be a test to see if the traffic between the two islands is enough to make it a 2nd year round flight. The test period will end September 3rd


The StMaarten/StMartin Connection Newsletters are e-published bimonthly by Steeple Associates, Inc., 5201 Warrens Way, Wanaque, NJ 07465. For Questions or Comments, telephone: 973.835.0600 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Publisher: Sam Fusco. Editorial Consultant: Marilyn Fusco. Sales and Marketing: Barbara Fusco. Contributing Correspondents: Jean Rich, Laura Richardson, and Sir Roland Richardson.


March 2014 Newsletter

---
 ---------------------------------------
The
-----------------------------StMaarten/StMartin
 
---------------------------------- Connection

------------------------- "…the SXM newsletter for experienced travelers!
---------------------------------Connecting YOU with Paradise!"



Dear Friends of St. Maarten,

When my nephew, Matthew, was six years old, he had a favorite saying; "Can you believe it?" With any new experience, he would utter that phrase. Of course, at his age, it was happening every day; but, one particular incident frequently comes to mind.

We were in St. Martin having lunch at La Samanna Resort. Besides Matthew, his mother, father and 4 year old brother were with Barbara and me. The weather was just beautiful; sunny sky with a soft breeze and temperatures in the mid 80s. As usual, the view of the Caribbean Sea from the hillside balcony of La Samanna's Trellis Restaurant was just spectacular. As our lunch selections arrived, Matt looked at his hamburger and French fries while yelling, "There's no Ketchup!" Our waitress, upon hearing this hustled into the kitchen and quickly returned with a large plastic bottle of the red-stuff. And Matthew,  upon flipping the bottle over and squeezing it, sent ketchup flying everywhere - on his hamburger, fries, dish and part of the table, which brought a very large smile to his face as he uttered, "Can you believe it?"

As I reminisce about that day, I look out my window at the piles of snow 3 to 5 feet high around the perimeter of our condo parking lot. Three weeks ago, we had snow storms on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the same week dumping more than two feet of snow on our region that was in addition to previous snow storms in December and January. This winter, the New York Metro area has had more snow, ice storms and freezing polar winds down from Northern Canada and the North Pole than I can ever remember. Can anyone logically say that this isn't caused by global warming?

I just checked the weather in St. Maarten. The temp is 82 going to 84 and will be similar for the next week with sunny skies. This morning the temperature outside my window was 11 degrees Fahrenheit and going to... Excuse me for not finishing the paragraph, but I have to google United.com for a good fare to St. Maarten!

Wishing you an early spring.   

Regards,
Sam Fusco
President/Publisher

Winner of the 2006/2007 St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association's
Crystal Pineapple Award for Outstanding Tourism Journalism -
Former Board Member of the St. Maarten/St. Martin American Marketing Association

Featured in this issue:
1. A Poem: Marigot Courtyard Garden by Laura Richardson
2. Featured Shop: Tijon Parfumerie
3. Featured Restaurant: Trellis Restaurant at La Samanna
4. Sign Up to Win a Dream Vacation for Two
5. Featured Hotel: Princess Heights Boutique Hotel
6. Sam's Selection: StMaarten/StMartin Images

7. Featured Activity: Scuba Fun Dive Center
8. Featured Villa: Villa Blue Palm by Pierres Caraibes
9. Featured Article: A Little Story by Sam Fusco
10. Complimentary Gift Certificates
11. What's Happening in Paradise?
 


 

 

 

 

 

 

A Poem

 

 
 
 

Marigot Courtyard Garden

 

Her knight in shining armor

rode centuries ago.

Now golden chalice fill their cups

with morning’s early glow

 

Hooves echo in her garden,

rings line the stone-laid walls,

built by an ancient garrison,

secured their tropic stalls.

 

The King’s last fort, his island gem,

links Louis with his past,

while lineage was woven through

their multi-layer caste.

 

Madame cleans fresh fish for lunch,

sauce simmers on the fire.
Her gentlemen will gather
for her gift, then soon retire.

 

These stories told remind us

Of souls who passed before,

While many quiet twilights

shadows dance beneath closed doors…

 

 ---------------------------                           Marigot Courtyard Garden            

       ------------------------------------              Golden Chalice

 

 

Marigot Courtyard Garden” #6 rue de la Republique, Marigot, St. Martin

Now celebrating 16 years as Roland Richardson Gallery Museum, this courtyard dates back to the late 1700’s when Roland’s ancestor, knighted Sieur de Durat, was commissioned by King Louis XVI to build Fort Louis on his French West Indian territory, St. Martin. All the stone masonry for this ancient garrison still stands in the gallery courtyard. The ill-fated king was beheaded soon after, at the start of the French revolution, and Roland’s ancestors were destined never to return to their homeland in France. Roland’s father, Louis Richardson, enjoyed lunch in this garden, daily for over fifty years, prepared by his lovely wife, Cynthie. Visitors are thrilled to discover this hidden jewel, filled with beauty and nature.                                                         

 <><><>

Painting by Roland Rechardson; Poem and Photos by Laura Richardson
Laura and Sir Roland Richardson would be delighted to hear from you!
Visit their beautiful gallery at:
Roland Richardson Gallery Museum
#6 rue de la Republique Marigot, St. Martin
Where Fine Art, History and Nature Abound!
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Magic Jack, Tel: 1.443.982.0683 - Website: www.rolandrichardson.com


© Copyright Laura and Roland Richardson 2014


 

 

 

 

 

Featured Shop  
 
TijonLogo705x115

MainBanner705x300

 

What is Tijon?

A boutique parfumerie with the unique opportunity to make your own perfume or cologne.  Headquartered in St. Martin FWI with a new location in La Jolla, CA we also specialize in our own line of handcrafted fragrances.  Stop by one of our locations to tour our Perfume Lab or find a gift in our boutique.  Perfect for date night, bachelorette parties or finding your custom scent.  

Tijon Believes

Life is short and precious.  It's about feeling good, eating and drinking well while enjoying the pleasures in life.  It's about small moments of happiness when you find the time to stop and smell the roses or that gorgeous stranger who happens to walk past you.  

Tijon believes in creating and providing products that are fresh and clean, with nature’s best ingredients.  We do not test on animals; instead we test on our willing friends and family who enjoy Tijon's success.  

Tijon takes every detail into account including packaging.  Our products are packaged by hand to preserve their small batch quality utilizing the finest ingredients found in the Caribbean and across the globe.

Tijon not only creates lingering fragrances, but desires to teach the world about the history, complexity, and beauty of perfume.  

Tijon's History

Tijon, Parfumerie & Boutique is headquartered in St. Martin, FWI.  It opened in 2007, but it's conception started years prior with a business man's dream to leave the corporate chaos and live in a tropical paradise.  Further details on John Berglund's journey of inception can be discovered through his book, A Beach Less Traveled.  

In November 2012, after years of requests to open a U.S. location, Tijon opened its second boutique in the luxurious seaside community of La Jolla, CA.  This unique perfumery brings French traditionalism and scents of the Caribbean to the west coast.  It also  extends the popular “perfume creation experiences (i.e. Make-Your-Own Perfume)” to The States.    

This family run business, highly rated on Tripadvisor, is dedicated to making your experience enjoyable and welcomes guests as part of the family. Tijon's Family:

tijon familyJohn Berglund | Le Nez "The Nose"

Owner and founder John has been making his dream come true with his fine sense of smell and composition skills.  His artwork and knowledge on a variety of fragrance ingredients has lead to the success of his business and recent book.  He enjoys teaching all levels the basic understanding of fragrance composition and uplifting moods through his Tijon products.

Rachelle Crumrine | L'apprenti "The Apprentice"

Daughter of owner and founder, Rachelle, has left her career in endurance sports where she spent hours at marathon finish lines around sweaty participants to become her father's apprentice.  She desires to make the world and fitness fanatics smell better, while educating guests to find a fragrance that fits their individual taste.   Rachelle continues the tradition of Tijon by providing the perfume creation experience in The States.

Cyndi Berglund | Le tout "The Everything"

Owner and wife of founder, Cyndi has been part of the adventure since inception.  Her support and hospitality have been the true success of Tijon's business.  She insists fashion and fragrance are intertwined and desires everyone to leave looking and feeling their best.


---------------------- Tijon Handcrafted Custom Fragrances 
----------------------------1 L'Esperance Road, Grand Case, St. Martin
--------------- For information and reservations, telephone 011.590.690.22.74.70 or
------------------------Visit us at: 
www.Tijon.com ~ Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Restaurant 

 


lasamannalogoR

Restaurants & Bars

"One of the Top Three Restaurants in the Caribbean!"
Travel and Leisure Magazine


The elegance of La Samanna's rooms and suites is complemented by the tempting variety of its cuisine, an irresistible combination of French and Caribbean specialties enhanced by one of the most extensive wine collections in the Caribbean. From inspired cuisine to refreshing cocktails, La Samanna offers exceptional dining experiences in St. Martin.

LaSamEntrance-2
Enjoy gourmet dishes in the resort's elegant Trellis Restaurant, lunch at Interlude Restaurant or dine in total privacy on your own terrace, courtesy of 24-hour Room Service. Also, don't forget to visit our beautiful bars. And, remember, there is nightly entertainment in the Baie Longue Bar. In-room dining is also available 24 hours a day. And, for your convenience, a children's menu is available from 12 noon to 9 pm daily. 

Trellis Restaurant's opulent dining room offers dramatic, open-air dining with panoramic beach and ocean views. Trellis offers the ultimate in island fine dining. Enjoy beautifully crafted, traditional French cuisine in an elegant bistro setting. You'll also discover a tempting display of local catch and fresh lobster. Our World-class cuisine combines fresh, lively island flavors with classical French techniques. Be sure to indulge in a bottle of Grand Cru from the acclaimed cellar, which boasts one of the most extensive wine collections in the Caribbean. Dinner is served daily 6:30 – 9:45pm. Please note: Trellis cannot accommodate highchairs. Alternative dining options will be offered.

Click here to see more of Trellis with our panoramic virtual tour > 

LaSamTrellis-2Interlude Restaurant: This casual and beautifully decorated air-conditioned dining spot is open for breakfast and drinks throughout the day, Interlude is an idyllic retreat for casual al fresco dining. Interlude is closed on Wednesdays. A casual dress code is suggested. Buffet and à la carte breakfast from 7:30 - 10:30am. 

Interlude will keep you cool while you enjoy the gorgeous ocean views, as well as fabulous Gazpacho, sandwiches, and salads such as the locally caught Mahi-Mahi, grilled on Romaine lettuce with herbed French bread crostini or a classical Caesar topped with Cajun tiger shrimp.

La Samanna's Baie Longue Bar provides a cozy spot for cocktails before or after dinner. This rich, eclectic bar mixes designer furniture, and unique modern art. Long time bartender Orlando Philgene mixes up his signature drink, the Baie Longue Blue, and provides incredible rum and delightful champagne tasting for the aficionado of Caribbean spirits. Open daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 midnight or until the last guest turns-in.

Click here to see more of the Baie Longue Bar with our panoramic virtual tour >

The Beach Bar: Located on the beach, and only minutes away from the guest rooms and suites, LaSamBaieLongueBar-2this al-fresco lunch bar and restaurant allows guests to keep their feet in the sand while enjoying snacks, salads and cocktails as well as providing beach/beverage service to the beach chaises. The Beach Bar also features Lobster Barbecues for lunch on Wednesday and Sunday, with a special Lobster Barbecue on Monday nights. Perfectly complimented by our infinity edge pool, enjoy drinks whilst contemplating La Samanna's breathtaking sunsets.

WiFi is also now available at the Beach Bar and throughout most of the resort for easy access to the internet or to check your email. 

La Cave Restaurant: Enjoy a delightful private dinner in this most exclusive venue. Perfect for a private celebration or business dinner, the Wine Cellar offers our guests a completely different dining experience. Sit among some of the finest wines in the world and feast on cuisine from one of the Caribbean's best chefs, complimented by elegant and attentive service. La Samanna's 'La Cave' wine cellar is without doubt one of the finest and most attractive cellars in the Caribbean, with a superb selection of fine wines from across the globe, all impeccably controlled and selected by passionate experts.

Welcome to La Cave Restaurant! Travel with us to our medieval wine cellar fantasy for this ultimate dining experience. Our sommelier will take you through a journey of discovery and our honoured Chef will join you in this intimate setting for an open discussion on the menu and a last cheer.

LaSamLaCave

Enjoy a private wine tasting in our award winning wine cellar (2 people minimum) or savor a private wine cellar dinner with our Chef's innovative five course or nine course tasting menu and wine pairings. Rum Tasting - The Caribbean is famed for its rum and at La Samanna we take this reputation very seriously. Enjoy a journey through some of the region’s finest rums, accompanied by selected speciality dishes. 

12,000 bottles of wine - 1,250 labels - 11 countries

AWARDS

 Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2010
Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2008

Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2007
Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2006
Best Wine List of the Caribbean Gault & Millau 2007

Your eyes, your nose, your "papilles" (taste buds): your taste becomes attentive, sensitive, and while smelling and tasting such wine or such alcohol, you discover a new treasure and a new pleasure...

Special Dining Events
Throughout the year, La Samanna offers special dining events to its guests, profiling some of the world's best chefs and their cuisine at our luxury resort. Beach Dining Private Candlelight Dinner and Monday night lobster beach BBQ are two of our events. Please check our website for additional upcoming Special Dining Events.


TripAdvisor 

569 reviews of La Samanna by Orient-Express in Terres Basses

La Samanna by Orient-Express  
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:
4.0 of 5 stars
Based on 569 traveller reviews  
Most Recent Traveller Reviews:
  • 26 Jan 2014: “Dream Vacation”
  • 26 Jan 2014: “Third time back and disappointed!”
  • 22 Jan 2014: “Wonderful trip in November 2013”
  • 21 Jan 2014: “Best luxury experience in St. Martin, here's...”
  • 19 Jan 2014: “Paradise found”  
© 2014 TripAdvisor LLC


La Samanna Resort & Spa
Bay Long, St. Martin, F.W.I.

For reservations, tel:1.800.854.2252 or 011.590.590.87.64.00 or fax: 011.590.590.87.87.86
Visit us at:www.lasamanna.com or email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sign Up to Win our June 2014 Dream Vacation for Two

Subscribe to our Newsletter - you may
Win a 6 Day/5 Night Dream Vacation for Two
at La Samanna Resort & Spa, St. Martin
or Oyster Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten
plus, A Day of Sailing on a Random Wind Charter


 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Hotel 

 


Masthead-697x220

------------------- Welcome to Princess Heights St Maarten Hotel

 

The island of St. Maarten and/or St. Martin is cosmopolitan and diverse, as well as sophisticated and simple. The diversity of culture and activities make the Island a truly unique destination. Discover the elegance of the French, the diversity of the Dutch and the passion of the Caribbean. Live your dream in St. Maarten (Sint Maarten on the Dutch side) and on St. Martin (Saint Martin on the French side).

Princess Heights is a family operated Luxury Boutique Condo Hotel. LivingRm-397x298The hotel offers spacious studios, one and two bedroom suites that feature balconies with ocean views, fully equipped gourmet kitchens and whirlpool tubs. The units are finished with marble and granite throughout. Princess Heights Hotel is famous for the luxury of the suites and its personalized service.

The hotel is located in the hillsides of Dawn Beach St. Maarten; within a short walk to the beach, casino, spa and restaurants.

