Wednesday, July 30, 2014

The Beautiful Island Of St Maarten

By Annabelle Holman


For many people, planning a dream vacation brings to mind fun in the sun, sandy beaches, exotic locations, exciting nightlife and grand adventures. Opting to spend this special down time in the Caribbean offers up several amazing islands from which to choose, each with their own unique charms. The quaint isle of St Maarten provides travelers with a grand range of experiences and some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found anywhere.

This small Caribbean haven is the world's tiniest land mass to be under the ownership of two different nations simultaneously. Measuring just thirty-seven square miles, the island is the territory of both The Netherlands Antilles and France. For several hundred years the people have coexisted peacefully with this split, actually finding ways to make it beneficial.

Approximately two thirds of this island is the property of France and a member of the European Community. The remainder is held by the Dutch and falls under the realm belonging to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The dual owners have had an arrangement for over 350 years that has helped to feed the area's success and promote peaceful coexistence.

A portion of that success is possible in part because there is practically no separation of community, no physical borders to mar the incredible landscape or make visitors feel uncomfortable or limited. They are free to travel the whole mass and enjoy all the wonderful sites, attractions or activities the island has to offer. This small space is practically bursting with things to see and do.

This island has a reputation for being the near perfect location for vacationing throughout the year. Its warm and sunny tropical climate provides temperatures that range from a pleasing mid sixty for the low, to a scorching upper ninety as the high, though the average hangs right around a comfortable 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Sporadic rain showers have a tendency to break out in the afternoons, cooling the heat of day and preparing for a soothing evening.

This paradise of the tropics is an oasis of breathtaking beauty and inspirational scenery. A mountain range is at the center of this island and its rolling hills provide an excellent backdrop for adventures such as zip lining, horseback riding, exploring, hiking or just meditating and finding one's connection with nature. Small, charming villages are located sporadically, allowing visitors to experience the unique cultures and do some shopping for local goods.

The white sand beaches that surround the perimeter of this island are among the most beautiful ever seen. This is also the home of Simpson Bay Lagoon, the largest in all of the Caribbean. Completely landlocked except for two small channels which are spanned by draw bridges, the area is larch enough to house a huge fleet of luxury yachts and still have room for comfortable sailing.

Whether taking a dip in the turquoise waters or riding a horse through the hills, there are adventures to be had for visitors of all types. To observe and commune with a variety of tropical fish of any color, snorkel among the living corals or to dive in the caves is to know the true beauty on the island. Ferries make daily jaunts to the neighboring land masses of St. Eustatius, St. Barths, Saba and Anguilla.




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