Fun After the Sun: Nightlife in St. Maarten/St. Martin

By Judy H. Fitzpatrick

When the sun goes down, the temperature rises in St. Maarten/St. Martin, home of some of the most enchanting after-dark haunts you’ll find in the Caribbean.

Nightlife in this 37-square-mile touristy island can provide you with some of the most enthralling experiences of a lifetime: from electrified dance floors and sizzling clubs to swanky hole-in-the-wall establishments, gambling spots, glitzy gentleman’s clubs and places of gastronomic delight. All manner of tastes and interests are catered to; no one is left out.

Whether you’re a high-energy party animal looking for some pulsating rhythm to dance until dawn, the more laid-back type who prefers a more reserved setting, or someone who likes to explore his or her sensual side or experience more titillating encounters, there’s a place for you.

So when you’re done lazying around the beach or sightseeing all day, put some pep in your step and enjoy St. Maarten/St. Martin’s nightlife. Make your getaway to this paradise not only memorable, but also unforgettable.

Put some pizzazz into your life at Sopranos Piano Bar and Sopranos Restaurant, two swanky air-conditioned enclaves located in the Maho Plaza. At the bar, international artists from around the globe will entertain you from Monday to Saturday. Soothe your eardrums with jazz, soul, blues, rock ’n’ roll, Motown, R&B and love songs. International entertainers change monthly, so you never get tired of listening. On Jam Night Sundays, a hot island star takes the lead and churns out some island flavor for your listening and dancing pleasure.

Feel free to make your request and get up and dance when the rhythm hits you. There’s plenty of room. You can also tantalize your taste buds with their fine beverage selection and appetizers, or enjoy a cigar from the fine collection available.

The dimmed lights, cozy atmosphere, comfortable seating, large piano sitting gracefully alongside the full bar, along with the wide selection of cocktails, provide the perfect mix for an unforgettable, classy evening in paradise.

Sopranos Restaurant, just a few steps away, allows you to indulge in fine Italian pizzas, pastas or just about any of your culinary cravings. Chef Algernom Charles, whose experience includes cooking for Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, will be more than happy to treat you like royalty.

Walk with lady luck at Casino Royale—the Disney World for gambling enthusiasts. The glitzy gaming emporium, the largest of  the 12 casinos in St. Maarten, sits plumb in the center of the glitzy Maho Plaza, a busy strip outside the flagship Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino. The elegant Princess Casino at Port de Plaisance boasts a playground of fun, ranging from roulette, craps, baccarat, blackjack and poker to live entertainment. In Simpson Bay there are Dolphin Casino and Tropicana Casino, while Philipsburg boasts Coliseum, Diamond and Jump Up. Whatever your game, you can be sure to find something to fit your budget—from video slots to private games. Even if you don’t try your luck, you can still enjoy the ambience, entertainment, pulsating energy and excitement that go along with St. Maarten’s legendary nightlife.

Catch some spicy live entertainment at The Red Piano in the Pelican Resort under the Hollywood Casino in Simpson Bay. Winner of The Daily Herald’s Best Live Music venue, the Best Nightclub and home of the Best Bartender of 2008, The Red Piano is definitely the place to be. Prop yourself up around the shiny red piano with your favorite libation and be swept away by the talented international artists, who are always ready to make your night a memorable one. The Red Piano is perfect for any crowd yearning for good live music, a great party and sumptuous cocktails. Jam the night away on the dance floor or catch some action via the large-screen televisions. For great rock and blues, check out Church on Monday with Gian Franco and Max. It got its name from the faithful crowd that packs the house every Monday night. It’s all for your fun and enjoyment. Open nightly from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The Platinum Room is the ritziest adult entertainment center on the island, catering to men, women and couples. Some of the hottest long-legged dancers from all around the globe tantalize and tease with their sensual twists and turns on stage and on beds draped with transparent nets. Buffed male strippers are also around to perform for the delight of ogling audiences. At least once a month, world-famous strippers are brought in.