 

At a Glance

Attracted by the dual nationality of the island, half French and half Dutch, the Lee Family began coming to St. Maarten since the 1980’s first on vacation and later as timeshare owners. Finally, in the early 1990’s, the Lee’s decided it was time to plant more permanent roots in St Maarten and began construction of phase one of Princess Heights Condominiums in the prestigious residential Oyster Pond area. Perched on the hillside overlooking Dawn Beach, the suites offer commanding views of both the Atlantic Ocean and St. Barths.

Since the completion of construction in 1995, Princess Heights has been operating as a luxury boutique hotel. Built to exacting standards and with a commitment to quality and personalized service, Princess Heights quickly gained a reputation as a charming home away from home and as a luxury romantic getaway.

Pool-397x298All of the custom decorated units feature marble floors throughout, Italian terracotta tiles on the balconies, whirlpool tubs, central air conditioning, gourmet kitchens, marble and granite counter tops. In addition, all the conveniences such as luxury linens, hair dryers, in-room safes and irons are all standard amenities.

In 2008, Princess Heights completed construction of phase two of its development plan by adding another 36 units to the hotel, bringing the total number of units to 51. The hotel’s boutique size allows guests to choose from studio, one bedroom and two bedroom units while still maintaining an atmosphere of privacy and intimacy complimented by a high level of personalized service.

Although Princess Heights is located in a quiet and exclusive neighborhood, there are a multitude of activities such as marinas, yachting, water sports, spas, casinos and restaurants only a few minutes away. Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, and Orient beach, which is famous for its fine dining, windsurfing, kite surfing and people watching, are a short 15-minute drive from Princess Heights.

Princess Heights Hotel is a world apart but minutes from everything. The hotel’s multilingual staff are ready and waiting to make your vacation in St. Maarten exceptional. 

Princess Heights Boutique Condo Hotel
Oyster Pond Road #156,Dawn Beach, St. Maarten, N.A.
Tel: 011.721.543.6906, Toll Free USA: 800.441.7227, Fax: 011.721.543.6007
Visit us at:
www.princessheights.com or Email us at: info@princessheights.com 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Sam's Selection




------------ St. Maarten/St. Martin Images

HardRockCafe----StMartinOfToursChurch
---
-----------Hard Rock Café, Philipsburg ------------St. Martin of Tours Church, Philipsburg 

PhilipsburgBeach----PhilipsburgBoardwalk----
---------- Philipsburg Beach ---------------------------------- Philipsburg Boardwalk

SonestaMahoBeach----WestinResort
--
-----Sonesta Maho Resort Beach ----------------------- Westin Resort & Spa, Dawn Beach

LunchAtZenIt---- LonelyRedBoat-GrandCase

--------Lunch At Zenit, Grand Case Beach-------------------- A Lonely Boat, Grand Case Bay


 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Activity

 

519_scubafun-logo-maarten

 


Welcome to Scuba Fun PADI Dive Center 

Scuba Fun Dive Center is a well-established, professional, PADI 5* Dive Resort located in Great Bay Marina, Philipsburg, St. Maarten - just a 5-10 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal and a 10 minute boat ride from St. Maarten's nature reserve - The Man of War Shoal Marinee Park. We can easily reach about 15 of the most famous diving spots on St. Maarten: Proselyte Reef, the Maze, Carib Cargo, Cable Reef… 

Whether trying scuba diving for the first time, planning fun scuba dives during a brief or longer stay on our beautiful island or aiming for the next level of PADI scuba diver certification, our experienced dive guides will be delighted to show you some of the many scuba diving sites off the shores of St. Maarten/St. Martin - just a short boat ride away from our Philipsburg PADI Dive Center, enjoy shade and complimentary soft drinks on board all of our three custom scuba dive boats. 

Our time schedule fits the cruise ship program. Departure time for two tank dives is at 9.00 AM. According to ship arrival's time, we often have a second boat departing at 10.00 AM or 11.00 AM. Our boats go out again at 2.00 PM for a shallow dive, Resort courses and Snorkeling trips. In winter time, some ships (Carnival Cruise and several others) stay on US eastern time instead of Caribbean time (1 hour difference). No matter what time your ship arrives and departs, we will always try to accommodate you; private trips are also available for a fair price. 

If you visit St. Maarten on a cruise ship and stop over for just one day, it's just a few minutes walk from the cruise ship pier to our dive shop. Save the fee for a cab or a taxi boat, you will find us just after the pier, at Great Bay Marina.   

--ScubaTwoDivingBoat--- SFDiveBoat

Our dive shop is open from 8AM till 6PM and offers both sale and rental of diving and snorkeling equipment. You will also find StMaarten/StMartin souvenirs, beachwear and Internet access. So, let us help you organize your vacation by making the most of the activities that we can offer you. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced diver, our team of multilingual diving instructors will help you discover the beautiful coral reefs and the many wrecks of the Caribbean Sea, all of which will really make it a trip to remember.  

-SFDiveShopPhilipsburg --- SFDiveBoatCoralPalm

If you don't want to rent a car, our free shuttle service will come to pick you up and drive you to our dive center, and naturally, will drive you back after the dive, please ask for the shuttle when you reserve. No matter if you stay in Oyster Pond, Dawn Beach (Westin Resort, Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Captain Oliver's…) or Philipsburg (Divi Little Bay Resort, Great Bay Resort, Belair Beach..), no problem, we will be there!!! (For other parts of the island, please ask.) 

Scuba Fun has three fully equipped dive boats to make your journey to our many dive spots as comfortable as possible: "Scuba Two" is a 28 feet inflatable with cabin and hard top, registered for 15 divers with a 250 hp outboard engine. "Scuba Fun" is a 36 feet mono-hull with cabin and hard top registered for 20 divers with a 300 hp inboard diesel motor. "Coral Palm" is a 42 feet mono-hull with two levels and a hard top: registered for 30 divers with two 225 hp inboard diesel motors.  


Reviews - Scuba Fun PADI Dive Center
Read independent reviews on Scuba Fun Dive Center

 

Scuba Fun Dive Center
 Great Bay Marina, Dockmaarten, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Visit: www.scubafundivecenter.com
Tel: 1.721.542.3966 or 1.721.586.2822 cell  

-------------------------- 10% Discount on Dives and Courses
Certification dives or exploration, our multilingual team of professional dive instructors will do all they can to offer you a luxury dive at an affordable price. Scuba Fun is the only PADI Gold Palm Resort in Sint Maarten, meeting the highest standards of safety in the diving industry. Present this coupon when you book/Valid only when booking directly at the dive center/Not with other offers.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 Featured Villa

 

 
------------------------------ Villa Blue Palm

 

Blue palm is a beautiful  5 bedroom, ultra-modern villa just steps away from the fabulous white sand beach of Plum Bay. --- AerialView-300x298

The villa has a large infinity pool and expansive terrace with beautiful sunset ocean view over Plum Bay. Opening off the terrace is the main living space, all open-plan, located on the ground floor with a fully equipped air-conditioned modern kitchen with Miele. The living area also has a separate air-conditioned TV room and dining room. The ground floor also houses two air-conditioned bedrooms – including the master bedroom, both with en-suite bathrooms, all overlooking the terrace, pool and sea view.  
LivingRm-320x213---Bedroom-320x214

Two more air-conditioned bedrooms with their own bathrooms are located on a lower level and the 5th bedroom in a separate independent building with its own living area, bathroom, and private terrace. 
Pool-320x214---PoolNightview-328x219
The villa also has its own well-equipped air-conditioned gym, sauna and shower, tennis court and a panoramic terrace on the upper level offers a breathtaking view of the sea. Surrounded by beautiful, tropical, landscaped grounds the villa is just a one minute walk from the beach and an easy 5 minute drive to shops and restaurants.

 

Pierres Caraibes Real Estate

For reservations or information, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
or Telephone: 011.590.590.51.02.85- From the US 1.213.805.0840
To view our complete selection of villa rentals visit us at: www.pierrescaraibes.com
For villa sales visit us at: www.exclusivecaribbeanproperty.com 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Article

 

 

A Little Story

-------------------------------- Here's a little story about our last night on island.

After five weeks on island, Barbara and I returned home from StMaarten/StMartin. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time. We had several dinners and parties with island friends including a special homemade dinner with Antoine, whose business is scuba diving but whose passion is cooking. We also had several lunch and dinner invitations at client hotels and restaurants. And, a very nice dinner one night with our friends, Joe & Josephine, and their Aunt & Uncle, who were staying in a villa at La Samanna. Along the way, we had lots of laughs and loads of fun. We even won a bit of money at the casinos which was a pleasant surprise. During most of our trip, the weather was spectacular with very little rain. But, for our last few days, it rained for several hourly periods and during the night before our last day, lightning danced across the sky like a psychedelic keyboard in total silence.

The morning of our last day, the sea was raging with larger than normal waves pounding the shore as white-caps skipped across their peaks. During the day, dark clouds filled the sky and periodically dropped water on the earth. At 6:30pm, we left our hotel to meet friends at Princess Port de Plaisance Casino. Since areas of Mullett Bay usually flood (6 to 12 inches deep) during rainy days, we decided to take the Low Lands Road to Marigot then out to the main road to the casino, which we did. A 25 minute trip without problems or traffic.

Well, after a few hours of fun, games, laughs and a pizza dinner, we got back in the car to do the reverse trip. As we were leaving, several people commented that it had been raining hard for the last couple hours. As we drove down the main island road, not only was it raining hard but there was water everywhere. The storm had created little rivers streaming down from the hillsides across the road heading toward the lagoon and the lowest lying ground areas. The main road itself had 2 or 3 inches of water covering it. As we approached Marigot and drove into the business district, the flooding grew from a couple inches to 6 or 8 inches planing through the air as we drove into greater depths. Two blocks further into the business district right near Vinissimo's Wine Shop, we hit a wall of water 24 to 30 inches deep and our car died in the middle of the road.

The windows were up, the doors were locked and at any moment, I expected water to start rising inside the car. I put the car in Park and tried several times to start it without any luck. So there we sat in a raging thunderstorm in a section of town that (we are told) is usually occupied by young men who stand around smoking pot and doing drugs. But we weren't concerned because not even ducks would be out in this weather. At that moment, a lot of praying was going on between Barbara and me. "Please start! Please start! Please, God..." but, the car refused to our pleas.

As we sat thinking about what to do next, four young men - who we hadn't noticed huddled under a store awning on the sidewalk, - ran out into the waste high water and surrounded our car. The "ringleader" knocked on my window and with five fingers spread out like a fan said in limited English, "We push you! Five dollars!!" After repeating his statement several times, I agreed to his offer and for the next several minutes, they rocked the car trying to push it forward struggling to no avail. The ringleader came back and yelled, "Neutral, neutral!" I yelled back, "It's stuck in Park!" Meanwhile, several SUVs drove past us forcing waves of water onto our group of helpers.

Having failed to push the car, two of the helpers returned to their awning; but, the ringleader and another fellow with persistance walked forward to the front of the car, motioned to the hood and said, "Open, Open!" I pulled on the latch; they opened the hood and began pounding on the engine with their bare hands. The ringleader yelled. "Start! Start!" I turned the key, but nothing happened. They pounded harder. I turned the key again. The car made a small noise. They pounded even harder and yelled some words in French. I turned the key and the engine turned over but didn't start. I tried it again and it still didn't start. I tried it again and again and the engine started with a roar. I raced it a few times and with 30 inches of water surrounding the car, the engine purred like a kitten! This was beautiful music to our ears.

Within a minute, the ringleader was by my window with five fingers spread out yelling, "Five dollars!" I gladly lowered the window and gave him a $5 bill. Then, he pointed to his friend and said, "Five dollars?" And, we also gave him $5. They lowered the hood and our car became a submarine racing through deep water. Within a block or two, the deep water subsided and we drove the next few miles to our hotel in heavy rain without the car even blinking a headlight. The next morning the car started at the first turn of the key. At breakfast, we thought about how lucky we were last night. But, was it luck?

We came to the conclusion that it was the wonderful people of St. Maarten/St. Martin. We could have been robbed or beaten. Instead, we were helped by these young men. Later, friends told us, only those local fellows know how to beat the water out of a car engine.  Oh, one more thing: we can't overlook how our prayers were answered!


 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Feature   

 

Complimentary Gift Certificates from Island Businesses


Going
to the island?
Looking to save money?

Click www.stmaarten.org/free-gift-certificates to view our list of Certificates!

Choose the ones you wish to use on island; then, email us your choices! Make sure to include your first & last name, email address, travel dates and the name of the hotel, condo or villa where you will be staying on island. We will email the Certificates to you within 48 hours.


 

 

 

 

 

 

What's Happening in Paradise?

 

 by Sam Fusco

 

Jewels by Love is proud to announce the opening of their sleek new watch and jewelry salon at No. 69B Front Street - a new Landmark in Philipsburg! As a branch of the fabled Fifth Generation family owned Jewels by Love store in Marigot,this new store is managed by Rish Love Mahtani, following in the footsteps of his trailblazing father Love Mahtani. The Sixth Generation will now perpetuate the legacy of excellence and carry the torch that his great, great, great grandfather lit! 

7 RUE DU GENERAL DE GAULLE - MARIGOT - ST. MARTIN F.W.I. 

 

TEL: (590) 590 87 25 50 - USA TEL: 1 917 546 0902 - EMAIL: JBL1@JEWELSBYLOVE.COM

 

69B FRONTSTREET - PHILIPSBURG - ST. MAARTEN 

 

TEL: 1 721 542 6808 - USA TEL: 1 917 463 4319 - EMAIL: JBL2@JEWELSBYLOVE.COM

 

Our Website: WWW.JEWELSBYLOVE.COM

 

In tribute to their flawless reputation, three of the world’s four greatest watchmakers are already on display at this new location viz., Breguet, Vacheron Constantin and A. Lange & Sohne (for the very first time ever in Dutch St. Maarten!) – more surprises to come shortly!

 

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Below are the 2 events which Tri-Sport has going on in March… 

Pic Paradis Time Trial
Run OR Mountain Bike, March 9th, 2014 -- 7:00AM
A 7km race from Marigot to the top of Pic Paradis.  Two events – running and mountain biking, choose which you want to compete in.  The course is both on the road and the trail – a great challenge for everyone. Registration: $10 fee.  

Ladies Bike Ride, March 15th, 2015 –6:30AM
Starting Location: Tri-Sport Marigot 181 Rue de Hollande 
Newcomers and experienced cyclists are invited to join in on this fun ride – get some fresh air, fun and fitness while getting more comfortable riding on the streets of St. Martin.  This month’s route will bring us through to Galisbay, through Marigot and to Baie Nettle and back.  The Ladies Ride is free – just bring your bike, helmet and some water.  If you don’t have your own bike Tri-Sport is offering $10 rentals (half off) for participants of the event – but make sure to reserve in advance.  Reservations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Telephone: 1.721.545.4384 or visit us at: www.trisportsxm.com


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The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest business representative on the island, recently revamped its auction website in addition to the re-launch of their industry website www.shta.com. Since its inception, the auction site has offered great value for money to its members and the general public. The site offers a wide range of items such as hotel stays, dinners, activities, shopping certificates, airline tickets, jewelry and other attractive items, all at discounted prices. Persons visiting the site can bid on the items which will be awarded to the highest bidder upon completion of the bidding period. StMaartenAuction.com has been very well received and is being accessed both by future visitors to the island and residents alike, all looking for a great deal. 

