Okay, this has to be the most interesting thing I have seen living on this island. Orient Bay is quite popular on French St. Martin. It's a nude beach (as a matter of fact, I think that ALL beaches on French St. Martin are). That's right! You can walk with you dong dinging or you ding donging and it's no problem. Man you should see the old men especially. Everyone's passing nude infront of you, just minding their own darn buzzi up at the beachi. No, I DON'T know how it happens, but many tourists already know they want to see the freaky side, so to speak even before they land on St. Martin. And some of them enter through Dutch St. Maarten! Okay, I guess it's absolutely no big secret why people are turned on by nudity and all that. We all are! To hell with those inhibitions. Nobody is minding your business. While you're there, check out the restaurants and hotels. It's truly a great experience. There's parasailing, surfing, other watersports, fries, lobsters, crabs, oh my goshhh! There is soooo much.
Also, check out this video of Orient beach to get a visual idea (and we all know those are the best) of what I'm trying to get across to you here: Orient Beach Video
Monday, February 26, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Philipsburg, St. Maarten: New Developments on the Way
www.zebrabot.com
Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten: Yet another major resort project is in the making and has been in the initial planning stages since 2003. This one is planned for the area adjacent to the Cruise Port Facility in Pointe Blanche and is the Ocean View Resort.
The planned Ocean View Resort is still pending the final review process and all the appropriate Government approvals but principals of the project are expressing confidence that Government will move this process along as quickly as possible.
The $342 million development will consist of a 250 room resort, two condominium towers with 174 units, a convention center, a performing arts center and a marina with 24 townhouse condos. The marina will have 114 slips and be able to accommodate 400 foot yachts and two 900 foot vessels. Wow. Now that’s a marina.
The project principals are extremely comfortable in making this very sizeable investment in the future of St. Maarten and all their financing sources are of the same mindset. Their intention is to complement what St. Maarten already represents to the world and that is being “The Riviera of the Caribbean”. Never heard us referred to in that way but we really are. Have to use that description more often.
Now all this is well and good as the project will generate approximately 300-400 new jobs and that’s a lot for an island of our size but it still begs the two old and nagging questions. Will our infrastructure be up to handling all the additional weight and that means, in particular, power and traffic. Let’s hope so as the massive expansions in new resorts and condominium complexes can shortly be expected to tax these areas in serious fashion.
Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten: Yet another major resort project is in the making and has been in the initial planning stages since 2003. This one is planned for the area adjacent to the Cruise Port Facility in Pointe Blanche and is the Ocean View Resort.
The planned Ocean View Resort is still pending the final review process and all the appropriate Government approvals but principals of the project are expressing confidence that Government will move this process along as quickly as possible.
The $342 million development will consist of a 250 room resort, two condominium towers with 174 units, a convention center, a performing arts center and a marina with 24 townhouse condos. The marina will have 114 slips and be able to accommodate 400 foot yachts and two 900 foot vessels. Wow. Now that’s a marina.
The project principals are extremely comfortable in making this very sizeable investment in the future of St. Maarten and all their financing sources are of the same mindset. Their intention is to complement what St. Maarten already represents to the world and that is being “The Riviera of the Caribbean”. Never heard us referred to in that way but we really are. Have to use that description more often.
Now all this is well and good as the project will generate approximately 300-400 new jobs and that’s a lot for an island of our size but it still begs the two old and nagging questions. Will our infrastructure be up to handling all the additional weight and that means, in particular, power and traffic. Let’s hope so as the massive expansions in new resorts and condominium complexes can shortly be expected to tax these areas in serious fashion.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Philipsburg, St. Maarten-American Stuff
Philipsburg, St. Maarten: Here’s some touches of Americana if you happen to get homesick while you’re here. Fat Chance of that. In fact, you’ll be missing St. Maarten, St. Martin so much when you get home you’ll be longing to be back here.
The Island has probably the most diverse cuisines of any destination in the world. French, Indonesian, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Mexican, Creole, etc. You name it and this island has it but you may crave a good old Hamburger or a Pizza or even a BLT. Particularly if you have kids on-board. Ok then.
Absolutely Great Hamburgers at many of our Restaurants and this is coming from a very picky American. Hamburgers are staples here as well as they are in the States. The Best? Jimbo’s in Simpson Bay and Cheri’s Café at Maho Plaza. Pizza? All over the place in several different styles but the best? Pizza Galley in Simpson Bay who have defined “gourmet” pizza and the new Valentino’s at the Simpson Bay Yacht Club.
My own favorite restaurant for purely American fare is “Bay Watch” on Orient Beach. Its owners, Andy and Cheryl hail from New Jersey but have been here on St. Maarten, St. Martin even longer than I have and I’m here for over 20 years.
Andy and Cheryl originally had the “Surf Club South” in Grand Case but Hurricane Luis in ‘95 took care of that. They now hold forth at one of the neatest and most popular places on this, our Signature Beach, serving THE BEST Fried Calamari, Meatball Heroes, Hamburgers, Chicken, Ribs, Hot Dogs, Veal and Eggplant Parmigiana and a varied assortment of other dishes all very reasonably priced.
And if you like clams, on Wednesdays they get in a shipment from the States so for the next few days you can have them raw or in other preparations. Particularly Clams Arreganata which you cannot get anywhere else and I mean using whole, not the stupid chopped up ones. I’m a clam nut and let me tell you they’re not only the best but for most purposes, Bay Watch is the only place you can get them.
But that’s not the whole fun of it. Just being at Bay Watch with its Classic Rock and Roll and its walls and ceilings covered with Street Signs, Sports Team Banners and other Memorabilia lends an atmosphere of Pure Fun with Andy and Cheryl themselves being the most gracious, welcoming and talkative hosts.
