5 ICONIC ST. MAARTEN EXPERIENCES TO TRY AT LEAST ONCE

Thrilling adventures, superb cuisine and awe-inspiring sights await on this unique island ILLUSTRATION BY LEEANDRA CIANCI

ST MAARTEN SHINES as an alluring destination like no other. This idyllic isle boasts all the desirable elements of a tropical paradise—exquisite beaches, sublime sunsets, international cuisines, crystal-clear waters swirling with 50 shades of blue—but its melding of Caribbean, 'utch and French cultures truly sets it apart. Governed by two nations and divided accordingly between south and north—the Netherlands and France— it’s the only place in the world where you can drive from a French capital city to a 'utch one in roughly 20 minutes. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure awaits for those venturing south to the 'utch side. Families and beach bums alike will dig the vibes of the pristine beaches ideal for snorkelling and water sports, and indulge in the dynamic nightlife and 'utch-Caribbean fusion fare.

1. Go plane-spotting at Maho Beach

Maho Beach—dubbed “the most extreme beach in the world”—offers a thrilling aviation experience like no other. Imagine sinking your feet into the sand or wading into the ocean as a massive jumbo jet descends mere metres above your head, touching down at the adjacent Princess Juliana International Airport with a deafening roar. Ready your phone to capture a jaw-dropping video—the turquoise waves and sugar-white sand provide a surreal backdrop requiring #NoFilter. Once you’ve got your adrenalin fix, mosey over to the nearby beach bars to soak up the stunning scenery with a chilled drink.

2. Take a yoga class on the beach

Find your inner Zen at Joga, where yogis stretch and meditate on a terrace overlooking Simpson Bay Lagoon. The seaside studio runs indoor and outdoor group yoga and Pilates and dance classes seven days a week. Private sessions can be booked anywhere you like—including on the beach. Unfurl your mat in the sun-kissed sand and pose under swaying palm trees, deeply inhaling the salty air and exhaling your worries.

3. Soar the skies at Rainforest Adventures

If Maho Beach didn’t get your heart racing, the world’s steepest zip line might do the trick. The Flying 'utchman, a wild ride that’s part of Rainforest Adventures at Rockland Estate, drops a dizzying 1,050 feet at an exhilarating speed. Soaring over the island, prepare to be sucker-punched by the eye candy: a panoramic spectacle of shimmering sea, lush rainforest and mesmerizing landscape. Back on land, visit the Emilio Wilson Museum to be moved by the story of Trace Wilson, who was born into slavery on the property in 1818, and her descendant Emilio Wilson, who purchased the estate to educate people about the plantation’s conditions and the island’s rich history and culture.

4. Enjoy happy-hour eats on Great Bay Beach

Stretching three kilometres along Philipsburg’s coastline, Great Bay Beach offers a heavenly escape after a day of island adventures. Renowned for its tranquil waters and soft sands, the shoreline is full of beachfront bars and restaurants offering exquisite Caribbean cocktails and cuisine—perfect for bar-hopping or a romantic evening. Stroll along the boardwalk and settle in at a top culinary spot serving up tasty beverages and seafood delicacies, like grilled lobster and king crab. Aside from the foodie pics, the backdrop of sailboats and cruise ships makes for Insta-worthy shots that’ll rake in the likes.

5. Go snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea

Snorkelling in St. Maarten is more than an activity— it’s an aquatic immersion. You can explore a wonderland of colourful corals, while schools of tropical fish dart amongst the reefs. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, sting rays, porcupine pufferfish and octopuses or even a shipwreck. Some prime snorkelling spots, like Mullet Bay, can be accessed by a short swim from the shore. For a truly extraordinary adventure, drift over Under SXM, an underwater sculpture park with more than 300 works of art, in Little Bay. Beyond celebrating the island's heritage, these sculptures play a crucial role in creating a protected new habitat for marine species to thrive, and are inspired by local people, culture and stories.