Saint Martin (Apr 2014)

Liz decided the best place for me to recuperate after my new year health scare, was on a beach in the Caribbean. Who was I to disagree? We spent the first five days with Liz, Paul, Matthew and Tom on the Dutch side of this semi-detached island. We then moved to the French side, for five days in Oyster Pond.

Fabulous holiday. Thanks Liz and Paul!

About Saint Martin

The north side of the island comprises the Collectivity of Saint Martin, an overseas territory of France. And it definitely has a laid-back French feel to it.

The southern side, Sint Maarten is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With bigger hotels and the regular arrival of cruise ships, Sint Maarten is a bit more geared up for tourists.

Dawn Beach Resort

Liz and Paul's time-share is in the Westin Dawn Beach Resort, just below Oyster Pond on the Dutch side of the island. Luxury!

Grand Carnival Parade

We were lucky enough to be on the island for the Sint Maarten Grand Carnival Parade in Philipsburg. An incredible experience - it seemed as though the whole island was involved.

Maho Beach

Maho Beach is right at the end of the runway of the island's main airport. Another unmissable experience!

Sol Hotel, Oyster Pond

Our second stop on the island was the Sol Hotel in Oyster Pond on the French side of the island. Not the luxury of the Dawn Beach, but idyllic nevertheless. Highly recommended.

Pinel Island

We spent a day on Pinel Island, a short boat-ride from the main island. Great beach, great restaurant and some good snorkelling.

Home via Paris

To be sure of getting seats, we had to leave Saint Martin a day earlier than we'd hoped, giving us a day to enjoy Paris.

Needless to say, we'd already spent a day at Charles de Gaulle on the outward journey, this time because of an unattended baggage alert. Thanks to Paul for waiting for us!