By The Food Tease on March 7, 2022
Desiring European sophistication with a tropical postcard-worthy scenery? This is what the Caribbean island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is all about. Spoiling guests with the best attributes that both France and the Netherlands have to offer.
Considered the most cosmopolitan island on earth, Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, with only 70 km of coastline, is an incredibly petite yet magical island governed by both France (Saint Martin) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Sint Maarten). However, this small island makes up for its size by providing vacationers with its cultural mosaic made up of over 80 nationalities.
This beautiful island offers sun-seekers a plethora of sandy locales (37 beaches in total), some remote and unspoiled, others crowded and lively such as the legendary Maho Beach. Famous all over the world for its location at the end of the Princess Juliana Airportβs runway where sunbathers experience the thrill of large planes gliding directly over their heads.
The island’s crystal clear waters are treasured by water sports enthusiasts for their bevy of water activities from sailing, deep-sea diving, surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kite surfing, jet-skiing to parasailing, snorkeling, and kayaking. For those that prefer to relax while soaking up the rays and enjoying the postcard-worthy scenery, several beaches offer prime beachfront cocktail service.
Want to discover more islands during your stay? The amazing sail catamaran charters by Aqua Mania Adventures provide tailored services to Anguilla, St. Bartβs, Tintamarre, and Pinel Island. Those visiting Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, quickly discover that there is something for everyone regardless of which side of the island you visit.
Shopping: Dutch side: Philipsburg, deemed ‘the temple of shopping’ and ‘duty-free capital’
French side: Marigot, for Paris inspired haute couture
Dine like a local: A visit to the island is not complete without tasting the islandβs exquisite cuisine. Want to dine like a local? Then head to Grand Case, Marigot on the French side.
Visit a Casino: Conveniently located in Philipsburg are 12 casinos where you can try your luck at the slot machine, crap, blackjack, roulette, and many others.
Vacationers will rejoice with the best part of this dual-governed island, its epicurean tapestry of local Dutch, Creole & French cuisine. Both sides of the island have an array of restaurants to make any gastronome salivate with excitement. However, the real food-worthy gem is the Flavors Food Tour. This exciting four hour culinary road trip provides patrons with the opportunity of tasting local dishes on both the French and Dutch sides of the island. Their local hosts provide guests with interesting historical information and tasty fun facts, making this the perfect opportunity to learn about the incredible and versatile food scene on this idyllic island paradise.
Bringing style, luxury, and outstanding service to Sint Maarten, the five-star Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, located only five minutes from the Princess Juliana International Airport, embraces a contemporary Caribbean style, offering an adults-only, all-inclusive vacation experience.
Adjacent to the all-ages Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, the Ocean Point is a stunning ‘resort within a resort’ providing everything one could possibly ask for. Having both styles of resorts allows vacationers the opportunity to decide what type of holiday that they would like all the while knowing that they will be spoiled nonetheless. The Ocean Point includes 130 suites consisting of Swim Out Suites, Butler Suites, and lavish penthouses all with access to the Serenity Spa, three pools, including the signature Edge Pool with zero entry cliffside beach, four bars, and three restaurants. It also offers full access to all services and facilities at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa.
An added bonus to staying at this luxurious resort is the fact that it is located steps away from several popular beaches, shopping, and nightlife at the heart of Maho Village, including the Casino Royale, the largest gaming emporium on the island.
Flights: Direct flights from Montreal are available. The island has an international airport on the Dutch side and a regional airport on the French side. Over 20 airlines serve the island.
When to go: The island has it all, with its year-round sunshine temperature.
Aqua Mania Adventures: www.stmaarten-activities.com
Flavors Food Tour: www. flavorsfoodtours.com
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort: www.sonesta.com/sx/maho-bay/sonesta-ocean-point-resort-st-maarten.com
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa: www.sonesta.com/sx/maho-bay/sonesta-maho-beach-resort-casino-spa-st-maarten.com
**This article was first published in the Ottawa Wedding Magazine and was given permission to post on the authorβs site.
Chocolate lovers in the know can't seem to get enough of the decadence that @hummingbirdchocolate provides in ALL of their sweet treatsπππ«
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And if this is news to you, then you can read about my chocolatey sweet experience in the latest edition of @fiftyfivepluslifestylemagazine
Your sweet tooth will thank me ππ
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At their new Hummingbird Chocolate location (476 Ottawa St. Almonte), you can now reserve a private tour and see how all that chocolate yumminess comes together. During my visit, I had a real 'I Love Lucy' moment when I had the privilege of working on the chocolate covered caramel assembly line....And yes, I ate many caramel treats for 'quality control' measuresπππ¬π¬
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Hurry and get your Easter treats!!π°π«π¬
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Mar 24
Want a game changer for your pizza indulgence? Then you definitely NEED to try the PINSA dough at @joesitalkitchen π π
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Aside from the delicious and dinstinct flavour that the Pinsa crust hasππ, it also delivers on these health benefits when compared to the classic pizza dough?