SHTA initially developed the auction site to drive tourism to the destination by featuring one discounted hotel stay per month in St. Maarten. Throughout the years the website has expanded to accommodate more and more items simultaneously. In addition to the opportunity of bidding on very attractive items, it offers SHTA members a great opportunity to advertise their products and services, receiving ample exposure on the site and direct traffic to their own website. 

Check out the auction site at www.stmaartenauction.com.  The site can also be seen on the St. Maarten Auction Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stmaartenauction. Winners can pay and collect their items at the SHTA office on the Pondfill road, open Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm. For additional information on the auction site, items and the SHTA visit www.shta.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone +1.721.542.0108.  

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Global Snapshot: How Leisure Car Rental Thrives in Competitive Rental Market 
An Interview Conducted by Auto Rental News (www.autorentalnews.com)

Jimmy Fitzpatrick, GM (www.leisurecarrentalsxm.com) talks about how his company has grown the past seven years and how it competes against the franchises and other independent rental companies in the highly competitive rental market on the island of St. Maarten.

Starting with fewer than five used vehicles, Leisure Car Rental opened its doors in St. Maarten on March 1, 2007. Today, the independent rental company has grown to 50 vehicles at its main office located near Princess Juliana International Airport. Serving tourists in St. Maarten, Leisure Car Rental hopes to expand its fleet to 75 cars by 2015.

What’s your total fleet size?
At this time, we have 50 vehicles.

How many locations do you have and in what types of areas? 
Our location is near the Princess Juliana International Airport, the larger of the two airports in St. Maarten. For now, we deliver cars island-wide (on both Dutch and French sides on the island). We deliver to the airports, cruise ports, hotels, resorts, villas, marinas, and even private residences.

How did the business start? 
Leisure Car Rental started operating on March 1, 2007. The business was a one-man operation with fewer than five used cars. I only served the local market at that time, since most tourists preferred newer cars. There was very little chance of Leisure competing in the tourist market when most car rental agencies had a newer fleet.

By 2009, our fleet doubled to 10 cars. We had about three employees and made a bold move to begin competing in the tourist market. I still remember our first tourist client. His name is Mr. Steve Marcello. He still rents from us to this day. He single-handedly convinced most of his friends to rent from us, too, and they return to us year-after-year for their car-rental needs. To read the rest of the article, please click the link:  www.autorentalnews.com/news/story/2014/02/global-snapshot-how-leisure-car-rental-thrives-in-competitive-rental-market/page/1.aspx

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Double  Whammy Again in the Daily Herald Best Of St. Maarten 2013. #1 Best Pizza & #1 Best Desserts. (If you want to read the article go to pizzagalley.com) We are still the only Restaurant offering Gluten Free Pizzas and the guests that have Celiac or want to be Gluten Free are thanking us every night. That's our news from Paradise... J.P. - www.PizzaGalley.com

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Get ready for the greatest water sports event of the year! The 34th Heineken Regatta is coming up this week. So, mark your calendar for March 6th through March 9th, 2014. This is the biggest regatta in the world. You don’t want to miss it. The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Office is ready to assist you in your regatta preparations. Karen Smith and Desiree Bos will happily answer your questions. For additional information, call 721.544.2079 or visit www.HeinekenRegatta.com.

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St. Maarten Carnival is scheduled for April 21st through May 5th, 2014. The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has released the dates for the Carnival 2014 festivities, an impressive lineup of 24 days of Carnival activities to mark the 45th anniversary of Carnival on St. Maarten that invites resident and visitor to “Come, Celebrate Life.”

The 2014 Carnival schedule will be as followed:

Senior Road March Competition, Saturday March 29, Survivors Children Balloon Parade, Sunday March 30, Fete to Fitness Jump up Friday, April 4, Calypso Eliminations, Saturday April 5, Teen & Senior Speech & Cultural Competition, Sunday April 6, Rio Productions Lighted Parade, Saturday April 12, Jr. Pageant & Jr. Calypso Show, Sunday April 13.

Opening of Carnival 2014 Monday April 21, Miss Mature Pageant Tuesday April 22, Teen & Senior Pageant, Wednesday April 23, International Concert (Zouk), Thursday April 24, Night of the Hit Makers Concert, Friday April 25, Jouvert Morning Jump Up, Saturday April 26 (4am), Riddimbox Presents Concert, Saturday April 26, Daybreak Breakfast Fete, Sunday April 27 (3am), PJD2 Caribbean Queen Show, Sunday April 27th, Senior Calypso Finals & Carnival Honors, Monday April 28th, Sabor Latino II Concert, Tuesday April 29, Junior & Grand Carnival Parade, Wednesday April 30, Second Day Parade, Thursday May 1, International Show Reggae, Friday May 2, Youth Extravaganza, Saturday May 3, Family Fun Day, Sunday May 4 and Burning of King Momo/Closing, Monday May 5.

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RECENT CARIBBEAN SURVEY REVEALS SPENDING HABITS
OF TIMESHARE VACATIONERS
Visitors to St. Maarten Contribute Year-round to Island’s Economy

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced that vacation owners and their guests who travel to St. Maarten stay an average of 10.9 nights and spend more off site than on property for a variety of expenditures. In addition, their average annual household income is reported to be more than $147,000, reinforcing the affluent nature of timeshare owners who visit the island.

These are some of the findings from the St. Maarten Timeshare Owner, Exchanger, and Guest Survey, which was co-sponsored by Interval International and the St. Maarten Timeshare Association (SMTA). The report was compiled by the Shared Ownership Services division of HVS, a leading hotel consulting and valuation firm.

“Interval has a long-standing commitment to the Caribbean, one of the most highly demanded international travel destinations for its U.S.-resident members,” said Neil Kolton, Interval’s director of resort sales and service for the Caribbean and Florida. “We’re very pleased to provide this valuable research that shows vacation owners and exchangers spend generously while in St. Maarten. It’s also interesting to note that average expenditures and length of stay remain consistent between high and low seasons, reflecting a steady economic impact.”

“As the survey indicates, timeshare owners are contributing appreciably to the island economy in many areas as it relates to on property and off property purchases,” said Ricardo Perez, general manager of Oyster Bay Beach Resort and SMTA board member. “While their spending supports local businesses, we’re also very encouraged by the large number of respondents — 90 percent — who expressed their desire to return to St. Maarten for future vacations.” 

 Other notable findings from the survey include:

 The majority of respondents were from the U.S. and Canada (88 and 6 percent, respectively)

  • About 30 percent had household incomes greater than $150,000
  • Average age was 60.6 years
  • Average travel party size was 3.3 persons
  • Those aged 41 to 55 spent the most on entertainment and nightlife (average of $359 combined for both on and off premises)
  • Average spend for off-premise dining was $631 (82 percent more than on site)
  • Spending for groceries was $261 (50% more than on premises)
  • The off premises shopping average per respondent was $794 (130% more than on-site)

    Interval International conducted the online survey of its members who own timeshare on St. Maarten and/or visited within the last three years. In addition, the SMTA forwarded the survey to other timeshare owners and their guests who previously visited the destination. The fielding period was July 10 - September 5, 2013 and there were more than 5,000 survey respondents.

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Oyster Bay Beach Resort
EARNS 2013 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Honored as a Top Performing Resort
as Reviewed by Travelers on the
World’s Largest Travel Site

Oyster Bay Beach Resort for the second year in a row has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. This world recognized accolade, which honors excellence in hospitality, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. Ricardo Perez, General Manager of the Resort, expressed great pride saying that  only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award. 

TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel site enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 200 million unique monthly visitors, and over 100 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China. 

Oyster Bay Beach Resort, located between the Atlantic Ocean and Oyster Pond on St. Maarten, is an exciting, multi-use resort that includes; timeshare, condominiums, deluxe hotel accommodations, restaurants and now a Marina.  More information is available on its web site: www.oystebaybeachresort.com. 

The Resort recently announced the approval by the Government of their new project, the Oyster Bay Marina, to be constructed on Oyster Pond, across from the Resort’s lobby.  Mr. Perez was pleased to report that the project is going better than expected. Out of 35 boat slips offered for sale as long-term leasehold ownership almost all of them have been sold. 

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Tuesday enjoy 50% off your bill - max $50 at La Dolce Vita Ristorante Italiano courtesy of Princess Port de Plaisance Casino & Spa - Come and taste the finest Italian cuisine in a romantic setting. You can also receive the 50% off your bill if you go to Esco Pazzo Pizzeria on the promenade at Princess Port de Plaisance Casino & Spa on a Tuesday and enjoy one of their authentic stone oven pizzas in their casual dining setting. 

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Blue Mall Opens With Hopes Of Creating ‘New Life’ For Country
Three years after its first targeted opening, the multimillion-dollar nine-level Blue Mall officially opened its doors in grand style to a cross-section of the community on December 14th. The scores of guests who witnessed the blessing and ribbon cutting on the lower level were taken on a tour of the facility’s five shopping floors and then led into a section of the upper floor that had been transformed into a disco-like atmosphere with lights and an array of delicacies and beverages. A number of performers entertained guests live on stage.   There was a strong security presence throughout the mall as well as living statues on all floors, adding a special touch of class to the ceremony. 

“We are finally open,” Fondo de Valores Immobiliarios (FVI) President Luis Emilio Velutini told The Press during the ceremony. FVI operates Blue Mall. Velutini said there had been some unfortunate challenges during the construction phase and some difficulties attracting top brands here due to the worldwide economic crisis, but noted that the mall was here to serve the people of St. Maarten for the long run.   “They [the brands – Ed.] believe now in the island and we hope that the mall brings new life to the island,” he said. “The people believe in us and I am very glad and happy. We bring to the island our experience, we bring brands that have never been on the island and we are not just thinking about tourists, we are also thinking of the local people.  And after this opening, all the local people will have a place to come and a place to purchase a lot of things that they had to go off-island to buy.”   Many of the stores are open and more than 60 per cent of the luxury condos have been sold. Some stores have been open and serving the community for some months already.   Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams Told guests in brief remarks that the opening of the mall proved the resilience of the developers and, in particular, of Velutini and of St. Maarten. She also said the opening was happening at a time when St. Maarten was looking at 2014 and beyond with “a lot of confidence and hope.”

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Simpson Bay Lagoon Causeway Opened
The rain held up just long enough on December 23rd afternoon to allow Minister of Infrastructure Maurice Lake to officially open the Simpson Bay Lagoon causeway. In just under two years, contractor Volker Stevin delivered a project envisioned by Member of Parliament and United People’s (UP) party leader Theo Heyliger as a key road link to alleviate traffic in the area. Heyliger was present along with representatives of the St. Maarten Police Force Traffic Department, representatives of the contractor and subcontractors, and members of Lake’s cabinet. After a final inspection by all involved, Minister Lake moved a road barrier and motorists started using the causeway immediately. No pomp or speeches signaled what is being called a soft opening of the causeway. 

The causeway, now St. Maarten’s newest landmark, spans 760 metres and supports two traffic lanes, with walkways on both sides with protective barriers. There is a swing Bridge at its centre and it can accommodate heavy equipment and vehicles. Motorists connect to the Causeway via two roundabouts, one on Union Road, Cole Bay, and the other just off Airport Boulevard. Minister Lake said there had been a noticeable increase in traffic activity over the past two weeks due to the tourist high season and holiday shoppers. “The causeway was built as part of the vision for the country’s road network to alleviate traffic congestion and to also have an alternative route in the event the Simpson Bay Bridge developed mechanical problem,” he said.  
  

Note: Several Articles Courtesy of Caribbean Gems Newsletters


The StMaarten/StMartin Connection Newsletters are e-published bimonthly by Steeple Associates, Inc., 5201 Warrens Way, Wanaque, NJ 07465. For Questions or Comments, telephone: 1.973.835.0600 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Publisher: Sam Fusco, Editorial Consultant: Marilyn Fusco, Sales and Marketing: Barbara Fusco. Contributing Correspondents: Laura Richardson and Sir Roland Richardson.  


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 2013 Newsletter



---------------------------------------
The
-----------------------------StMaarten/StMartin
---------------------------------- Connection

------------------------- "…the SXM newsletter for experienced travelers!
---------------------------------Connecting YOU with Paradise!"

Dear Friends of St. Maarten,

It's now November in St. Maarten/St. Martin and although the High Season doesn't officially start until December 15th, it unofficially started November 1st. Many businesses spent part of the Slow Season sprucing up for this month and the coming season. Retail stores have stocked inventories, jewelry stores have shined the diamonds, necklaces and watches in their glass cases, restaurants have repainted some of their rooms, replaced old tables, refurbished chairs with new vibrant colorful  materials, hotels have enhanced their appearance, the watersports industry have scraped off the barnacles from the bottom of their boats and yachts, and even Mother-Nature did her part by not allowing any major, destructive hurricanes to damage the island while providing enough rain to turn the hillsides an illustrious evergreen color for people to admire. And why was all this done you ask? So that your visit to this tropical paradise will leave you overwhelmed by her beauty. 

So, my advice is for you to check your frequent flyer miles, bank accounts, and vacation schedules at work and take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy hotel rates that are 20% to 40% lower than the December 15th through April 15th, High Season. And believe me, the island is just as beautiful in November as it is in January, February or March. In fact, for the last 25 years, Barbara and I have spent most of our Novembers in St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Spend a week on island or even a long weekend, you won't regret it! As you depart the plane at Queen Juliana Airport, you will notice that the earth has stopped spinning and time will stand still during your vacation because you are now on island time. Within the week, the gray cells of your brain will relax, your body will exhale and when your vacation is over, you will feel younger, healthier, and happier.

We wish you a wonderful trip!

Regards,
Sam Fusco
President/Publisher

Winner of the 2006/2007 St. MaartenHospitality & Trade Association's
Crystal Pineapple Award for Outstanding Tourism Journalism


Featured in this issue:

1. A Poem: What Luck! by Laura Richardson
2. Featured Shop: Jewels by Love
3. Featured Restaurant: La Cave Restaurant
4. Featured Article: Island Beaches
5. Featured Hotel: Horny Toad Guest House
6. Sam's Selection: StMaarten/StMartin Images
7. Featured Activity: La Samanna Spa
8. Sign Up to Win a Dream Vacation for Two
9. Complimentary FREE Gift Certificates
10. What's Happening in Paradise?

 


A Poem

 
 
 

WhatLuck-102713-R 

Laura’s office mementos from her children 
Original oil by Sir Roland Richardson

 

What Luck!

My car broke down by an ice cream truck.
I said to the driver,
“That’s just my luck!”

On a hot summer’s day,
I won’t moan,
if you’d kindly give me an ice cream cone.”

I put that cone in my radiator,
then came back several hours later,
and what do you know?

That snow cone cooled
the overflow!

I drove off fine,
with prayers Divine,
thanking for that fateful find.

A little ice cream,
a giant life’s dream…

To be in the right place
at the right time.

To solve a problem
for less than a dime.

With more than just ingenuity,
a quiet message from
Fate to me!

For whenever you see an ice cream truck,
You know it always brings good luck!

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Poem by Laura Richardson, Auguts 2013
 Laura and Sir Roland Richardson would be delighted to hear from you!
Visit their beautiful gallery at:
Roland Richardson Gallery Museum
#6 rue de la Republique Marigot, St. Martin
Where Fine Art, History and Nature Abound!
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Magic Jack, Tel: 1.443.982.0683 - Website: www.rolandrichardson.com

© Copyright Laura and Roland Richardson 2013


 

 

 

 

 

Featured Shop  
 

 


----JBL-Timepieces-1 ----JBL-Brands
Jewels by Love is the one, certainly because Love Mahtani and his son Rish Love Mahtani are connoisseurs of and passionate about "Haute Horlogerie."

