Zee Best Breakfast! Voted best breakfast on the island. Authentic, fresh-baked French pastries, light-as-air crepes and scrumptious lunches. Open daily in two locations; Simpson Bay and Marina Port-de-Plaisance with a lovely view of the marina.
Everything Under the Sun
By Maria Arroyave And Puja Chugani
The island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is world-renowned for its balmy beaches, sizzling sunny climate, indigenous island culture and culinary craftsmanship.
Travelers are likely to get caught up with all that this magnificent destination has to offer, but before you spend all your days perfecting your tan and sipping guavaberry daiquiris, think of the irresistible shopping opportunities also featured here. Why wouldn't you want to take a piece of paradise home with you to remember your vacation forever, or to share your experiences with souvenirs for your friends and family?
St. Maarten/St. Martin is not only a tropical paradise, it is a shopper's paradise offering tax-free and duty-free shopping around every corner. Turn to the little island boutiques and internationally recognized luxury retailers found on the French side in Marigot. Here you will find handbags, sunglasses, and resort wear galore from famous brands like Gucci, Fendi and Longchamp. For gemstones that sparkle brighter than the first morning rays of sun hitting the island waters, venture over to the Dutch side. Front Street in Philipsburg is the place to go for jewelry, from tennis bracelets to tanzanite pendants. With well-established jewelers and family owned stores, you can get the finest in silver and gold and stones from every spectrum of the rainbow, making solid and well-informed purchases island style — with no hassle and no worries.
EVERYBODY MUST GET STONED
In St. Maarten/St. Martin, making a large purchase just makes sense. With the tax-free and duty-free shopping, the more you buy the more you save, and jewelry makes the perfect gift for any occasion. The island abounds with specialty jewelers — you just need to know where to go to find the comfort and craftsmanship that you crave.
DIAMONDS We've all heard the buzz about diamonds for years: Diamonds are forever, diamonds are a girl's best friend… and luckily for vacationers on a shopping spree, diamonds are St. Maarten/St. Martin. Most popular for engagements and weddings, nothing says "I love you" as continuously as a high-quality, brilliant diamond. On St. Maarten/St. Martin, these stones are everywhere, both loose and set, and in virtually every color you can imagine. You are most likely to find the diamond of your dreams on Front Street, which is lined with jewelers all specializing in the coveted stone.
Oro Diamanté carries the Eighternity diamond. This rock sparkles brighter than any other with its 81 facets — most diamonds only have 24. Each cut glistens individually as the light hits it, providing the wearer with maximum shine that is sure to catch anyone's eye. For engagement rings and tennis bracelets, visit Zhaveri or Alpha Jewelers, both also located on Front Street. Zhaveri specializes in pink and canary diamonds and also offers emeralds, watches and tanzanite. Alpha Jewelers, in addition to diamonds, also sells gold and tanzanite.
With locations in Marigot and Philipsburg, Diamonds International boasts a large collection of studs, pendants and bracelets set in platinum, white gold and sterling silver. Its sister store, Diamonds International Watch and Design on Front Street, is one of the largest fine jewelry retailers in the world. For the islands largest selection of gold and diamond jewelry, visit DK Gems on Front Street. Not only do they have selection, they employ Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graduates to guide you through your selection.
Joe's Diamonds and Diamonds features "Isee2" label diamonds, which guarantees top quality from the selection process all the way to craftsmanship. The store also carries jewelry by Roberto Coin.
Trident jewelers on Front Street specializes in loose diamonds, canary diamonds, eternity bands, diamond studs, pink sapphires and diamond bracelets. Because diamonds come in so many shapes, sizes and colors, you can never have too many retailers. Omni Jewelers has four locations all for this purpose; most of their stones are set in gold, another one of the store's specialties.
PEARLY WHITES Though pearls are generally white, they can come in many colors including yellow, green, purple and the ever popular black pearl. They can be freshwater or saltwater, natural or cultured. Though the cultivation process is bizarre, it produces one of the most beautiful and classic gemstones in existence. When they occur in nature it is the result of an irritant entering a bivalve mollusk, and when they are cultured, it is the result of a mother-of-pearl bead inserted into the animal, which is then covered by the same substance that creates a natural pearl. The only way to tell the difference between the two is through X-rays.
