Smooth Landings
St. Maarten/St. Martin boasts beautiful beaches, but if you’re more of a landlubber, don’t throw in the towel.
You can’t open a guidebook — or this magazine — without realizing that St. Maarten/St. Martin is famous for its beaches. Sure, you’ll want to spend some quality time at any or all of the island’s 37 sugar-sand gateways to the brilliant blue sea.
But there’s so much more to this tropical paradise than sun-soaked shores. Swing a club, lob a tennis ball, ride a bike, go on a hike. Active types will have no trouble enjoying themselves, without ever getting wet. Here are just some of your options.
Biking
If you’re more of a pedal pusher, you’ll be happy to discover miles of trails perfect for bikers. Stunning ocean views and spectacular hillside scenery reward those who take on part of or the entire 35-mile-long road that encircles the island. Sign up for a group ride. Coast leisurely through the French flatlands or along seaside trails from Cay Bay to Fort Amsterdam and Mullet Beach. Serious cyclists may want to tackle the Bellevue Trail from Port de Plaisance to Marigot or tighten their hamstrings on a challenging ride to Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak), the island’s highest point. If, on the other hand, you’re more in the mood for a relaxing ride, take your two-wheeler to Simpson Bay Lagoon. Hungry for more? Tri-Sport is more than a bike shop. Rent your ride, take a tour or catch an event.
Horseback Riding
Why wear out your own two legs when you can rent four of the island’s best? Saddling up is one of the best ways to see a different side of St. Maarten/
St. Martin. Picture yourself cantering along a foamy coast on the back of a gentle steed, then climbing gradually on a track through gorse and cactus plants until you reach a plateau 400 feet above an ocean teeming with pleasure boats and cruise ships. Discover hidden coves and pristine waterfalls as you’re horsing around. You can even take a “swim” with your new equine pal in the shallow waters off a scenic beach. You can do all of that and more at Lucky Stables in Seaside Nature Park.
Golf
Mullet Bay Golf Course is the island’s only option for full-play action, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t challenging and fun. Grab your clubs and zero in on the 18-hole, par-70 course designed by architect Joseph Lee. It’s sculpted around a lovely lagoon, but don’t be misled into thinking Mullet Bay is just about tranquility. There’s all the action here you could want in a round. Start swinging!
Driving
From sedans and scooters to motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), you’ll find plenty of pathways to driving fun, on and off the beaten path. Sign up for a Segway excursion on the Dutch side. Rent a car at Dollar Thrifty and tour the island at your own pace.
Soccer
Um … we mean football. Both Dutch and French sides of the island support national football teams that compete in cups sponsored by CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football). Catch a match and cheer along with locals.
Tennis
Several resorts on the island maintain quality courts. The American Tennis Academy, on the French side, is open daily, features two lighted courts and offers structured programs, lessons, clinics and rentals for juniors and adults of every skill level.
Tours
Get fast and furious (in a nature-loving way) at Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten at Rockland Estate, a park dedicated to environmental preservation. Glide to St. Maarten’s highest point on the Sky Explorer, then go flying back down the mountain on the world’s steepest zip line, The Flying Dutchman. Re-ascend and take the Sentry Hill Zip Line over the mountain ridge, enjoying stunning views of beautiful St. Maarten. Then your top-to-bottom tour finishes with the Schooner Ride, sending you surfing down the mountain in an inner tube.
A bit more sedate but no less captivating are the educational nature, history and culture excursions from Seagrape Tours. Or simply settle back and savor a sip (or several!) on a tour of Topper’s Rhum Distillery.
These options should be enough to keep you busy — for today. Just don’t wear yourself out. There’s always tomorrow — and the sunny day sure to follow.
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