Royal islander Resort Hotel, St. Martin Vacations and Travel Package

The cuisine on St. Maarten/St. Martin can be described in many ways: French…Italian…Continental…Creole. From beluga to zucchini mousse, each restaurant sets a table that´s unique in the Caribbean. Where else in the world will you find a 37-square-mile island boasting some 400 tantalizing restaurants

Visitors to the country, unique in that it has no customs duty, can achieve truly duty-free bargains in hundreds of shops carrying the latest designer goods, watches and jewelry, fine china, crystal, linen and cutlery, cameras and electronic goods.

And if you plan to be here at one of the many international, Dutch or French holidays or Carnivals, you can experience first hand a bit of Caribbean culture by joining in the festivities!

The island is the ideal jump off point for day trips to several islands just minutes away by sea or air - Dutch St. Eustatius and Saba (renowned for its dive sites), French St. Barthelemy (the Caribbean Riviera), English Dominica (the nature lover´s delight) and St. Kitts/Nevis with a peninsula populated by mischievous monkeys, the exclusive and sedate island of Anguilla, with numerous pristine white sand beaches, still administered by the British, is closest being only 15 minutes by ferry boat.

Not one but two Carnivals on one island! The French celebration starts from a few days before "Mardi Gras" and ends on Ash Wednesday. The streets of Marigot and Grand Case are transformed into a non-stop parade of costume, color, dancing and excitement. The Dutch Carnival follows Easter and peaks on April 30th in honor of the birthday of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

If you´re not lucky enough to be here for Carnival, perhaps you can join in on another holiday celebration.

St. Martin Holidays and Events

In addition to many holidays recognized by throughout the world, the island of Sint Maarten / Saint Martin celebrates holidays unique to the island and to the influences of their French and Dutch governments.
These include Bastille Day on July 14 - the French national holiday, and the Dutch national holiday on December 15. The French side also celebrate July 21 in honor of Mr. Schoelcher´s decree against slavery. And Sint Maarten honors Queen Beatrix on her birthday - April 30. And of course, the entire island comes together to celebrate the feast of St. Martin on November 11 - which also marks the anniversary of the European discovery of St. Martin by Christopher Columbus
The Heineken Regatta in April is an incredible event, drawing thousands of participants and an even higher number of spectators. This sailing race has developed into the Caribbean´s largest regatta, with up to 200 boats competing. For several days, races go on during the daytime, while the nights are reserved for partying, turning the Heineken Regatta into one of the biggest Live Music Events as well.

A tour around St. Martin

The history of settlement on Sint Maarten / Saint Martin has married the rich natural resources of this West Indies island with its Dutch and French influences. As a result, St. Maarten / St. Martin boasts fine architecture, excellent shopping and beautiful land and seascapes.The Colombier valley is filled with lush landscapes and pastures. There you will find a quaint village with colorful traditional caribbean houses.
Not far away is Philipsburg, the Dutch capital since 1768, which is known for its colonial architecture. The town began as a Dutch trading center, and the old forts around Philipsburg are haunting reminders of its one-time strategic importance. Fort Amsterdam, the first and most important Dutch Military outpost in the Caribbean was constructed in the Great Bay Harbor in 1931.
Not to be missed is the impressive Fort Willem, formerly Fort Trigge before its Dutch takeover in 1816. If you are courageous, take your car up the treacherous road. Otherwise enjoy the walk and reward yourself with the incredible panoramic view of the neighboring islands.
The heart of the French side is Marigot, recently enlarged by land reclamation. Its colonial architecture and its upscale shops are not to be missed. And if it´s a good French meal that you´re craving, Marigot is the place. You will also find numerous shops here specializing in diving, sailing and windsurfing. If you prefer native arts and crafts, head over to Port La Royale on Marigot Bay. Or stop and relax for a moment on the terrace of one of the fine French bistros that dot the bay.
Head north of Marigot to historic Fort St. Louis, built at the end of the 18th century during the reign of Louis XVI and restored to its original condition. If the climb up its 100+ steps doesn't take your breath away, the view of Marigot, Anguilla to the north and the turquoise lagoon below most certainly will! The effort is definitely worthwhile! Reward yourself with lunch or dinner further north in one of the French, Italian or Creole restaurants in the village of Grande Case. Wander through the fine art galleries and add to your collection. Then head over to the village´s Anse Marcel and charter a yacht for an afternoon cruise. Or go for a ride along the beach on horseback. Just across the border on the East Coast is the famous Oyster Pond, an enclosed harbor with many excellent attractions.
If you didn´t make it all the way to the top of Fort St. Louis, don't miss the incredible overlook at Pic Paradis, one of the highest points of the island. But beware; the road becomes more challenging with every meter ascended, but most automobiles will make it all the way to the glorious top!
Whatever your fancy, whether it is quaint caribbean house or colonial architecture, lush landscapes and turquoise blue waters or luxurious boutiques and casinos, historic forts or untouched landscapes, St. Maarten / St. Martin has it all