Friar’s Bay Beach Café on Friar’s Bay Beach (of course) offers the unique experience of fine French light cuisine in a tropical beach atmosphere. The French staff serves up a continually changing menu of lunch favorites. The road is a little bumpy, but the beach is easily accessible. Sharing beef tartare, beef tournedo, fried calamari, and great French butter on a baguette with my wife and close friends in beach clothes is certainly an experience. We’ve visited the café on four different occasions and have never been disappointed. They’ll even help with you your French!
While clothing-optional and topless beaches are quite an attraction for those so inclined, the more prudish will find equally attractive and available beaches, including Friar’s Bay, Dawn Beach, and Maho Beach.
Orient Beach is the island’s truly "clothing optional" beach and is certainly the most publicized and most crowded attraction.
We stayed on Simpson’s Bay at the Flamingo Resort. The beach, pool, and amenities are excellent; however, the tennis court is rather pitted and could use some attention. Service at the beach bar is somewhat sketchy, particularly during off-peak hours, but the staff is friendly and helpful.
Venturing to the neighboring island of Anguilla is worth the short ferry ride from the port of Marigot. The island is a British banking haven frequented by the rich and famous, desiring seclusion. A visit to Cap Jaluca and Malliouhana resorts are worth the short drive. With the light traffic, in stark contrast to the crowded St Maarten, it is also a great place to learn to drive on the left, owing to the island’s British ownership.
Maho Beach is at the end of the runway at Princess Juliana airport. It is a great place to take pictures of low-flying aircraft, but definitely not a place to relax.
Simpson’s Bay attracts dozens of mega-yachts, and they can be seen transiting at all hours from the safe harbor to the surrounding islands.
Quick Tips:
When arriving at Princess Juliana airport, try to get into the right-most line at Customs. This line is next to the residents and Dutch citizens line, but it opens up to all when this group is finished.
Best Way To Get Around:
Choose a reputable car rental agency - we've used Avis twice with no problems. Pick a single, experienced driver and a navigator. Order a good roadmap of the island ahead of time from caribmart.com.