The 5th and 6th generations in a family of jewelers, they know all about the nearly 1,500 years of watch history entrusted to them. In the world, very few jewelers are chosen by these prestigious brands.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ JBL-Breguet-2
All our watches are heirlooms to be worn and admired and to be treasured for generations. Two timepieces can be equally lovely with extremely different personalities which speak to opposing parts of that section of our brain that we reserve for watch appreciation.

One can be ethereal, opulent, a technical marvel, an object of obvious fascination; the other could exhibit all the hallmarks of a vintage timepiece... elegant, beautifully-finished, timeless, simple, pure, unadorned beauty.

Both at home on the wrist of gentlemen and gentlewomen of good taste in our era, our forefathers, and well into the future, they would exist outside of time...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
vacheron-constantin-American1921-R
 
 
Vacheron Constantin Watches Patrimony Malte Overseas 1972 Historiques
 


____________________________________________________________________________________
------------- Patek Philippe | Breguet | Vacheron Constantin | A. Lange & Söhne
------------------- IWC Schaffhausen | Jaeger-LeCoultre | Ulysse Nardin
____________________________________________________________________________________
JBL-Diamonds-2Located in Marigot and Philipsburg, Jewels by Love also offers an exquisite, in-house designed line of hand-crafted diamond jewelry and an extensive collection of ideal cut GIA Certified diamonds. JBL-Diamonds-1

When you first handle a Jewels by Love creation, you become aware that this jewel has the presence of an object or rare perfection. We know the feeling well. We feel it every time a diamond or piece of jewelry leaves the hands of our master craftsmen. You can call it pride. For us it lasts a moment; for you, a lifetime!

We made the jewel for you - to be part of your life - simply because this is the way we've always made our jewelry. And if we may draw a conclusion from six generations of experience, it will be this: choose once but choose well. A Jewels by Love creation - because it's for a lifetime. Rarity, beauty and everlasting value are honored here.
____________________________________________________________________________________
----------------------- Jewels by Love - fifth & sixth generation
------------------------- of jewelers with a legacy of excellence!
____________________________________________________________________________________
WHY JEWELS BY LOVE?
The team at Jewels by Love is passionate and well trained and will equip you with the knowledge you need when making a significant purchase of timepieces, diamonds or jewelry.

With their passion for excellence, a flawless reputation and integrity beyond reproach, you are guaranteed to find your future heirloom at Jewels by Love.

Upon the purchase of a fine timepiece from Jewels by Love, you inherit history. Being the trustee of such revered names that have a combined history of superlative watch making of nearly 1,500 years is no mean responsibility and it provokes two questions:
Q: Why have the world's greatest watch-makers chosen Jewels by Love as their Official Agent? A: Because no one in the entire Caribbean knows and loves 'Haute Horlogerie' more than Love Mahtani and the team at Jewels by Love does!

Q:Why have they entrusted Jewels by Love with a combined watchmaking history of nearly 1,500 years? A: Because the owners of the eponymous Jewels by Love stores are the 5th generation in an illustrious line of watch and diamond professionals whose knowledge, integrity and reputation are unmatched by any other jeweler in the Caribbean!

JEWELS BY LOVE IS UNIQUE IN THE FOLLOWING WAY:
Our jewelry is designed in-house. ----
Our jewelry is hand-crafted as opposed to manufactured on an assembly line giving each piece a one-of-a-kind personality.
----
Our jewelry is made in Europe by the finest craftsmen as opposed to being mass produced cheaply in the Far East.
----
Our jewelry proudly bears our signature. ------
Our diamonds are cut and polished in Belgium by master cutters for maximum brillance as opposed to being cut and polished for maximum weight in sweat shops in the Far East. -----
Our certified diamonds are GIA Certified to guarantee unbiased and indisputable grades. -----
We are Authorized dealers for the World's Finest Watches.

____________________________________________________________________________________
---------- Jewels by Love operated by Love Mahtani and Rish Love Mahtani offer
 
-------------- two centrally located stores on Saint Martin and Sint Maarten! ____________________________________________________________________________________

JBL-web-sketchJEWELS BY LOVE - CONTACT INFORMATION:
MARIGOT | Saint Martin - Tel: (590) 590.87.25.50
7 Rue du Général de Gaulle
PHILIPSBURG | Sint Maarten - Tel: 721.542.6808
Front Street OUR NEW US PHONE: 1.917.546.0902 EMAIL US: info@jewelsbylove.com
VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE AT: www.JewelsByLove.com

NOTE FOR SHOPPERS:
At Jewels By Love the Euro/Dollar exchange rate does not affect our pricing, because ALL OUR PRICES are in US$ on BOTH sides of the island. The cost on ALL our watches, diamonds and jewelry is the same on Sint Maarten and Saint Martin. ALL Jewels By Love jewels and watches are sold at the SAME $PRICE - Duty Free and Tax Free.
----------JBL-Logo
---patek philippewhiterevised   breguet -LOGO VACHERON white  Lange Bogen normalwhite

----- --IWC Med P K 100white- jaeguer-- - Logo UlysseNardâadow 9-2005WHITE

 

 

 Featured Restaurant 

    Orient-ExpressLogo

lasamannalogoR
LaCaveTop720x475

 

La Cave Restaurant at La Samanna

 


Experience – Wine tasting – Cocktails

 Only one table…  

 …Make it your table for one night in the exclusive La Cave at La Samanna

 

Perfect for a private celebration, business dinner, or just to enjoy life… La Cave offers to LaCaveCellar280x420our guests a completely different dining experience. Sit among some of the finest wines in the world, experience the finest cuisine of our Chef, one of the best Caribbean chefs, complimented by elegant and attentive service.

Private Dining This is a great opportunity to enjoy a private dinner in our Restaurant La Cave, surrounded by over 12,000 of our very special wines. A five course or a nine course menu will be served with a wine paired with each course by our Head Wine Waiter.

Exclusive Dinner Enjoy a special dinner featuring some of the very best vintages from exceptional wine appellations including: Bollinger, Dom Pérignon, Cheval Blanc, La Bourgogne, “Parfums du Sud”, USA.

Wine Tasting Traveling through the world, guided by our expert Sommelier, you will discover the hidden secrets of the wine accompanied by a selection of fruits and French matured cheese.

Rum Tasting Pearl of the Tropics, pride of each island, Rums will deliver their secrets and characteristics through a journey tasting around the Caribbean. Mignardises selected by our Chef, will enhance your experience.

Cocktail Party La Cave is perfect for a soirée, an intimate meeting of like minded people surrounded by one of the finest wine collections in the Caribbean. La Cave can accommodate a cocktail party with canapés or fine French cheeses for a party of ten to twenty-five guests.

LaCaveDiningTable650x190

 

“La Table du Sommelier” In the typical atmosphere of La Cave Restaurant, once a week, 10 lucky guests, not one more, will have the privilege to share an exclusive dinner at La Table du Sommelier in La Cave. Every week, our Chef will create a tasting menu, paired perfectly with the expertise of Christian, our Head Sommelier. You may not know each other yet… but this is all about the experience of La Table du Sommelier: enjoying fine cuisine, exclusive wine, and conviviality. 

Your eyes, your nose, your "papilles" (taste buds): your taste becomes attentive, sensitive, and while smelling and tasting such wine or such alcohol, you discover a new treasure and a new pleasure...


--------------------------12,000 bottles of wine - 1,250 labels - 13 countries



--------------------------------------------- AWARDS
-------------------------- Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2010
-------------------------- Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2008
--------------------------
Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2007
---------------------------Best Wine List of the Caribbean Gault & Millau 2007 
------------------------------- Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2006

WineSpectator2010AwardLogo

 

---------------- La Cave Restaurant at La Samanna, St. Martin, F.W.I.
------------------------ For reservations, tel:1.800.854.2252 or 011.590.590.87.64.00
--------------------- Please visit us at: www.lasamanna.com/web/omar/wine_cellar.jsp or
-------------------------------- Email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Featured Article



Island Beaches

Finding the right beach is like shopping for shoes; it must be a perfect fit. The beaches of this island paradise are all appealing with each providing charm, character, and hidden pleasures. Yet, in common, they are all fabulous. Some are little secluded crescent shaped patches of sand nestled between rocky cliffs with cottony white rolling dunes and rock formations jutting into crystal clear blue/green water. Others offer moderate waves gently caressing the shoreline with peace and solitude; and, some have raging waves, great for surfing. There are also some where bathers strolling the beach in the nude will keep you busy with envy and also provide some good laughs. No matter what you seek, the 37 beaches of St. Maarten/St. Martin will satisfy your desires. Although, hotels and resorts occupy several beaches on both sides of the island, the public has access to all beaches. Remember, topless bathing is optional everywhere, even at most resorts, and nude sunbathing is a common practice on the island. Warning: The surf on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island is rougher than on the Caribbean side. The following beaches include some of the most popular, most beautiful and my favorites.

ROUGE BEACH - French Side - Caribbean Sea Still my favorite beach, but it has become a little more crowded. Now, North Americans are accompanied by French and South America tourists. It is a crescent shaped, mile long, mostly narrow beach with numerous rock formations caressed by crystal clear water and moderate waves. Snorkeling is said to be very good. The Eastern end of the beach is wider with a few trees to shade the sun and a magnificent cove with stairs built into the rocks climbing up 40 feet where a fabulous villa stands majestically overlooking the sea. Walking the beach, there are no hotels or resorts. But there are beautiful private villas that can be rented from villa rental companies. Upon approaching the beach, park your car and walk down the stairs on the right. At the bottom of the stairs, each morning around 9AM, Augustin “Gus” Arrondell, a local St. Martinian born and raised on the island, and his friendly staff set up Gus’ Beach Bar. This is an open-walled bar/barbecue stand where you can enjoy tasty grilled chicken & ribs, beer, soda, and other lunchtime favorites. You can also rent beach chairs, umbrellas, rafts, and snorkeling equipment at reasonable rates. There are two bars on the beach. So, ask for Gus; he’s a nice guy. 

LONG BAY BEACH - French Side - Caribbean Sea It lives up to its name, about a mile long, crescent shaped and beautiful. La Samanna, the world famous deluxe resort, occupies the Eastern end of this gem of a beach and numerous private villas occupy the Western end. It is very private, quiet and secluded, and hard to find. Turn off the main road and head for La Samanna; but, before going through the main gate, turn right and follow the road until you see an open pathway. A sign in French referencing the beach and parked cars will indicate the entrance pathway to the beach. Bring towels, an umbrella and have a great day!

MULLET BAY BEACH - Dutch Side - Caribbean Sea This beach is one of the nicest and most popular beaches on the island. It is very wide depending on the tide, has great waves and always has great activity. It is part of the former Mullet Bay Resort, which was destroyed by Hurricane Luis in 1995. But, it is still popular and people still patronize this beach. A small open walled food stand with beer, soda, chicken, ribs and snacks on the beach also provides beach chairs and umbrellas for rental, but, other facilities are closed. By the way, the golf course at Mullet Bay is open but is not in good shape. The Greg Norman designed course at the Temenos Golf Club, www.temenosgolfclub.com, at the St. Regis Resort on Anguilla, which opened in 2006, is beautiful.

GRAND CASE BEACH - French Side - Caribbean Sea DiviLittleBayBeachThis crescent shaped beach is approximately a mile long and runs from one end of this charming little village to the other. From time to time, you will see fishing boats off the shore plying their trade and local children playing in the water. Houses, inns, numerous restaurants, and small hotels occupy just about every foot of this lovely serene beach with calm waters. Located midway on the beach sits Le Petit Hotel and on the hillside at the northern end sits its sister property Hotel L’Esplanade which provides majestic views of the bay of Grand Case and Anguilla.

LITTLE BAY BEACH - Dutch Side - Caribbean Sea A narrow pretty beach with great palm trees, it is shared by Divi’s Little Bay Beach Resort, and its lovely timeshare units, which sit on a slender finger shaped peninsula with great views of both Little Bay and Great Bay. The beach is also shared with the Belair Beach Hotel, an all suites property. It provides great views of the majestic cruise ships that occupy the bay during most weeks. The Belair’s beach pool bar happens to be an excellent place for watching the cruise ships coming and going.

CUPECOY BEACH - Dutch Side - Caribbean Sea This is a very narrow beach with incredibly beautiful cliffs and caves, but not the place that you would want to be if a rainstorm passed by during the night. Reason: In the morning, the surf churned up during a storm is extremely rough and crashes over the beach into the cliffs. If you happen to be lying on your beach towel, the waves may carry you out to sea. We were there during one such episode and it wasn’t much fun. We left! The Eastern end is home to Cupecoy Beach Club, the Wyndham Sapphire Beach Resort, The Cliff at Cupecoy Beach and the Rainbow Beach Club. The Western end is wider and unofficially known as the nudist beach of the Dutch side.

GreatBayBeachBoardwalkRGREAT BAY BEACH - Dutch Side - Caribbean Sea This is the heart and soul of Philipsburg and has lots of activity. It is a mile long sandy white beach shared by hotels, restaurants, casinos and the main pier where most days of the week from one to five cruise ships discharge passengers for a day of shopping and sightseeing. Tourists from the ships in search of bargains on jewelry and other goods often stroll Front Street shoulder to shoulder. The street is closed to traffic when ships are in port. Recently, a $3 million program tripled the width of the beach and it is once again “Great” with colored umbrellas, beach chairs and people having fun. There is also a 35 ft wide boardwalk made of bricks with restaurants, benches, and shops on the beach. At one end is the Great Bay Beach Resort and at the other is Bobby’s Marina. The bay is home to small boats, yachts, cruise ships and island ferries to St. Barths, Saba, and beyond.

PLUM BEACH - French Side - Caribbean Sea Still the best kept secret on the island! Plum Beach may be the finest beach on the island. Why? Because few people know it exists! A small quarter-moon shaped sandy white beach with exquisite views of the Caribbean located at the most Western end of the island in the Terres Basses area; or, as they say in my old neighborhood, “the high rent district.” The beach is secluded, private, serene, and mostly populated by people from the surrounding villas and savvy travelers. Turn off the main road at the Plum Baie (Bay) sign and go 2.3 Kilometers on a macadam road with gorgeous villas on both sides or turn right at La Samanna’s front gate and go 2.7 km on a dirt bumpy road along the pond. Look for parked cars in front of a fence with a pathway. Bring beach chairs and umbrellas. No beach bar & no shade! Just sunburn and serenity!

DawnBeachRDAWN BEACH - Dutch Side - Atlantic Ocean This is a lovely white sandy crescent shaped beach with plenty of coral rocks and big ‘surfing’ waves. Remember, you’re now on the Atlantic Ocean with bigger and rougher waves. The newly expanded Oyster Pond Resort occupies the peninsula and the Northern end of the beach. And Beau Beau’s Restaurant & Bar has opened as part of the resort and has a wonderful outdoor terrace built into the coral rock overlooking the sea with beautiful tables and large white umbrellas. The new Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa occupies the Southern end of the beach which is in the distance of this photo which was taken pre-Westin. By the way, the views of St. Barths and other islands are just lovely from this spot.

