Visit St. Maarten/St. Martin Dining Guide 2020

St. Maarten/St. Martin

2020

DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE FEATURING THE ISLAND’S BEST RESTAURANTS AND ATTRACTIONS

50 YEARS OF NORTH SOUTH NET INTERNATIONAL CUSTOM CONTENT SOLUTIONS

1970-2020

CELEBRATING HALF A CENTURY OF COMMITMENT

ï‚„ 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

FEATURING PHILIPSBURG SIMPSON BAY PORT DE PL AISANCE MAHO & CUPECOY

FARE WITH FLAIR

By Alita Singh

J. Kevin Foltz

OYSTER POND

SkipJack’s Seafood Grill, Bar & Fish Market

A PALETTE OF FLAVORS MAKES AN ART OF FINE DINING.

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

by ALITA SINGH

CELEBRATE HERITAGE Creating a memorable culinary experience.

Ocean Lounge

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PHILIPSBURG The capital of St. Maarten is known for its duty-free boutiques, but eclectic eateries also tempt

tourists and locals alike. Many restaurants and bars line the popular Boardwalk, which runs alongside the town on the seaside. It is here you will encounter Ocean Lounge at Holland House Beach Hotel. Its sophisticated beachfront dining is complemented by a varied menu influenced by the flavors of Europe and the Caribbean. Get started with the tasty breakfast buffet, follow up with an a la carte lunch and round out the day with tastes of the old and new worlds.

Emilio’s restaurant takes its moniker

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— “Dine with history” — seriously. The atmosphere in this restored boiler house at Rockland Estate is one of tranquility, with cool breezes sweeping through its windows and doors. The menu of nouveau Caribbean flavors is the creation of Chef Sydney Prescod, who has a penchant for unexpected flavor combinations like white chocolate mashed potatoes and breadfruit balls.

Sheer Bar & Restaurant is one of Philipsburg’s hidden gems. The romantic enclave serves up a sophisticated blend of Caribbean and European gastronomic styles. Satisfy your craving with potatowrapped lobster tail with crisp mixed

on Rockland Estate that’s named after Emilio Wilson, who once owned the former plantation. Norman and Su Wathey, who also own Taloula Mango’s Caribbean Cafe in Philipsburg, restored the structure and converted it into a restaurant. “We wanted to create more than a restaurant,” says Norman. “The history that is here needed to be honored and preserved.”

When you dine at Emilio’s, you’re getting a taste of history along with gourmet fare.

Menu items include the Emilio Wilson Plate, a combo of coal pot–fried snapper, johnnycake, rice and beans, and coleslaw. There’s also the Big Mamie, a burger in honor of Wilson’s grandmother, who toiled as a slave on the plantation her grandson later bought.

Along with Executive Chef Sydney Prescod, the Watheys have been instrumental in attracting guest chefs with ancestral links to the island for exclusive one-night-only dinners. “These nights have brought so many of us together,” says Norman. “We realized that passion for food, good food, has always been a part of us.”

The Watheys consider Emilio’s their “magnum opus.” They’re always adding to the artifacts found throughout the dining space, and they have restored the original root cellar and transformed it into a wine cellar and private dining room. Award-winning bartender Daza Baez oversees the restaurant’s extensive wine and spirits collection.

“We are a family here,” Norman says.

“Our St. Maarten roots are strong and getting stronger. When you come to visit us, we want you to walk away feeling, and not just knowing, our history. That is why our tagline is ‘Emilio’s … Dine with history.’”

This fine-dining establishment has become a must-visit culinary spot for locals and visitors alike. In fact, Emilio’s won the SHTA Crystal Pineapple Award for Restaurant of the Year 2019.

J. Kevin Foltz

Emilio’s restaurant, which opened in 2017, is housed in a 17th-century boiler house

Emilio’s ...

WWW.EMILIOS-SXM.COM

Dine with hist�ry

Dine with Hist�ry This 18th century Sugar Cane boiling house, carefully restored to create Emilio’s is located at Rockland Estate, once the island’s largest plantation and former home of island legend and hero, Emilio Wilson. Housed within the original 16-inch stone walls nestled amongst the hills provides a naturally cool setting while you dine in the only restaurant on the island situated within a historical landmark. Today Emilio’s is the home to a unique culinary experience, our Chef’s passion for elevating Caribbean Flavors

Emilio’s BUSINESS HOURS

...DINE WITH HISTORY

TUESDAY TO SUNDAY: 11 AM – 10 PM

comes out in his unique and exciting food combinations and colorful plating. As Emilio’s owner and renowned foodie Su Wathey likes to describe it as Caribbean French fusion; “you can feel the Caribbean in every bite”. This nouveau Caribbean style is amplified in the Chef’s culinary passion for including fruit chutneys and exotic flavored oils.

Innovative cocktails and a varied and deep wine cellar— all converge to ensure a memorable experience at Emilio’s. Lunch is served al fresco offering classics and some surprising takes on traditional island dishes. Diner provides a more elegant yet still family friendly setting with comfortable parking for 95 cars.

Top five best restaurant in the Caribbean ADDRESS

59, LB SCOTT ROAD, DUTCH CUL DE SAC, SINT MAARTEN OR CALL +1-721-522-1848

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

SEEMA@SXMCOFFEELOUNGE.COM

Three Palm Plaza Welfare Road 62 Unit 1.2, Cole Bay TEL: 544-0188 Open 7 am - 10:30 pm @sxmcoffeelounge

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Emilio’s

vegetables in lobster sauce, or salmon with sautéed spinach, radish and sweet corn salsa. Sheer’s walk-in cellar, built into the ruins of a 19th-century wall, holds 1,000 bottles of wines, including old and contemporary vintages.

