St. Maarten's Summer Sale. Discounts at over 50 resorts, restaurants, casinos, car rentals, shops, spas and activities. With 37 breathtaking beaches, duty free shopping galore, exciting casinos and entertainment to tempt you at night, an absolute culinary heaven-on-earth, how can you resist?
Now for a limited time, get $50 to spend for each day you stay, plus 20% off room rates through October 31st! A little European. A lot of Caribbean. Get your bronze on.
Open Sesame: The Treasures of St. Maarten/St. Martin
By Pat Cantor
When Ali Baba of Arabian Nights fame uttered, "Open Sesame," the doors to a vast cave flung open and he stood in awe at the endless rooms filled with treasures of great quantity and beauty. Like the rooms of that famous cave overflowing with jewels, gold, silver, platinum and precious objects of desire, St. Maarten/St. Martin opens its doors to provide treasures of all stripes.
All over the island are "rooms" filled with incredible things to buy: exquisite jewelry and watches, luxury goods and clothing from the world's most fabulous designers and manufacturers, cameras and electronics, sexy beachwear, fine art, foods, aged rums, wines and liquors, and more. While Ali Baba's cave was a fantasy, this island's treasures offer shopping experiences on par with the world's most renowned luxury shopping meccas—Fifth Avenue in New York, Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, Via Montenapoleone in Milan, Via Condotti in Rome—but at duty-free, tax-free prices. The world's best prices and places to shop are right here in St. Maarten/St. Martin.
In St. Maarten/St. Martin, the treasure "rooms" are the island's unique shopping districts. The biggest treasure "room" is Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, and it's filled with wonderful things to buy. Since the 18th century, Philipsburg has been a lively center of international commerce. Today it is a mix of Dutch Caribbean charm and Euro-chic. Front Street, the main thoroughfare, is filled with shops, restaurants, upscale boutique hotels and guesthouses, resorts and casinos that lure you with their wares.
Philipsburg is easily accessible from the cruise port. If you are staying on island, parking is available on the outlining streets. You'll find great places in which to sit and relax, like the Holland House Hotel's fabulous new restaurant/bar, and Fusion, the newest chic entry to the food scene.
Fabulous shopping makes Philipsburg one of the top duty-free, tax-free havens in the Caribbean. Having personally counted them, Stephen Thompson, owner of Guavaberry Emporium, says there are more than 550 businesses on Front and Back Streets, the two principal shopping spots. Just stroll up and down Front Street and in and out of the small side streets, alleys and courtyards to discover your own treasure to take back home. In fact, a stop at the Guavaberry Emporium combines a bit of island history with delicious treats. Housed in a charming Caribbean cottage, the shop is on the site of the island's first synagogue. Inside you'll find the most unique food and beverage products on island, including the legendary Guavaberry Rum Liqueur and new specialty rums, along with fabulous island sauces.
THE ALLURE OF DIAMONDS Perhaps it is diamonds that lure you. Visit Diamonds International and Diamonds International Watch and Design for a beautiful collection of diamonds and exclusive brands such as De Hago, Eighty Eight and Edward Mirell, and one of the island's best collections of watches. At Platinum Mine, Nikhil Kukreja will entice you with an impressive collection of loose diamonds and "The World's Most Beautiful Diamond®" by Lazare Kaplan, as well as an extensive collection of watches. At Touch of Gold, Heeru Kukreja sets a high standard of excellence; the store has been voted the best jewelry store in St. Maarten for five consecutive years. It houses a large collection of loose diamonds, "Perfectly Cut" diamonds by Lovefire and an extensive list of fine designer jewelry and watches. All the gorgeous diamonds and precious stone jewelry at Jewels by Love are largely designed in-house and individually handcrafted by artisans in the world's finest jewelry centers. Jewels by Love offers a splendid collection of meticulously selected, masterfully cut diamonds and other gems, loose or set predominantly in 18k gold and platinum. It also specializes in Ideal Cut GIA Certified Diamonds.
Oro Diamanté has one of the most superb selections of GIA certified loose or mounted diamonds. It is also the exclusive distributor of the incredible 81-Facet "Eighternity" Diamond, as well as the stunning creations of Gabriel & Co. and De Hago. Boolchand's is the exclusive retailer for the Perfect Diamonds by Natalie K and jewelry by Pandora. It also carries an extensive selection of loose diamonds and glittering gems in a rainbow of colors. Some of the world's best-known jewelry designers are at Artistic, including Chopard, David Yurman and Van Cleef & Arpels, known for their gorgeous use of diamonds and gems. Watches from those same brands pair perfectly with your new gems. Diamonds in every shape and form overflow from Joe's Jewelry, from rings, earrings and necklaces to bracelets, cuff links, watches and loose diamonds. And of course, engagement and wedding rings lavished with diamonds.