Pearls consist of several layers and therefore create the perfect metaphor for any relationship… they make ideal gifts. Ama Bella on Front Street specializes in Misaki pearls, while Joe's Jewelry International, also on Front Street, sells Yvel pearls. For white, black, Tahitian and golden pearls, go to Oro Diamanté, which sells South Sea pearl bracelets, pendants, rings and studs. Ballerina Jewelers on Front Street offers Tasaki pearls cultivated off the islands of Japan for maximum luster. In any shape or color, a pearl is one of nature's finest creations. In the depths of the ocean, they are created by an irritant and then expelled; on land, they are expelled in a different way, lovingly given and received with a warm embrace.
GREEN WITH ENVY We often hear the expression "emerald green" to express something that is radiant, lush and riddled with intensity. As a stone, the emerald comes in all shades of green — some tinted with blue, others have more clarity. Green always means go, and in St. Maarten/St. Martin, green means go emerald shopping.
Most emeralds come from the Muzo mine in Colombia, so it's no small wonder that Colombian Emeralds International on Front Street presents itself as the world's foremost emerald jeweler. The stones are incorporated into elaborate bangles, pendants and rings and are combined with other stones like sapphires, diamonds and tanzanite to create colorful pieces for all occasions. The store carries a collection named by combining the Latin words for love and gold, Amoro, which offers one-of-a-kind creations. Oro Diamanté and Caribbean Gems also offer emeralds.
TANZANITE AND TONS MORE
For those who prefer more uncommon stones, consider tanzanite. Gaining recent popularity, this stone is valued for its chameleon-like abilities to change colors with each refraction of light, appearing in various shades of blue, green and deep purple. Such versatility makes this stone a popular fashion piece and a certain conversation starter. Stores in St. Maarten/St. Martin offering tanzanite include Alpha Jewelers, Kay's Jewelers, Omni Jewelers and Zhaveri. Tanzanite International has the widest selection, featuring tanzanite earrings, bracelets, rings and loose stones.
Sapphire blue, another common color reference, is used to describe the characteristics of one of the four most valued stones. Sapphires are used for the 45th anniversary and make stunning pieces for any occasion. Most sapphires are blue and can be found all across the island at various jewelers. Those that are not blue are deemed "fancy sapphires." One alternate color that this exquisite stone can be found in is pink. For pink sapphires, go to Trident Jewelers. They also sell canary diamonds and specialize in diamond jewelry of all kinds.
Majesty Jewelers offers even more rare stones such as Australian opal and mother-of-pearl, and another chameleon-like gemstone, alexandrite.
WATCH THE TIME
A good watch can not only tell time, it can stand the test of it as well. Watches have always been a mark of individuality, class and distinction, and today's watches are no different. A price tag cannot serve as the judge of quality — here it's all about craftsmanship, skilled workers creating pieces of art that are truly timeless.
Most of the intricate detail that goes into the finest watches is modeled after aircraft. This indicates precision and exactness, and any good watchmaker has this down to a science. What makes a luxury timepiece is not the thousand dollars worth of jewels on the outside, it is the infrastructure that binds the watch together and to its wearer. Handmade pieces take time and are durable — some can go underwater and others can go into space. Whatever your needs may be, St. Maarten/St. Martin is bound to have a watch wound for you.
Boolchand's on Front Street sells Movado, featuring the new sporty yet elegant Series 800 line, perfect for any outdoor adventure you may have planned. The store also specializes in electronic goods such as Fuji, Olympus and Nikon cameras. Also offering Movado watches is Caribbean Gems, which sells another Swiss favorite, Raymond Weil.
Joe's Jewelry International sells Bulgari, Tissot, Philip Stein and Dubey & Schaldenbrand watches.
Citizen Eco-Drive watches have built-in solar panels so as not to waste energy and can be found at Kay's. The jeweler also offers luxury Swiss timepieces such as Roger Dubuis and Maurice Lacroix.
For the foremost in Swiss timepieces, visit Little Switzerland on Front Street. "Swiss made" watches are quality watches; they are accurate, reliable, water- and shock-resistant. Little Switzerland carries Cartier, Citizen, TAG Heuer, Omega and Raymond Weil watches.
For other fine Swiss pieces, go to Shiva's Gold and Gems, which carries Blancpain, Glaschutte, Franck Muller and Roger Dubuis.
SINFUL WINES AND SARONGS THAT ARE SO RIGHT
To take an alcoholic taste of the island home with you, aim for the rums that St. Maarten/St. Martin is famous for. Guavaberry on Front Street offers vintage rums, and the Guavaberry Island Folk Liqueur that can be used in beverages and even for cooking. If you'd like to lay beneath the stars with a bottle of champagne or a warming red wine, simple pass by Vinissimo Boutique or Bacchus Boutique to pick up some fine French wine, Champagne, Cognac or Armagnac. Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco offers such brands as Dom Perignon, Moët & Chandon and Krug.
