IvyB164, Mar 2026
St Martin, the Best of the Best!!
Careen picked us up at the St Martin Cruise terminal for a private island tour. We had an afternoon flight home and wanted to see as much as possible of the beautiful Island which the Dutch and French share amicably. The scenic tour began on the Dutch side, where we had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the cruise ships at port. Careen then drove us through St Phillipsburg, pointing out government buildings, schools, churches and shopping along the way. After seeing and hearing about the town, we were off to the beaches on the French side.
Our first stop was Orient Beach, which as she mentioned, is a village with everything one might need! The beach, is a 1.5-mile stretch of white sand known for its vibrant atmosphere, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and clothing-optional section. It offers a mix of lively beach bars, water sports, and fine dining. We had a bathroom break here and short look around at one of the shopping areas.
Next, we headed to Marigot, with a few very unique stops along the way! Careen pointed out, as we passed through Grand Case, some of the fine dining restaurants for which the small town is known.
Entering Marigot, a charming capital that reflects the French influence on Caribbean lifestyle, we saw colorful streets with small shops, an outdoor vendors market and inviting sidewalk bistros. The typical traditional restaurants are known as “lolos”. These beloved eateries are the heart and soul of St. Martin serving up all the local specialties. We stopped at a corner where there was a French bakery, many lolos and a public bathroom. Perfect! Our lunch at the lolo, Strictly Lokal, was so very yummy and then headed over to Chez Fernand French Bakery for desert. A memorable and wonderful lunch break!
Before heading to the airport, Careen took us to the Maho Beach area. We didn't take any photos, but it can best be described as a small, bustling beach packed with people waiting to watch airplanes arrive and depart at an incredibly close range.
We said our goodbyes at Princess Juliana International Airport. We had such a wonderful tour with Careen. As a native of St. Martin, her love of country was evident throughout the entire experience. It was an exceptional tour, and we would highly recommend her to anyone exploring the Island of St. Martin!