FRIAR’S BAY BEACH - French Side - Caribbean Sea It takes a little driving and an adventurous spirit to find this little Bay/Beach. It is off the main road to Grand Case driving North from Marigot. Turn left at the sign on the main road and drive through a residential area of fairly new houses for a mile or so. The road goes over a little bridge and then heads straight to the beach. Kali’s Beach Bar and Restaurant is the main attraction with a menu of ribs, chicken, hamburgers, and local grilled fish. A pretty white sandy beach with colored umbrellas and beach chairs awaits you. The bay is small with several yachts anchored near by. It’s quiet, secluded and provides beautiful views of Anguilla. Kali is famous for his monthly “Full Moon” parties.

ORIENT BEACH - French Side - Atlantic Ocean Do you enjoy Monte Carlo, St. Tropez or Nice? If your answer is yes, you will love Orient Beach, THE most popular beach on the island. On the hillside, several hotels provide spectacular views of the bay and the surrounding islands. On the beach, smaller hotels, restaurants, and shops create a whirlwind of activity. The open-air restaurants have no walls and separate themselves from each other with different color umbrellas and lounge chairs. In Winter Season, they are very busy; so, reserve a good lunch table by 11:15 A.M. If you prefer lunch on the beach, a waiter will place a small table by your lounge chair and serve you. Cushioned chairs and umbrellas populate the beach, parasailers populate the sky, jet-skiers, windsurfers, swimmers and wave-runners populate the water, and people watchers are everywhere.

This is a beautiful, wide, crescent shaped, mile PinelIslandand a half long beach with clean white sand. Several small islands visible across the bay promise adventure for people with imaginative minds and a small boat. The bay is an underwater marine reserve; so, snorkeling and scuba diving are fascinating. Topless and nude bathing is appropriate anywhere on the beach; but, if you practice “naturalism,” Club Orient at the Southern end of the beach offers accommodations, privacy, a restaurant and water sports for nudists. Orient Beach is the place to be seen, meet people, and to watch bathers strut their stuff. With or without clothes, it’s a great beach!

PINEL ISLAND – Cul de Sac/Orient Bay - French Side - Atlantic Ocean This is an uninhabited little island with beautiful beaches. At one end of the island, where people sunbathe, the beach is so narrow it looks like a sand bar. It’s wonderful if you have small children and would like to take them swimming in shallow calm water. Two open walled restaurants which fill up quickly for lunch also rent umbrellas and beach chairs. Two small open boats continuously ferry people back and forth for the 5-minute trip to the island from the mainland. Cost is $7 per person roundtrip. Follow the signs from the Grand Case/Orient Bay road.

------------------------------------- Several Beach Images

OB-1- OB-2
----------------- Orient Beach ------------------------------------- Orient Beach

OB-3  OB-4
------------------- Orient Beach------------------------------------------ Orient Beach

GrandCaseBeach--CupecoyBeach
------------- Grand Case Beach --------------------------------------------- Cupecoy Beach
PelicanKeyBeach- GreatBayBeach

 ------------- Pelican Key Beach ------------------------------------ Great Bay Beach 

RougeBeachR---- LongBeach

 

 

 


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----------------
Rouge Beach -------------------------------------- Bay Long Beach


 Featured Hotel 

    

---------------  ---------------------- ----------------------

HTLogo

 

A deliberately small and distinctive guesthouse!

 

HornyToadBeach2The Horny Toad is a deliberately small and distinctive guesthouse known for its congenial and unpretentious atmosphere. The original building is a former governor's house tastefully renovated into spacious, fully equipped apartments. Each of the eight apartments is delightfully different, displaying a personality of its own.

Your host, Betty Vaughan, offers private and comfortable accommodations for $218 per night per couple in the winter season and $118 during the summer season. Many rooms can accommodate extra guests at $40 per person (winter) and $25 per person (summer). All rates are subject to a 5% government tax. All rooms are air-conditioned. No children under seven years of age, please. Smoking is not allowed anyplace on the property or in the rooms.

All of our units are in the former governor's house on Simpson Bay with the exception of one which is set back off the beach. While all of the units have a fully-equipped kitchen, a king size bed, complete bath with shower, and daily maid service, no two units are the same. The ground floor units have direct access to the beach and a view of the beach through floor to ceiling windows bringing the beauty of tropical flora to your room. The second story units have balconies overlooking the beach. All units are also cooled by soft breezes and fans.

Fresh flowers are arranged in the units every day. As you can see, the guesthouse is on the beach and provides beach chairs, HornyToadGuesthouse2towels, and floats. An outdoor barbecue pavilion contains two Weber gas grills. A changing room with complete bathroom is available for guests arriving early or leaving late. We will arrange to have a rental car for your use and stock your unit with food, if desired. Just use our convenient reservation form on our web site to make your wishes known. There is a complimentary computer with internet access and email connections in the reception area as well as free WIFI in all the units.

All this attention to detail brought the "Best Guesthouse" award from the readers of the Daily Herald; and, in addition, the Toad has been awarded theFodor's Choice Award in each year including the most recent in 2012. They called us the "island's best value." Even our guests have a few comments. We think you'll agree and we welcome the opportunity to prove it to you.

DailyHeraldBestGuesthouseWe've even been mentioned in The Captain's Fund by Raina Wissing Harris, a writer who has stayed with us many times. It's a mystery novel about diamonds in St Maarten. Visit Amazon.com for a discussion on the book. You can buy it there, if you wish.

Our island paradise combines French and Dutch cultures with large quantities of local flavor and sunshine. We are known for our casinos, duty-free shopping, fine dining & beaches. Please visit www.THTGH.com and view our photo gallery. Better yet, call us for your reservation and come take your own photos.

 

The Horny Toad Guesthouse
2 Vlaun Drive, Simpson Bay, St Maarten

For reservations or information, call Toll free (800) 417.9361
Telephone 1.721.545.4323 | fax 1.721.545.3316
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.THTGH.comThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.www.THTGH.com
 

 


Sam's Selection


------------ St. Maarten/St. Martin Images



--- BeauBeausBeforeTheCrowdSonestaMahoBeach
------ Beau Beau's Restaurant ------------------- Sonesta Resort's Beach

--- KidsOnBeach-GrandCaseWestinResort
------ Kids on Grand Case Beach ---------- Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa

--- HardRockCafeLunchAtZenIt
----- Hard Rock Café Philipsburg ------------- Lunch at Zen It Grand Case

--- StMartinOfToursChurchLonelyRedBoat-GrandCase
 St. Martin of Tours Church Philipsburg ----- Lonely Red Boat Grand Case

--- PhilipsburgBeachPhilipsburgBoardwalk
------ Philipsburg's Beach -------------------- The Boardwalk in Philipsburg


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Activity

 

 

 Orient-ExpressLogo

---------------------------------------------------LASLogo180x50




omar 720x300 spa17 ------------------- La Samanna Spa



Enjoy head-to-toe pampering and slip into a world of pure relaxation. Our spa menu features a wide range of world-class massages and treatments using products from luxurious French brands Sisley and Pure Altitude.
omar 720x300 spa01
Visit our St. Martin spa and we will gladly customize any of our treatments to your needs. We can also provide discreet advice on how to live a healthier lifestyle back home.
WomanGettingMassage720x300 Book A Treatment
Browse through our spa menu, book your treatment in advance, and look forward to being pampered. Treat yourself to unparalleled relaxation with our special spa package. La Samanna Spa is proud to offer a wide range of world-class treatments providing you a blissful experience in St. Martin. Open daily 10am - 7pm.

Body Treatments
50 minutes -------------------- Body Polish
50 minutes -------------------- Body Wrap
50 minutes -------------------- Sunburn Rescue
45 minutes -------------------- Bust Treatment

Facials
60 minutes -------------------- Facial by Fermes de Marie
60 minutes   -------------------Facial by Sisley
90 minutes -------------------- Anti-Age Facial by Sisley
30 minutes -------------------- Eye Care Contour

Massages
25 minutes --------------------Swedish Massage
50 minutes --------------------Swedish Massage
25 minutes ------------------- Deep Tissue Massage
50 minutes ----------------- --Deep Tissue Massage
50 minutes --------------------Four Hands Massage
50 minutes ------------------- Hot Stone Massage
45 minutes ------------------- Anti-Cellulite Massage
90 minutes ------------------- Energetic Chinese Moxa Massage
50 minutes ------------------- Shiatsu Massage
90 minutes ------------------- Shiatsu Massage

Spa Packages
90 minutes --------------------Just Arrived
240 minutes -----------------  Elegance for Women
210 minutes ------------------ Style for Men
150 minutes ------------------ Sun Preparation
150 minutes ------------------ Stress Reduction

Please click this link www.lasamanna.com/web/omar/spa_st_martin.jsp to visit our website and to Book a Treatment, now!

 

--------- La Samanna Resort & Spa, Bay Long, St. Martin
----------------------------- For reservations, Tel: 800.854.2252 or 011.590.590.87.64.00
 
------------------Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit us at: www.lasamanna.com
 


------------ Sign Up to Win a Dream Vacation for Two

Subscribe to our Newsletter and you may:
Win a 6 Day/5 Night Dream Vacation for Two
at La Samanna Resort & Spa, St. Martin
or Oyster Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten
plus, A Day of Sailing on a Random Wind Charter


Special Feature   


Complimentary (FREE) Gift Certificates from Island Businesses



Going
to the island?

 

Looking to save money?

 

View our list of Gift Certificates below!

 

Choose the ones you wish to use on island.

 

Please email us your Gift Certificate choices! Make sure to include your first & last name, email address, travel dates and the name of the hotel, condo or villa where you will be staying on island. We will email the Certificates to you within 48 hours.

 

Hotels

Bleu Emeraude Residence
(Gift Certificate: $100 off)


LaVista Beach Resort

(Gift Certificate: 30% off)


The Cliff at Cupecoy Beach Condos

(Gift Certificate: 5% off)


Oyster Bay Beach Resort


Restaurants


Beau Beau's Restaurant at Oyster Bay Beach Resort
(Gift Certificate: $25 off)

Esco Pazzo Pizzeria

(Gift Certificate: $10 off per couple)

Hideaway Restaurant at LaVista Resort

(Gift Certificate: 10% off)

Infinity Restaurant at Oyster Bay Beach Resort

(Gift Certificate: $25 off)


La Cave Restaurant at La Samanna

(Gift Certificate: $50 off)


La Dolce Vita Ristorante Italiano

(Gift Certificate: $10 off per person)


Interlude Restaurant at La Samanna

(Gift Certificate: $25 off)

Peg Leg Pub and Steakhouse

(Gift Certificate: $10 off)


Rare Bar and Restaurant

(Gift Certificate: One Free Dessert Per Person)


Temptation Bar and Restaurant

(Gift Certificate: One Free Dessert Per Person)

Toppers Restaurant

(Gift Certificate: $10 off)

Toppers by the Sea
(Gift Certificate: $10 off) 


Shops


Ballerina Jewelers
(Gift Certificate: $100 off)

Blooming Baskets by Lisa

(Gift Certificate: $20 off)

Caribbean Gems

(Gift Certificate: $50 off)

La Samanna Spa

(Gift Certificate: $50 off)

Roland Richardson Gallery Museum
(Gift Certificate: $50 off)

Zhaveri Jewelers

(Gift Certificate: $50 off)


Activities


Aqua Mania Adventures
(Gift Certificate: Buy $150 of Watersports Dollars for $125)

Happy Hour Charters
(Gift Certificate: $10 off Jetskis)

Random Wind Charters

(Gift Certificate: $20 off)

Scuba Fun Dive Center

(Gift Certificate: 10% off) 


Car Rentals


Summer Set Car Rental

(Gift Certificate: One Free Day with 7 Day Rental)


Casinos

Tropicana Casino
(Gift Certificate: A $10 free play, free beer & hot dog)

 


What's Happening in Paradise?

by Sam Fusco


La Samanna Resort & Spa reopened Saturday, November 2nd; and, although I haven't seen the changes, I am told by clients and friends that the remodeling of Interlude Restaurant, Trellis Restaurant and the new lobby are spectacular. Of course, I would expect nothing less from this wonderful resort. Visit us at: www.lasamanna.com.

Roland Richardson Gallery Museum happily reopens its doors for our 16th anniversary with a brand new exhibition of Sir Roland Richardson’s beautiful “Plein Air” Impressionist works all painted from life.  The collection tours the island from French-side to Dutch-side, with turquoise seascapes and flamboyant landscapes, soulful portraiture and joyous still lives with a bounty of exotic flowers and fruits, filled with the rainbow palette of the Caribbean.  A feast for the eyes and an amazing photo opportunity at this historic landmark with blooming courtyard garden, old stone walls and barracks dating back to the 1700’s, and a lovely 19th century French Creole townhouse that was City Hall for the French side at the turn of the 20th century. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Visit www.rolandrichardson.com for more details. 

SXM Airport Managing Director Regina LaBega has been in talk with a senior Executive from British Airways (BA) which is the flagship airline of the United Kingdom. The talks centered on the possibility of having direct flights between the UK and St. Maarten. SXM is looking to establish a strategic partnership with BA and British Vacations which would open the doors to more traffic from the UK for surrounding islands including Anguilla, a UK territory.

The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard announced St. Maarten Maritime Day, an open day to be held on St. Maarten day, November 11, at the Cruise Terminal in Point Blanche.   During this day, ships from The Coast Guard, Royal Netherlands Navy and Neighbouring islands Anguilla and St. Martin, the United States and the St. Maarten Sea Rescue will be open to the public.

Pizza Galley is back from a well deserved vacation; and reopened Sunday, October 20th - 7 days a week from 5pm until... Please keep in mind dear Friends that Pizza Galley is still the only pizza restaurant serving Gluten Free Pizza Crust.

Leisure Car Rental St. Maarten - Sam, we have HUGE news! Please let all your subscribers and island friends know that Jacqueline Joseph, a member of our staff, has WON the Auto Rental Summit's Professional Of the Year Award! This is sooo amazing for someone from our little Island to be chosen for this award.  There were probably several hundred other nominees from all around the world vying for this year's title! The Award Ceremony will be held on Nov. 5, 2013 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For info on this event, please visit: www.autorentalsummit.com or our website at: www.leisurecarrentalsxm.com. Regards, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Managing Director, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tropicana Casino will be the first casino on the island to offer a Special Mega Bingo Prizes on December 28, 2013 which are worth payouts of $20,000 guaranteed, it should be busy on those nights...  Tropicana Princess Casino is situated on the unmatched Caribbean shores of St. Maarten. It is only two miles away from Princess Juliana International Airport and serves its customer base with 306 slot machines between 2 pm and 4 am. Tropicana Casino also has nightly progressive jackpot bingo which you can win up to $15,000. The Casino provides unlimited free drinks for players. You can enjoy gambling in Tropicana Princess Casino for as little as 1 cent to a dollar with the video slot and reel machines. You can enjoy the most select casino games such as "King Kong Cash" "Lucky Lady's Charm" "Hot Shots" "Instant Winner" "Alfastreet Roulette" and "Zeus" in the casino. The big prizes will be given on Saturday, December 28, 2013: @12 am $1000 - @1 am $1000 - @2 am $20,000. If you buy 5 cards you will receive 1 FREE. For information, please telephone 721.544.5654. 

