Westin 2014

at

LUXURY ART BOOK 2014

Breguet, the innovator.

Marine Tourbillon with chronograph A member of the Board of Longitudes as of 1814, Breguet was appointed Horologer to the French Royal Navy by Louis XVIII the following year. These prestigious titles, synonymous with exceptional scientific competencies, are perpetuated today through the Marine collection and the Marine Tourbillon chronograph 5837 with its titanium tourbillon carriage and silicon balancespring, escape-wheel and lever. History is still being written‌

7 Rue du General de Gaulle - Marigot - St. Martin (Flagship Location) - Tel (590) 590 87 25 50 - USA Tel: 1 917 546 0902 69B Front Street - Philipsburg - St. Maarten (New Location) - Tel: (1) 721 542 6808 - USA Tel: 1 917 463 4319

www.thehourlounge.com www.vacheron-constantin.com

«Do better if possible, and that is always possible...»

FRANÇOIS CONSTANTIN, TURIN, ITALY, 1819.

7 RUE DU GENERAL DE GAULLE - MARIGOT - ST. MARTIN (FLAGSHIP LOCATION) TEL : (59) 0590 87 25 50 ~ USA TEL : 1 917 546 0902 ~ EMAIL : JBL1@JEWELSBYLOVE.COM 69B FRONT STREET - PHILIPSBURG - ST. MAARTEN (NEW LOCATION) TEL : (1 721) 542 6808 ~ USA TEL : 1 917 463 4319 ~ EMAIL : JBL2@JEWELSBYLOVE.COM WWW.JEWELSBYLOVE.COM

All you need is Love!

We specialize in ideal cut GIA certified diamonds

How do you judge the caliber of a jeweler?

by the company he keeps...

7 Rue du Général de Gaulle - Marigot - St. Martin (Flagship Location) - Tel: (590) 590 87 25 50 USA Tel: 1 917 546 0902 - Email: jbl1@jewelsbylove.com 69B Front Street - Philipsburg - St. Maarten (New Location) - Tel: (1) 721 542 6808 - USA Tel: 1 917 463 4319 - Email: jbl2@jewelsbylove.com www.jewelsbylove.com Not all brands available in both locations

CONTENTS A Slice Of Paradise A Home Away From Home Blissful Delight Culinary Excellence Fabulous Seascapes Welcome Ashore Hoisting The Sails

D’ORO COLLECTION Effy Designs intricate gold settings dripped with white diamonds for a show stopping style.

S T. M A A R T E N F R O N T S T R E E T & W AT H E Y S Q U A R E , P H I L I P S B U R G HARBOUR POINT VILLAGE E F F YJ E W E L R Y. C O M New York

Alaska Aruba Grand Turk

Bahamas St. Kitts

Cozumel St. Lucia

1.8 7 7. A S K .E F F Y

Curaçao Grand Cayman St. Maarten St. Thomas

CONTENTS Un Coin De Paradis Un Autre Chez Soi Délice Divin Excellence Gastronomique Fabuleux Paysages Marins Bienvenue Sur L’île Hisser Les Voiles

T

he island of Saint Martin-Sint Maarten is one of most cosmopolitan locales in the Caribbean, with a mix of European sophistication and Caribbean charm. Half Dutch, half French, the two sides of the island blend seamlessly, as illustrated in Luxury Art Book. This custom publication was designed with you in mind, putting the island’s best foot forward.

Both St Martin and Sint Maarten have put great time and effort into protection of the environment, with numerous natural sites that are definitely worth a visit. Hiking during the day, for example, will help work up an appetite for a great dinner in one of the island’s many restaurants—at your hotel, or along the beach.

Luxury Art Book is pleased to share your vacation on an island whose international allure makes it a perennial winner!

Sincerely,

Bruno Ackenine Éditeur

L

’île de Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten est l’une des localités les plus cosmopolite des Caraïbes, avec son mélange de raffinement européen et de charme caribéen. Mi-hollandaise, mi-française, les deux côtés de l’île se marient harmonieusement, comme l’illustre le Luxury Art Book. Cette édition personnalisée a été conçue en pensant à vous et présente les meilleurs attraits de l’île.

