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!