Saint Martin, a Caribbean island, is unique for being divided into two separate nations. The northern part called Saint Martin, is the French side, and the southern part, called Sint-Maarten, is the Dutch side.
This division dates back to the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, when France and the Dutch Republic agreed to share the island. According to the treaty, each side maintained its own cultural, linguistic, and political practices, which continue today. The northern part is part of the French overseas collectivity, while the southern part forms one of the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We spent time in both parts.
Maho Beach is a popular destination located on the Dutch side. Our 8-year-old Kidsetter had a great time swimming, snorkelling and building sandcastles.
Maho Beach is lined with various bars, cafes, and restaurants that cater to tourists and visitors looking to enjoy the view, grab a drink, or enjoy a meal. We enjoyed people watching.
Next, we visited the French side of Saint Martin. We pre-booked an activity we had never done before. A class on creating your own perfume at Tijon Parfumerie. I wondered if we were being a little ambitious booking with our 8-year-old Kidsetter however it turned out to be a fabulous educational experience.
During our “Invent Your Scent” Mix & Match Class we learnt the basics of oil mixing choosing from over 300 oils to create our very own fragrance guided by our expert perfumist named John.
John and his partner Cyndi were fantastic with our Kidsetter helping him craft his own bespoke fragrance which he named ‘Panther’.
Such a unique and immersive experience to learn about the intricate art of perfume making.
Upon completion we were loaded up with goodies. Naturally our own fragrances in a lovely pouch, Tijon Tote bag, Moisturising Soap, Body Oil, Lip Balm and certificate. Thankfully they have a soft toy option as well, as our Kidsetter only wanted his fragrance, soft toy and certificate. Fair enough too !
We spent time at 2 beaches on Saint Martin. Friar’s Bay, is a tranquil beach known for its calm waters and picturesque scenery. This charming bay offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with soft sand perfect for lounging.
Sheltered by hills, the bay provides gentle waves, making it a safe spot for kidsetters to splash around.
We ate at Captain Frenchy’s, located on the idyllic Friar’s Bay, with delightful beachfront dining experience. A relaxed ambiance, serves delicious Creole and French cuisine. It’s a perfect spot for enjoying a meal with toes in the sand.
We also visited Grand Case Beach located in the northwest part of Saint Martin. It is well-known for its beautiful stretch of sand and dining experiences called ‘lolos’.
This splendid bay is protected from sea swells, with calm waters and blue and green hues that spill onto a sandy-white beach. The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, with 8°F (27°C) water all year round.
The cultural diversity and collaboration between these two parts make Saint Martin a fascinating destination rich in colonial history and vibrant cultural experiences.