If casual suits your style, try Coffee Lounge on Front Street. Open for breakfast and lunch, it boasts an extensive sandwich menu with specialties such as a tandoori chicken sandwich. Fresh pastries are always readily available, and there is a wide selection of flavored coffees, frappés and teas.

Taloula Mango’s Caribbean Cafe is another Boardwalk institution.

The cuisine is built on Caribbean flavors with an American twist, from juicy burgers to grilled steaks to blackened mahi-mahi.

Jorge Ramirez

TWO LOCATIONS No. 5 Front Street Philipsburg TEL: 542-9094 Open 8 am - 6 pm

O C E A N - F R O N T

C A S U A L

F I N E - D I N I N G

3 Course Menu: $39 Free Parking

The Ocean Lounge at Holland House Beach Hotel • Front Street 45, Philipsburg • www.hhbh.com • reservations@hollandhousehotel.com • (1-721) 542-2572

J. Kevin Foltz

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

Jimbo’s Rock & Blues Café

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SIMPSON BAY & COLE BAY

Foodies will not be disappointed when visiting the

bustling Cole Bay and Simpson stretch. Restaurants, cafés and bars rim the Caribbean’s largest inland lagoon — Simpson Bay Lagoon — and places in between.

Flavors from every corner of the world can be found here.

You can travel to Thailand without ever leaving the island at Avantika, which specializes in authentic Thai cuisine, from fragrant red and green curries to inventive rice dishes. You’ll enjoy culinary invention along with a chuckle at The Meat Balls & Wine Shop. Specialty meatballs come in American, Cajun, Creole

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and Italian flavors. Wash your selection down with a fine wine.

You also can feed your appetite for flavor and fun at Buccaneer Beach Bar, a lively spot for music whose menu features sumptuous fire-grilled burgers, hot dogs, oven-baked pizzas and steaks. Live music also complements the menu offerings at Karakter Beach Bar & Restaurant. Dine with your toes in the sand or kissed by the waves.

Curried shrimp soup and other delights keep diners coming back to La Vista’s The Hideaway restaurant. Frenchy Ludo’s also has carved out a name for itself with an inventive French-

The Meat Balls & Wine Shop

inspired menu. The focus is on French Fusion cuisine — complex flavors in simple, yet sophisticated dishes.

Sale & Pepe, a Sicilian family-style restaurant, brings together homemade pasta with mouthwatering sauces, cheeses, meats and fresh seafood. Dishes are made from fresh fish and a variety of other seafood mixed with directly imported Sicilian products and Caribbean ingredients.

In a Caribbean-style cottage, Topper’s Restaurant & Bar serves up ambience with its menu of international options. Add some zest to your meal with a shot of Topper’s Gourmet Rhum.

You’ll find a delightful ambience as well at Beirut restaurant, which satisfies with a range of Lebanese classics and other Middle Eastern–style specialties. Romance is also on the menu at The Boon at Mary’s Boon, where dining is enhanced by candles under the stars, a moonlit sea and the gentle sway of the waves.

Palapa Grill, meanwhile, features flavors of the Caribbean with premium cuts of the finest beef. In addition to superbly grilled steaks and local fare, the restaurant offers vegan and vegetarian options along with handcrafted cocktails.

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J. Kevin Foltz

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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WE ARE SPECIALISTS TO OFFER YOU THE BEST MEATBALLS AND MANY OTHER SIGNATURE DISHES ON THE ISLAND!

WINE BAR AND C R A F T E D C O C KTA I L S PARADISE MALL, WELFARE ROAD, COLE BAY Tel: 1 721-523-1545 | Email: balls.wine.sxm@gmail.com TheMeatballandWineShop

BALLS THE MEAT

&

WINE SHOP

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

The Boon

Barbecued lobster, chicken and ribs star the menu at Lee’s Roadside Grill & Bar, which is back in a new location in Pelican. Or dive deep at SkipJack’s Seafood Grill, Bar & Fish Market, which features Maine and Caribbean lobsters and other seafood dishes.

In the mood to chill? Savor the food and the sound of lapping waves at Snoopy’s Bar & Grill. Come for Happy Hour and stay for the live music. You’ll also enjoy Jimbo’s Rock & Blues Café, which brings together the flavors of the Caribbean and Mexico along with refreshing tropical cocktails. The menu ranges from hamburgers to sizzling lobster fajitas.

For fresh fruit juices and a large array of healthy, flavorful offerings, head to Top Carrot restaurant. The cozy café offers an abundance of homemade dishes and eclectic daily specials. Vegans will find lots of options here, and everyone will enjoy the large array of great finds in the gift shop.

Healthy food offerings also are the staple at Gigi’s Organic Food & Drinks in Simpson Bay. The food is made from organic ingredients and tastes great.

For an amazing selection of coffee, frappés and pastries, visit Coffee Lounge. Here, you'll find tasty and innovative options for both breakfast and lunch in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

Zee Best, meanwhile, features some of “zee” best pastries on the island. Enjoy freshly prepared artisanal French pastries, mouthwatering crepes, omelets, coffee, juices and more for breakfast and then transition to lunch with savory crepes and other delectables.

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From left: Courtesy of Sale & Pepe, RTGH Photography

Sale & Pepe

Top Carrot RESTAURANT AND BOUTIQUE

MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE • VEGETARIAN • FRESH NATURAL JUICES • ETHNIC GIFT SHOP

AN ETHNIC BOUTIQUE: WHERE BODY, MIND & SOUL MEET IN PERFECT HARMONY

Since 1998

Open Monday to Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tel: +1 (721) 543-3381 • +1 (721) 586-5131 Plaza del Lago, Simpson Bay Yacht Club, St. Maarten

topcarrotsxm@gmail.com

Top Carrot

VISITSTMA ARTEN.COM

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 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

DRINK UP!

by ALITA SINGH

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Nothing says local like a handcrafted beer.

