Wedding Bliss
By: Rebecca Brooks
St. Maarten in the Caribbean is a breathtaking destination for weddings, honeymoons, and bachelorette parties. With a unique blend of a Dutch and French side, St. Maarten encompasses a variety of gorgeous beaches, luxury and local cuisine, chic hotels, and an array of exciting activities to enjoy. This island is one for exploration, and a perfect place to island hop to the various surrounding islands such as St. Bart’s, Saba, and Anguilla that are only minutes away by flight. Dive into the culture here, and learn more about all that St. Maarten has to offer below!
Where to Stay?
JW Marriot St. Maarten, set on the beachfront of the Dutch side’s Dawn Beach, is a luxurious resort hotel with glamorous deluxe suites and breathtaking views of the ocean. The ambience here is elegant, with 10,000 square feet of interchangeable wedding venues. For weddings of grandeur, consider the Ballroom, with air walls that can be maneuvered to accommodate up to 900 guests. Take a chef-led cooking class with your party and learn how to craft culinary and mixology delicacies of St. Maarten. Visit Breeze, a poolside bar perfect for sunset cocktails. Order drinks from a cabana or lounge chair and enjoy the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Note: If you squint in the distance, you can see the neighboring islands of St. Bart’s and Saba. The JW is perfect for honeymoons, and minutes from the French side of this one-of-a-kind island.
Liguria, a sophisticated, fine dining restaurant offering fresh coastal Mediterranean dishes, paired nicely with elegant wines. Consider dinner on the patio with your wedding guests, beneath gorgeous twinkling lights, and evening views of Dawn Beach.
The Morgan Resort and Spa is just five minutes from the airport, and steps from Maho Beach. You can walk down to the edge of the beach, and watch the plane take off overhead – an exciting tradition for St. Maarten visitors. The Morgan is great for bachelorette parties, with a stunning infinity pool overlooking the ocean. For your stay, we recommend one of the top floor suites, featuring spacious rooms, and luxury décor. SALT is the perfect spot to dine poolside, an open patio space set on the edge of the infinity pool, offering authentic Caribbean dishes made with locally fresh ingredients, and large portions. The ambiance here is vibrant, with live music during dinner.
Places to Eat:
Kalatua Beach Restaurant, set on gorgeous Mullet Bay Beach, is a chic Caribbean restaurant serving authentic Mediterranean dishes on the patio or cabana side. Surrounded by palm trees and rich in bamboo styled décor, this is an excellent place to lounge with your bachelorette party for cocktails before the big day.
Mario’s Bistrot, set at the Cliff in Cupecoy, is an excellent place for an upscale, fine dining experience. Enjoy Caribbean dishes infused with rich French flavors in an elegant ambience perfect for rehearsal or reception dinners with views overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
L’Atelier, located on the French side of the island, is the picture of authentic, exquisite French cuisine. Head Chef Alexandre creates a special experience in greeting every table and performing a menu exploration of each dish. The ambience is romantic, and cozy, with the sense of a home-cooked meal at a family dining table.
Activities:
We Culture Museum, a one-of-a-kind island experience, encompasses historical designs and costumes of the Caribbean Carnival. Take a tour of exquisite pieces or indulge in a class on how to design your own wire bra for costumes with a bridal party. The establishment can also be rented out by wedding parties for an exciting celebration, featuring an indoor swimming pool and winged waterfall.
Aquamania Adventures, a local shop offering private charters, day trips to the neighboring islands of Anguilla, St. Bart’s, and Saba, and a unique underwater diving museum experience. For the adventurous types, Aquamania offers the chance to wed underwater with the fish and snorkel museum filled with influential St. Maarten citizens. Consider renting a private charter to sail the open seas for ceremony, rehearsal dinner, or after-party celebration.
Phillipsburg is a must see in St. Maarten. Known as the capital city of the Dutch side of the island, Phillipsburg is a vibrant blend of restaurants, shops, and local homes. Great Bay Beach is in visible sight of the city. Shop luxury brands, or local vendors in this charming atmosphere.
Saba, a picturesque island only a twelve-minute flight from St. Maarten. Solar powered and primarily known for hiking and diving, Saba is special in its small community and rich island history. Surrounding the island are adopt a box stations, showcasing details of the history and culture of the island. This is a perfect getaway for couples looking to honeymoon in a private, stunning mountain range with exquisite views of the ocean surrounding the tiny island.
Bizzy B: A local, family-owned breakfast hub for Saba, this charming café filled with delicious pastries and breakfast sandwiches sits near the epicenter of the city near the market and tourism board.
Windward Side encapsulates the beauty of the island as you travel through the winding lanes overlooking the sea, red-roofed houses, and mountain views. Visit the Saba Museum, a historic cottage featuring gorgeous art pieces, and the décor of the original 19th-century owners. Fly to Saba for your ceremony in the Saba Museum yard, with a gazebo, brilliant sunflowers, and a park with adorable bunnies.
Mas Cahones: Mas Cahones Hill is the perfect hiking trail for wedding couples and parties looking to sight-see the entire island from a high vantage point. Explore and dive into the beautiful scenery of the mountain trees. You might even catch a glimpse of local animals.
Jobean Glass Art is a local shop known for its unique, individually flamed glass art and jewelry. Take a glass art class and workshop here with your guests, bridal party, or fiancé to learn how to create your own beads from scratch under the guidance of the dazzling JoBean herself.
