Once in a while Visit St. Maarten / St. Martin interviews visitors on their experiences on and off island. In case of visitor Valérie (29) “off island” even became “island hopping” – exploring the Caribbean islands on the horizon too.
She lives in Amsterdam, where she works as a nurse at a rehabilitation center for people with spinal cord injuries. Caring for others is something that naturally drives her. “Being there for others is one of the things I really enjoy,” she says. That motivation extends beyond her job: alongside her work, she volunteers with an elderly woman, helping her organize her administration and household. For Valérie, even small gestures can have a big impact. As she puts it: “What may mean nothing to you can mean the world to someone else.”
She draws inspiration from working with people, too. “There are different people I’ve met along the way,” she says, “and from each of them I take a little piece with me.”
Creative & Curious
Curiosity also shapes the way she lives her life. She loves traveling and discovering new countries and cultures, something she hopes to keep doing for a long time. “With my curiosity, that will probably work out,” she laughs.
At the same time, Valérie has a creative side that many people may not immediately expect. She loves turning nothing into something and has taught herself a variety of crafts through pure trial and error. Jewelry making, crocheting, candle making, and learning to use a sewing machine are just a few of the things she has explored.
Music and dancing are never far away either. “Anything with a bit of a beat, I can dance to,” she says, though reggae, R&B, and indie or surf rock are her favorites. “Those genres always put a smile on my face.”
Finding Peace by the Sea
How did curiosity and creativity find a home on her dual nation island vacation? During her time on St. Maarten, Valérie discovered several places that left a lasting impression on her. One of them is a quiet spot near Sunset Café, at the side close to the restricted area. The calm she experienced there still stays with her. “Sitting on a chair, staring out at the blue sea, not thinking about anything and just becoming completely zen,” she recalls. Now that she is back in the busy rhythm of the Netherlands, it is a moment she often thinks about.
For beach lovers like Valérie, choosing a favorite is difficult on an island with so many beautiful stretches of sand. Still, a few stand out.
Little Bay Beach quickly became one of her favorites, especially for sunset. “The sun setting behind the hill is beautiful, and you can see the enormous cruise ships passing by. It remains impressive.”
Orient Bay Beach offered another kind of experience: calm water perfect for floating and relaxing. She also enjoyed venturing beyond the island itself.
Anguilla, she says, was wonderful for snorkeling, with plenty of space to explore underwater.
Flavors and Experiences
Good food and memorable views also played a role in her island experience. One restaurant she recommends without hesitation is Sunset Café at
Grand Case Beach Club in
Grand Case. “The view was phenomenal and the food was delicious.” She also fondly remembers lunch at Coco Beach, where she enjoyed a shared dining concept that turned the meal into a relaxed and flavorful afternoon.
Afterward, guests could stroll along the beach or dive into the clear blue water.
Some experiences on St. Maarten simply cannot be missed, according to Valérie.
Watching the planes descend over Maho Beach is one of them. Seeing aircraft fly so low overhead is both impressive and a little thrilling. “You do have to watch out for the sandstorm when a plane takes off,” she says with a smile, remembering how she and her companions took shelter behind their car.
For those interested in the island’s heritage, she recommends visiting the
National Heritage Foundation Museum, where visitors can learn a great deal about the history and culture of St. Maarten.
The Warmth of the Island
What struck Valérie most about the island wasn’t only the landscapes or the
beaches, but the
people. “The friendliness and warm welcome,” she says, are what truly define St. Maarten. Visitors are made to feel at home, and there is always someone willing to help.
That relaxed atmosphere was a refreshing contrast to daily life in the Netherlands. “In the Netherlands it’s normal to be rushed and always busy,” she explains. On St. Maarten, things felt different. The slower pace made her vacation feel peaceful and restorative—nothing was mandatory, everything was simply about enjoying the moment.
When it came to drinks, Valérie discovered a tropical favorite: the Guavaberry Sunrise. She tried it at Layback Beach Bar & Grill on
Walter Plantz Square and describes it as perfectly suited for the island climate—tropical, not too strong, and ideal under the sun. “I’ve only had it once,” she admits, “but it was delicious.” The bar also served a memorable iced coffee.
Evenings, Events, and Island Discoveries
One of her favorite
island events was the evening market “Mardis de Grand Case” or Grand Case Tuesdays. The lively atmosphere combined local entrepreneurs selling jewelry and handmade items with food stands, music, and a strong sense of togetherness.
Another memorable moment came from the water. During a boat trip back from
St. Barths at night, she saw St. Maarten illuminated in the distance. “All the lights and the silhouette of the island—it was beautiful to see.”
Valérie encourages visitors to explore beyond St. Maarten as well. Nearby islands offer entirely different experiences. Anguilla is perfect for snorkeling or simply floating in the water, while St. Barth offers a more luxurious atmosphere alongside stunning nature. “If you go to St. Barth,” she advises, “rent a car.”
Small Discoveries and Simple Joys
Sometimes, the most unexpected places leave the biggest impression. On St. Barths, Valérie stumbled upon something that immediately resonated with her: a large “mini library” filled with books and small booklets near the cemetery where Johnny Hallyday is buried. Because she maintains a similar mini library in Amsterdam herself, discovering the concept on the other side of the world felt special.
When asked where she would spend another vacation on the island, Valérie imagines herself near
Philipsburg. Beach cafés, cheerful music, the sea, and the sand create what she calls “the perfect match.” No worries, just enjoying everything the island has to offer.
Ultimately, what she loved most about St. Maarten was the sense of calm and friendliness that seemed to define the island. Her favorite places to relax were often the simplest: anywhere quiet where she could spend hours gazing at the sea.