In St. Maarten/St. Martin two microbreweries — Caribbean Brewing Company and Pelikaan Brewery — are serving up a thirst-quenching taste of the island.

At Caribbean Brewing Company, launched last year, beers are made fresh with the finest hops, malts and other natural ingredients. The organic beers are unfiltered, unpasteurized and without corn syrup or preservatives. All beers are brewed and bottled onsite at the brewery in Pointe Blanche.

Inspiration for the brewery’s five beers is derived from the island’s rich history and culture. A “rich, clean taste” characterizes the company’s flagship San Martin Premium Beer. Dutch Blonde evokes The Netherlands with a splash of Caribbean sweetness. Caribbean Brewing describes its SXM Light as crisp and refreshing, “just like a St. Maarten vacation.” Flavored with pale malts, Pirate’s Edition is the island’s only India Pale Ale, and 1863 represents the latitude and longitude of the island.

The brewery is open for tours that take visitors through the beer-making process, from milling of ingredients to brewing and bottling. Sample all the brews at the end of the tours (or even before) during

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an all-you-can-drink session in the brewery’s Tap Room.

Pelikaan Brewery also taps into island culture. The brown pelican, in fact, is the national bird of St. Maarten.

The Cole Bay brewery got its start in 2017 in a small kitchen in Pelikaan Hill. With distinctive flavors and a strong mouth feel, the brews are named for significant island places and events.

Soualiga, a blonde beer with mango, recalls the Carib name for the island. Pic Paradis is named for the highest point on the island. Mullet Bay is linked to the famed beach of the same name, and Irma is a beer crafted after the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017. Rounding up the five is Mont Careta, another blonde beer.

The beers from both microbreweries can be found in supermarkets, pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels throughout the island.

Courtesy of Caribbean Brewing Company (2)

Sample local beers and tap into the cul ture of St. Maarten/ St. Martin.

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

Amazing food Great service Large selection of Hookah flavors

Facebook.com/beirut.sxm +1 721-545-3612 29 Airport Road, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten

Topper’s Rhum Distillery

SNOOPY’S IS THE PLACE TO BE BECAUSE IT’S ALWAYS

WHERE THE FUN HAPPENS!

nightly entertainment Welfare Road 80, Simpson Bay Tel: (721) 580-4202 E: customerservice@snoopysbar.com www.snoopysbar.com

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RTGH Photography

Open 11 am - 1 am

Opening hours:

Every day, 11 am-2 am Kitchen closes nightly at midnight

SnoopysBarSxm

VISITSTMA ARTEN.COM

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hidden oasis | hurricane chic dĂŠcor | hand crafted cocktails | unique island vibe world class bar | prime cut steaks | grill | fresh seafood | vegan | creative cuisine unforgettable dining experience | tropical gardens | attention to detail | events relaxing lounges | organic garden | weddings | excellence | little pirate friendly stylish | farm-to-table | outstanding desserts | sommelier | extraordinary service , love

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PALAPA CENTER | AIRPORT ROAD 28 | SIMPSON BAY 721 559 19 01 | INSTAGRAM @PALAPAGRILLSXM | @PALAPALOUNGESXM

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ORGANIC FOOD AND DRINKS 1 721 545-6566 VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION IN MAHO www.gigistmaarten.com

SEEMA@SXMCOFFEELOUNGE.COM

TWO LOCATIONS No. 5 Front Street Philipsburg TEL: 542-9094 Open 8 am - 6 pm Three Palm Plaza Welfare Road 62 Unit 1.2, Cole Bay TEL: 544-0188 Open 7 am - 10:30 pm @sxmcoffeelounge

Karakter Beach Bar/Restaurant is located on the mile long Simpson Bay Beach with the runway passing just behind and the airport only a 5 minutes car drive away. It makes Karakter the perfect first stop after landing and last stop before taking off.

Simpson Bay beach is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches of St. Maarten.

Yahoo recently selected Karakter Beach Bar/Restaurant among the top 20 beach bars in the Caribbean. Complemantary comfortable beach loungers are offered to the guests. The kitchen is open from 9 am till 10 pm (high season) and till 9 pm (low season) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From thursdays till Mondays Karakter offers live entertainment.

The menu offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, meat and fish dishes for lunch and meat, fish and vegetarian dishes for dinner. Just a selection: tuna salad, coconut shrimp salad, Mediterranean sandwich, Dutch sandwich, chicken sate, trio tartar, beef or tuna carpaccio, crab cakes, red snapper filet, grilled tuna, pork tenderloin, rib eye or rack of lamb. The wine - and cocktail list are extensive.

S I M P S O N B AY R OA D S T. M A A R T E N

# 1 2 1,

I N F O @ K A R A K T E R B E AC H . CO M + 1

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9 9

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KARAKTER BEACH BAR & RESTAURANT

ï‚„ 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

LEE'S ROAD SIDE AD

EXPER IENCE OU R FR ENCH FUS ION CU IS IN E ON THE L AGOON French Fusion

Welfare Rd #68, Simpsonbay Simpsonbay Yacht Club (behind Scotia Bank)

For Reservations

Phone: +1 (721) 544-2558 Email: info@ludos-sxm.com

ludos-sxm.com

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EVERYBODY COMES TO THE BOON! It’s a rite of passage and no one visits the Caribbean island of St. Maarten without making a stop. What’s old is new again and nothing proves that more than The Boon Beach Bar and Restaurant in Simpson Bay. The Boon was built as part of Mary’ Boon Hotel, a quaint 36 room hotel that has been a fixture of Simpson Bay since the 1970’s.