β
οΈ 100% less cholesterol
β
οΈ 85% less fat
β
οΈ 40% less sugar
β
οΈ 40% less calories
β
οΈ 33% less carbohydrates
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And the bonus....you can eat more without feeling sluggish, as it's easier to digest and you won't feel guilty for having eaten it all!! π
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It's time to treat yourself to a new pizza experienceπ
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Mar 8
Warm weather, cold weather... anytime to celebrate some Winterlude activities is an enjoyable time βοΈβοΈ
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What could be more fun than to be warmed up by a cute fire area, as you indulge on some tasty libations and nibbles, at the beautiful ice bar that @rabbitholeott has creatively set-up for their guests to enjoy?!
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I had the yummy pleasure of tasting their Mexican hot chocolate with @patron tequilaπ₯π₯π And, if that wasn't enough, I thoroughly enjoyed their VERY addictive Mac and Cheese bites!!ππ
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Go out and enjoy some #winterlude activities and stop at the icebar for some fun!ππ₯π₯π
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Feb 9
I had the pleasure of spending time yesterday with John Diep, Chef and owner of @shinkasushibar
I was mesmerized as he assembled a truly beautiful and ever so flavourful Omakase sushi box (chefs choice). Sushi lovers, you need to check them out!!πππ£
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I was in food heaven indulging in some lobster tempura, wrapped in a soybean sheet...it doesn't get better than this! So creative!!
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Watching Chef Diep create and assemble my Omakase sushi was like watching an artist paint, except I had the pleasure of eating his outstanding creativity!!ππ
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The edible art that leaves you wanting for more. My Omakase sushi consisted of an assortment of fish and ingredients that I had never tried before, and I'm so glad that I have now. I'm am talking about; soybean sheet encasing the lobster tempura (think of a tasty crepe), Kama toro sashimi (neck part of tuna, melt in your mouth), blue fin tuna, Hamachi topped with jalapeΓ±o (yellowtail), golden thread fin sashimi, chutoro nigiri (fatty tuna) topped with sturgeon caviar from Poland...to name just a few. And those beautiful flowers that you see, they are all edible, shipped straight from Japanπ± πΊπ£π―π΅ππ
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β³οΈβ³οΈShinka's community delivery service now provides sushi lovers who live outside the city, a delicious opportunity to enjoy their offerings!! Now that's service!!β³οΈβ³οΈ
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Check them out. You won't be disappointedπ€©
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Jan 29
Happy Lunar New Year 2023, year of the π ππ
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What better way to ring in the new year than to gather with friends and like-minded food lovers. Here's to a new year of luck, prosperity, and good fortune!!π°π§§
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I absolutely love to eat at #yangtze on Somerset, and without fail, every time, their dishes are spot on! This was the perfect place to celebrate!!ππ
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Everything from their shrimp and pork shumais, stuffed eggplant, fried shrimp rolls, and pork dumplings and fried noodles with a side of garlic bok choy was absolutely tasty!!
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All the best to those that celebrateππ°π§§
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Jan 22
Being one with nature in @discoverdominica π΄π΄π§π₯
Who loves hot springs? I know I do, as they are incredibly relaxing and therapeuticπ₯π
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Relaxing in one of Wotten Waven's well-known natural hot sulfur springs, which are believed to have medicinal qualities, was incredible!! The hot sulphuric water is mixed with river water, so it's not only tolerable but that it doesn't burn the skin. Complete relaxation!!
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When traveling to new destinations, I try to immerse myself in cultural experiences, and this hot sulfur dip in Dominica was a mustππ€©
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Jan 12
A new year, a new start, so let's do it with some fun! πΆπ
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Toronto's @lulalounge
provided the energetic vibe that I was seeking!!ππ₯πΎ
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Live latin music and delicious dishes made for a fun evening out. Everything from their corn bisque, shrimp stuffed avocado, to their uber flavourful truffle butter steak and chocolate lava cake was deliciousπ And ofcourse, their mojitos were off the chart!! π π
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Looking forward to more evenings and getaways to relax and let loose!ππΊπΆ
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Here's to a new year with new adventures!π
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Jan 4
My first-hand experiences confirm that Dominica is truly the ULTIMATE nature island π π Special thanks to @discoverdominica @wanderlustcaribbean @junglebaydominica @coulibri_ridge for such an incredible adventure!!π
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Dec 31
'Tis the season to be merry and festiveπΎπ₯
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I just had to try @moetchandon Ice Champagne, and it's ABSOLUTELY delicious π π
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Who would have thought, a Champagne drink created to be served on ice would taste so divine!! Love it!!
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Merry Christmas to all my food loving friends!!ππ
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Dec 25
There's nothing better than impromptu dinner plans, especially when it involves @matiottawa
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How can you go wrong with lobster tacos, PEI oysters, tuna crudo, salmon tartar rolls, and garlic gnocchi to their ridiculously tasty grilled steak?!πππ₯©
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A much needed and long overdue visit at Mati. And without fail, they still managed to 'wow' me with their outstanding dishes and warm hospitality!π
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Two things that are key for a successful establishment: Delicious food β
οΈ paired with optimal service β
οΈ and Mati fits the bill on that and then some!!
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Go and treat yourself and thank me laterπ
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Dec 24
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