able,” drawing the likes of Henry Ford II and the Shah of Iran. Hotels were built at Maho, Philipsburg (Isle Hotel - later Great Bay, Holland House) and Oyster Pond. Even after 1995’s Hurricane Luis devastated the Mullet Bay operation, development continued and the island continued to be a playground for the rich and beautiful, with hotels around the coast. Time-shares gained popularity and became the backbone of the island’s tourism industry. Cruise ships, which began operating as long ago as the 1950s, brought more and more tourists; and the island’s port facilities grew exponentially. In recent years, cruise ships have become floating palaces that bring thousands of visitors at a time. Onshore operations have grown to take visitors on tour by bus, taxi or quad bikes. Philipsburg’s Front Street, with its duty-free shops and emporiums, is a hive of activity, along with the beach at Great Bay and the Boardwalk lined with bars and restaurants. French St. Martin comes alive, too, with its world-class shops and restaurants. The adventurous can be found at the top of the island, exploring the hills beyond Mount Vernon, or down at exotic Orient Bay, where one part of the beach is reserved for naturists. A wealth of amenities has led to the island’s reputation as a classy, stylish holiday spot — and a self-regenerating destination that stands up to storms. Hotels, restaurants and shops may come and go, but the destination continues to flourish. The world keeps changing, and so does St. Maarten/ St. Martin.
SIMPSON BAY LAGOON IS A HAVEN FOR BOATIES, WHO FLOCK HERE EVERY YEAR. SIMPSON BAY IN 1975 (TOP) AND IN 2007 (BOTTOM). VISITSTMA ARTEN.COM
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