T R O P I C like it’s hot, T R O P I C like it’s hot
Sick of the traveling to the same bachelorette destination spots? Interested in chartering a boat, snorkeling in crystal clear water, drinking a pina colada by the pool, and partying on the beach? Then I suggest switching things up and bringing the girls to Saint Martin!
Here’s everything you need to know about the island:
Is it St. Martin or Marteen?
The answer is BOTH! This island is comprised of two separate countries: the northern French side, called Saint Martin, and the southern Dutch side, called Sint Maarten. Luckily, you’ll only need to pass through customs once at Princess Juliana International Airport before you are free to travel from one side of the island to the other without showing any further documentation.
Language:
In SXM the spoken language is Dutch, French, and English and the written language is French
The Weather:
On St. Martin, it’s summer all year around. The average temperature is 80°F and minimum temperature rarely falls below 68°F. There’s no real rainy season, but there are times when rainfall is less likely. With plenty of tourists looking to escape the winter, Saint Martin’s peak season runs from December until the end of April. During this time, airfare and hotels are most expensive. Things start to slow up from July to October and many hotels close in the offseason as weather brings the potential for hurricanes.
Currency:
The official currency of Saint Martin is the Antillean guilder (ANG), but the American dollar is accepted almost anywhere.
Where To Stay:
The Dutch side of St. Martin is much more developed and known for its nightlife, beaches, and casinos. Philipsburg, the capital, is where you’ll find cruise ships docked. Here along the boardwalk of Great Bay, you’ll find a bunch of the super touristy beachfront bars and restaurants. Front Street, the city’s main road, is known for its duty free and sales-tax-free shops and casinos.
Just west of Philipsburg is the popular and centrally located, Simpson Bay. I would highly recommend staying in this part of the island for a bachelorette party. You’ll find a large array of hotels and Airbnbs to choose from with close proximity to restaurants, beaches, and bars.
Popular Hotels near Simpson Bay:
Personally, I feel Airbnb is the way to go! You’ll be able to snag a gorgeous beachside villa with a pool for almost the same price as a hotel. Grocery stores are walking distance where you can grab plenty of snacks, water, and alcohol. If you’re budget conscious, this is a great way to cut down on expenses. Check out these oceanfront view Airbnbs in Simpson Bay: Villa #1, Villa #2, Villa #3
Where To Eat:
Brunch:
Reveil Matin SXM: serves delicious homemade dishes and treats for both breakfast and lunch
Cafe Atlantico: the island hit spot for delicious French pastries
Dinner:
JAX Steakhouse & Cocktails: steakhouse meets lounge where you can indulge in your favorite cuts of meat while listening to DJs play hit music
Bamboo House: A top spot on the island with a Latin and Asian-inspired menu overlooking Simpson Bay
Coco Beach: the cutest beachside restaurant with inclusive menu and tasty dishes
The Palms Restaurant: best known for its large portions of local Caribbean food at a great price
IZI Restaurant Italiano: highly rated restaurant serving classic Italian dishes
The Greenhouse: beachside bar and restaurant with a variety of seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and salads
Top Attractions:
1. Hit the beaches.
Mullet Bay Beach (Simpson Bay), Kim Sha Beach (Simpson Bay), and Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) all offer a variety of water sports, restaurants, and bars. You can’t go wrong with either option!
Maho beach (Maho Bay) is famous for its close proximity to Princess Juliana Airport. Just a 5 minute taxi from the airport, you can swim in crystal clear water while watching planes on their final approach zooming overhead. While it is a really cool view, the beach is on the smaller side and can become very crowded with tourists.
2. Sail around the island.
A boat day is an absolute MUST here! There are also a numerous amount of water activities in Saint Martin to choose from. Here are some of the most popular options to spend a fun day on the water:
3. Visit Anguilla, St Barts, or Saba.
An exciting and unique experience while vacationing in Saint Martin is the opportunity explore some of the beautiful islands nearby. You can take the fast ferry to Anguilla in 25 minutes, Saint Barts in 45 minutes, and Saba in 90 minutes.
We used Great Bay Express Ferry Service for roundtrip travel to Saint Bart’s for $80. Our group was able to spend the entire day on the island partying at Nikki Beach. Just don’t get too drunk and miss the last ferry back or you’ll be coughing up some serious money to spend a night on this luxurious island.
4. Zipline at The Flying Dutchman.
For the adventurous and daring bride, head to this famous zipline known for being the steepest in the world. You’ll be harnessed to a chair and launched down the mountain on a flight line dropping 1050 vertical feet.
Where To Party in SXM:
Buccaneer Beach Bar: located on Kim Sha beach in Simpson Bay; stop by for a drink and relax in a beach chair; great bar to watch the sunset; live music on Wednesdays and weekends
Mimosa Skylounge: rooftop bar in Simpson Bay with craft cocktails and fun music
Moonbar SXM: rooftop bar with big dance floor, great music and lively atmosphere
Lotus Nightclub: rent a table in the VIP section with bottle service while listening to local and international DJs and live performances
Red Piano Bar: sing along and dance to music at this popular live entertainment piano bar
Beach…. please!
CHECK OUT MORE BACHELORETTE DESTINATIONS HERE!