The bar and restaurant boast oceanfront views and inside dining as well as beach seating. Umbrellas and chaise lounges are free of charge!...

Whether you are there for a beach lunch, an elegant dinner, or an afternoon of sunbathing, water sports, or cocktails and music, “The Boon” will not disappoint. And for early birds, breakfast is served starting at 7:00 a.m. Ask any of the bartenders for a refreshing twist to the usual cocktails and their

signature bloody mary is hand mixed and topped with bacon. The 7 A.M. - 10 P.M. lunch menu features the usual burgers, but the chefs also create a tuna tartare with wasabi ice cream on the side! Where the dinner menu is more seafood and steaks.

“Sunday Funday” is the highlight of the week, drawing locals and visitors.

The beachfront bar is open and a deejay provides afternoon and evening music on the sand.

Be sure to allow a day (or two!) to add The Boon to your list of fun memories of St. Maarten!

OPEN

117 Simpson Bay Road Simpson Bay

Tel: (721) 527-8060 The Boon Beach Bar

OPEN EVERY DAY 11:00 A.M. - 11 P. M. HAPPY HOUR EVERY FRIDAY 3 - 6 P. M.

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FOR RESERVATIONS +1 721.584.1444 EMAIL: RESERVATIONS@AVANTIKASXM.COM

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THAI KITCHEN & LOUNGE

AVANTIKASXM • avantikasxm • TEL: +1 721.584 .1444 • Whatsapp: +1 721.584.1444 avantikasxm.com • 68 WELFARE ROAD, PUERTA DEL SOL, SIMPSON BAY

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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PORT DE PLAISANCE Port de Plaisance is a multifaceted place worth exploring for its dining and entertainment options. Here you’ll dis-

cover great food and plenty of entertainment venues, including Princess Port de Plaisance Resort and Casino. Table games and slot machines will keep you busy at Princess Casino.

Port de Plaisance is also home to one of the island’s top mega-yacht marinas, Yacht Club Port de Plai-

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sance. This is a popular rendezvous for the professionally crewed yachts that migrate to St. Maarten as their strategic winter base within the Lesser Antilles.

This locale is also the home of The Country Club at Port de Plaisance, which includes the spa, gym, hair salon, tennis courts and a pool.

Mélange International Grill should be on every food connoisseur’s dining list.

This contemporary tabletop grill restaurant has a menu inspired by international

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flavors. Great for a date or for entertaining a group, the grill has the right ingredients for good conversation as diners cook together and add the finishing touches to their meals right at the table. It’s similar to the Korean barbecue concept.

Mandarin Pan Asian restaurant also offers an adventure in eating. Here, a fusion of flavors entices diners to try a variety of tastetempting menu items. You’ll find not just one or two types of cuisines, but several.

Choose from the flavors of China (including dim sum), Thailand and Japan (sushi and ramen bowls).

Restaurants such as these two in Port de Plaisance are the reason St. Maarten/St. Martin has maintained its claim as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.” The chefs and staff at these establishments are committed to delivering the best service and quality to ensure diners have an unforgettable experience.

MÉLANGE AND MANDARIN A memorable dining experience awaits.

J. Kevin Foltz

A

Mélange International Grill

mong the various restaurants St. Maarten has to offer within its dining scene, two hidden gems await you at Port de Plaisance: Mélange International Grill and Mandarin sushi and Pan Asian restaurant. Located right next to the entrance of Princess Casino, these restaurants are sure to provide a memorable experience.

A must-visit restaurant in St. Maarten with a live barbecue grill in the middle of every table, Mélange International Grill is the perfect place for you to show off your barbecue skills with an all-you-can-eat-style service of succulent meats, seafood and sides, accompanied by tasty appetizers and fresh salads. A concept similar to a Brazilian churrascaria, they also feature an a la carte menu

with light fare, mouthwatering steak and fish.

Mandarin Sushi & Pan Asian Restaurant has everything to satisfy your Asian craving. From sushi to stir-fry in the wok, they feature a full-fledged Pan Asian menu, including Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and the not-to-be-missed ramen noodle bowls. With an option of air-conditioned and outside seating, this restaurant is sure to satisfy every palate.

Enjoy free valet parking, nightly entertainment at the Princess Casino and free shuttle service for groups of six or more.

Both restaurants are great for families, groups and couples. Kids’ menu items and allergy-friendly options are available.

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ď‚„ 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

CA R R E F O U R MARKET Low Prices Plus More

O

ne of the best places to spot top chefs on the island is among the aisles of Carrefour Market, the largest supermarket chain in St. Maarten.

Carrefour Market is synonymous with comfort and offers its customers an ultimate shopping experience. They stock a huge range of fresh, knowledgeably sourced groceries from around the world.

The produce is fresh and replenished throughout the week and even includes organic fruits and vegetables. The dairy section is arguably the best on the island.

They carry a huge range of wines, spirits, aperitifs and mixers to choose from and have the finest snacks. One can purchase

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duty-free liquors in singles or bulk.

Carrefour Market has two major outlets with 40,000 square feet each, one located on Bush Road and the other in Cole Bay. With the preface of Carrefour Express, the chain has expanded further with two more locations in Porto Cupecoy and Jordan Village, allowing accessibility to their customers around that area.

Whether you are on the Dutch side or just across the border on the French side, you are never far from a huge assortment of quality products, ample parking, a hygienic and shopper-friendly ambience and prompt assistance in every aisle.