LAGOON MARINA  FLEA MARKET/ BOAT JUMBLE 
Every saturday starting November 2nd 10:00 - 13:00
Lagoon Marina, Wellington Rd. Cole Bay
C
ontact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

LAGOONIES bar & bistro EVENTS
LIKE IT in Facebook
Every Friday night: island's best fish & chips and live music
Every Thursday night: live guitar during Happy Hour
Every Wednesday night: real spanish paella
Every night: time for dinner. Michelin *. RSVP
Food on wheels, lunch delivery. RSVP
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

100 Volunteers Net 295 Pounds of Trash In Final ICC Clean-Up
One hundred volunteers collected 295.75 pounds of trash around Oyster Pond and Dawn Beach last week in the final event of the 2013 International Coastal Clean-up in St. Maarten. All pieces of trash were inventoried on data sheets for Ocean Conservancy. Among the volunteers were management, staff and guests of Oyster Bay Beach  Resort, L’Oreal Caribe Garnier representative Milton  Lugo from Puerto Rico, management and staff of  Medicosmetics, high school  students and area residents. Garnier and its representative Medicosmetics plan to be part of next year’s ICC events held in September. Oyster Bay Beach Resort treated all volunteers to a buffet breakfast at Beau Beau’s Restaurant. Garnier representatives gave out promotional items.

Royal Caribbean Begins Construction On Largest And Third Oasis-Class Ship
Royal Caribbean International cut the first piece of steel last week for its third Oasis-class ship, marking the first construction milestone for a vessel that will be the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship, which is expected to be delivered in mid-2016. At 225,282 GRT and spanning 16 decks with 2,700 staterooms, the Oasis class ships also introduced extraordinary “firsts” at sea such as an 82 foot-long zipline, a handcrafted carousel, the Rising Tide elevating bar, the AquaTheater high diving performance venue, and the Central Park with more than 12,000 live trees and plants. The Oasis class also offers amenities that can only be found on Royal  Caribbean, such as twin FlowRider surf simulators, cantilevered whirlpools, an ice-skating rink, the H2O Zone kids aquapark, and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard that stretches nearly the length of the ship and flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques, among many others.

Dawn Beach Westin Named Island’s Best Resort For 2013
The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa emerged victorious as the winner of St. Maarten’s Best Resort for 2013 from the World Travel Awards at the Caribbean and North America Gala Ceremony, held in Antigua on September 14. The event was Hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and welcomed guests from across the region. “The Westin Dawn Beach Resort, Spa and Casino is thrilled to have been recognized at this wonderful event. Our associates strive each day to provide our guests with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The Westin Dawn Beach is truly a great place to unwind, while enjoying all that the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin has to offer,” stated Daniel Beddor, General Manager at The Westin St. Maarten Resort and Spa.

SCDF Releases Carnival 2014 Schedule
St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has released the dates for the Carnival 2014 festivities, an impressive line-up of 24 days of Carnival activities to mark the 45th anniversary of Carnival in St. Maarten that invites residents and visitors to "Come, Celebrate Life." SCDF President Mike Granger explained that the foundation's board had worked on the schedule for at least two months and had involved key stakeholders in the planning, including the Ministry of Labour. Granger explained that Minister Cornelius de Weever and his team had to be involved to discuss the Carnival holidays in 2014 now that King's Day will be celebrated and not the Queen's Birthday on April 30. 

L'Hoste Hotel, Orient Bay, will be open all year and is under a new management since the 12th of December 2012, namely Mr. and Mrs. Guillot-Tournus, a French couple. With 56 spacious Junior Suites and one villa "La Cabana" designed in tropical style, the hotel lies directly on Orient Bay Beach with a poolside solarium, a beachfront restaurant and a bar "La Playa." Its private beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas is open to serve you breakfasts and lunches. More information is available on its website www.hostehotel.com  

Aqua Mania Adventures is running a special promotion for daytrips to St. Barts on Saturdays. Take The Edge from Simpson Bay Resort, $45pp plus port fees. The beaches are gorgeous and it’s time to treat yourself. Grab a friend and head out for a day of relaxation and fun. The Edge departs 9am and returns 4:45pm. For reservations, call: 1.721.554.2236.

Hotel Beach Plaza, Marigot, is closed for renovations to the rooms and facilities and will reopen on December 12, 2013. 

Lee's Roadside Grill, Simpson Bay Lagoon, is now closed on Mondays during the summer/fall seasons. By the way, Lee’s now accepts American Express, Visa, Master Card and Discover Cards; so, “Don’t leave home without them!” 

Scuba Fun Dive Center, Philipsburg, St. Maarten/St. Martin’s longest established PADI 5* Dive Resort now offers resort courses, diving and snorkeling trips. For reservations, tel: 1.721.542.3966 or 1.721.586.2822 cell.

The staff at Pierres Caraibes Villas, Marigot, has villas waiting to be rented.

** Several Articles Courtesy of Caribbean Gems Newsletters


The StMaarten/StMartin Connection Newsletters are e-published bimonthly by Steeple Associates, Inc., 5201 Warrens Way, Wanaque, NJ 07465. For Questions or Comments, telephone: 973.835.0600 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Pulbisher: Sam Fusco, Editorial consultant: Marilyn Fusco, Sales and Marketing: Barbara Fusco. Contributing Correspondents: Laura Richardson and Sir Roland Richardson. Several articles provided courtesy of Caribbean Gems.  

May 2013 Newsletter







--------------------------------------- The
-----------------------------StMaarten/StMartin
---------------------------------- Connection

------------------------- "…the SXM newsletter for experienced travelers!
---------------------------------Connecting YOU with Paradise!"



Dear Friends of St. Maarten,

Have you been to St. Maarten/St. Martin? If not, you're in for a treat. You may ask why I write the name twice. Well, if you did your "homework," which is an American school term, you already know the answer.

Since 1648, the island has been peacefully shared in joint ownership by the Netherlands and France, which is rather unique. In fact, it is the smallest island in the world governed by two major countries. That said, on October 10, 2010, St. (Sint) Maarten became a constituent (Independent) country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The beauty of this arrangement is that the Dutch side of the island is like being home in the USA or Canada: everyone speaks English as a first language and the majority of visiting tourists to the island come from the USA and Canada. Being on the French side of the island is like being in a village in France where everyone speaks French but tries not to let you know that they also speak English. This is part of the beauty of the island; visitors to the island get to enjoy a taste of both cultures, the Dutch and the French. 

With temperatures in the low 80's 365 days a year and only 45 inches of rain annually, whenever you visit the island, you are almost guaranteed to have wonderful weather and a memorable trip/holiday. And, as a very dear friend always says, "Wherever you are on the island, if you don't like the weather, cross the street."

St. Maarten/St. Martin is charming and habit-forming. For Barbara and me, it's a stepping-stone to Heaven that we hope you have experienced or will experience soon.  

In the meanwhile, enjoy our Newsletter.

Regards,
Sam Fusco
President/Publisher

Winner of the 2006/2007 St. MaartenHospitality & Trade Association's
Crystal Pineapple Award for Outstanding Tourism Journalism


Featured in this issue:
1. Newsletter Sponsor: La Cave Restaurant
2. Poem:  Eternity by Laura Richardson
3. Featured Villa: Villa Beaulieu by Pierres Caraibes
4. Sign Up to Win a Dream Vacation for Two
5. Featured Shop: Blooming Baskets by Lisa
6. Featured Restaurant: Ocean Lounge Restaurant & Bar
7. Featured Hotel: Radisson Resort Marina & Spa
8. Featured Article: 60 Fun Things to do on StMaarten/StMartin!
9. Featured Activity: Weddings in StMaarten by Jean Rich
10. Complimentary FREE Gift Certificates
11. What's Happening in Paradise?


 

 

 

 

 

 

Newsletter Sponsor

La Cave Restaurant at La Samanna Resort

Perfect for a private celebration, business dinner, or just to enjoy life… La Cave offers to our guests a completely different dining experience. Sit among some of the finest wines in the world, experience the finest cuisine of one of the best Caribbean chefs, complimented by elegant and attentive service.

Private Dining: This is a great opportunity to enjoy a private dinner in our Restaurant La Cave, surrounded by over 12,000 bottles of our very special wines. A five course or a nine course menu will be served with a wine paired with each course by our Head Wine Waiter.

Exclusive Dinner: Enjoy a special dinner featuring some of the very best vintages from exceptional wine appellations including: Bollinger, Dom Pérignon, Cheval Blanc, La Bourgogne, “Parfums du Sud”, and the USA.

Wine Tasting: Traveling through the world, guided by our expert Sommelier, you will discover the hidden secrets of the wine accompanied by a selection of fruits and French matured cheeses.

------------------12,000 bottles of wine - 1,250 labels - 13 countries

----------------------------------------- AWARDS
--------------------- Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2010
-------------------
Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2008
------------------- Best Wine List of the Caribbean Gault & Millau 2007
--------------------- Best of Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2007
------------------------ Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2006


-------------------------- La Cave Restaurant at La Samanna
------------------For reservations, tel: 1.800.854.2252 or 011.590.590.87.64.00
----------------Please visit us at: www.lasamanna.com/web/omar/wine_cellar.jsp
---------------------------- Email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


 

 

 

 

 

A Poem

BreezyDay-R
"Breezy Day" Original "Plein Air" Oil




"ETERNITY"

Sweep

sway
dash
delay

swell

recede
lose
retrieve

strong

weak
bold
meek

trust

betray
sew
fray

pride

regret
remind
forget

bloom

retreat
bitter
sweet

morning

night
dawn
twilight

e

tear
knit
y



Poem by Laura Richardson
Painting by Sir Roland Richardson


Laura and Roland Richardson would be delighted to hear from you!
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Magic Jack, Tel: 1.443.982.0683
www.rolandrichardson.com

Visit their beautiful gallery at:
Roland Richardson Gallery Museum
#6 rue de la Republique
Marigot, St. Martin
where Fine Art, History and Nature abound!

(c) copyright Laura and Roland Richardson 2013
 


 

 

 

 

Featured Villas


-------------------------------- Villa Beaulieu 


 

Beaulieu is a beautiful luxurious villa with a fabulous hill side location overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the island of Anguilla and the spectacular St. Martin coastline. The villa also enjoys an impressive nighttime view of the distant lights of Anguilla and the bay of Marigot. 

B Pool-View--- B Living-View

The beautiful ocean view can be seen from throughout the house: from the expansive terrace and large heated pool, the spacious double living room and double arched dining room and even from the large kitchen bar, facing Baie Rouge with a double sliding window.

The fully air-conditioned, contemporary living area is equipped with Satellite TV and WiFi and leads into an elegant dining area with archway through to a landscaped patio.

B Kitchen--- B Bedroom3-2

Beaulieu features three equal oversized suites out of Italian tumbled marble; each one with a sea view, even from the bathrooms.
All of them have a private terrace, a private patio or garden.Bedrooms 1 & 2 can be connected through a double door ensuring privacy between the two dressing rooms.

B Bathroom3--- B Pool-Terrace

The villa is only a 3 minute drive from beautiful Plum Bay beach and within an easy drive of the superb beaches: Baie Rouge, Baie Longue, Cupecoy and Mullet Bay and the vibrant nightlife of Maho.

Pierres Caraibes Real Estate

For reservations or information, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or Telephone: 011.590.590.51.02.85- From the US 1.213.805.0840. To view our complete selection of villa rentals visit us at: www.pierrescaraibes.com and for villa sales visit us at: www.exclusivecaribbeanproperty.com


 

 

 

 

 

 

------------ Sign Up to Win a Dream Vacation for Two

Subscribe to our Newsletter and you may:

Win a 6 Day/5 Night Dream Vacation for Two

at La Samanna Resort & Spa, St. Martin
or Oyster Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten
Plus, A Day of Sailing on a Random Wind Charter


 

 

 

 

 

Featured Shop

 



BBLogo2012

 

 


Not Your Mother's "Pocketbook!"

Offered in a rainbow of sizes and colors, Blooming Baskets by Lisa are definitely not your mother’s flowered pocketbooks.

All “Blooming Baskets by Lisa” floral handbags are individually designed and hand-made here on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. No two are ever perfectly identical – so you’ll not enter a room and encounter that dreadful situation.
They’re also infinitely fashionable. Equally at home when you’re wearing jeans to a picnic or elegant couture to a wedding… or, at the Academy Awards, should you be nominated or spend time with Hollywood friends.

Welcome to the world of Blooming Baskets by Lisa. Here, you’ll learn how we make them… the many places where you can use them… you’ll see our collection… and you’ll be able to order your very own handmade purse as well.


LisaMichele


About Blooming Baskets!

In 1993, Lisa and Michele, two sisters from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, moved to St. Martin in the Caribbean. In 2000, they opened a handbag boutique which sold designer American handbags. Inspired by the kaleidoscope of flowers that populate the St. Martin countryside, in 2002, they took ordinary straw and raffia bags and put them on steroids. The result: colorful, whimsical new bags adorned with gorgeous silk flowers.

Blooming Baskets by Lisa, an entirely new class of “handbag” that defies traditional description, had been born. The response was immediate and overwhelming. Lisa and Michele’s signature flowered Baskets already are being sold throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. You’ll see Blooming Baskets by Lisa carried by the “rich and famous” on islands like the exclusive St. Barts and Anguilla. Go anywhere with a Blooming Basket, and watch heads turn for a closer look.

Lisa designs the Baskets at home on her terrace with the Caribbean Sea, sun, breezes, and flowers as her constant inspirations. Michele runs day-to-day operations. Learn how we make our Baskets. Then… start some excitement with your own colorful whimsical Blooming Basket by Lisa!


----------BBFullBloom--------------- BBSunflowerMadness

 

How We Make Them!

Blooming Baskets by Lisa come in four sizes – mini, small, medium, and large; and, because of their strength and durability, our large Baskets are often packed to the hilt and taken to the beach. “Smaller” baskets, which are not really small, go everywhere. Underneath, Blooming Baskets are hand-constructed of high-quality, long-wearing raffia, a natural product obtained from the fronds of the raffia palm. Our raffia is wrapped or covered in long-wearing straw custom-woven for us and sewn for high durability. Our baskets are made individually. Dyes are hand-mixed, with no pre-set recipe; consequently, “purple” on one basket invariably looks a bit different from “purple” on another. Of course, all our dyes are formulated to resist fading.

Since Mother Nature has created an infinite variety of real flowers, we follow suit with all our silk flowers. From Exotic lilies to stunning roses to huge, colorful daisies and many other varieties in countless colors, Mother Nature is faithfully recreated in silk for Blooming Baskets by Lisa.


----------BBPurplePassion---------------BBFloralFantasy

 

Our Collection!

A couple of heads-up


First, we never create exactly the same Blooming Basket by Lisa twice. So when you order one of our beautiful floral handbags, know that your bag will be unique. The flowers (in color, design, and placement) and the precise bag color will differ, if ever so slightly, from our photos. You’re a unique person. So, your Blooming Basket will be unique, too.


Second, our floral handbags themselves change. Some colors disappear, others are introduced, and the combinations of flowers and dyes change.
So, if you see something that catches your eye today, grab it. It may be gone forever next time you look.

“Blooming Baskets by Lisa” offers baskets in four sizes and many flowers and flower colors. And of course, there are many Basket colors.

The Results speak for themselves.

No, they sing more than speak. And, you will absolutely love the melody!


--------------- For additional information, please contact us at:
------------------ Blooming Baskets by Lisa
-----------------Marina Village of Porto Cupecoy, Sint Maarten
-------------------- Tel: 1-721-586-7055 or 1-721-522-6668

---------------- Email us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or
----------------- Visit us at: www.bloomingbasketsbylisa.com
 


 

 

 

 

Featured Restaurant

 

 


OceanLoungeBeach

Welcome to the Ocean Lounge for Fine Dining

Voted the #1 Restaurant in Philipsburg, St. Maarten by Trip Advisor Visitors!


