Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven.
Take advantage of the new “Bounce Back” rate, exclusively for former cruise passengers offered by Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino or Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. A jaw-dropping $150 per night! Call toll free, 1-800-223-0757, or click here to print out the coupon offer.
An Island Treasure
Located at the foothills of Paradise Pic (Pic Paradis) is a magical place called the Lotterie Farm. Between 1721 and 1848, it was known as Lotterie Plantation and was renowned for its sugar. Today, original slave walls still surround the property that once housed 300 slaves. BJ Welsh took over the place after Hurricane Luis devastated the island in 1995. "I took a look at the place and took it as a sign that I had to change my life and this was it," says Welsh. "I didn't know the name of a plant or a tree, but I knew I had to learn." Today, you can quiz Welsh on every plant, tree and rock and he knows the name.
These days, Lotterie Farm is a private nature retreat that has trails leading to the top of Pic Paradis, the highest point on the island. It serves superb lunches on the covered terrace overlooking the gardens with towering mango trees. By evening, diners flock to try its outstanding menu, which has led to it being recognized around the world as one of the most exciting places to dine in the Caribbean.
Julie Purkis (of Kanga Café fame from 1992-2000) now lends her talents as the chef at Lotterie Farm. A self-taught chef, Purkis' repertoire is astounding. "It's a joy to work in such a wonderful atmosphere and I just look at the view and I get inspired," she says. Among the standout dishes to try here are the shrimp spring roll, baked brie in puff pastry on a fresh garden salad adorned with mango chutney, avocados stuffed with tuna and capers, accras (saltfish fritters), beef tenderloin with peppercorn sauce and Purkis' signature dish: curry spinach chicken. Lotterie Farm is an island treasure for the location, food and ambience, with yoga classes on Saturday mornings.
You'll just have to ditch the diet and enjoy more than three meals a day while in St. Maarten/St. Martin. Check out our Dining Guide to plan ahead and get the full details and contact information for reservations for the islands great restaurants!
A once in a lifetime adventure on a real America's Cup yacht. Thrill to the exhilaration of America’s Cup Yacht Racing in the warm blue waters and brisk trade winds of the Caribbean. Voted #1 shore excursion in the Caribbean for ten years. An expert crew shows you exactly what to do in your "crew members" position, then its off to the racecourse. No sailing experience required! Complimentary refreshments included.
Lagoon Sailboat Rental
Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures; A day of sailing on one of the Caribbean's largest lagoons, Simpson Bay. Lagoon Sailboat Rentals offers 20 foot Jeanneaus for up to 5 people. Sailing on the lagoon is safe, fun and economical. This could be the highlight of your vacation. Sail your own boat for a private, romantic day on the water, take a lesson, or rent the fleet for a group or family activity!
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Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven. 
A once in a lifetime adventure on a real America's Cup yacht. Thrill to the exhilaration of America’s Cup Yacht Racing in the warm blue waters and brisk trade winds of the Caribbean. Voted #1 shore excursion in the Caribbean for ten years. An expert crew shows you exactly what to do in your "crew members" position, then its off to the racecourse. No sailing experience required! Complimentary refreshments included. 
Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures; A day of sailing on one of the Caribbean's largest lagoons, Simpson Bay. Lagoon Sailboat Rentals offers 20 foot Jeanneaus for up to 5 people. Sailing on the lagoon is safe, fun and economical. This could be the highlight of your vacation. Sail your own boat for a private, romantic day on the water, take a lesson, or rent the fleet for a group or family activity! 
