St. Maarten

Sophisticated Warmth

St. Maarten is the Dutch side of a 37-square-mile island that is shared with French St.-Martin. Part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dutch St. Maarten o ers visitors many activities and amenities, making it a haven for tourists in recent years. The territory combines the elegance and sophistication of Europe with the warmth and charm of the West Indies.

On the Dutch side, all the action is centered on Philipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten, with its great shopping, quaint restaurants, unforgettable historic sites and more. Laid-back while the sun is up, Philipsburg turns lively when it sets. Wathey Square is a bustle of activity with peddlers at the wharf. On Front Street is the historic Pasanggrahan Hotel, which was once the Royal Guest House for Dutch royalty.

Laid-back while the sun is up, Philipsburg turns lively when it sets.

Two aptly named streets run the length of town. Front Street “fronts” the water and Back Street

borders the other end. In between, the city is packed with restaurants, casinos and shops, many o ering imported goods from the Netherlands such as cheeses, chocolates,

Delftware and, yes, wooden shoes.

Vacationers can enjoy a range of sports on St. Maarten, including snorkeling and diving, horseback riding, shing and kayaking.

Taste of St. Maarten

One of St. Maarten’s national dishes, callaloo soup, is a nutritious blend of spinach and kale, avored with pork and spicy pepper.