Sabbatical in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

Discover Perfume Making at Tijon

In Grand Case, St. Martin, Tijon invites you to embrace the Joie de Vivre and Savoir Faire of the French Caribbean by creating perfumes with the finest Caribbean and global ingredients. Tijon offers hands-on perfume-making experiences, whether you're a newbie or a fragrance fanatic. Slip into a lab coat, mix from 300+ oils, and bottle your unique fragrance. It's a laid-back vibe where you uncover the art of perfume making and name your personal creation!

Captain your own watercraft with Rhino Safari Excursions

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Rhino Safari Excursions, where you get to captain your own watercraft. Choose between a snorkeling expedition exploring diverse coral reefs and colorful fish or relax on a secluded beach. Drive your own boat along protected waters and dive into turquoise waters, stroll on powdery white sand, or unwind in the shade of swaying palm trees!

Fly down the steepest zip line in the world with Rainforest Adventures

Gear up for an epic thrill ride on the Flying Dutchman, the steepest zip line in the world, at Rainforest Adventures on Rockland Estate, St. Maarten. Ride a four-passenger chairlift with killer views to the top. After taking in the 360-degree views and a drink for courage from the bar, strap into a chair, zoom down the mountain and free-fall 1050 feet over 2800 ft—a ride of a lifetime! After the adrenaline rush, swing by the Emilio Wilson Museum to uncover the island's history. If you're up for more, you can package the Flying Dutchman with another zip line or inner tube ride.

Paddle to Pinel Island

Explore the allure of Pinel Island, a small paradise just off the French side of St. Martin. Legend has it, the island is named after a stranded pirate, Pinel. Once there, snorkel in tranquil waters, hike short trails to Atlantic Ocean beaches and savor food at one of two charming restaurants. To reach this haven, consider a kayak rental from Caribbean Paddling for a peaceful journey across the flat turquoise sea, keeping an eye out for sea turtles and tropical fish along the way. Boats also depart every 20-30 minutes from French Cul De Sac until 5pm, when the island becomes a full nature reserve.

Take a tennis lesson at American Tennis Academy

Discover the joy of tennis at the American Tennis Academy on St. Martin, between Grand Case and Cul de Sac. This public facility boasts two well-lit courts, an Outlet Shop and a Café Bar and Lounge with Wi-Fi. Instructors are fluent in English, French, Italian and Spanish, and cater to all skill levels. Reserve a court, try the tennis ball machine, or book a private/small group lesson for a tennis experience tailored to you.

Join in or cheer on beach volleyball

Get ready for some beach volleyball fun on the stunning shores of St. Maarten! This club is all about good vibes, welcoming players 14 and up, whether you're a beginner or a pro. Run by a super-motivated crew, they offer cool stuff like group clinics, team training, tournaments and fun social events. Come join in or cheer on – it's beach volleyball paradise!

Jewelry shopping in St. Maarten

Forget souvenirs! St. Maarten's Front Street boasts a world-class jewelry scene, offering stunning pieces at jaw-dropping prices (duty-free!). Top-notch quality meets bargains, drawing veteran collectors back for more. Gems galore, unique designs and expert service await - just be prepared for crowds when cruise ships dock. Must-visit stores: Ballerina Jewelers, Ultimate Jewelers, Caribbean Gems, Majesty Jewelers and Grand Jewelers. Happy hunting!

Play rumtender after a visit to Rhum Ma DouDou

Wind down your St. Martin meal with a sweet island tradition: a complimentary sip of house-made rum. Then, dive deeper into the island's spirit with a visit to Rhum Ma DouDou, where hand-painted bottles hold unique rum flavors like banana-vanilla and mango-pineapple. From guavaberry to mojito, choose your perfect island sip in a travel-friendly plastic bottle (bonus: lighter than glass!) and don't forget to grab a vibrantly painted bottle of flavored liqueur for a taste of paradise and the colors of the Caribbean back home.

Visit a beach or two… or 37

Saint Martin's 37 beaches offer something for everyone, from windswept havens to palm-fringed paradise. Depending on your mood and preferences, Saint Martin has a beach waiting to be discovered. So pack your swimsuit, grab your sunscreen and prepare to be enchanted by the island's endless coastal beauty. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

• For tranquility and charm: Anse Marcel awaits with its sheltered bay, friendly village vibe, and chic restaurants nestled by the hills.

• For vibrant nightlife and trendy vibes: Orient Bay is your spot! Imagine turquoise waters, chic restaurants overlooking the sea, and endless possibilities for cocktails, watersports and romantic strolls.

• For a hidden gem: Trek across the craggy coast to Happy Bay, a secluded paradise with azure lagoons, velvety sands and picture-perfect Caribbean scenery.

• For gourmet delights and stunning sunsets: Grand Case Beach is your best bet. Lively, cozy, and lined with a boulevard of gourmet restaurants, it's the perfect place to indulge in both culinary delights and breathtaking ocean views.

Day Trips

St. Martin is bursting with beauty, but don't stop there! Extend your St. Martin stay and explore nearby paradises – Saba's untouched rainforest, Anguilla's serene beaches or St. Barths' luxurious vibes. Quick ferries and flights make day trips or weekend escapes a breeze. So ditch the itinerary and embrace island-hopping adventure!

Bakery 'le Sucrier' de Grand Case

Dig into fresh-baked French pastries and artisan breads at La Sucriere, where friendly staff and tempting treats await, from savory quiches to Chantilly-filled croissants.

Le Pressoir

This Grand Case gem, named after the island's historic salt press, offers a captivating blend of French fine dining and fascinating local heritage.

Lulu’s Corner

Pastries and light, homemade island delights await at Lulu's Corner, a charming coffee shop with fresh bites, poke bowls, and sweet treats.

Mood

Fuel your island adventures with vibrant poke bowls, refreshing smoothies and blissful acai bowls at Mood - your one-stop shop for good vibes and good food in St. Martin!

Ocean 82

This upscale haven in Grand Case boasts breathtaking bay views (and the island's best sunsets!), inviting you to savor sophisticated French fare.

Ocean Lounge at Holland House

Savor refined Euro-Caribbean cuisine, craft cocktails and breathtaking ocean views at Ocean Lounge, Holland House's iconic beachfront gem in Philipsburg.

Pineapple Pete & Wasabi Charlie

This vibrant spot boasts stunning waterfront views, nightly entertainment and mouthwatering dishes like herb-crusted rack of lamb, crab-stuffed shrimp and lobster thermidor.

Rancho del Sol

This Tex-Mex haven offers sizzling grills, pizzas, pastas and even vegan-friendly delights, all with stunning turquoise vistas or cozy indoor/outdoor seating. Rancho del Sol delivers, too!

Sao

Immerse yourself in an Asian flavor haven at SAO, Orient Bay's gem blending Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and beyond, where friendly service sets the stage for a memorable culinary journey.

Sunset Cafe & Bar

This Grand Case Beach Club gem boasts stunning ocean views, transforming from a casual breakfast spot with French pastries and beach-friendly lunches to a romantic candlelit haven for fine French dinners with fresh seafood and steaks.