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4 LOCATIONS 79 Bush Road, Philipsburg Tel: +1 721-542-4400 53 Union Road, Cole Bay Tel: +1 721-544-3118 Porto Cupecoy, Rhine Road Tel: +1 721-545-3162 Jordan Village, Cupecoy Tel: +1 721-546-4888 cmsxm.net email@cmsxm.net

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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Hot spots here feature a variety of cuisines, from traditional

burgers and fries to fusion and international fare. Delight your palate with fresh sushi, homemade pasta and French-inspired delicacies.

Discover international and local delicacies at Carrefour Market in Cupecoy and other island locations.

And here as well are popular nightlife venues.

You’ll find authentic Italian food in Maho Village at two of the island’s longtime

eateries: La Rosa Too and Nonna Rosa Pizzeria Trattoria. La Rosa Too prides itself on Italian entrees with a Caribbean touch: conch au gratin, spicy fisherman’s soup, osso buco, veal Milanese and more. At Nonna Rosa, handcrafted pizzas are sure to please even the pickiest eater.

Rendez-Vous Lounge serves French and Italian cuisine in the Mediterranean village–style Porto Cupecoy.

The restaurant offers diners flavor-packed menus for

Ristorante Italiano Maho Village, Maho +1 721 545 3470 www.larosarestaurant.com

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La Rosa Too

RTGH Photography

MAHO & CUPECOY

DELIGHT YOUR PALATE WITH FRESH SUSHI, HOMEMADE PASTA AND FRENCHINSPIRED DELICACIES. breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a long list of cocktails and other drinks to enjoy while sitting on the edge of the plaza looking out to Simpson Bay Lagoon.

With a large choice of authentic dishes, Little Beirut brings delicious Lebanese cuisine to Cupecoy. You’ll find many hookah flavors that can be enjoyed after dinner or while lounging.

Alina restaurant above Casino Royale has built its menu on traditional Japanese flavors infused with a bit of the Caribbean. Attention is closely paid to presenting dishes that will wow and awaken the palate. If you’re hankering for Mexican and Colombian fare — savory beef, enchiladas, tacos and more — head for Taco Macho.

Or add a bit of adrenalin to your entree. You’ll enjoy the offerings at Sunset Beach Bar, along with the thrill of seeing jets land and take off at neighboring Princess Juliana International Airport.

French & Italian Cuisine

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner served daily Terrace-style dining located in Porto Cupecoy Open 7 days a week • For reservations, call 1.721.545.3070

OPEN FOR DINNER FROM 5 PM UNTIL 3 AM

Nonna Rosa Pizzeria Trattoria Italiana phone: +1 721 545 2870 | email: ricasti1@hotmail.com

Nonna Rosa Pizzeria Trattoria • Maho Village, Maho VISITSTMA ARTEN.COM

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Between the Dutch and French sides of the island, Oyster Pond is

home to international eateries offering a variety of tempting cuisines. You’ll find several restaurants on the water serving fresh seafood and other delicious options.

The Infinity Restaurant at Oyster Bay Beach Resort combines Italian and international flavors with local flair. This multifaceted restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening or family outing. Spectacular ocean views and the distant twinkle of lights from

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St. Barths add an unforgettable twist to the dining experience.

Big Fish Seafood Grill & Hurricane Bar has reopened, and Chef Leslie Martina is back in the kitchen. This restaurant is all about seafood. Its Asian/ Caribbean–inspired menu focuses on fresh daily catches and inventive dishes to tease mind and the palate.

Is your mouth starting to water? That’s an easy one to remedy in St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Take a seat and give your taste buds a treat in the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.

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The Infinity Restaurant

Courtesy of The Infinity Restaurant

OYSTER POND

By Alita Singh

COME TO THE PARTY !

NIGHTLIFE ON ST. MAARTEN/ST. MARTIN

J. Kevin Foltz

IS VIBRANT AND DIVERSE.

The Red Piano

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fter the sun goes down, it’s party time in St. Maarten/ St. Martin — and you’re invited to join the fun. You can enjoy everything from hip-swaying reggae to the pulsating beat of electronic house music at live-music bars and nightclubs. First-class DJs and international artists are on hand to make your night out an exceptional one. Dance the night away, book a limo with Paradise Tourism or let the good times roll at a red-hot casino.

Live-music lovers need to look no further than

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY OR LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL AT A REDHOT CASINO.

The Red Piano in Pelican Key. Chart-topping hits and classics stream from the piano every night. Ask the pianist for a favorite tune any night of the week or join the “congregation” on Monday nights for the soul-touching music of the house band, Church on Monday.

In Philipsburg, Holland House Beach Hotel is a spot for live and DJ music, especially on Friday evenings. The sounds of jazz and soft rock fill the air from the open-area Ocean Lounge all the way across the Boardwalk and onto Great Bay Beach.

Topper’s Restaurant & Bar is the place to make your own music. The popular eatery is a favorite spot for singers of all ranges — those VISITSTMA ARTEN.COM

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Paradise Tourism

AR B O IAN P E E NG VENU U O L IC EST E MUS B ED T LIV T O V BES

who deserve a record deal and others who should keep the notes confined to their showers. No matter where you fall on the scale, this is the spot for fun!

Soggy Dollar Bar in Simpson Bay started out as a hot spot for yacht crew members. Now, it’s a popular outdoor party destination. Friday nights are epic, as are the specialty parties that call to the daring and curious. The DJs spin chart-toppers and classic dance favorites to keep the party going into the next morning.

What’s more, the island “Happy Hour” often lasts longer than 60 minutes. The usual time for the drinks to pour at special rates is around 4 p.m. Most restaurants and bars add their own twist to Happy Hour by coupling drinks with tapas and entertainment.