And despite all this Americana, “Bay Watch” still retains a genuine Caribbean atmosphere. We don’t really want to be back in New Jersey now. Do we? Oh. Andy and Cheryl finally got married after being together for 25 years. And not a minute too soon. Their wedding was an event and I’m happy to say I was there. Be sure to congratulate them when you’re there.
The Island has probably the most diverse cuisines of any destination in the world. French, Indonesian, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Mexican, Creole, etc. You name it and this island has it but you may crave a good old Hamburger or a Pizza or even a BLT. Particularly if you have kids on-board. Ok then.
Absolutely Great Hamburgers at many of our Restaurants and this is coming from a very picky American. Hamburgers are staples here as well as they are in the States. The Best? Jimbo’s in Simpson Bay and Cheri’s Café at Maho Plaza. Pizza? All over the place in several different styles but the best? Pizza Galley in Simpson Bay who have defined “gourmet” pizza and the new Valentino’s at the Simpson Bay Yacht Club.
My own favorite restaurant for purely American fare is “Bay Watch” on Orient Beach. Its owners, Andy and Cheryl hail from New Jersey but have been here on St. Maarten, St. Martin even longer than I have and I’m here for over 20 years.
Andy and Cheryl originally had the “Surf Club South” in Grand Case but Hurricane Luis in ‘95 took care of that. They now hold forth at one of the neatest and most popular places on this, our Signature Beach, serving THE BEST Fried Calamari, Meatball Heroes, Hamburgers, Chicken, Ribs, Hot Dogs, Veal and Eggplant Parmigiana and a varied assortment of other dishes all very reasonably priced.
And if you like clams, on Wednesdays they get in a shipment from the States so for the next few days you can have them raw or in other preparations. Particularly Clams Arreganata which you cannot get anywhere else and I mean using whole, not the stupid chopped up ones. I’m a clam nut and let me tell you they’re not only the best but for most purposes, Bay Watch is the only place you can get them.
But that’s not the whole fun of it. Just being at Bay Watch with its Classic Rock and Roll and its walls and ceilings covered with Street Signs, Sports Team Banners and other Memorabilia lends an atmosphere of Pure Fun with Andy and Cheryl themselves being the most gracious, welcoming and talkative hosts.
And despite all this Americana, “Bay Watch” still retains a genuine Caribbean atmosphere. We don’t really want to be back in New Jersey now. Do we? Oh. Andy and Cheryl finally got married after being together for 25 years. And not a minute too soon. Their wedding was an event and I’m happy to say I was there. Be sure to congratulate them when you’re there.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Designer Shopping in Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Marigot, St. Martin: For those of you that are into Haute Couture, St. Martin is Designer Heaven. Nowhere else in the world can you find the top European fashion houses all nestled together within walking distance of each other. If you’ve never been shopping in France, then St. Martin is the next best thing.
We are French you know and the French Side Capital of Marigot is where you should be heading as it embodies the chic and cosmopolitan shopping experience that is totally French. Take time to stroll around the Marina Royale which is bordered by a wonderful array of original shops as well as bistros and top restaurants. Who said you have to go hungry while you shop?
Connecting to the Marina is the Rue de General de Gaulle, home to Plaza Caraibes and some truly original boutiques. The Rue de la Republique is also home to some big name jewelers, fashion houses, gift stores and fine art galleries. In many cases you won’t believe the bargains. You can find designer fashions, designer accessories and designer shoes for a fraction of the cost you would have to pay up North.
All stores accept Dollars, Euros and all major Credit Cards. If you are spending dollars, then look for those stores that offer an even exchange, ie: $1=E1. The Euro has, however, been lowering in exchange rate which is good news for U.S. and Canadian shoppers.
Also drop into the fabulous new West Indies Mall and have lunch at “O Plongeoir” restaurant which is right next door, one of my own favorite dining spots as is “Durrech” adjacent to the Open Market Place. No better eating bargain on the island. Large portions and almost all main courses are $10.00.
Any day you can visit the Open Market on the Bay which is also adjacent to about everything but Wednesday and Saturday are traditionally the days when all booths are open. All in all, you don’t want to miss a day of shopping and dining in Marigot. You’ll be in France when you’re here so take advantage of it.
We are French you know and the French Side Capital of Marigot is where you should be heading as it embodies the chic and cosmopolitan shopping experience that is totally French. Take time to stroll around the Marina Royale which is bordered by a wonderful array of original shops as well as bistros and top restaurants. Who said you have to go hungry while you shop?
Connecting to the Marina is the Rue de General de Gaulle, home to Plaza Caraibes and some truly original boutiques. The Rue de la Republique is also home to some big name jewelers, fashion houses, gift stores and fine art galleries. In many cases you won’t believe the bargains. You can find designer fashions, designer accessories and designer shoes for a fraction of the cost you would have to pay up North.
All stores accept Dollars, Euros and all major Credit Cards. If you are spending dollars, then look for those stores that offer an even exchange, ie: $1=E1. The Euro has, however, been lowering in exchange rate which is good news for U.S. and Canadian shoppers.
Also drop into the fabulous new West Indies Mall and have lunch at “O Plongeoir” restaurant which is right next door, one of my own favorite dining spots as is “Durrech” adjacent to the Open Market Place. No better eating bargain on the island. Large portions and almost all main courses are $10.00.
Any day you can visit the Open Market on the Bay which is also adjacent to about everything but Wednesday and Saturday are traditionally the days when all booths are open. All in all, you don’t want to miss a day of shopping and dining in Marigot. You’ll be in France when you’re here so take advantage of it.
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