Nomadic African

by Vincent Miscall 

 One thing that most people don’t know, when choosing a rental villa in St Martin, is that this is the one and only island in the Caribbean that has one hundred percent duty free shopping.  That means that there are plenty of bargains to be had for avid shoppers.  Indeed, expect to get in the range of twenty five to fifty percent off all goods.  This applies particularly to luxury goods like designer clothes and leather goods etc as well as jewelry.

Bargains depend on which end of the island one is staying on with the French northern end having perfumes, china, clothing and jewelry bargains among others and the Dutch end having electronics, cameras, designer wear and leather among its bargains.  Of course, the island is small enough to visit both capitals, Marigot and Phillipsburg but it does help to hire a St Martin villa rental in the vicinity that one will visit most.

All around the island those who will be choosing a rental villa in St Martin will have access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  The ocean is just stunning and there are water sports of all descriptions to get involved in.  There are more than forty sites for superb diving, waterskiing, windsurfing and parasailing for those who have the energy and most outfits will actually have lessons on offer as well.

Many people differ on how many beaches there are, and the amount of St Martin villas for rent, but the one thing they will agree on is that all sides of this island are magnificent.  On the northern French end the dress code is literally ‘anything goes’ – with some beaches being clothes optional – while on the Dutch side the dress code is more sedate and modest.  One of the best beaches is Mullet Bay Beach which is a full one mile long with Maho Beach equaling it for great swimming places.  Dawn Beach is where everyone goes to see the sunrise, if they can drag themselves out of bed that is, and Orient Bay is the favorite nude beach for those who like to take it all off.  

Food lovers are catered for when they are planning a holiday in St Martin because of the wide choice of food that is available.  Sea food is an obvious choice since this is a tropical island, but there are Creole, Spanish, French and Dutch influences here as well as oriental.  Therefore, no one could be at a loss for some delicious delights whenever they venture away from their St Martin holiday villa.

Anyone who is planning a holiday in St Martin in April or May will be lucky enough to catch the Carnival which celebrates Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.  Or, for those who love reggae, this event has many competitions for calypso as well.  There is another Carnival at Lent and a great Heineken Regatta in March which brings in yacht owners from all round the world.  This is really the time to mix with the rich and famous too. 

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