From the moment we began our descent through the moment we left Pittsburgh for our vacay on the island of Saint Martin adventures in SXM materialized everywhere!
Endless Saint Martin adventures await your arrival, from simple to pulse-pounding on both the Dutch (Sint Maarten) and French (Saint-Martin)
Island of Saint Martin Adventures: Who’s Who?
To help you plan a most fabulous trip, today I am sharing a mini version of endless options to experience while you are on your Saint Martin (SXM) vacay!
Don’t Forget To Chase the Sunsets in SXM
Truly the island of Saint Martin offers so many different adventures, you won’t be able to conquer them all in just one visit!
However, your first adventure starts when you are almost there!
Welcome to SXM – The Island of Saint Martin
It might have started with the airplane landing and it definitely ended with the take-off out of SXM but the joy and excitement of the ‘friendly island’ maximize options for fabulous St. Maarten adventures of every sort.
First, let me start with these three letters: SXM. Simply stated it is one way that many refer to the island of Saint Martin. SXM is the airport code for the friendly island.
Next, the ‘friendly island’ is the slogan that the entire island of Saint Martin uses.
In fact, St. Maarten is a small island but it delivers big in culture, food, and duty-free shopping.
2 countries are represented on this one island: the Dutch Side and the French Side. Each is perfect in its own way. It is a small island and yet it is divided and ‘shared?’ by both the Dutch and the French.
Since there are 2 sides and very different cultures, you can rest assured you will find plenty of adventures.
Basically, after you read this, you will have a good flavor of the island, as it will highlight a few things you might want to do.
Again, there is so much more to do than what I’ve captured, but these are definitely things to experience.
Island of Saint Martin Adventures Begin In The Sky
As I began eluding to, our true St. Maarten adventures began as we arrived. This is one of 3 crazy landing experiences we have had and it is a drink-worthy, by-the-fire pit kind of story.
I’ve landed in a lot of different airports but there is only one that only relatively compares to this small landing strip!
Now, there are certain pilots that are licensed to actually land here, so imagine that this is a special landing.
SXM ~ Plane spotting adventures.
The Princess Julianna international airport is on the Dutch side and where you will land and take-off via a commercial jet.
Welcome to runway 10!. It’s short, and stunning to watch both takeoffs and landings here!
For those that are plane-spotters, and on the ground, this is going to be 1 of the St. Maarten adventures you will want to enjoy! It’s a free adventure and pulse-pounding.
Really, it is a massive attraction for those visiting the island to the point that the bar on MAHO beach shares the flight schedules so you can watch the planes take off and land!
Cheers to vacation in SXM
Time spent poolside is amazing. From sunrise to sunset, drinks & eats poolside are a must experience moment.
This particular stay was at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort and with 3 pools to choose from you will enjoy different views of the Little Bay. Cheers!
Spirited Adventures in SXM
I don’t think a trip to SXM would be the same without a visit to Topper’s Rhum. What fun.
You can sip, sip, hooray, and leave very satisfied with your purchases.
Read more HERE for those that want to know more about this fabulous spirited Island of Saint Martin adventure.
The SXM Sign
How do you know when you have reached the French side? This sign of course!
The reality is, a division is more of culture and the line is NOT firm in the sand, so to speak. However, for your own keepsake, you can seek out the French Side sign!
Once you are on the French side, feed your belly!
French Side. Beach Dining! SXM
Food, fabulous food. The French side boasts amazing food (don’t get me wrong, the Dutch side also has good food, but French food is well so what a vacation needs.
You’ll taste professionally prepared meals that will really make you believe you are in Paris! Traditional French gastronomy lives here!
Smell Fabulous. Island of Saint Martin Adventures
Question: What is better than French perfume?
The answer: Your own brand of French perfume that you custom craft over a few hours and bottle to take home.
This experience is a must-experience. See what I’ve got in my hand? Dana’s own Tijon bottled perfume.
Saint Martin Adventures – To The Top!
When you want 1 of the best views of Marigot Bay, you’ve found it.
To get here, you will park, and walk. I highly encourage athletic shoes as the initial steps are slippery and if it has just rained (as you can see in my photos), the ground above is a tad challenging.
Hike all the way up and photo until your heart is content.
Open-Air Market in Marigot Bay
Do you want a small souvenir? Shop here, with plenty to choose from, and watch the horses go by, yes there are horses.
Plus, there are many great spots to captures food and beverage here as well. A few hours here is plenty if you are trying to cover lots of SXM.
Loterie Farm For A Party Day!
Do you love a party with great music, pool time, and cabanas? This is your stop! Just don’t drink and drive!
Need a driver? Check out my article on private drivers in Saint Martin, we tried a few!
Here you will find bars, eateries, pools, lounges, music, hiking trails, and a day of fun. Party from noon until night, and then retreat to your resort!
Adrenaline Rush in SXM – Dutch Side
The Saint Martin adrenaline rush you have been seeking from heights to panoramic views!
Are you a height-loving kind of person who wants an adventure you will talk about years later? The Flying Dutchman is yours to conquer.
Even if you don’t like to fly through the air, take the lifts up and enjoy the spectacular views.
SXM: visit to Philipsburg – Gelato extraordinaire
Initially, we discovered this fabulous gelato at Divi Little Bay beach resort, and then we learned that there were more flavors and the mothership of gelato was right in Philipsburg!
Birds + A Cause: SXM Adventures
For those wondering about the heartbeat of Island of Saint Martin, I believe the story that unfolds here, via George the owner of the SXM Bird Sanctuary, best shares both his love of the island and his outstanding selflessness.
Water Sports: SXM adventures
With blue skies and crystal clear waters, the Little Bay at Divi beckons you to Jet Ski.
Did you know that in addition to the best jet ski experiences on the Island of Saint Martin, DIVI Little Bay beach resort is also where the cruise ships send you to snorkel and dive?
SXM Adventures: Take the Plunge
The Island of Saint Martin adventures offers endless options. Honestly, you can spend time on the beach, at fabulous pools, and then shop, eat, and fly high above in the SXM skies.
When you are in SXM, Saint Martin adventures become a bit of everything and anything that you do.
Anywhere you look, visit, or want to experience will provide you with fun, relaxation, tasty bites, and scenic views beyond your wildest dreams.
Go visit SXM for the adventures, but leave refreshed and focused.
Step out of your everyday life, and enter a vacation that can be as spirited or docile as you choose. But do choose a time for you.
A short distance away from the states, and a passport required, pack your bags and go! Adventure awaits! ~ DanaXO