Autant Saint-Martin que Sint Maarten ont consacré beaucoup de temps et d’efforts à la protection de l’environnement, mettant en place de nombreux sites naturels qui valent vraiment la visite. Une randonnée pendant la journée, par exemple, contribuera sans aucun doute à vous ouvrir l’appétit pour un excellent dîner dans l’un des nombreux restaurants de l’île, à votre hôtel ou le long de la plage.

Luxury Art Book est fier de partager vos vacances sur une île dont l’attrait international en fait une éternelle gagnante!

Sincèrement,

Bruno Ackenine Éditeur

AVAILABLE IN OUR TAG HEUER LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUES IN: CARIBBEAN: Aruba – Bahamas - Barbados Limegrove - Grand Cayman - St Maarten – St Thomas Aquaracer Diamonds

ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE CARIBBEAN AND THE AMERICAS AT SELECTED FINE JEWELRY STORES. For a list of authorized retailers, visit www.tagheuer.com

PHOTOS WILL ASTONISH! VIDEO WILL DAZZLE! The Nikon D800/D800E Hold in your hands an HD-DSLR able to capture images rivaled only by that produced by a medium-format camera: extremely low noise, incredible dynamic range, the most faithful colors, the broadest tonal range. Meet the Nikon D800, a 36.3 megapixel FX-format D-SLR for professional photographers who require end results of the highest quality; who demand superior performance, speed, handling and a fully integrated imaging system. For multimedia professionals, 36.3MP means true 1080p HD cinematic quality video. The essential tool for today’s still and video professional, every photo will astound, every video will dazzle.

The D800E is a specialized product designed with one thing in mind, pure definition.

The D800E incorporates an optical low pass filter (OLPF) without anti-aliasing properties to facilitate the sharpest images possible and is a great option for RAW shooters who are in a position to control light, distance and their subject to the degree where they can mitigate the risk of moirĂŠ and any false color.

50 Front Street & Harbour Point Village Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Dutch W.I. Tel: (+1721) 542-2445/2245/9367 Fax: (+1721) 542-4145 Website: www.boolchand.com Email: cameras.sxm@boolchand.com ARUBA – CURACAO – ST.THOMAS

Nikon® is a registered trademark of Nikon Corporation. ©2013 Nikon Inc.

CoNTRIBUTORS Published by Freecom Luxury Art Book publisher Bruno Ackenine Art director Vkreativ Corp director of operations Vkreativ Corp WRITER Ellen Lampert-Greaux Photographer Pierre Carreau

Photography contributors Stephen Thompson Regatta Office Bob Grieser Tim Wright.

Claudio Napolitano

Advertising publisher@luxuryartbook.com Special thanks to the Territorial Tourism Committee of St Maarten for the use of their image bank.

Freecom LUXURY ART BOOK publisher@luxuryartbook.com www.luxuryartbook.com Š Reproduction of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher.

Welcome to Le Beach Resort & Spa Westin Dawn Dear Guests, The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa welcomes you to a vacation in paradise. Far from the stress of city living, we provide the ultimate Caribbean experience on an island that simply dances under the tropical sun. After dark, our Las Vegas style casino and restaurants create fun-filled evenings with family and friends.

If you brought the kids along, enjoy the beach and pool, as well our lush tropical gardens, and be sure to take them out to explore the natural resources and nautical activities on the island.

Everyone can this customized edition of Luxury Art Book, which captures the spirit of the resort and the island in its captivating photographs. Let it be your guide to a delightful stay with us and in St Martin.

Sincerely, David & Alejandra Padin Ifrah Director of Sales and Marketing

Your Story

TELL THE WORLD

Sterling silver charms from $25

12-2 Front Street • Phillipsburg, St Maarten Across Pasangrahan hotel 721.542.1109 • pandora.sxm@boolchand.com

Welcome to Le Beach Resort & Spa Westin Dawn Chers hôtes, Le Beach Resort & Spa Westin Dawn vous souhaite la bienvenue dans votre séjour au paradis. Loin du stress de la vie urbaine, nous vous offrons l’expérience caribéenne ultime sur une île qui danse tout simplement sous le soleil tropical. A la tombée de la nuit, notre casino dans le style de Las Vegas et nos restaurants vous apportent des soirées pleines de divertissement en famille et entre amis.

