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Shopping
(Updated Aug 25, 2011)
Shopping in St. Maarten / St. Martin
Shopping here focuses on a few locations:
- Front Street, Philipsburg: This is where you'll find what's
arguably the largest concentration of jewelers in the Caribbean --
over two dozen. Deals are great because of volume; quality is generally
excellent. We give away $25 Gift Cards for both Zhaveri Jewelers and
Caribbean Gems to members of JMB Website Supporters; they're two of the
finest jewelers. Others that have a loyal following are DK Gems and
Ballerina. Walk along Front Street not just for jewelry, but also
souvenirs and restaurants. Windmill has lots of souvenirs;
they're on Front Street west of the center of town (the historic
courthouse is at the town center). Most jewelers, except DK Gems, are on the eastern portion of
Front Street. Back Street has shops mostly visited by locals.
- The Boardwalk / Great Bay Promenade may be the most popular place
to stroll and relax. On the beach next to Front Street, it's loaded with
restaurants and gives you a quick respite from Front Street shopping. Most
popular restaurant: Taloula Mango's, which usually has entertainment in
season. There's also a new Hard Rock Cafe near the center of town. Avoid
sitting outside in the sun on the second floor; the black tabletops get very
hot and make exposed arms uncomfortable.
- On the Pond Fill, Philipsburg, along the historic Salt Pond, look
for Rima, a giant yellow building with flags on top. It has the
largest selection of gifts, souvenirs, and tropical clothing anywhere on the
island.
Highly recommended and extraordinarily INexpensive. Rima has a gift
for our members; see
www.everythingsxm.com/secret .
- Le West Indies: It's a small (by US standards) but ostentatious
mall on the waterfront in Marigot. Almost everything is priced high mainly
because one Euro costs about $1.45; only the French Side uses Euros, so the
Dutch Side is cheaper. Nonetheless, there are neat cafes here, the best of
which is Hediard -- try their cakes, which are amazing.
- Blue Mall, Cupecoy Beach, Dutch Side, has had its opening delayed
repeatedly; it's currently set for October of this year, but don't be
surprised if that doesn't happen. Grossly inadequate outdoor parking,
which is par for the course on the island. Many upscale shops, but a
familiar face will be here too: the island's first Dunkin' Donuts.
- Porto Cupecoy, Cupecoy Beach, Dutch Side, has sufficient
parking, neat shops, and some good restaurants. Check out "Blooming Baskets"
for both clothing and flowered handbags, and dine at Ernest & Fidel's --
excellent food, reasonable prices. Beautiful setting, too.
- Marina Plaza, Simpson Bay Resort, Simpson Bay: Swimwear shops,
the Stone Restaurant (great little place on the water), Aqua Mania
Activities Desk. Aqua Mania gives discounts to our members; the required
voucher is downloadable for members at
www.everythingsxm.com/secret
.
- Marigot: Mostly bars and restaurants in town at the
waterfront now; local shops are on back streets.
- Supermarkets: Grand Marche has two, one near Philipsburg and the
other in Cole Bay, both Dutch Side; it's closest to American markets in
content / layout. Cost-U-Less, near the Philipsburg Grand Marche, is the
island's only warehouse store. US Imports has two markets on the French
Side, one near Orient Beach and the other in Sandy Ground, south of Marigot.
The latter one has fresh baguettes which are delicious. Most markets carry
Etna ice cream which you must try when you're here -- unimaginably creamy
with rich flavors. See
www.etnaicecream.com.
Updated August 25, 2011
Tags:
St. Maarten and St. Martin Shopping
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