THE ULTIMATE ISLAND RAINBOW If color is your thing, then lust over the emeralds at Colombian Emeralds, as well as their extensive range of fine jewelry and name-brand watches. For more lavish gem colors, stop by Tanzanite International to see their range of this unique stone. They offer everything from earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces set in tanzanite to loose tanzanite to have designed into something quite unique. You will also find tanzanite jewelry at Alpha Jewelers, in addition to diamonds, engagement rings and diamond tennis bracelets. Omni also carries tanzanite, as well as diamonds and a variety of glittering precious and semiprecious jewelry.
Majesty showcases lots of color, including Kabana of Italy's designs, specializing in opals and tanzanite, as well as the Steven Royce Collection in exotic tanzanite. At Majesty, you will also find a very rare and rich stone, alexandrite, designed by Mark Henry; the exquisite Celtic inspiration from Charriol; and name-brand watches such as Maurice Lacroix, Cyma and Seiko. Even more color appears at Ballerina in brilliant white, canary and pink diamonds. You can even design your own ring in the colors you love. Ballerina also features a bevy of top jewelry designers such as Fope, Sauro, Leo Pizzo, Hildago and others, and Swiss timepieces by Pierre Kuna for Franck Muller Watchland, Cvstos, Paul Picot, Technomarine, Versace and many more. Rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds dazzle at Zhaveri Jewelers, alongside colorful semiprecious stones.
Caribbean Gems has been voted one of the best jewelry stores on St. Maarten for many years. It carries fine GIA certified diamonds in every color, shape and size, as well as designer jewelry and Swiss watches such as Movado and Raymond Weil. Ama Jewelers are retailers of the exclusive Angelique of Paris collection that combines high fashion with fine jewelry. The designs mix precious metals and luminous colorful resins for an exquisite collection of jewelry. DK Gems carries such renowned brands as Kwait diamonds; Tacori creations in platinum and diamonds; A. Jaffe's diamond engagement and wedding rings; and Michael Beaudry's "Beautique" collection.
Just remember that fabulous jewels are the perfect accessories for everything in your wardrobe, from jeans to black tie. And there are no seasonal restrictions—jewels work all year-round.
IT'S IN THE BAG If you're looking for leather goods as new accessories to your wardrobe, stop at Ama Bella for great name-brand bags, luggage and travel accessories, as well as sunglasses and designer jewelry. Fifth Avenue is appropriately named, as you'll find a wide array of fabulous handbags, sunglasses and accessories from name-brand designers like Burberry, Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Ferragamo and more... just like shopping on Fifth Avenue in New York! To accessorize your table, try Linens Galore, where you'll find linen tablecloths, pillowcases, napkins and table accessories as well as tapestries. If you want great souvenirs like T-shirts, dolls, tropical clothing, cookbooks, gift items, great island sauces and more, stop by Cabana Store and Shipwreck Shops, located in every "room" in St. Maarten/St. Martin. If you are a yachting fan, pick up great ready-to-wear from the exclusive collection at The America's Cup 12 Metre Challenge Boutique.
Of course, for the men, the best accessories—besides a fabulous new watch—are things with bells and whistles. A stop at Boolchand's will more than take care of the camera buff or tech fan. They carry more than 50 popular electronic brands, including Canon, Sony, Nikon, Yamaha, Panasonic, Apple, Bose, Pentax and more.
For great beachwear in Philipsburg, start at Boardwalk Island Boutique for beautiful and stylish resort cotton sarongs and cover-ups. Rima Beachwear offers an amazing selection of swimwear and resort wear designed and manufactured in-house. You'll find unique designs and patterns here like nothing you'll find back home.
To get a feel of where the locals shop, stroll over to Backstreet, running parallel to Front Street. Backstreet is not chic, but it is a lively local bazaar selling clothing, accessories, electronics, food and the like at very low prices.
THE PEARLY GATES
Pearls may be your desire. Pearl Gems has gorgeous pearls, including South Sea, cultured, freshwater, Biwa, flat and loose pearls. Clasps and customized pearl stringing are available. They also carry YVEL pearls, HONORA pearls and OLIVA diamond jewelry. Kay's also has lovely pearls in addition to the Asscher cut diamond, as well as Citizen watches. At Majesty the pearl offerings include Yvel's exotic natural color pearls, Biwa pearls and rare black Tahiti pearls.
