Island Bliss
Prepare yourself to nourish, move, and rejuvenate amid the azure seas, balmy breezes, and lush landscapes.
Written by Daniella De Windt
Whether sunbathing on one of the island’s pristine beaches, swimming in its turquoise waters, reading a book on your hotel balcony, or sipping a cocktail by the pool, you are bound to relax and unwind from life’s hustle and bustle. But why stop there? St. Maarten/St. Martin offers countless other activities to nourish, move, and rejuvenate your body and mind during your vacation.
Nourish
With hundreds of amazing restaurants on both sides of the island, St. Maarten/St. Martin sure lives up to its reputation as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. From local barbecue dishes and fine French cuisine to Asian and Italian specialties, there are enough options to indulge in during your stay.
But sometimes, our bodies crave more nourishment. Fortunately, St. Maarten/St. Martin also has plenty of healthy hot spots, making it easy to fuel your body with whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables for another day of island adventures.
For those who prefer plant-based meals, a trip to the iconic Freedom Fighters Ital Shack on Bush Road is a must. Here, “ital is vital”; the Rastafarian owners of this colorful roadside restaurant, eating organic, vegan, and natural foods is essential for a good life. Every day, locals and visitors flock to the charming eatery for a deliciously balanced vegan breakfast or lunch and freshly made juices made with local ingredients, some of which are harvested right on the property.
Another popular hot spot for nourishing food and drinks is Top Carrot in Simpson Bay. Famous for its healthy and tasty breakfast and lunch dishes, many of them vegetarian; its fresh juices and smoothies; and its calming atmosphere, it is no wonder the restaurant has become a popular meeting spot for coffee catch-ups and business lunches alike. After you have refueled, you can’t miss the integrated boutique, where you can find rare health books, local soaps, energizing crystals, and eclectic jewelry.
Looking for a healthy way to balance out those holiday cocktails? On the Dutch side, look no further than Island Smoothies, a food truck located at the end of the runway in Simpson Bay. Owner Danny specializes in fresh, flavorful, and healthy smoothies that will keep you coming back for more. On the French side, head to the Exodus Juice Bar in Marigot, where the friendly staff members use local fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs to create delicious smoothie and juice combinations that showcase some of the best ingredients the Caribbean has to offer.
Move
Of course, vacationing implies relaxing, recharging, and exploring a new destination. But moving your body feels good — especially when done in paradise. Your time on our shores does not mean you have to miss your beloved workout; there are plenty of fun ways to get your move on in St. Maarten/St. Martin.
You could hit one of the island’s many gyms. The Country Club at Port de Plaisance and Belair Fitness Center offer day passes to access their world-class — and, more importantly, air-conditioned — fitness facilities.
Bored of the treadmill? Why not take your workout outside? You can reconnect with nature while breaking a sweat on the over 20 miles of hiking trails that the island has to offer, from coastal strolls to hikes in the hills, some leading to untouched beaches, others to glorious views of St. Maarten/St. Martin and other neighboring islands.
Prefer a faster pace? Why not pound the pavement with other joggers and runners? The Simpson Bay Causeway and the Boardwalk are both stunning and runner-friendly places for a jog in the fresh island breeze. Sick of running on the pavement? Simpson Bay Beach offers the perfect stretch of sand to jog beside the crystal-blue water and hop in for a rewarding dip afterward — running shoes optional.
More into finding your zen and moving with your breath? You can practice yoga under the direction of highly qualified local and international instructors in harmony with the Caribbean sun and ocean. No matter your experience, mood, or holiday schedule, there is a yoga flow and class for everyone. Many resorts and hotels offer yoga classes to their guests, but you can also roll out your mat at one of the many local studios, such as Joga or Island Rebel Yoga in Cole Bay, or practice en plein air at the Ti Temple in Grand Case.
Rejuvenate
Nothing says self-care more than treating yourself to a rejuvenating experience at one of the island’s many spas. Feel all your worries and cares melt away with an ocean-side massage or a pampering salon experience sure to bring out that vacation glow.
Step into a world of tranquility as you enter St. Maarten Nectar Wellness Spa, located within the serene Oyster Bay Beach Resort. Here, only St. Maarten Nectar’s own line of 100 percent natural products, meticulously created with plant-based ingredients, is used to provide you with an exceptional spa experience. Revel in the spa’s wide range of rejuvenation, from luxurious manicures to revitalizing facials and relaxing massages. Delight in their body treatments, such as the invigorating body polish or the detoxifying Caribbean salt detox.
With three massage rooms, a dry sauna, a facial room, a full-service nail and hair salon, and sophisticated seating areas, Blu Spa at The Morgan Resort provides the perfect peaceful retreat for all your self-care needs. Its concept is inspired by the bounty of the sea,
St. Maarten’s salt history, and Caribbean plants, meaning you’ll get to discover the therapeutic powers of Caribbean salt, botanicals, flowers, and herbs during any of the spa’s many innovative treatments.
Last but surely not least, The Spa at La Samanna is a luxurious haven of relaxation in the island’s most exclusive resort. The highly trained therapists are ready to pamper you in the warm and indulgent atmosphere of the hotel’s candlelit sanctuary, set among exotic gardens. Indulge in their signature sun preparation treatment before hitting the beach, relax with a traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, or join energy medicine specialist Christine for a Kundalini Meditation.
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