By Jessica Morelock
Famous for being the smallest land area in the world that is shared by two countries; both the French and Dutch parts of St. Maarten combine a total of 36 square miles. Whether you want to frolic in the turquoise waters of the
Caribbean or take in some of the local attractions, the exotic island of St. Maarten has a variety of things to do for all types of people.
The Butterfly Farm
If you are a nature enthusiast or you are vacationing with children you will find visiting the Butterfly Farm one of the most educational and interesting things to do in St. Maarten. Within the enclosed mesh of the farm, there is tropical and exotic flora and fauna and dozens of different species of butterflies from all over the world. While you are walking through the farm, you will also see pools with Japanese Fish.
The Butterfly Farm
Le Galion beach Road
Quartier D'Orleans
Saint Martin 97150
French West Indies
Telephone:011-599-54-43562 (Office)
Telephone: 011-590-54-873121 (Farm)
email: info@thebutterflyfarm
Loterie Farm
Centered around St. Maartin's highest point, Loterie Farm is a 154-acre nature preserve. With ample opportunity for hiking, exploring, meditating and practicing yoga, Loterie Farm will appeal to the nature-lover and adventure-seeker in you. Inside of the farm there is an attraction called "The Fly Zone Extreme," where visitors can fly over the rainforest on ropes, cables and suspension bridges.
Route de Pic Paradis
Saint Martin 97150
French West Indies
Telephone: 011-590-590-87-86-16
email: info@loteriefarm.net
Shopping
The main cities of Philipsburg on the Dutch side and Marigot on the French side are full of shops and boutiques that offer duty-free and tax-free shopping, which can lead to up to 40 percent savings for most visitors. St. Maarten is a luxury shopper's paradise with the best deals being found on jewelry, watches, fine art, designer clothing and other luxury items.
Historical Sites
Each side of the island has its own fort that was historically used as a lookout a point. Fort Amsterdam on the Dutch side and Fort Louis on the French side both offer breath-taking views of the surrounding cities and landscapes. There are also two famous estates that are open for tours if you want to learn about the plantation days on the island. Surrounded by gardens of spices, the Mount Vernon Plantation offers tours that show the process of making sugar, coffee and rum.
Plantation Mont Vernon
2 Main Rd, Cul De Sac
St. Maarten
Telephone: 011-590-54-29506
Orient Beach
Located on the French side of the island, clothing-optional Orient Beach as popular for its beautiful white sand as it is for the nudists that frequent it. However, if you are headed there just to have a look, leave your cameras at your hotel because local security goes out of its way to protect visitors from being photographed.
About the Author:
Jessica Morelock began her professional writing career in 2007, after a three-year stint as a producer and co-host on Sirius Satellite Radio. She has also worked for the airline industry and as a travel agent. She completed a bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