TREASURES ALL OVER THE ISLAND
Shopping doesn't stop in Philipsburg. The Maho mall is filled with great places to shop and dine. For a wonderful lunch to restore your energy, stop at Bliss on Maho Beach. Pick up some souvenirs and great T-shirts at Lord & Hunter. Or stop by Diamonds International's Maho store to savor their gorgeous jewelry and watches. Riviera Jewelers is a highlight of Maho Village. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can shop for beautiful white and colored diamonds that are either loose or in beautiful settings. They will customize their jewelry to your exact standards. Riviera Jewelers also offers fine watches, jewelry by Pandora, and stainless steel and titanium jewelry.
Up and down Airport Road in Simpson Bay are wonderful shops filled with treasures like MCM for great luxury leather goods designed and manufactured in Germany. At Endless Summer, you'll love discovering sexy beachwear in a terrific array of styles and sizes to fit even the most demanding customer. You'll find renowned designers such as Gottex, Betsy Johnson, Gideon Oberson, Diva and many more. Build up your strength for more shopping by indulging in a decadent omelet from Zee Best in the Simpson Bay Yacht Club.
Even the airport is a fabulous place to shop once you've passed customs. Many of the top shops, like Ama Jewelers and Ama Bella, Diamonds International and Colombian Emeralds, are right at the gates to help you with last-minute purchases. The airport is also a great place to pick up an extra bottle of Guavaberry specialty rums or liquors. After all, you don't have to worry about the liquid limitations as long as you are on a direct flight!
On the French side, the main shopping area is Marigot. Around the waterfront, in the Marina Royale and along Marigot's narrow streets are shops featuring top international brands alongside wonderful bistros. Many of Philipsburg's retailers have shops in Marigot, like Jewels by Love and Artistic. For air-conditioned comfort, amazing shopping and the best public restroom on island, venture into the West Indies Mall on the waterfront. For a bit of beauty and pampering, swing by Vanity First inside the mall. You'll also find a Lord & Hunter store just in case you want to add another piece of their exclusive Earthworks pottery to your collection, or yummy West Indian condiments or a great T-shirt. At Roland Richardson, you can choose a beautiful work of art as the ultimate souvenir for your home.
Many of the hotels on both sides of the island also have shops offering everything from souvenirs to fine jewelry. You'll find Little Switzerland at the Westin in Dawn Beach.
The island offers endless opportunities to gather your own fabulous treasures—just like Ali Baba. You only need to put on your walking shoes, wear your SPF 30 sunscreen and shout, "Open Sesame!"
You can spend days shopping in St. Maarten/St. Martin and not visit the same store twice! So much to buy - so little time... visit our Shopping Guide and get full details about each merchant before you go. Print our shopping maps and take them with you.
Shop for GUCCI, ORIS, Hamilton fine timepieces. Diamonds International was established nearly two decades ago and has grown to more than 100 locations. Diamonds International is now one of the largest jewelry retailers in the world. Shop in St. Maarten at 68 Front Street & Princess Juliana International Airport.
Jewels By Love
Jewels by Love represent five generations of traditional jewelers. A splendid collection of meticulously selected, masterfully cut diamonds and gems. Plus watches by Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Sohne, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, Hublot and Ebel. Marigot and Philpsburg locations.
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St. Maarten's Summer Sale. Discounts at over 50 resorts, restaurants, casinos, car rentals, shops, spas and activities. With 37 breathtaking beaches, duty free shopping galore, exciting casinos and entertainment to tempt you at night, an absolute culinary heaven-on-earth, how can you resist?
Now for a limited time, get $50 to spend for each day you stay, plus 20% off room rates through October 31st! A little European. A lot of Caribbean. Get your bronze on. 
When Ali Baba of Arabian Nights fame uttered, "Open Sesame," the doors to a vast cave flung open and he stood in awe at the endless rooms filled with treasures of great quantity and beauty. Like the rooms of that famous cave overflowing with jewels, gold, silver, platinum and precious objects of desire, St. Maarten/St. Martin opens its doors to provide treasures of all stripes. 
Philipsburg is easily accessible from the cruise port. If you are staying on island, parking is available on the outlining streets. You'll find great places in which to sit and relax, like the Holland House Hotel's fabulous new restaurant/bar, and Fusion, the newest chic entry to the food scene.
Perhaps it is diamonds that lure you. Visit Diamonds International and Diamonds International Watch and Design for a beautiful collection of diamonds and exclusive brands such as De Hago, Eighty Eight and Edward Mirell, and one of the island's best collections of watches. At Platinum Mine, Nikhil Kukreja will entice you with an impressive collection of loose diamonds and "The World's Most Beautiful Diamond®" by Lazare Kaplan, as well as an extensive collection of watches. At Touch of Gold, Heeru Kukreja sets a high standard of excellence; the store has been voted the best jewelry store in St. Maarten for five consecutive years. It houses a large collection of loose diamonds, "Perfectly Cut" diamonds by Lovefire and an extensive list of fine designer jewelry and watches. All the gorgeous diamonds and precious stone jewelry at Jewels by Love are largely designed in-house and individually handcrafted by artisans in the world's finest jewelry centers. Jewels by Love offers a splendid collection of meticulously selected, masterfully cut diamonds and other gems, loose or set predominantly in 18k gold and platinum. It also specializes in Ideal Cut GIA Certified Diamonds.
