On this most diverse Caribbean island you have incredible variety of things to do and to see. Among first, many find ” Butterfly Farm”…
On this most diverse Caribbean island you have incredible variety of things to do and to see.
BUTTERFLY FARM
Among first, many find ” Butterfly Farm” breathtaking experience. Imagin walking throught a miniature tropical forest filled with flowers, trees, ponds a miniature waterfall and softly filtered sunlight and all around you in their on natural paradise . Hundriseds of beautifull butterflies fly freely it might stop to rest on you it is surely wonerfull experiance. If like to get up early, every morning visitors can witness miracle of nature, transformation from cocoon in to the butterfly .
Nature lovers and the generally curious should schedule a visit to the must-see Butterfly Farm, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, on the Route du Galion.
Under a 900m² greenhouse, hundreds of butterflies from all four corners of the world, in all shapes and colours, flutter and dance in a stunning tropical garden complete with small waterfall and pools filled with Japanese fish. Relaxing music and a soothing atmosphere are the backdrop to this insight into the amazing metamorphosis of butterflies, from microscopic eggs to exotic caterpillars and pupae.
The farm’s creators work alongside scientists to save endangered species. Outside, the shop offers a range of souvenirs.
Open 7 days a week, from 9am to 3:30pm. The Butterfly Farm – Route du Galion – 0590 87 31 21
LOTERIE FARM
Loterie Farm”perfect place for people of all age and to escape from reality. Located halfway up the road to Pic du Paradis (is the highest point in a chain of hills on the Island with an elevation of 424 m) and its a peaceful private nature preserve .
A former sugar plantation that was constructed in 1773 and ceased activity in 1855, its last owner was Georges Dormoy, first mayor of Saint Martin from 1838-1866. Today, the smells, noises and coolness of Loterie Farm provides a striking contrast with the rest of the island. The Farm is a real tropical gem, where plant and animal species are identified and carefully protected.
There are several hiking paths and map provided so you can take a walk through forest and explore on your own or hire a guide. Marked trails traverse native forest with tamarind, gum, mango, and mahogany trees and at the end of path is your reward – most magnificent view of the whole island. Eventually if you prefer not to walk back same way you can choose a zip line that will give you proper adrenalin rush and amazing video to show your friends. A delicious and healty food can be found all of three restaurants located there.
The recently opened up “L’eau lounge cabana club & piscine de source” promises to be an exceptional swimming experience.
For some years now, this unique venue has offered a zip-linning forest adventure course for the young and old alike. The Hidden Forest Café and Tree Lounge will cater for your refreshment and snack needs. The Tree Lounge offers a selection of tapas and fast food dishes from noon onwards. Or why not sip a cocktail as you take in the exceptional views over Pic Paradis?
In April 2011, Loterie Farm has opened “L’eaulounge cabana club & piscine de source”. L’eaulounge, it’s a free form multi-level swimming areas connected by cascades and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and only 11 chic & stylishly designed cabanas for rent on a daily basis. Each cabana can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Information and opening hours : 0590 87 86 16
PHILIPSBURG
When the first Dutch settlers arrived in 1631, the sandy strip separating Great Bay from Great Salt Pond was chosen as the site for the construction of a village. Originally built on the west end of the strip at the foot of Fort Amsterdam, the village spread gradually eastward. John Philips, a Scottish settler, developed the town between 1735 and 1746. The advent of the sugar factories on the island generated considerable economic growth and an influx of immigrants, and it became necessary to set up government services. John Philips was appointed commander of the island and encouraged the modernisation of sugar cane, coffee and cotton harvesting techniques. The sheltered bay facing the town was ideal for exporting agricultural produce and salt. The name Philipsburg appears for the first time in 1738, although Philips was not the town’s founder. Present-day Philipsburg now extends the whole way along the sandy strip and welcomes over a million cruise ship passengers each year.
Jewellery and souvenir stalls line the main street. A promenade has been developed along the waterfront and is lined with a vast range of restaurants and bars. There’s never a dull moment in this part of town.
FORT AMSTERDAM
Fort Amsterdam was the first fort to be built by Dutch settlers in the Caribbean, in 1631.
The Spaniards seized the fort two years later and chose to enlarge it and strengthen its defences in order to protect the sea route to the Greater Antilles and Puerto Rico and to control access to Great Bay, opposite Philipsburg. In 1644, Peter Stuyvesant, founder of New York, then New Netherland, lost a leg in an attempt to recapture the fort for the Dutch. When the Spanish abandoned the island in 1648, the fort was destroyed.
Ruins and foundations have been uncovered in recent archaeological digs.
THE TIJON PARFUMERIE
The Tijon Parfumerie in Grand Case, St. Martin offers visitors and locals alike two unique island opportunities.
Products made in St. Martin, including eighteen fine perfumes and colognes known as “The Fragrances of the French Caribbean.” Also offered are sunscreens, lotions and cosmetics, all made in the on-site lab at Tijon.
Inspired by the verdant natural Caribbean, Tijon’s scents and skin-care products combine fragrant oils distilled from locally cultivated exotic flowers such as jasmine, gardenia and frangipani and botanical extracts such as aloe vera, polypodium papaya and rosemary with the world’s finest perfume oils. The result is Tijon’s acclaimed collection of fragrances and exceptional anti-aging skin and sun care products.
To “make your own perfume or cologne.”Tijon is likely the only place in the world where guests can choose from over 300 oils in creating their own fragrance.
There is a 3 hour class costing 99 euros and a 60+ minute experience costing 69 euros. In each setting you leave with your own bottle of perfume or cologne along with a gift bag that is almost worth the cost of the experience itself. Sounds daunting, but Tijon makes it easy, with the hardest task for most coming up with a name for their perfume or cologne. It is highly rated on Tripadvisor and yes, even men having fun making nice colognes.
Whether you purchase a Tijon product or “make your own,” it serves as a wonderful memory of French St. Martin.
Tijon is located in Grand Case on the corner of the French airport road and the beach road. Showroom hours can vary but are generally Monday-Friday from 9:30 am – 1pm and most weekday evenings from 5pm to 8pm, and other times by appointment. For more information, call 0690 22 7