The newly-renovated restaurant and bar at the Holland House is the Ocean Lounge Restaurant and Bar, which features a beautiful hardwood deck overlooking the ocean and the boardwalk where many locals go to relax at night, when the cool Caribbean breeze soothes away a day at work or a perfect day on the beach. Dedon outdoor furniture with plush cushions, combined with the service-minded staff, gives you that special VIP feeling.


TheHotelRRobert van Herpen and Chef Raymond Kaper, both from Holland, guarantee an enjoyable breakfast, tasty lunch or delightful dinner experience. Raymond began his culinary career as a trainee at the prestigious and leading Michelin star crowned Intercontinental “Amstel Hotel” in Amsterdam at restaurant La Rive.

After 2 years of training with Master-Chef Edwin Kats, Raymond wanted to broaden his culinary skills and went to work for the Dylan Hotel as a Junior Sous Chef. There he learned to be more creative and developed a deeper knowledge of combining flavors. After The Dylan, Raymond worked as a Sous Chef at the renowned Country Hotel “Duin and Kruidberg” and after a year he decided it was time to see more of the world and make good use of his knowledge and skills. He travelled to the Caribbean to expand his cooking style which developed into an interesting and eclectic European – Caribbean Style (EUROBEAN).

Chef Raymond works with local products from the Islands as well as fresh seafood and produce flown in twice weekly from Europe and the USA to create innovative and imaginative dishes. He leads a local team of young cooks and has set new standards and heights in casual dining on the Island. His counterparts on the waiters' side are the ever-smiling Lucia, who supervises breakfast and lunch, and the famous Jesse who oversees the dinner service and has already acquired a very loyal clientele.

Editor's Note: Once again, Barbara and I had a spectacular meal at Ocean Lounge Restaurant & Bar. After ordering two Black Labels on the rocks, we sat sipping our favorite scotch discussing forthcoming events while enjoying the beautiful view of the yachts in Great Bay.

OceanLoungeTableSettingAfter a while, our waiter brought us the Chef’s offering which was a creamy spicy tomato mousse served in a tall slender glass accompanied with a straw. One or two sips and the mousse caressed your palette with a lovely delightful taste on its way to your stomach. We really wanted more!

F
or appetizers, we enjoyed Gravlax, marinated and lightly smoked salmon with sour cream and toast, and Beef Carpaccio in lemon juice which were both delicious and easily either could be shared by two people. For our main course, we had Chilean Sea Bass served in an antiboise sauce with mini potatoes and fresh spinach, and Brill which is a white fish imported from Holland accompanied by a selection of vegetables.

For Dessert, we had the chef’s innovative rendition of French toast with Vanilla ice cream in the middle. It was truly unique. And, of course, the meal was accompanied by a lovely bottle of white Sancerre. By the way, Guido & Georgina, our servers, were attentive and friendly and along with Robert van Herpen, Manager of Food & Beverage, helped to make the evening memorable. For reservations, call Robert at 721.542.2572 or 800.223.9815 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Parking for dinner is available from 7 PM till 12 midnight. It's across the street from the Hotel behind Joe's Jewelry. You enter the lot via Back Street and will see a parking assistant and a Holland House banner. Parking is free of charge and exclusive for diners at our Ocean Lounge Restaurant & Bar.

In addition, our friendly and attentive professional staff will assist you with your needs and answer any questions about the Hotel, arrange car rentals, excursions to other islands, and point you to intimate and romantic Caribbean restaurants. They will also be happy to assist you with important island information, reconfirming your flight and arranging a taxi service. Come visit us! We look forward to making your special day an outstanding one!




Ocean Lounge Restaurant & Bar
at Holland House Beach Hotel
FrontStreet #43, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
For reservations, visit www.hhbh.com to use our computerized reservation system.
Telephone 1.721.542.2572, Fax: 1.721.542.4673 or
Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Featured Hotel

-------------------- Radisson BLU Resort Marina & Spa, St. Martin



RadissonPool2011-R

A blend of Caribbean Character with French Flair!

 

The new 4-Diamond AAA rated, Radisson BLU Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin awaits your pleasure.

The 18-acre, oceanfront property Radisson BLU St Martin sets the stage for one of the Caribbean's most provocative new luxury resorts, located on one of the best-preserved and most secluded coves on the French side of the island, Anse Marcel. An open-air design with tropical foliage and fountains seamlessly unifies the main house with its surroundings, inviting guests to savor the Caribbean immediately upon entering the resort.

Off the main house is a veranda with breathtaking views of the Caribbean and a French-inspired Great Lawn flanked by formal gardens and royal palms that extend from the entrance down to the 14,200 square foot signature swimming pool with a zero-sand beach entry and a vanishing edge overlooking the waters of Anse Marcel and the Caribbean Sea.

 

------- LobbyR ---- GreatHouseDuskR


Accommodations include 63 suites and 189 guest rooms situated in two guest room wings that flank the main house and five all-suite structures overlooking the resort's 150-slip marina. Each guest room and suite features a spacious bathroom and upscale amenities, plus:

* A private balcony or terrace
* Flat-screen satellite television
* DVD player
* iPod dockable clock radio
* Mini-bar and coffee maker
* Cozy waffled robes
* Complimentary high-speed internet access


MartiniR

Dedicated to excellence. This is the guiding philosophy of the staff of the Radisson BLU St Martin Resort, Marina and Spa. Each member of the resort's team looks to satisfy the needs of every guest, be it preparing or serving an intimate dinner for two in C Le Restaurant, organizing a sailing, snorkeling or windsurfing adventure or planning one of our interactive Guest Enrichment programs. These can include power walks, French cooking classes, introduction to massages, French language class and wine or rum tasting. Let our Concierge assist you in discovering our island that is shared by both the French and the Dutch.

The resort's dining venues are equally distinctive in design. C Le Restaurant, which features fine French cuisine paired with island flavors, is a free-standing, open-air venue set on a stone terrace that overlooks the sea. Le Marché, a casual, open-air market-style eatery with French and Caribbean influences, is open for breakfast and dinner. Nearby discover Grand Case, the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.


------ InfinityPoolR --- -YachtsInLineR


Known among the yachting community as one of the safest and most picturesque harbors in the Lesser Antilles, the proximity of Radisson Marina at Anse Marcel gives boaters a preview of the new Radisson BLU Resort St Martin. Nestled in a naturally protected cove on the north side of St. Martin, the charmingly chic French territory offers island-hoppers a peaceful getaway. The marina is located at 18º07'N 63º02'W on GPS.

Radisson BLU Resort Marina & Spa, St. Martin has partnered with Temenos Golf Course on neighboring island Anguilla to offer its guests an unparalleled Caribbean golf experience. The resort, located on the northwest coast of the French side of St. Martin, can reserve preferred tee times and arrange for private boat transfer to the Greg Norman-designed championship-caliber course.



------------------- Radisson BLU Resort Marina & Spa, St. Martin
-------------------------
St. Martin, Anse Marcel, St. Martin, F.W.I.

-----------------------For Reservations, please telephone (800) 333.3333
----------------- ----Visit www.radissonblu.com/resort-stmartin


 

 

 

 

 

Featured Article

 

60 Fun Things to do on StMaarten/StMartin!



Many first-timers to the island write us to ask the same question over and over again, "What is there to do on the island." So, listed below are a few of the interesting, exciting, enjoyable, fun activities that can occupy your beautiful vacation days and assure you of going home with wonderful memories.

1. Charter a yacht and sail to other islands
2. Collect unique seashells from the island's 37 wonderful beaches
3. Go deep sea fishing for a Marlin and challenge yourself
4. Go for a horseback ride on the beach
5. Go for a mountain bike ride on the trails
6. Go for a swim, often
7. Go for a walk on the beach, daily
8. Go shopping Monday through Saturday and rest on Sunday
9. Go snorkeling in Baie Rouge
10. Go scuba diving around Saba
11. Have breakfast at a restaurant, daily
12. Have lunch at a restaurant, often
13. Have dinner at a restaurant, frequently
14. If you vacation on island for 37 days, you can visit a different beach every day
15. Lie in a lounge chair on Orient Beach and watch people "strut their stuff" nude
16. Lie in a lounge chair on the beach with a good book and a drink in your other
17. Lie on the beach and do nothing except soak up the sunshine

18. Paddle a kayak around the island
19. Race a Wave Runner around the island
20. Rent a rod & reel and fish from the beach

 

----------LeesGuysWithFishR

21. Climb the 3,000 steps to the top of Saba's rain forest
22. Sit at a friendly bar and watch sports TV
23. Sit at a friendly bar and think about your job and work at the office, not
24. Sit at a bar with friends and enjoy the camaraderie or make new friends
25. Take a parasail and fly though the sky
26. Take a sunset cruise around the island
27. Visit a casino but bring Lady Luck with you
28. Visit a nightclub and dance till the morning hours
29. Visit Anguilla, St. Barths and/or Saba
30. Visit the Butterfly Farm for incredible sites

---------- Malachite ---------- TheBlueMorpho

31. Visit StMaarten Park Zoo
32. Walk the wires through the trees at Loterie Farm
33. Watch a sunrise
34. Watch a sunset
35. Take lots and lots of pictures
36. Take Sir Roland Richardson's Master Class/Wed. at La Samanna/Thurs. at Marigot
----
Gallery/learn about art, colors, history, while the master paints. It's Free!

37. Visit 1700's on Mont Vernon Plantation/see art exhibition/take classes at art school
38. Visit other artist's galleries throughout the island
39. Visit the museums in Marigot and Philipsburg
40. Visit the Fort St. Louis ruins in Marigot


----------yacht-helicopter

41. Visit the Fort Amsterdam ruins in Philipsburg
42. Visit Tijon Parfumerie in Grand Case and create your own personal scent/parfume
43. Take the St. Maarten "America's Cup" 12 Metre Regatta Challenge
44. Have a drink at La Samanna Resort's Baie Longue Bar/watch the sun set/create
---- lovely memories
45. Lunch at the Lolos (outdoor grilled food) in Grand Case. Prices are soooooo cheap
46. Visit Radisson Resort's pool - it is the largest most spectacular on the island
47. Have Yannick's homemade yogurt at Vesna's Taverna & Bagel House - it's the best
48. Enjoy a Timeshare sales presentation - worth the "free gifts" even if you don't buy
49. See the Cabaret Show at L'Escargot Restaurant in Philipsburg - it's the best
50. Experience on the water excitement with a two-person Rhino Rider watercraft
51. Enjoy an ice cream sundae at Carousel Gelateria & Bar in Simpson Bay - it's the best
52. Ride the merry-go-round of ceramic horses at Carousel - they're incredible
53. Come back to StMaarten/StMartin again and again!
54. Visit the island in early March and enjoy the spectacular Heineken Regatta
55. Visit the island in late April and enjoy the parties and dancing at Carnival
56. Visit the island any month except September and add a sparkle in your life
57. Enjoy a crispy thin crust pizza at Pizza Galley and enjoy the mega yachts views
58. Try a Kayak race, Triathlon, Bike race or Run from Tri-Sport
59. Enjoy 18 holes of golf at the Mullet Bay Golf Course
60. Enjoy a spectacular round of golf at the Greg Norman Temenos Golf Club in Anguilla


 

 

 

 

 

Featured Activity


wedding-banner


Did you dream about your wedding since you were very little? Most kids do, from the time mummy read, "and Prince Charming slipped the glass slipper onto Cinderella's foot and they lived happily ever after..." We practise getting married by walking down the aisle as a flower girl or ring-bearer and see the joy of the radiant couple as they say "I Do" and tingle with the excitement of their family and friends sharing the moment.

Joy on your wedding day comes from the blessing of the love and commitment you share and looking forward to this beginning of your own family. Joy on the wedding day also comes from having a hassle-free wedding that brings your vision of your dream wedding to reality. You must realize your dream wedding and enjoy it too.

Hire a professional wedding planner. For the bride and groom, their wedding is a first-time event and hopefully a lifetime highlight. A professional wedding planner may arrange hundreds of weddings a year. So with her help you won't have to experiment on your big day. The wedding planner is your troubleshooter. She also will be sure the people she hires to serve you have proven quality and reliability, so you won't be looking out the back door waiting for a cake, or shedding tears because your bouquet doesn't match your dress.

A wedding should be your fantasy come true and a gala celebration. A bride's dream is nurtured as she integrates images from magazines, movies, weddings, and her imagination to come to a vision of her wedding day. All who love her and her wedding planner want the bride to realize her dream on this special day. So it was imagined, so it will be done.

A budget is very important. Be realistic when you set one so that you can live happily ever after and not start your newWeddingsCouple life with a financial burden. Discuss the budget with your wedding planner so she knows the limits. A professional wedding planner is your advocate. Speaking from experience, the wedding planner should be able through her experience and professionalism to optimize your budget and stretch it to cover the most important parts of your plan.

Set priorities as to what is the most important part of your vision. I recommend as a tool, the couple get a notebook to create a "dream book" to log in the elements they want for their wedding. You will use it to plan everything with your planner for how your taste and style will be incorporated. A professional planner will take care of processing the legal paperwork so your marriage will be correct and recognized worldwide. I guide my brides to the right location and time of day - our island provides dream seascapes for locations and everyone becomes radiant in the golden light of sunset.

List the elements for the fun and remembrance; beauty and fashion, flowers, toasting, food, music, reception, cake, and photography and/or videography. Pick a color, a theme for the decorations or a special bloom for your flowers. A wedding planner's expertise will allow you to realize your dream while keeping to your budget.

You will be planning your wedding for sometime and you can use that time to put into your dream book: everything from a picture you have from another wedding to magazine clippings and notes, a poem or song, so you don't forget. Use your imagination. The dream book will help your planner share your vision and bring it to reality.

While wedding planning software can assist you, a local wedding planner will insure what you can do with the local possibilities, can customize your wedding, and will make sure you don't forget doing things on time, but most importantly your planner will help you optimize your wedding in St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Set your priorities with the most important first, and the least, last, so your planner can help you cut if you must keep to your budget, without diminishing the glow of your wedding. You don't want to trim off a rose if your mom's name was Rose and you carry it for her. Take your first dance to your favorite song played by one of our great local entertainers in the arms of your loved one.

I recommend that you put a high priority on photography. After the bouquet is tossed and you've left your wedding party in a shower of petals, the photographs are what survive forever. You'll show them over and over again and use these to remember why you got married, re-savor your love and joy as time goes by. If you are blessed with children, photographs give them a chance to see you when your love was in early bloom and you made your commitment to each other. Somehow we can be re-inspired on an anniversary and experience our young love again when we look at those pictures. Now photo technology has brought us DVDs so we can also hear our emotion-filled voices as they pledge vows to each other. Yes the wedding day is the big day, but you can best relive your memories over and over through pictures, then shed those tears of joy again.

tog2Share also with your planner any unique ideas. One of my brides planned a starfish and shell theme for her cake superbly executed and she said, by the way, "My groom's favorite treats are champagne and chocolates." So I arranged for her to give her groom a wonderful champagne and a silver shell of chocolates that were hand and custom-made for her in shell shapes filled with aphrodisiac flavors to indulge in after the last dance. "If you can dream it, I can make it happen," is my motto as your wedding planner. I am very proud that my clients have nicknamed me their "Fairy Godmother," as they said I "must have waved a magic wand to make their dream wedding a reality."