For a little island spice, visit Lord and Hunter or the Cabana Store; both offer gourmet West Indian condiments as well as books, magazines and souvenirs. Shipwreck Shops on Front Street can be visited for Antilles Spice Clipper condiments, spices, cookies, hot sauces and Caribbean cookbooks.
Cookbooks are helpful when it comes to baking, but if your skin is what you would like to lightly brown, you'll need to be outfitted in the latest in resort and island wear. Rima Beach World on Nisbeth Road is the largest resort wear outlet on the island, featuring pareos, shawls, children's clothing, beach bags and more. Endless Summer on Front Street carries such designer swimwear brands as Diva, Ralph Lauren, Anne Klein and Sunflair. America's Cup 12 Metre Challenge Boutique caters to the sailors and boat lovers who want memorabilia to commemorate the race, while Boardwalk offers breezy dresses, Pirana Joe Resorts clothing, and bags and accessories.
If you're planning on going out for a night on the town, you will need to accessorize. 5th Avenue on Front Street carries a wide selection of designer purses, accessories, wallets and designer sunglasses for the day after. MCM on Airport Road carries its own brand of beautiful designer purses, handbags, wallets, luggage and accessories.
GALLERIES GALORE St. Maarten/St. Martin is home to hundreds of immensely talented artists, and the streets are dotted with galleries large and small. Most artwork is so intense, and so indicative of island culture that few can resist the urge to take a piece home, hanging a portrait of the vast ocean on an otherwise bland wall. The Roland Richardson Gallery in Marigot offers original artwork and prints from the man named "Father of Caribbean Impressionism." Located on Old Street in Phil, the more commercially famous Nick Maley's Island Arts of the YodaGuy gallery allows Star Wars fans worldwide the ability to own an original piece of the movie. A key contributor to the crafting of the original Yoda character, Maley sells rare movie memorabilia including lithographs, as well as his own paintings.
FRENCH SCENTS
Were it not for French perfection of scents from Chanel, Guerlain, Lanvin, Nina Ricci and Yves Saint Laurent, the world would be rolling in fields of lavender or we would be stuffing our clothes with flower petals in an effort to smell, well, different. Thanks to these French fashion houses, we have the perfect blend of jasmine, rose and oranges from Provence, a region most specifically famous for distilling its natural abundance of lavender, wild flowers and herbs. Whatever region they are from, French perfumes tend to be higher in concentration, yielding smaller bottles and less of a necessity to use fine scents as an entire body splash. The scent is strong, the use is subtle.
A scent should reflect a persona, and perfumes smell different on every skin. When picking a scent, keep in mind that it should make a delicate statement as subtle as the island breeze. St.Maarten/St. Martin is a mecca for lovely fragrances, after all, half of the island is French! Your favorite perfumes, and even ones you haven't discovered yet, are all available at prices you'll love.
Le West Indies shopping mall in Marigot has 22 boutiques, including Lacoste and Escada Children's Wear. Vanity First is also located in Le West Indies, specializing in duty-free perfumes, makeup and skincare. There is an in-house spa and Vanity Fair features Eau de St. Martin, a native fragrance with hints of guavaberry. Other brands offered include Estée Lauder and Bulgari. Friendly Island Pharmacy offers fragrances, European and U.S. beauty products and hair and nail care products. Simpson Bay Pharmacy on Welfare Road offers products from France, Holland and the United States.
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.
Get your own emerald! Emeralds...these bewitching green beauties are said to soothe soul and sharpen intelligence and wit. Eastern legends say emeralds can change color if the wearer is unfaithful. When shopping for emeralds, refer to the experts for advise on purchasing and special care in cleaning emerald jewelry. Inclusions on emeralds are common and only the truly finest are transparent. Emerald is the birthstone of May and the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 55th year of marriage. The world's finest come from Colombia. Find these magnificent stones at Colombian Emeralds.
Shipwreck Shops
Stores in key locations island-wide. Get your vacation essentials here; best selling books, souvenirs, Antilles Spice Clipper line of sauces, Heineken Regatta 2007 Collection and cool linen West Indies resort wear by Aussie designer Kim Van Loo exclusively sold here. Buy online now!
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Zee Best Breakfast! Voted best breakfast on the island. Authentic, fresh-baked French pastries, light-as-air crepes and scrumptious lunches. Open daily in two locations; Simpson Bay and Marina Port-de-Plaisance with a lovely view of the marina. 