The stage hugs the edges of an azure pool in the center of the room, so you never miss a beat. Get away from the crowd and head for Platinum’s Jungle Room, offering more private titillating encounters. Be treated like the important person you are in the VIP section, where Champagne flows and good times roll.

This intimate hideaway is tucked away in a corner of the Maho strip, and boasts a ritzy ambience and full bar serving up a wide cocktail and beverage assortment. It’s the perfect setting for a pleasurable evening’s entertainment. This posh adult entertainment hub opens nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

There’s always something new and exciting in St. Maarten/St. Martin. One of the hottest new after-dark spots to open mid 2010 is the Blue Mall, a seven-floor high-end getaway that will bring together some of the finest restaurants, luxury shops and retail -outlets, all in one amazing complex. This Cupecoy-based gem will offer a world of luxury and elegance. Amuse your palate with the range of dining choices. There are plans for fine French and sushi restaurants, a jazz bistro and an eatery where you’ll be able to savor fabulous tapas. Discussions are under way for a Hard Rock Cafe to spice up the nightlife scene with its renowned entertainment and electrifying atmosphere. The mall will also feature a market café, salon, pharmacy, a spa and other retail outlets so you can make a seamless transition into the night.

While restaurant hopping or bar hopping, let your eyes feast on the sheer elegance of the seven-floor gem accentuated by floor-to-ceiling glass, complete with glass roof. The mall combines five floors of commercial space with two floors of high-end apartments, which opened in December.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of St. Maarten’s nightlife—besides that it’s nonstop—is enjoying some of the fabulous brands of liquor, Champagne, wine and Armagnac in fabulous settings. Liquor prices in St. Maarten are the cheapest on the planet, so you can enjoy even more from world-famous brands like Grey Goose, Cuba’s Havana Club Rum, Ponche Caribe and -Dewar’s. Guavaberry coladas and Republic Rum mojitos, made by Guavaberry right here in St. Maarten, are an island pastime. The Red Piano serves Patrón tequila margaritas, and Soprano’s Restaurant has cold Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. And remember to have some Veuve Clicquot and Dom Pérignon, the ultimate Champagnes, synonymous with St. Maarten’s scintillating nightlife.

Don’t forget to stock up at Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco, one of the island’s largest distributors of wine, Champagne, liquor, cigars and cigarettes since 1976. This beverage emporium, conveniently located on J.W. Buncamper Road in Philipsburg at the island’s main shopping hub, prides itself on good service and duty-free prices. With more than 1,200 different brands and sizes, no matter what you drink (or smoke), they most likely have it in stock.

With all these options, you can’t go wrong.

Top Ten: What to do in St. Maarten/St.Martin to enjoy the island at night

1. Embark on a sunset champagne or dinner cruise. Aqua Mania offers sunset cruises. Your catamaran will leave at 5:30 p.m. from Pelican Watersports.
2. Explore the tropical reefs on a night dive. The reefs come alive at night: sea fans that are hidden during the day open wide to feed at night and lobsters and eels are out hunting. Aqua Mania offer night dives.
3. Visit Puerta del Sol Plaza at Simpson Bay. A Spanish contemporary inspired design houses a trendy collection of chic boutiques, hair salons, yacht brokers, real estate agents and restaurants.
4. Listen to the band at Lee's Deep Sea Fishing and Roadside Grill.
5. Take a seat on the balcony at Taloula Mango's overlooking the boardwalk for some people-watching, a cool breeze and refreshing tropical drink.
6. Learn to salsa dance at Tito Salsa or La Bodeguita del Medio in Marigot.
7. Catch a movie-inside or under the stars. The island boasts three indoor movie theaters with a total of eight screens. All theatres have an intermission break for popcorn and beverages.
8. Go on Celine's Lagoon Pub Crawl.
9. Roll the dice and try your luck at a casino. The Westin offers a Vegas-style casino, with fine ocean front dining just steps away.
10. Hop aboard Bluebeard Charters for a private sail with your group, or just the two of you.

Use our Dining Guide to find the islands great restaurants - St. Maarten/St. Martin is the culinary capital of the Caribbean! Or, use our Activity Guide to find casinos, clubs and entertainment.