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FRIAR’S BAY
Friar’s Bay
Locals talk of a lengthy hike that begins and ends in Grand Case, a town on the French side. It’s a beautiful but confusing route, so we picked out our favorite portion, a 20-minute walk connecting Friar’s Bay and Happy Bay.
Fuel up with an espresso at Friar’s Bay Beach Café (Friar’s Bay Beach, La Savane; 011-590-690-49-16-87), then head north
to a peninsula trail that rewards you with views of bobbing sailboats. Wildlife is pretty easy to spot: You may pass cows munching on sea greens as well as pelicans, brown boobies and migrating red-billed tropical birds.
The lesser-known Happy Bay, a ring
of canvas-colored sand outlined in waxy beach plums and royal palms, is a great spot to watch the sunset, so before you make the trip, pack some provisions. Stalls
at Marigot’s Farmer’s Market (Marigot Harbor), held Wednesday and Saturday, sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to spices and passion-fruit liqueurs. Close by, La Sucrière (Front de Mer, Marigot; 011-590-590-51-13-30) has baguettes and almond- and apricot-filled pastries. Round out the picnic basket with cured meats and fromage from Simply Market (Central Marigot; no phone),
a French grocery store. You’ll also find a nice wine selection.
The Frenchman would be pleased.
STAY
RCI AFFILIATED RESORTS ON
ST. MARTIN INCLUDE:
Royal Islander Club La Plage 1380 Beachfront resort with plenty of amenities. Maho Bay
MEMBER REVIEW: “We really enjoyed the resort as well as the rest of the island.” “Clean, well-maintained resort with very helpful, friendly staff.” “The views from the room were breathtaking.”
For additional resort listings,
visit RCI.com or call 1300 368 800 AU or 0800 368 800 NZ
Additional Hiking Resources:
Joyce Tours and Services Along with private-boat excursions and town history tours, island-based trip planner Joyce Prince can set you up with hiking guides who lead everything from beach walks to advanced jungle treks. 5 Davis Dr., Middle Region; 305-831-5742; joyceprince.com
Saint Martin Trails Hiking Club This crew of passionate hikers leads weekly morning jaunts along the island’s popular paths as well as lesser- known routes. The website also outlines some favorite journeys on foot. Email in advance to reserve your spot. stmartintrails.com
30 MARCH 2015