Remember also to court Lady Luck at one of the many casinos on the Dutch side. Try your hand at poker or roulette. Or risk it all at the penny slot machine if you are feeling that big payday coming on.

At Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa you’ll find Casino Royale, which boasts over 21,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment options — the largest on the island. In addition to al fresco restaurants, there are highly rated restaurants, outdoor bars and lounges where you can grab a few cocktails after dinner and have a great time at Maho Village. Don’t miss the mini-street party nightly in front of the casino and then head to the theater for an energetic stage show.

With two nations and more than 116 nationalities on this tiny island, it’s no wonder that St. Maarten/St. Martin has gained a following as the party capital of the Caribbean. If you’re ready to party, this island is ready for you!

LIVE M LARGES USIC 36 5 T SPI RIT S NIGHTS A ELECT ION O YEAR N ISL AND

TUESDAY THRU SUNDAY - INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINERS MONDAY - THE ISLANDS BIGGEST PARTY -CHURCH ON MONDAY AND THE ISLANDS BEST DJS! DOORS AT 8PM SHOWS AT 9PM LOCATED BEHIND THE HOLLYWOOD CASINO IN THE HEART OF PELICAN 32

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Courtesy of Paradise Tourism

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

The largest gaming emporium on the island of Sint Maarten, boasting over 21,000 square-feet of gaming · 22 tables · 400 slot machines · A private “high-roller” area · The biggest theatre in the region, with FREE Vegas-style production shows weekly · Live music, VIP packages and screenings of special events · FREE membership with Club Royale, the most rewarding Player’s Club program in the Caribbean with large value rebates, hotel stays, fine dining and more. Welcome to the stronger and brand new Casino Royale Sint Maarten!

As the epicenter of Sint Maarten, Maho Village is a destination within a destination that redefines entertainment, dining, shopping and gaming in a vibrant resort atmosphere. Steps away from the famous plane landings over Maho Beach, Maho Village features duty-free boutiques, a host of international restaurants, bars, cafes and lounges to suit every palate and mood. truly an entertainment experience not to be missed. Whatever you desire, whether it’s high stakes gaming or relaxing Caribbean diversions, indulge it at Maho Village!

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SPLASHDOWN! ST. MAARTEN/ST. MARTIN IS A PLAYGROUND

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FOR WATER LOVERS. V I S I T S T . M A A R T E N | S T . M A R T I N 2 02 0

RTGH Photography

ï‚„ 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

CELEBRATING

40 YEARS

RTGH Photography

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. The four-day racing event takes place in March, a few weeks after the Caribbean Multihull Challenge. The event, set in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean and powered by the cooling northeast trade winds, includes an experienced, innovative and friendly race team. The professional Race Committee provides custom-tailored racing for the thousands of sailors originating from the 32+ countries that come to race — from international amateur sports medalists and world champions sailing maxis and performance multihulls to holiday-makers on chartered bareboats.

ST BARTS | SABA | ANGUILLA & PRICKLY PEAR ISLANDS | SUNSET & DINNER SAILS

S I M P S O N B AY R E SO R T: 1 721 5442640 / 5442631 1 721 5422685 / 5422686 D I V I L I T TLE B AY: 1 721 5423966 D O C K M A A R TEN : IN FO@STMAARTEN-ACTIVI T I E S . C OM | W W W. S T MA A R T E N - A C T I V I T I E S . C OM

ST. MAARTEN/ST. MARTIN IS A PLAYGROUND

D A I LY S C U B A D I V I N G | S A I L I N G T R I P S | P R I VAT E C H A R T E R S | S N O R K E L T R I P S FOR WATER LOVERS.

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 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

S I N T

M A A R T E N

EAT DRINK

SPLASH D-Boat the floating water park, bar & restaurant is Sint Maarten’s #1 daytime experience!

Tel: +1-721-523-2628 +1-721-527-5470 info@dboatsxm.com dboatsxm.com #dboatsxm

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V I S I T S T . M A A R T E N | S T . M A R T I N 2 02 0

NIT RO CH AR TER S Welcome aboard our Scarab 35’ offshore the “Half-A-Wake” Fish the beautiful waters off SXM for mahi, wahoo, sailfish, tuna, snapper and more.

Courtesy of Eagle Tours

We also offer snorkel adventures to Anguilla, Tintamarre and Pinel islands.

Visit St. Barts for lunch!

Customize your trip!

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VISITSTMA ARTEN.COM

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 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

by DEBBY LIND-STEYN

UNDER THE SEA

Discover a magical world beneath the waves of St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Aqua Mania Adventures

! g n i v i d o g s ' t Le SIMPSON BAY LITTLE BAY DOCK MAARTEN

ba a S e Div

info@stmaartendive.com www.stmaartendive.com stmaarten-activities.com

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Photo: Cees Timmers

+ 1 721 5442640

year after year. But there’s more to the island than gorgeous scenery and breathtaking vistas. For those seeking adventure there’s a “secret” St. Maarten/St. Martin below the water’s surface, and Aqua Mania’s Dive Adventures can take you there.

PADI dive instructor Branden Hallick has explored the undersea world from Africa to Asia and describes diving around St. Maarten/St. Martin as some of the most spectacular he has ever seen. “The waters surrounding the island have everything: stunning coral reefs, wrecks aplenty and a diversity of aquatic wildlife that is the envy of the Caribbean,” Hallick says.

Dive Adventures was established in 1990 to augment the many boat excursions that Aqua Mania Adventures offers visitors. With three locations at Simpson Bay, Little Bay and Philipsburg, Dive Adventures allows avid divers to enjoy all that the underwater world has to offer, under expert instruction and guidance from PADI professionals.