The island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is world-renowned for its balmy beaches, sizzling sunny climate, indigenous island culture and culinary craftsmanship. 
We've all heard the buzz about diamonds for years: Diamonds are forever, diamonds are a girl's best friend… and luckily for vacationers on a shopping spree, diamonds are St. Maarten/St. Martin. Most popular for engagements and weddings, nothing says "I love you" as continuously as a high-quality, brilliant diamond. On St. Maarten/St. Martin, these stones are everywhere, both loose and set, and in virtually every color you can imagine. You are most likely to find the diamond of your dreams on Front Street, which is lined with jewelers all specializing in the coveted stone.
Joe's Diamonds and Diamonds features "Isee2" label diamonds, which guarantees top quality from the selection process all the way to craftsmanship. The store also carries jewelry by Roberto Coin.
Though pearls are generally white, they can come in many colors including yellow, green, purple and the ever popular black pearl. They can be freshwater or saltwater, natural or cultured. Though the cultivation process is bizarre, it produces one of the most beautiful and classic gemstones in existence. When they occur in nature it is the result of an irritant entering a bivalve mollusk, and when they are cultured, it is the result of a mother-of-pearl bead inserted into the animal, which is then covered by the same substance that creates a natural pearl. The only way to tell the difference between the two is through X-rays. 
We often hear the expression "emerald green" to express something that is radiant, lush and riddled with intensity. As a stone, the emerald comes in all shades of green — some tinted with blue, others have more clarity. Green always means go, and in St. Maarten/St. Martin, green means go emerald shopping. 
Sapphire blue, another common color reference, is used to describe the characteristics of one of the four most valued stones. Sapphires are used for the 45th anniversary and make stunning pieces for any occasion. Most sapphires are blue and can be found all across the island at various jewelers. Those that are not blue are deemed "fancy sapphires." One alternate color that this exquisite stone can be found in is pink. For pink sapphires, go to Trident Jewelers. They also sell canary diamonds and specialize in diamond jewelry of all kinds. 
Most of the intricate detail that goes into the finest watches is modeled after aircraft. This indicates precision and exactness, and any good watchmaker has this down to a science. What makes a luxury timepiece is not the thousand dollars worth of jewels on the outside, it is the infrastructure that binds the watch together and to its wearer. Handmade pieces take time and are durable — some can go underwater and others can go into space. Whatever your needs may be, St. Maarten/St. Martin is bound to have a watch wound for you.
For a little island spice, visit Lord and Hunter or the Cabana Store; both offer gourmet West Indian condiments as well as books, magazines and souvenirs. Shipwreck Shops on Front Street can be visited for Antilles Spice Clipper condiments, spices, cookies, hot sauces and Caribbean cookbooks. 
St. Maarten/St. Martin is home to hundreds of immensely talented artists, and the streets are dotted with galleries large and small. Most artwork is so intense, and so indicative of island culture that few can resist the urge to take a piece home, hanging a portrait of the vast ocean on an otherwise bland wall. The Roland Richardson Gallery in Marigot offers original artwork and prints from the man named "Father of Caribbean Impressionism." Located on Old Street in Phil, the more commercially famous Nick Maley's Island Arts of the YodaGuy gallery allows Star Wars fans worldwide the ability to own an original piece of the movie. A key contributor to the crafting of the original Yoda character, Maley sells rare movie memorabilia including lithographs, as well as his own paintings.
A scent should reflect a persona, and perfumes smell different on every skin. When picking a scent, keep in mind that it should make a delicate statement as subtle as the island breeze. St.Maarten/St. Martin is a mecca for lovely fragrances, after all, half of the island is French! Your favorite perfumes, and even ones you haven't discovered yet, are all available at prices you'll love. 
Get your own emerald! Emeralds...these bewitching green beauties are said to soothe soul and sharpen intelligence and wit. Eastern legends say emeralds can change color if the wearer is unfaithful. When shopping for emeralds, refer to the experts for advise on purchasing and special care in cleaning emerald jewelry. Inclusions on emeralds are common and only the truly finest are transparent. Emerald is the birthstone of May and the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 55th year of marriage. The world's finest come from Colombia. Find these magnificent stones at Colombian Emeralds. 
Stores in key locations island-wide. Get your vacation essentials here; best selling books, souvenirs, Antilles Spice Clipper line of sauces, Heineken Regatta 2007 Collection and cool linen West Indies resort wear by Aussie designer Kim Van Loo exclusively sold here. Buy online now! 