Oro Diamanté has one of the most superb selections of GIA certified loose or mounted diamonds. It is also the exclusive distributor of the incredible 81-Facet "Eighternity" Diamond, as well as the stunning creations of Gabriel & Co. and De Hago. Boolchand's is the exclusive retailer for the Perfect Diamonds by Natalie K and jewelry by Pandora. It also carries an extensive selection of loose diamonds and glittering gems in a rainbow of colors. Some of the world's best-known jewelry designers are at Artistic, including Chopard, David Yurman and Van Cleef & Arpels, known for their gorgeous use of diamonds and gems. Watches from those same brands pair perfectly with your new gems. Diamonds in every shape and form overflow from Joe's Jewelry, from rings, earrings and necklaces to bracelets, cuff links, watches and loose diamonds. And of course, engagement and wedding rings lavished with diamonds.
If color is your thing, then lust over the emeralds at Colombian Emeralds, as well as their extensive range of fine jewelry and name-brand watches. For more lavish gem colors, stop by Tanzanite International to see their range of this unique stone. They offer everything from earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces set in tanzanite to loose tanzanite to have designed into something quite unique. You will also find tanzanite jewelry at Alpha Jewelers, in addition to diamonds, engagement rings and diamond tennis bracelets. Omni also carries tanzanite, as well as diamonds and a variety of glittering precious and semiprecious jewelry.
Caribbean Gems has been voted one of the best jewelry stores on St. Maarten for many years. It carries fine GIA certified diamonds in every color, shape and size, as well as designer jewelry and Swiss watches such as Movado and Raymond Weil. Ama Jewelers are retailers of the exclusive Angelique of Paris collection that combines high fashion with fine jewelry. The designs mix precious metals and luminous colorful resins for an exquisite collection of jewelry. DK Gems carries such renowned brands as Kwait diamonds; Tacori creations in platinum and diamonds; A. Jaffe's diamond engagement and wedding rings; and Michael Beaudry's "Beautique" collection. 
If you're looking for leather goods as new accessories to your wardrobe, stop at Ama Bella for great name-brand bags, luggage and travel accessories, as well as sunglasses and designer jewelry. Fifth Avenue is appropriately named, as you'll find a wide array of fabulous handbags, sunglasses and accessories from name-brand designers like Burberry, Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Ferragamo and more... just like shopping on Fifth Avenue in New York! To accessorize your table, try Linens Galore, where you'll find linen tablecloths, pillowcases, napkins and table accessories as well as tapestries. If you want great souvenirs like T-shirts, dolls, tropical clothing, cookbooks, gift items, great island sauces and more, stop by Cabana Store and Shipwreck Shops, located in every "room" in St. Maarten/St. Martin. If you are a yachting fan, pick up great ready-to-wear from the exclusive collection at The America's Cup 12 Metre Challenge Boutique. 
For great beachwear in Philipsburg, start at Boardwalk Island Boutique for beautiful and stylish resort cotton sarongs and cover-ups. Rima Beachwear offers an amazing selection of swimwear and resort wear designed and manufactured in-house. You'll find unique designs and patterns here like nothing you'll find back home.
THE PEARLY GATES 
Up and down Airport Road in Simpson Bay are wonderful shops filled with treasures like MCM for great luxury leather goods designed and manufactured in Germany. At Endless Summer, you'll love discovering sexy beachwear in a terrific array of styles and sizes to fit even the most demanding customer. You'll find renowned designers such as Gottex, Betsy Johnson, Gideon Oberson, Diva and many more. Build up your strength for more shopping by indulging in a decadent omelet from Zee Best in the Simpson Bay Yacht Club.
Many of the hotels on both sides of the island also have shops offering everything from souvenirs to fine jewelry. You'll find Little Switzerland at the Westin in Dawn Beach.
Shop for GUCCI, ORIS, Hamilton fine timepieces. Diamonds International was established nearly two decades ago and has grown to more than 100 locations. Diamonds International is now one of the largest jewelry retailers in the world. Shop in St. Maarten at 68 Front Street & Princess Juliana International Airport. 
Jewels by Love represent five generations of traditional jewelers. A splendid collection of meticulously selected, masterfully cut diamonds and gems. Plus watches by Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Sohne, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, Hublot and Ebel. Marigot and Philpsburg locations. 
