Saturday, August 9, 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.

France actually has ownership of roughly two thirds of this land, making that portion part of the European Community. The remaining third, which belongs to the Dutch, is included in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The arrangement between the co-possessors has been peaceful and amazingly successful for more than three hundred and fifty years.

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.

The year long, near perfect environment for enjoyment and relaxation is one of the island's more popular attributes. The tropical climate offers plenty of sunshine and temperatures that go between mid range sixties as the lows, to sometimes close to one hundred for a high, though the average runs about a pleasant seventy-eight degrees Fahrenheit. The heat is often disrupted by short and sudden rain showers in the afternoons which set the atmosphere for a wonderful evening.

The breathtaking scenery is yet another attribute to this tropical paradise. The interior of this island is dominated by a central mountain range that provides the perfect terrain for hiking, exploring, zip lining or simply communing with nature. The rolling hills and winding roads are dotted with several small villages offering local charm and unique shopping experiences.

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.

Individuals of all ages and preferences will find plenty of interesting activities here ranging from swimming in sparkling turquoise waters to horseback riding through the hills or on the beaches. There are many caves where one might enjoy snorkeling among the amazing coral structures and interacting with a colorful array of tropical sea life. During the days, ferries run regular trips to and from the surrounding islands of Saba, St. Barths, Anguilla and St. Eustatius, and at night, the celebrations really begin.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment