St. Martin Heineken Regatta

Breathtaking, romantic, soothing, serene, relaxing…

These are the words that come to mind at the mention of Sint Maarten (pronounced Cint Marteen). If you’re looking for an ocean-side paradise with stunning views, rich culture, fabulous weather and incredible food, you’ve found it. With miles of glistening beaches and warm, crystal clear, turquoise water, Sint Maarten is a spectacle of its own.

If you’re a history buff, marvel at the colonial architecture as you saunter along the cobblestone streets or take in the stone forts that guard the coastline and enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sun arc across the sky.

If you’re an adventurer, you have unlimited options to explore from scuba diving and surfing to wakeboarding, 4-wheeling, hiking and zip-lining across the majestic landside. You can charter a boat and go marlin fishing or grab a glass-bottomed kayak and spend an afternoon swimming and watch tropical fish. St Maarten is a watersports aficionado’s heaven with hundreds of possible activities including jet-skiing, kayaking, fishing, hang-gliding, and kite-boarding.

Or perhaps, you’re more of a sailor and prefer the adrenaline rush of cresting over giant waves, the gale at your back, the spray of the waves, warm water lapping at your cheeks. If that’s the case, you won’t want to miss the 36th Heineken Regatta, taking place next month, March 3rd to 6th. This spectacular event combines sailboat racing with intense celebration and is considered by many the largest regatta in the Caribbean.

So far there are some 120 boats registered with over 2000 sailors competing across four courses. According to the event director, registration will continue until just before the races and they expect a showing of some 200 boats in all. Last year, the event attracted captains from some 36 different countries and was incredible, this year will be absolutely amazing.

If you have a boat and you want to get in on the action, it’s not too late. If you can’t bring your boat in time, don’t fret, there’s still chance to register as part of the crew of a head boat. This late in the game you probably won’t get a spot on Scarlet Oyster, last year’s Regatta class winner, but there are many more options. For more info on getting into a head boat, check out http://www.heinekenregatta.com/boats_for_charter.php

Equally as exciting as the racing itself are the parties afterward. Well known for their excesses, and lasting well into the night, the parties include nightly concerts with many thousands of people. Past acts have included the super-popular hit band, the Black Eyed Peas. In fact, last year, Kool and the Gang showed up and upstaged everyone.

This beautiful island paradise is actually a merger of two distinct cultures, the Dutch colony Sint Maarten, inhabiting one half of the island and the French colony, Saint Martin, along with the other, both of which share a rich history in their fight for control of the island. Nowadays, visitors can enjoy the merge of French, Dutch and Caribbean culture, music and food – in fact, some say it is the culinary capital of the Caribbean – a place for gourmets to satiate their palates with a fusion of the Caribbean and European flavors.

This incredible island also has several Vegas-style casinos and there are hundreds of restaurants, clubs, and discos to get your groove on and there are several boutique malls for high-end shopping and duty-free merchandise. Whether you’re coming to relax or explore or be to be adventurous or to enjoy the Regatta and its parties, St Maarten is where you want to be. It’s unimaginable. It’s paradise.

If you haven’t already booked a place to stay this year, don’t worry – we still have a few fabulous villas available. Remember that Key Caribe is your first-class travel team. When you call us, our professional travel planner will work with you to choose all the options that suit your needs. She’ll dedicate an expert concierge to you so that when you arrive at the island, a friendly face will be waiting to pick you up from the airport and stay close throughout your entire trip. You won’t need to lift a finger…