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Banks
Banks are open Monday to Friday 8am-1pm, with an additional hour on the French side Monday to Thursday 2pm-3pm and on the Dutch side, Friday 4pm-5pm. ATMs are easily accessed all around the island in the urban areas.
International and local commercial banks operating in the French St Martin include:
Banque des Antilles Françaises, rue de la République, Marigot, t 590 29 13 30
Banque Française Commerciale, rue de Hollande, Marigot, t 590 87 53 80
Crédit Mutuel, rue de la République, Marigot, t 590 29 54 90
Inschauspé et Cie, Les Portes de Saint Martin, Marigot, t 590 87 21 21
Banks on the Dutch side include:
Bank of Nova Scotia, 64 Back Street, Philipsburg, t 599 542 2262
Bank Van de Nederlandse Antillen, Nisbeth Road, Philipsburg, t 599 542 3520
First Caribbean International Bank, 38 Backstreet, Philipsburg, t 599 542 3511
RBTT, Emmaplein, Philipsburg, t 599 542 3344
RBTT, Union Rd, Cole Bay, t 599 544 3078
Windward Islands Bank Ltd, Cannegieter St, Philipsburg, t 599 542 2313 |
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Beaches
There are excellent beaches all around the coastline of St Martin/St Maarten, some surprisingly long and undeveloped for a small island that is so built up. As you would expect, some are developed and very lively, with hotels or a line of beach bars, but there are other quieter beaches where you can get away in relative seclusion. With its coral foundations, the island has excellent light coloured sand which washes ashore in mounds against a superb, translucent blue sea. Few of the beaches have natural shade, however. On the French side, toplessness is completely acceptable and there is a nude section too, on Orient Beach. On the Dutch side toplessness happens occasionally on remoter beaches.
Here is a selection of the best beaches on the Dutch and French sides:
ST MARTIN
Baie Longue (Long Bay), west coast
A mile of soft golden sand on the west coast, probably the best beach on the island. One hotel, but no public facilities, so take food and drinks.
Baie des Prunes (Plum Bay), west coast
Just round the corner from Baie Longue, this beach gets a lot of sun but there are palms for shade. Great snorkelling.
Baie Rouge, north-west
A great stretch of golden sand that looks north towards Anguilla. Huts have parasols, beach chairs and snorkelling gear for hire as well as food and drink for sale.
Baie Grand Case, north
The beach in the town of Grand Case is a stretch of superb sand which gives onto shallow sea. Backed by a line of restaurants and bars, it is good for walking and swimming. Sports equipment for hire.
Anse Marcel, north-east
A steep-walled cove in the north of the island with brilliant white sand and good swimming. A short walk around the western point takes you to the secluded Duck Beach.
Baie de L’Orient, east coast
The busiest beach on the French side. A stunning mile of fine white sand looking out onto clear blue water and offshore islands. There is a string of beach bars on the beach where you can hire beach loungers and parasols. Also plenty of sports equipment for hire, windsurfers and jetskis. There is a nudist area at the end of the beach.
SINT MAARTEN
Mullet Bay Beach, west side
Sint Maarten’s most popular beach, with thousands of hotel guests and cruise passengers taking advantage of the mile long sweep of sand. Good facilities.
Cupecoy Beach, west side
A series of west-facing coves with good sand, near to the French border. Relatively secluded, great views of the sunset from the golden sand.
Maho Bay, west side
Busy beach, full of windsurfers and wetbikers. Part of the beach is right at the start of the main runway - watch out for the low flying planes.
Simpson Bay, south-west
Mile long half-moon sweep just south of the airport with brilliant white sand. One of the island’s best beaches. Food and drink is available from the small hotels.
Great Bay, south side, in Philipsburg
Reasonable strip of sand right in Philipsburg with a magnificent view onto Saba from just behind Front St. Restaurants overlooking the beach, bars nearby.
Dawn Beach, south-east side
Nice beach on the east side of the island. Normally relatively peaceful and good views of the dawn sun and St Barts. Beware, the sea will be rough on windy days. |
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Casinos
There are a number of casinos on the island, all of them on the Dutch side. Below is a selection:
Casino Royale, Maho Beach Resort & Casino, t 545 2115
The largest and most visited casino on the island. In addition to plentiful gambling, which includes gaming tables and slot machines, there is a large theatre which hosts a variety of shows throughout the year, including Latin revues, magicians and comedians.
Diamond Casino, Philipsburg, t 543 2583
Located on Front Street, this casino offers 250 slot machines and table games such as Caribbean poker.
Jump-Up Casino, Philipsburg, t 542 0862
Also located on Front Street, Jump-Up has a Caribbean theme. A high-energy casino that features upbeat live Caribbean music. |
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Check in/Check Out
As a general rule check-out times are around 12 noon and check-in is generally not prior to 3pm, during which time the rooms are made ready for new arrivals. Some properties may provide a day room subject to availability or shower facilities so that you can spend your last hours on the beach. If you will be arriving before the normal check-in time then they may be flexible by prior arrangement. You should make any special arrangements at the time of booking. |
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