Enjoy An Unforgettable Vacation In Saint Martin

Saint Martin, an island in the northeast Caribbean, provides vacationers an opportunity to witness three distinct cultures mingled on one little island. The exotic native heritage blends seamlessly with the Dutch and French traditions, making this island the most visited of all the Leewards. Gourmet food, vibrant nightlife, world class duty free shopping, year-round warm climate, pristine beaches and a cosmopolitan atmosphere are other tempting factors which make Saint Martin irresistible.

Even though cheap flights to Saint Martin are usually available no matter what time of year it is, the best time to visit the island is in May-June. This is the time when the hotels can be booked at the cheapest rates and cheap flight deals can be obtained. Also, the probability of a storm is very low during this time, although rain showers are common. Planning a visit in November-Mid December can also be rewarding as the weather is beautiful and there is a chance of finding accommodations at a fairly good price. Mid December-April is usually the worst time to come as the charges of both hotels and flights are abnormally high. The only chance of getting cheap tickets to Saint Martin at this time is by booking two months in advance.

The Princess Juliana International Airport, located on the Dutch side of the island, entertains most of the major flights to Saint Martin, like Boeing747, AirbusA340 and Winair. Out of these, the biggest airlines are United, Air France and KLM.

Shoppers can enjoy local handicrafts, watches, cameras, tobacco, leather goods, liquor and most designer goods at significant discounts. The capitals of the Dutch and French sides are where most of the shopping is done. The huge array of jewelry stores cannot be found anywhere else in the Caribbean. The Dutch side has prices in dollars while the French side has that in Euros.

The island’s Dutch side is best known for its beaches, exotic drinks, casinos that stay open till dawn and a festive nightlife. On the other hand, the French side has clothes, shopping and exquisite French and Indian Caribbean cuisine. Apart from the diverse culture, Saint Martin has a vast range of festivals. Heineken Regatta, in which the island hosts a boat race involving a variety of boats, is one such festival which is very popular internationally. Classic Yacht Regatta, Arrowroot festival, Harmony Nights, Fish Day and Festival of Laughter are a few of many other amazing events held on the tiny island.

Among the many places worth visiting in Saint Martin, the Orient Bay is the top- ranked. Bustling with activity, this beach is known for its live music, parasailing and windsurfing. Next in line is the Cupecoy Beach. A set of three beaches, Cupecoy has breathtaking sunsets. Other tourist spots that should definitely be paid a visit are Loterie Farm, Friar’s Bay and Pic du Paradis. Underwater excursions can be found at Scuba Zen in Anse Marcel.