
Spring Caribbean honeymoons in St. Martin offers seclusion, some of the best beaches and entertainment with two foreign influences all on one island.
As the high season closes on St. Martin, the month of May offers beautiful weather and local island flavor at its finest.
With a population of around 85,000, St. Martin and the dutch counterpart St. Maarten are combined in one Caribbean island situated east of Puerto Rico. Sovereignty over the island is shared by two nations, with the northern part, Saint Martin, belonging to France and the southern part, Sint Maarten, to the Netherlands. There is a border cutting the island in half, but you can freely traverse it and come back whenever you want. The Dutch side has more inhabitants and is famous for its thriving commerce, while the French side is more peaceful, with secluded nudist beaches and world class resorts. When flying into St. Maarten on your honeymoon vacation you'll arrive at the island’s international airport which is located in the Dutch part and is a major gateway to other Caribbean islands. The French side also boasts an airport for small propeller planes that fly to the adjacent islands.
A very interesting anecdote surrounds the story of the island’s partition. Allegedly, the Dutch and the French agreed to hold a contest by walking towards each other from opposite sides of the island. Their meeting place was to be the border between the two territories. The French stocked up with wine and the Dutch armed themselves with gin. The fact that they drank gin made the Dutch fall asleep during their mission, thus enabling the French to take control of a larger part of the island. Although it did not probably happen this way, it makes for a nice story to entertain vacationers and depicts the good neighborly relations between the two parts, as well as their sense of humor.
Marigot and Philipsburg are the main towns on the French and the Dutch side respectively. The former is a typical Caribbean town, with its small houses and markets that offer everything from fresh fish and tropical fruits to some of the best local handicrafts. The Marigot Market is a must-see attraction while on your May honeymoon in St. Martin. Philipsburg is a historical town with forts that mark its past colonial strategic significance. The island has a rich history which spans from its earliest inhabitants, the Arawak Indians, to its discovery by Christopher Columbus and later colonial administration. Vacationers often stop at the St. Martin Museum which exhibits many artifacts that predate the arrival of the Europeans and is definitely worth a visit. Like many other Caribbean islands, St. Martin was occupied by most major European colonial powers, including the Spanish, English, French and Dutch. Consequently, both parts of the island boast several forts which are also its important historical monuments, such as Fort St. Louis located on the French part, which offers a glimpse into the island’s history and provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Honeymoon couples and vacationers alike should also make it a point to visit the Pic Paradis, or Paradise Peak, the highest point on the island from which you will get an unrivaled panoramic view of the island. Other places of interest include the Butterfly Farm, which is the home of wonderful exotic and rare species of butterflies. Wildlife lovers will find this farm particularly interesting. If you want to get a feel of the old colonial way of life, there is no better place than Orleans, St. Martin’s French Quarter that has preserved the buildings from the seventeenth century. It remains unspoiled by large touristic developments and offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
If you are just looking for relaxation and fun, then rest assured that the island’s 37 beaches and numerous hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars will meet your highest expectations. Those seeking privacy and seclusion should head for the beaches on the French side, as these represent amazing places of retreat. Mary`s Boon Beach Plantation offers a quaint 26 rooms in a tranquil beachfront location and offers romantic accommodations for your St. Martin Honeymoon. The most popular beach on the island is Grand Case, a family beach located on the Dutch side replete with the best restaurants and shops selling souvenirs and local handicrafts. Be sure to bring your sunscreen as the May sun on St. Martin is just beginning its summer peak. In the busiest months of the year(usually Jan-Apr), Grand Case is also the spot of many exciting nightlife events. The Holland House Beach Hotel on the Dutch side is a good choice for a honeymoon resort if you like activity. It is situated right on the boardwalk in front of the Great Bay beach in Philipsburg.
Numerous activities await you in St. Martin and St. Maarten, ranging from deep sea fishing and hiking to horseback riding, snorkeling, diving, tennis, kayaking and sailing. The Dutch side also boasts many casinos for gambling enthusiasts. The island’s year-round warm air and sea temperature and clear blue skies make it a Spring honeymoon dream and permanent vacation paradise for one of our May top destinations!