Si vous voyagez avec vos enfants, profitez bien de la plage et de la piscine, ainsi que de nos jardins tropicaux luxuriants, et assurez-vous de les emmener à la découvertes des ressources naturelles et des activités nautiques sur l’île.

Tout le monde peut profiter de cette édition personnalisée du Luxury Art Book, qui capture l’esprit de l’hôtel et de l’île à travers ses photographies captivantes. Laissez-le vous guider à travers un séjour délicieux en notre compagnie et à Saint-Martin.

Sincèrement, David & Alejandra Padin Ifrah Director of Sales and Marketing

ST. MAARTEN | ST. BARTH | ST. THOMAS | ST. JOHN www.hotlooksunglasses.com

at

A SLICE OF PARADISE Enjoy long lazy days by the pool. Splash in the sea or walk on the beach, marveling at the bursts of color, from aquamarine seas to clear cerulean skies. Or enjoy a stroll on a secluded terrace or step into a lush tropical garden. There’s no place like paradise to savor a few days or weeks of divine perfection.

UN COIN DE PARADIS Profitez des longues journées de détente au bord de la piscine.

Plongez dans la mer ou promenez-vous sur la plage, laissezvous émerveiller par les explosions de couleurs, des mers aigues-marines aux ciels azurés dégagés. Ou profitez d’une ballade sur une terrasse isolée ou à travers un jardin tropical luxuriant. Rien de tel qu’un lieu paradisiaque pour savourer quelques jours ou quelques semaines de perfection divine.

36

at

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME No sooner have you arrived than you will feel right at home. Your every need has been anticipated from spacious accommodations to fine linens, aromatic amenities for the bath, and attention to detail at every turn. Contemporary style blends with Caribbean charm to create an ambiance so inviting you may never want to leave.

UN AUTRE CHEZ SOI Dès votre arrivée vous vous sentirez comme chez vous. Vos moindres besoins ont été anticipés, des chambres spacieuses aux draps raffinés, en passant par les produits aromatiques pour le bain et l’attention au moindre de détail dans tous les recoins. Le style contemporain se marie au charme caribéen pour créer une atmosphère si accueillante que vous ne voudrez jamais la quitter.

50

at

BLISSFUL DELIGHT Pampering has never been so blissful. Surrender to total relaxation as you shed the stress and tension of daily life. A range of spa treatments awaits you, from massage to facials, as you treat your body and soul to a rejuvenating experience. Sublime, refreshing, delightful, a bouquet of wellbeing for the senses!

DÉLICE DIVIN Il n’a jamais été aussi enchanteur de se laisser dorloter.

Abandonnez-vous à une détente totale tandis que vous éliminez le stress et la tension de votre vie quotidienne. Toute une gamme de soins de spa vous attend, des massages aux soins du visage, pour vous offrir une expérience de rajeunissement du corps et de l’âme. Sublime, rafraîchissant, charmant, une explosion de bienêtre des sens !

58

at

CULINARY EXCELLENCE Elegant table settings in a convivial ambiance set the stage for magnificent meals. Breakfast starts the day with fresh fruit and topical juices while lunch is served overlooking the sea. Dinner combines international cuisine with local flavors, creative combinations, and innovative surprises on the menu.

EXCELLENCE GASTRONOMIQUE Le décor élégant des tables dans une ambiance conviviale vous met en condition pour des repas magnifiques. Le petit déjeuner commence la journée avec des fruits frais et des jus tropicaux tandis que le déjeuner est servi sur une terrasse surplombant la mer. Le dîner allie cuisine internationale et spécialités locales, combinaisons créatives et surprises innovantes sur le menu.

64

FABULOUS SEASCAPES White sandy beaches with turquoise water lapping at the shore welcome you to kick off your shoes and wade into the sea.

With a accent on protecting the environment, the half-French half-Dutch island of Saint Martin-Saint Maarten takes pride in its eye-catching seascapes that create the ideal backdrop for fun in the sun.

FABULEUX PAYSAGES MARINS Les plages de sable blanc bordés d’eau turquoise léchant le rivage vous invitent à vous déchausser et à vous jeter dans la mer. Orientée vers la protection de l’environnement, l’île mifrançaise mi-hollandaise de Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten est très fière de ses paysages marins séduisants qui créent un cadre idéal pour vous divertir au soleil.

