Seaside Nature Park

The Rusty Parrot

SXM Padel Club hy did you choose to vacation in St. Maarten/ St. Martin? If you’re like most first-timers, you probably were drawn to this island paradise because you read that it’s the best beach destination in the Caribbean. It is. How could it not be, with 37 postcard-perfect shores? But as repeat visitors will tell you — and you surely will count yourself among them after you’ve had a taste of the place — St. Maarten/St. Martin is so much more than sandy shores. Inland is a trove of scenic sights and attrac-W tions that are certain to please those who like to get out and make the most of a land-based day. Here are some of the best ways to do it. BIKING Rent a mountain bike and build up your strength and endurance, along with your appreciation of an impressive terrain of rolling hills, soaring peaks, and a shoreline kissed by gentle surf. Coast leisurely through the French flatlands or along seaside trails from Cay Bay to Fort Amsterdam and Mullet Beach. Serious pedal pushers may want to take on the 35-mile-long road that encircles the island or challenge themselves to ascend more than 1,400 feet to the top of Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point. HIKING Here’s another way to spend a memorable day while working those leg muscles. Both sides of the island are marked with well-maintained hiking trails, including eight mapped and cleared by EPIC, a local environmental group. Dedicated hikers who scale Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point, are rewarded with magnificent vistas. Others may choose to hike along the undeveloped coastline of Guana Bay and Point Blanche before treating themselves to a refreshing dip in a natural pool.

GOLF St. Maarten/St. Martin may not be known as a golfing mecca, but club swingers will find lots to love about the long-established Mullet Bay Golf Course. Master golfer Joseph Lee sculpted the 18-hole, par-70 course around a lovely lagoon. In addition, Oyster Bay Beach Resort recently added a putting green near its entrance, just steps from Dawn Beach. The deep green perimeter frames 3 holes and accommodates multiple guests.

TENNIS The American Tennis Academy on the French side features two lighted courts and structured programs, lessons, clinics, and rentals for juniors and adults of every skill level. In addition, you can play on quality courts at several resorts around the island.

PADEL If you’re in love with tennis, you may want to try this new sport that’s gaining aficionados across the island. A mix of tennis and squash, it’s usually played in doubles on a glass-enclosed court. The SXM Padel Club, across the street from the Belair Beach Hotel, features two stateof-the-art lighted courts for day and night play, showers, changing rooms, a bistro and bar, and a retail pro shop. Players can rent the courts by the hour via the SXM Padel Club app. Padel rackets and balls are available for rent. Guests can also book private or group classes.