Visitors can experience their first taste of the undersea world with Discover Scuba, a gentle introduction to the sport, or take advanced courses to further their dive education. But what about sharks?

Hallick answers with a chuckle. “Divers are educated about sharks,” he says. “Sharks are fairly territorial, and on some reefs, there is a chance of seeing sharks. Some divers actually ask to be taken to reefs where they might see a variety of nurse, reef and black-tip sharks. They all form part of the wonderful ecosystem you can see around the island.”

St. Maarten/St. Martin has seen its fair share of hurricanes, notably devastating Irma in 2017. Surprisingly, the underwater world perhaps fared better than the land above it. Dive staffers were impressed with the general conditions of the reefs, and scuba diving was one of the first post-Irma tourist excursions.

New wrecks have been sunk under the careful supervision of the Nature Foundation, and the establishment of Reef-It Snorkel Park is a great initiative to help rebuild St Maarten’s fragile coral ecosystem. Reef-It, at Dock Maarten near the cruise ship pier, is an underwater snorkel park with reef corals, a nursery of baby fish, and some visiting octopi and barracuda. Underwater tiles and statues make for an interesting new place to snorkel.

Exploring beneath the waves of St. Maarten/St. Martin is an unforgettable adventure that also heightens diver awareness of fragile Caribbean coral reefs and the challenges they face in a changing world.

So take the plunge! Discover an exciting new world with Dive Adventures.

Courtesy of Aqua Mania Adventures

There’s no denying that St. Maarten/St. Martin is a beautiful island. Just ask the vacationers who return

SEA TREK HELMET DIVE: Info@Seatrekstmaarten.com

721-520-2346/8300 Both tours

A unique, safeHELMET and easyDIVE: way to experience underwater St Maarten!721-520-2346/8300 After descending downBoth a ladder, SEA TREK Info@Seatrekstmaarten.com toursyou walk along a concrete track with handrails at 20 ft/6 m on the bottom of the ocean. NO swimming required- just walk ASEA unique, safe and way experience underwater St Maarten! descending a ladder, walk TREK HELMET DIVE: Info@Seatrekstmaarten.com 721-520-2346/8300 Bothyou tours SEA TREK HELMET DIVE: Info@Seatrekstmaarten.com •After BOTH TOURS: 721-520-2346/8300 and breathe.

You caneasy wear Rxtoglasses and your head does not get wet.

You will see adown sunken helicopter, DIVE: Info@Seatrekstmaarten.com 721-520-2346/8300 Both tours along a concrete track with handrails at 20 ft/6 m onfish theand bottom of the ocean.

NO requiredjust walk submarine, canons, King Neptune, hundreds ofunderwater reef more!!

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Do BOTH tours and SAVE!! Some of the family can do both and the rest do Tiki Hut… Do Do BOTH tours and SAVE!! the family familycan cando doboth bothand and rest Hut… BOTH tours and SAVE!!Some Some of of the thethe rest do do TikiTiki Hut…

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HUT SNORKEL PARK-of YOUR DAY YOUR WAY!!! info@tikihutsnorkelstmaarten.com

TIKITIKI HUTHUT SNORKEL PARK- YOUR DAY YOUR WAY!!!WAY!!! info@tikihutsnorkelstmaarten.com SNORKEL YOUR DAY YOUR FINALLY the famous tiki hut PARK (started—2005) is rebuilt and beautiful!!!info@tikihutsnorkelstmaarten.com Irma took it away in 2017- we have worked the famous tiki (started 2005) is rebuilt andEnjoy beautiful!!!

Irma took it away in time 2017wewehave theFINALLY last 2 FINALLY years tothe give youhut an incredible new TikiisHut!! the same CHILLAXINGNo limit day.

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Great food and drinks.

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Snorkel, a book, in in thetouch!!! sun or shade!!! Snorkeling in calm Little you will see the same fun artificial reefs and fish as mentioned in Sea Trek. We have a 3ft deep pool for kids non-swimmers. Same floating platforms with a new Tiki Hut!! Bathrooms and changing rooms are available. want to thank all our repeat guests for their well wishes and staying in touch!!!

PARK- YOUR DAY YOUR WAY!!! info@tikihutsnorkelstmaarten.com VISITSTMA ARTEN.COM

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i hut (started 2005) is rebuilt and beautiful!!! Irma took it away in 2017- we have work

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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Use this code when booking online: SHTA19 for $10 off on the Paradise Day Sail or $180 off Private Charter.

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RTGH Photography

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS  ADVENTURES ON LAND

SMOOTH LANDINGS ST. MAARTEN/ST. MARTIN BOASTS BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, BUT IF YOU’RE MORE OF A LANDLUBBER, DON’T THROW IN THE TOWEL. VISITSTMA ARTEN.COM

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RTGH Photography

 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

by VANESSA MOLINA SANTAMARIA

ULTIMATE ADVENTURE Don’t miss Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten, the hottest attraction in the Caribbean.

Located on the historic Emilio Wilson Estate, Rainforest Adventures is an eco-adventure park that offers visitors a unique and memorable experience inspired by the local island culture and its breathtaking natural surroundings.

Your adventure starts at the Emilio Wilson Museum, a restored plantation house that dates back to the 1700s. Visitors will see what it was like to live on a plantation and learn all about Trace Wilson, who was born into slavery in 1818, and her direct descendant, Emilio Wilson.

The main attraction at Rockland Estate is, of course, The Flying Dutchman, the world’s steepest zip line.