If ever there were a picture-perfect place to get married, the island of St. Maarten is it. Blessed with some of the most breathtaking beaches anywhere in the world, St. Maarten also offers all the first-class amenities you could ever ask for:

1. World-class restaurants, ensuring that every meal can become a long-lasting, pleasant memory
2. Fifth Avenue-class shopping in Marigot, and exquisite jewelry shopping on Front Street in Philipsburg
3. Perfectly clear turquoise waters for some of the world's best snorkeling
4. Modern airport with wide-body jet connections from many US gateways

Tying the knot in St. Maarten means enjoying all the benefits of a beautiful tropical wedding with none of the planning hassles. How so? Because Jean Rich, a Rhode Island native who has been living in St. Maarten for more than 20 years, handles all the details for you. As the Manager of the renowned BelMar Grill - Seafood - Wine Bar at Simpson Bay, Jean brings unsurpassed culinary experience to your wedding reception. As the planner/coordinator of literally dozens of tropical weddings over the last 15 years, she has fielded and successfully responded to all kinds of requests. No matter what flavor of tropical wedding you want, Jean Rich has the experience and creativity to make it happen.

For example, you could select from any of the following:
Beach wedding. We do all the planning for a beautiful wedding right on the beach, under the palms, on a gorgeous Caribbean day. Get married at whatever time of day you like -- even right before a breathtaking Caribbean sunset.
Gazebo wedding. How about a ceremony inside a beautiful gazebo, overlooking the beach? Our gazebo even has a pool nearby, so you and your guests can switch to bathing suits and cool off after your reception.
Ocean wedding. Some of our clients prefer to be married at sea. We charter a sailboat or a yacht of virtually any size, and you get the wedding of your dreams right in the Caribbean Sea.
Church, hall, or restaurant wedding. No matter what location you prefer, we'll plan it from start to finish. No problem!

It's easier than you think and less expensive. Why shouldn't you enjoy a wedding in paradise? Still have questions, then email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We'll relieve you of all the stress and worry; and, we'll make it happen for you!

Weddings In St. Maarten, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
Dr. Jean Rich is a well known wedding planner who lives on St. Maarten.
For info call: 1.305.767.2253 or 1.866.978.5233 Toll Free or 011.599.581.5843 cell.
Visit us: www.weddings-in-stmaarten.com or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Special Feature




Complimentary (FREE) Gift Certificates

from Island Businesses



Going to the island?

Looking to save money?

View our list of Gift Certificates below!

Choose the ones you wish to use on island.


(The Business Names below link to their Websites.)

Hotels

Bleu Emeraude Residence - (Gift Certificate: $100 off)

LaVista Beach Resort - (Gift Certificate: 30% off)

The Cliff at Cupecoy Beach Condos - (Gift Certificate: 5% off)

Oyster Bay Beach Resort - Click the Language to Print your Gift Certificate
English - French - Spanish - Portuguese



Restaurants

Beau Beau's Restaurant at Oyster Bay Beach Resort - (Gift Certificate: $25 off)

Esco Pazzo Pizzeria - (Gift Certificate: $10 off per couple)

Hideaway Restaurant at LaVista Resort - (Gift Certificate: 10% off)

Infinity Restaurant at Oyster Bay Beach Resort - (Gift Certificate: $25 off)


La Cave Restaurant at La Samanna -
(Gift Certificate: $50 off)

La Dolce Vita Ristorante Italiano - (Gift Certificate: $10 off per person)

Le Réservé Restaurant at La Samanna - (Gift Certificate: $25 off)

Peg Leg Pub and Steakhouse - (Gift Certificate: $10 off)

Rare Bar and Restaurant - (Gift Certificate: One Free Dessert Per Person)

Temptation Bar and Restaurant - (Gift Certificate: One Free Dessert Per Person)

Toppers Restaurant and Bar & Toppers by the Sea - (Gift Certificate: $10 off)



Shops

Ballerina Jewelers - (Gift Certificate: $100 off)

Blooming Baskets by Lisa - (Gift Certificate: $20 off)

Caribbean Gems - (Gift Certificate: $50 off)

La Samanna Spa - (Gift Certificate: $50 off)

Zhaveri Jewelers - (Gift Certificate: $50 off)



Activities

Aqua Mania Adventures - (Gift Certificate: Buy $150 of Watersports Dollars for $125)

Happy Hour Charters - (Gift Certificate: $10 off Jetskis)

Random Wind Charters - (Gift Certificate: $20 off)

Scuba Fun Dive Center - (Gift Certificate: 10% off)


Car Rentals

Summer Set Car Rental - (Gift Certificate: One Free Day with 7 Day Rental)

Casinos

Tropicana Casino - (Gift Certificate: A $10 free play, free beer & hot dog)


Please email us your Gift Certificate choices! Include
your first & last name, email address, travel dates and the name of the hotel/villa/condo where you will be staying. The Certificates will be emailed to you within 48 hours.


 

 

 

 


What's Happening in Paradise?

 

by Sam Fusco



April 30 – The Netherlands has a King! - In keeping with a planned transition, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands after 33 years as queen has abdicated her throne in favor of her son Willem-Alexander. In a nationally televised emotional signing ceremony watched by millions of her subjects, the much loved Beatrix ended her 33–year reign as queen. Four hours later, her son, Willem-Alexander swore an oath of allegiance to his country and the constitution in the historic New Church. He is the first Dutch king since King Willem III who died in 1890. Needless to say there is a lot of partying going on tonight in Amsterdam and the rest of the country – including St. Maarten.

The French Red Cross, in partnership with the Radisson Blu, will celebrate on May 4th its fifth annual gala. This prestigious event will take place at the Radisson Blue Resort in the Salon Caraibe (the ballroom). The theme of this evening is the Secret Garden. The format has been changed from a formal sit down diner to a delightful & friendly 
neighborhood Restaurants & Bars concept. So you can expect to find great food, great wines & cocktails and great entertainment. We invite you to visit each restaurant and partner in country-style stations and discover their best creations from appetizer to dessert through wine and Rums.

During the night, mix with local and international artists, come to share their talent, meet the famous Ryan Magarian, Jansen Chan, a renowned pastry chef, Lucas Léonardi, the Chef of Christopher Hotel in Saint Barth and Sarina Suno, the Violin Diva. A silent auction with two works of art offered by Mr. Alain Chayer and Francis Ecks will take place as well as the famous raffle. As always, prestigious prizes will be offered.

This event is not only the premier event of the year for the French side of Saint Martin; it is also the main source of revenue for the Red Cross who desperately needs more funds. This year, more than ever, La Croix Rouge needs your support and we are looking forward to seeing you on May 4th. All the benefits of the night will go to the French Red Cross to support its actions in Saint Martin.

If you are unable to attend this event, we would appreciate a donation to this great cause. You can purchase your tickets (€160 per person or €300 per couple) by calling the French Red Cross at (011.590) 690.408.408 or contact Caroline at the Radisson @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Credit cards are accepted.

Bikini Beach Tapas Bar & Grill is one of the most exciting highlights on Clothing Optional Orient Beach, setting the mood and new trends. Elisa, American born, who runs the place has given it its international flavor. Her multi-lingual staff and diverse menu will make her place YOUR “Homebase” while in St. Martin. Very popular with locals as well as tourists, Bikini beach has it’s beachfront & chair rental back and it’s business as usual, 7 days a week, 3 meals a day. Don’t miss it!

Protection of Endangered Shark and Ray Species - Nearly two years after the historic decision to legally protect sharks and rays in St. Maarten's Territorial waters, sharks and rays have now received international protection, becoming the latest additions to the Convention of the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Nature Foundation St. Maarten has also been cited for its work to protect the species. The foundation was not only the catalyst for ensuring legal shark and ray protection on the Dutch side, it also spearheads a project to learn more about shark and ray behaviour in the marine park and near coastal waters. The foundation is also the scientific authority on CITES for St. Maarten.

The World's Wildlife Conference closed on March 15, with historic decisions and measures to protect not only sharks and rays, but also elephants, rhinos, big cats and precious timber. The governments of 170 countries have turned to CITES to ensure the legal, sustainable and traceable trade, in amongst others, five shark species and manta rays. CITES Secretary-General John E. Scanlon said: "This is a big day for CITES and for the world's wildlife. It takes enormous effort to negotiate treaties and then make them work. The international community has today decided to make best use of this pragmatic and effective agreement to help it along the path to sustainability in our oceans and forests." (This article courtesy of Caribbean Gems.)

Captain Oliver's 9th Annual Regatta Officially Launched - On April 17th, Captain Oliver's Regatta and Coors Light held the launch party for the 9th Annual Captain Oliver's Regatta which is set for the weekend of May 18-19. Sailors, sailing enthusiasts and the press attended the cocktail party at The Iguana Bar in Captain Oliver's Restaurant where
Regatta Director Stuart Knaggs presented the upcoming event. The format of the regatta will be kept the same as in previous years. Seven different classes will include Racing Monohull, Racing Multihull, Beach Cat, the "1-Design" Class, Cruising Monohull and cruising Multihull, as well as the Rum Class for unrated Boats for emphasis on participation.

"This is now the fourth year Coors Light sponsors this event and we are excited to be here again for the 9th Annual Captain Oliver's Regatta" said Miguel Destin, Marketing manager from Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco. Rikke Speetjens, Regatta Coordinator, added. "We are busy with the preparation for next month's regatta and getting all the necessary things in place." Maggi Shurtleff, owner of Captain Oliver's Marina and Hotel, would also like to invite the public to come and enjoy the regatta atmosphere and entertainment at the several bars and restaurants in the marina during the weekend. (This article courtesy of Caribbean Gems) 

After more than 25 years, Saratoga Restaurant is closed and John Jackson, an innovative CIA schooled chef, is no longer on island. John created many signature dishes that people frequently returned for particularly the "Salt & Pepper Sea Bass" which was served standing on its fins in the middle of your dish; and with its mouth wide open and its eyes staring up at you, it almost challenged you to eat it. It was my favorite. John was also instrumental in publicizing the island with the St. Maarten Boat Show Chef's Contest and numerous other food related events for tourists visiting the island. The business and the fabulous building are for sale. He is missed by many friends and fans; but, alas, "They made him an offer he couldn't refuse!"

Ristorante Pizzeria Amici Miei (My Friends) will soon open on the Boardwalk in Philipsburg at Coconut Cove. This new restaurant will serve pizza, pastas, lots of tasty salads, and of course, fish and meat dishes... including (my favorites) lobster and fritto misto which are house specialties. Amici Miei will be open for breakfast and lunch until 3pm and will provide a full bar and service on the beach until 4:30pm. They will even have beach chairs and umbrellas available for your convenience. This new eatery is sure to be a hit with tourists as well as locals since it has the same management as Esco Pazzo Pizzeria and La Dolce Vita Ristorante Italiano which are located at the Princess Port de Plaisance Hotel & Casino.

Here's some information about a new client. Leisure Car Rental St. Maarten was established in 2007, with one objective: To always go above and beyond the Call Of Duty to ensure Maximum Customer Satisfaction. We offer a wide range of Automobiles to meet all needs and budgets. So whether you're the extravagant type, or the more cautious thrifty shopper, we have an auto for you. We can undoubtedly guarantee the Best Value in the Industry!

LCAR is clearly the St. Martin Rent A Car Agency with a Noticeable Difference! Reserve a Hatchback, Sedan, Minivan, SUV, Convertible or any other vehicle type with us, and never again pay for a scratch, ding, dent, stolen, or totaled car. Since we are the only car Rental Agency in both Dutch and French St. Maarten to proudly offer Zero Deductible Insurance! For reservations, visit www.leisurecarrentalsxm.com, call 721.581.8577 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our reservation system is fairly fast and simple. Thank you!

JP and the Pizza Galley team are back from vacation and open for business. So once again, you tourists and local people alike can stop by for those wonderful pizza's including the garlic pizza, my favorite, the incredible Caesar's Salad which is always big enough for two people and who can refuse a slice of Lorna's Key Lime pie or Strawberry Rhubarb pie. Visit www.pizzagalley.com.

Note from JP Guilbert, owner of Pizza Galley.
Hi Sam, Everything is good and we are very busy here. The island is buzzing with lots of boats arriving from all over the world. Remind your subscribers that Pizza Galley is the only restaurant on SXM that serves Crispy Thin Crust "Gluten Free" Pizza and the demand is there. By the way, Pizza Galley won again! #1 Best Pizza and #1 Best Desserts in the Daily Herald Newspaper's "Best of St. Maarten" 2012 Contest. That should do it... J.P.

For Sale: Large, highly successful, casino-colocated restaurant with a long-time loyal following is for sale. Restaurant has a prime location with ample free parking, a seasoned staff, and a diverse lunch and dinner menu of seafood, legendary steaks, salads, and more. Owner is asking $250,000 and is willing to stay on during transition. Qualified buyers only (no agents). Price does not include the cost of you getting Managing Director paperwork if you don't have it already. Send inquiry to jmbwebjmbcommunications.com with the subject "Restaurant." Please include info on any relevant experience. Your inquiry will be given to the owner who will respond directly. (St. Maarten)

Many tourists about to visit the island often write us to ask about a map of the island. I usually tell them that you can get maps of the island at the airport when you arrive. In the arrivals building when you are picking up your baggage, you will notice several kiosks and wall shelves with lots of publications and advertisements from island businesses. Most of these have small fold-out maps which are sufficient for traveling around the island. If you want something bigger and better, Cartographer Michal Kasprowski who lives on the island has just published a new and revised 2013 edition of his St. Maarten/St. Martin Street map. The detailed map with index, made on a 1:15,000 scale, provides many details on both sides of the island, including separate street maps of Philipsburg and Marigot. You can purchase your map at www.omnimap.com/catalog/int/stmartin.htm?248,186?308,176 for $16.99.

The island has been enjoying a record high number of visitors over the Holidays and during the months of January and February 2013. Apparently, at one point, so many people came by private plane that Juliana Airport ran out of parking spaces for the planes. There is now talk of the Government planning expansion of the airport.

Here's some interesting information from Sunshine Properties: We are delighted to have a new exciting development at Indigo Bay. This is a beachfront 150 acre site with plans for a lush tropical forest with waterfalls. It will be very ECO conscious with an ECO farm. Overall, 65% of the land is designated as green space. It will consist of private villas with futuristic environmental planning of low energy saving plans solar heat for water is standard and special packages for solar electric are available also standard 10 inch concrete walls with insulation assure cooling advantages as well as guide living a small boutique ECO hotel, restaurants and a harbour for water sport, diving and fishing vessels.

There are ample roads and pathways which will be lit partly by solar powered lighting. The entire project will have the benefit of 24 hour security. We would be delighted to take you for a tour there to show you how amazing it is now and how wonderful it will be when completed. Plans have been finalized and sales have started for preconstruction two bedroom townhouses with private pools at from $395,000, as well as 3 bedroom suite free standing Villas turnkey starting $ 495.000 They all overlook the beach and have ocean views with the guarantee of stunning sunsets. For a private tour or additional information, contact Mr. Dieter Schaede, Owner/Broker, Sunshine Properties at (1) 721.544.4498, US Toll Free: (1) 623.643.8906 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 



The StMaarten/StMartin Connection Newsletters are e-published bimonthly by Steeple Associates, Inc., 5201 Warrens Way, Wanaque, NJ 07465. For Questions or Comments, telephone: 973.835.0600 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Publisher: Sam Fusco. Editorial Consultant: Marilyn Fusco. Sales and Marketing: Barbara Fusco. Contributing Correspondents: Jean Rich and Laura Richardson.