Page 31 - untitled

PINEL ISLAND
BACK BAY
PARADISE PEAK
TRAIL MIX: (clockwise from opposite page) Take the Paradise Peak Trek and you will find the City of Marigot and other picturesque coastal towns. If you need a break from mother nature, shopping in Philipsburg could be for you. Hiking is big on St Martin, you don’t have to travel far to be rewarded with magical views and historic relics. when the sun goes down it’s time to fuel up in the bars and restaurants on some fine Caribbean fare, cold beer, hot spices and the sort of seafood you would expect from this amazing region.
Paradise Peak
At 1,391 feet, Pic Paradis, or Paradise Peak, is the highest point on St. Martin. To anyone who has hiked the Appalachians or Rockies, this trek may not look challenging, but don’t let the green hill fool you. Trailheads begin at Loterie Farm (103 Route Pic Paradis, Rambaud; 011-590-590- 87-86-16; loteriefarm.com)
the original owner acquired the land rights in a lottery—an adventure center with
zip lines, a children’s play area and three restaurants. Stop at the reception desk for a hiking map (SGD$9.50) and instructions; guided hikes are also available (SGD$45; advance reservations required).
Moss-covered signs point you through the route’s lowlands, already dense
with foliage. You can’t help but hum the theme from Indiana Jones as you swipe aside hanging tree roots or grab thick ropes to hoist yourself up steep inclines. Farther along the 2 mile trek, you’ll pass an abandoned sugar mill and rewarding overlooks of coastal towns Marigot and Philipsburg and may even spot mongoose and elusive wild monkeys. Nothing
beats the peak, from whose 360-degree lookout point St. Martin and other, distant Caribbean islands are unfurled below you.
eAt
Enoch’s Place
follow locals to this no-frills restaurant on market days for fried red snapper and piping- hot johnnycakes. Arrive early—the fish sells out fast. Marigot Farmer’s Market, Marigot; 011- 590-590-29-29-88; breakfast for two, SGD$27
L’Estaminet
A nice alternative to the traditional french eateries in grand Case. Try modern dishes, like sole with vanilla butter, foie gras with a granita. 139 Grand Case Blvd., Grand Case; 011-590- 590-29-00-25; dinner for two, SGD$164
Lazy Lizard
Many dishes at this waterfront restaurant in Philipsburg have an Indian twist (curried chicken, a spiced burger). Sample cocktails with house-infused liquors. 29 Great Bay Boardwalk, Philipsburg; 011-721-580-7888; lazylizardsxm.com; lunch for two, SGD$41
Trellis
This elegant restaurant at the Belmond La Samanna hotel has dining nooks overlooking the water. The steak tartare and conch stew are standouts, as is the wine list. Baie Longue; 011-590-590-87-64-00; belmond.com; dinner for two, SGD$205
La Villa
A french spot with candlelit tables. Don’t miss the garlicky escargot, lobster-stuffed ravioli or house-made passion-fruit rum. 93 Grand Case Blvd., Grand Case; 011-590-590- 52-36-59; lavillasxm.com; dinner for two, SGD$164
ENDLESS VACATION 29