78

WELCOME ASHORE Whether you arrive by plane or boat, you’ll notice the cosmopolitan atmosphere and European sophistication of the island, a gateway to the Caribbean. Visitors from around the world admire the charming streets of Marigot and Philipsburg, where you can indulge to a meal by the port or some dutyfree shopping.

BIENVENUE SUR L’ÎLE Que vous arriviez par avion ou par bateau, vous remarquerez l’atmosphère cosmopolite et le raffinement à l’européenne de l’île, faisant figure de passerelle vers les Caraïbes. Les visiteurs du monde entier viennent admirent les charmantes rues de Marigot et de Philipsburg, où vous pourrez vous adonner à un déjeuner au bord du port ou faire des achats détaxés.

94

HOISTING THE SAILS

Celebrating its 33rd edition in March 2014, the Heineken Regatta attracts top sailors from the four corners of the globe to flex their muscles in a few days of serious fun out on the waves. So hoist your sails, or take part in the events on shore, as this regatta turns the island into the center of Caribbean racing.

HISSER LES VOILES

A l’occasion de sa 33ème édition en mars 2014, la régate Heineken attire les plus grands marins des quatre coins du globe pour exhiber leur force à travers quelques jours de sérieux divertissement sur les vagues. Alors hissez les voiles ou participez aux évènements organisés à terre, car cette régate met l’île au cœur des courses des Caraïbes.

106 Photography by: Bob Grieser and Tim Wright

I was born and educated in Ireland, spent a year or two in the West End of London, visited a friend on Sint Maarten in 1970 and never really left. In those distant days residents on Frontstreet would sit on their porches and say hello or chat to those who would pass by on foot.

Everyone knew everyone and I could tell who they were from the back. And if you did not know them you could still guess, by their clothing and their stance, where they might be from. Shops catering to visitors’ needs were few. But the times, they were a-changing.

My first photograph was taken with my father’s 220 film box camera, a close-up of a cow under a tree in a field at Newgrange, the world famous 5,000 year old Stone Age Irish passage tomb. I was ten years old. More than half a century later I have a mountain of boxes of negatives and transparencies documenting a life-time long love affair with the camera. I wonder if I will ever get to see all those images again.

I had many suitors, all shapes, sizes, shades – Kodak’s hippie Instamatic, the diminutive Minox, a melange of exotic Japanese 35mm SLRs, the passionate Pentax 645 and the heavy-set Pentax 67 with handlebars. I even had a short fling with a 4x5 view camera and was smitten by the quality. The P67 performed well through Hurricane Luis here in 1995 providing reasonable record of the devastation. From then on the world was transitioning to instant gratification and digital photography. The process of taking and storing photographs took a quantum leap forward.

There is endless pleasure in photographing the world which we see around us. Seek and ye shall find, beauty, everywhere. We are witnesses to our time here on this Earth. And then there is the exquisite pleasure of photographing that which we cannot see with the naked eye. The camera can see things that we can’t. In this case I am thinking about the endless activity in the sky above us, the realm of the astro-photographer, where time exposures can take hours, or even weeks (of nights).

Point your camera at the night sky and some of those points of light are trillions of miles away and their photons took millions of years to travel to your camera and what you see is how it was, back then, when they left. You are looking back in time. I made friends with some bits of the sky. I feel safe and at home out there, and I thank God every day for that gift and opportunity.

This little photo essay on the Green Iguana shows mother nature, ever dynamic, at work much closer to home. These animals are new to Sint Maarten. The best story about their arrival explains that they were brought here (and to the immediately neighbouring islands) by the 300 kilometer per hour winds of massive Hurricane Luis in 1995, from Guadeloupe, on little wooden rafts, bobbing up and down, blown to the north across the 250 kilometers of swirling open ocean. To those iguanas, Sint Maarten was the New World. Can you picture all this in your mind’s eye?

The first lesson is that Green Iguanas are usually not green. Ghislaine and I built a hideout and all the iguanas are shot in the wild, from within, from 10-40 meters distance through some near perfect optical equipment, over a period of a year. Once you have it all set up, what you need mostly to take these photographs is infinite patience. Enjoy.

Stephen thompson