Harnessed in a chair, guests are launched down the mountain dropping 1,050 feet in elevation over a 2,800-foot span. It’s the thrill of a lifetime! So amazing, in fact, that The Flying Dutchman received the prestigious 2018 Seatrade Cruise Award for “Innovative Shorex of the Year.” This award recognizes companies

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or individuals who have introduced the most innovative shore excursion during the past year.

For the most stunning island views, head to the top of Sentry Hill, one of St. Maarten’s highest points at 1,125 feet. Walkways and platforms on the mountaintop provide 360-degree views. Be sure to bring your camera or smartphone to the top of Sentry Hill because you’ll want to snap an Insta-worthy selfie. Look around and see if you can spot our friendly neighbors: Saba, St. Barths, Statia and Anguilla.

Another popular experience is the Sentry Hill Zip Line, which combines mild hiking with a zip line. This is a more traditional zip line with a 1,640-foot, four-span line that traverses the mountain ridge. The Schooner Ride is also a favorite because visitors can speed down the mountain in large inner tubes on a specially designed 657-foot track.

Before you leave, check out Rockland Estate’s Gift Shop, where you’ll find unique local treasures and beautiful handcrafted jewelry.

DID YOU KNOW?

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN ZIP LINE RECEIVED THE PRESTIGIOUS 2018 SEATRADE CRUISE AWARD FOR “INNOVATIVE SHOREX OF THE YEAR.”

VISITSTMA ARTEN.COM

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THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS St. Martin Memories: Create Your Own Perfume

When my husband and I signed up for an afternoon of perfume making at Tijon, little did I know that a 90-minute course would spark my new “scentual” obsession.

W

hen my husband and I signed up for an afternoon of perfume making at Tijon, little did I know that a 90-minute course would spark my new “scentual” obsession.

The boutique is very inviting with 24 fragrant Tijon perfumes and colognes in addition to unique gifts, but the lab is where the magic happens… bringing together the art and science of perfumery. This is a true working laboratory: lab coats, glass beakers and over 300 oils to choose from in order to blend your own unique fragrance. I discovered over 14,000 people have created their own perfume/ cologne at Tijon.

The twelve-year-old workshop is the only place in the Caribbean where you can literally make a memory, combining individual scents to make a personal blend

44

that will trigger your recollection of “the friendly island.”

The knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff explained, “Creating perfume is like making music.” As a musician, I embraced the parallel concepts of music and fragrance creation. There are low base notes that linger for a long time; there are mid-tones that sing a bit and slowly fade to a sweet and subtle breath; and high notes that initially delight but cannot be captured. These notes blend together to form an accord: a beautifully composed fragrance foundation.

The afternoon was a tremendous success in creating our own “islandinspired” fragrance. We each created three different “accords” (a mixture of oils used to create perfume) and chose the one we liked best after testing them on our skin.

V I S I T S T . M A A R T E N | S T . M A R T I N 2 02 0

by gina rossi

I was overjoyed by my formula, I began with a premixed base oil (choosing from 12), then gingerly added leather and tobacco. My pièce de résistance: a touch of neroli. And my signature scent was complete. It was a whiff of magic … at least to my nose. I wanted something big and bold that would settle into soft and sexy.

It was a deeply creative and surprisingly sensuous experience. We left with bottled, custom-labeled perfumes, exquisitely packaged in black velvet pouches. I named my fragrance Touché Moi. We’re big fans of this experience and next time we’ll take the longer two- to threehour class. For those on short schedules, Tijon also offers a “fragrance in a flash,” a 15-minute offering where you can choose four oils, with Tijon’s guidance, to create your own scent.

The class concluded, in appropriately French fashion, with a celebratory Champagne toast.

Thanks Tijon, I now know the sweet smell of success!

WHAT’S BEING SAID ABOUT …

Creating Your Own Perfume/Cologne TripAdvisor – Five Star Rating

“Is there a higher rating than 5 stars? This was a highlight of our island tour. An absolute MUST do!

MWPyle, Nashville, TN Martha Stewartʼs Real Weddings: Best ways to honeymoon in the Caribbean, April 2015 “Blend your own fragrance at Tijon, a chic boutique perfumery on St. Martin.”

“One of the best things I have ever done on vacation.

I read about it in the USA Today … Loved every minute.”

Jirasela, Howell, MI “More to St. Martin than just the beaches. This is definitely something I will do again.” JDR0421, NYC “Best activity in St. Martin.” Carine R., Toronto, CA

About.com “Tijon is probably the most perfectly located custom made perfume business of them all earning consistent 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor. The hands on approach, where youʼre actually encouraged (and gently guided) into mixing your own stuff, like a mixologist or a perfumer, is where the real difference shows.”

TIJON PERFUMES, COLOGNES & LOTIONS USA Today, March 2015 Tijon: Top 25 “Made in the Caribbean” shops.

(The only St. Martin shop on the list) Frommers, 4th Edition “A Special Find. Looking for that certain something you won’t find anywhere else? This boutique parfumerie and skin care manufacturer makes all its wonderfully scented products right here at its headquarters in Grand Case.”

Tijon is located in Grand Case on the corner of the French airport road and the beach road. Showroom hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.,with other times available by appointment. Hours may be limited in September and October.

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL: JOHN@TIJON.COM OR CALL +590 690 22 74 70 OR +1 721-581-4586.

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 2020 DINING & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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Hotel pick up / drop off available

ST. MAARTEN NATURE ISLAND TOURS

+1 721 520 3888 • +1 721 553 7243 • Dock Maarten, Philipsburg, St. Maarten • sxmnatureislandtours.com

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I.N.O.X. PROFESSIONAL DIVER 241813

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MAKERS OF THE ORIGINAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE | ESTABLISHED 1884

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