Resort Life

Resort Life

by Royal Resorts Caribbean速

14 Island History

Back to the future of country St. Maarten

40 Come Sail Away

Get on board with the Heineken Regatta

46 Island Treasures Hopping on over to the island of Saba

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Tel: 54.42.695 2 PELICAN RESORT NEWS

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Welkom!

It is our pleasure to have you spend your vacation with us in our new Country of St. Maarten, conceived on a special date in our nation’s history, 10-10-10.

You’ve come to a very unique island in a host of ways. It is the smallest country in the world to be shared by two nations, the Netherlands and France, creating a distinctive European influence while maintaining an American pulse and a Caribbean panache. St. Maarten is also the culinary capital of the Caribbean, with an assorted array of elegantly perfected culinary fusion that keeps “food lovers” returning each year. With more than 300 restaurants, the island has something for everyone.

We are so pleased you have chosen our friendly island to rest and recharge your life. We have plenty of activities for those who like to keep active. And we have six swimming pools and a beautiful beach for those who enjoy a more relaxed approach.

I encourage you to attend a morning orientation to receive an overview of our weekly events and resort amenities. You will also receive special details for activities including water sports, tours, shopping, dining, beaches and island hopping. The Orientation is held Monday morning, so please check the time and location with the Concierge.

You may also keep in touch with the Resort and St. Maarten all year round by clicking on www.simpsonbayresort.com. The website features information on the resort and the island with photos, videos and a range of member services for your convenience. Please call on any of the staff—or me personally—whenever we may be of service.

Once again, thank you for choosing St. Maarten and the Resort as your vacation destination. Now sit back, relax and enjoy your vacation.

Jules C. James General Manager

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Volume 1, Number 1, 2011 • by Royal Resorts Caribbean

Magazine Contributors Executive Editor

Michele Corso Senior Editor

Erin krupowicz Graphic Design

Element 5 Productions, Alma noguez Contributors

Dan sweeney, debby lind-steyn, Rona Gindin, michael catani and Eric Brock Photography

Richard Drinkard, TIM WRIGHT Advertising Sales

erin krupowicz (599) 587-2555

Special Thanks

TIM WRIGHT, St. maarten museum, St. Maarten heineken regatta The contents of this magzine may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission of the editor. Advertisements are accepted and published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter. Please bear in mind that information may change after the magazine has gone to press.

Contacting the Resort

COVER PHOTO - Tim Wright Five gallons of rain water fell through the roof of Tim Wright’s tent at the rainy 2010 Heineken Regatta beach party, ruining one of the photographer’s computers.

The destruction was infuriating yet almost ironic, as by then the 53-year-old was standing safely on land. He’d spent much of the previous three days powering around St. Maarten in a 12-foot rubber AB dinghy, manning all sorts of overwater poses to get great images of the races’ competitors and their boats.

Yet the sea-centered work almost comes naturally to Wright, who has been taking pictures of nautical races for 16 years.

Born “in the middle of England,” in 1986 Wright joined the first ARC rally, traveling solo via a “little boat” named Andani from the Canary Islands to Barbados. By the early ‘90s he was living on a boat off the coast of Bequia, taking photos of cruise and charter boats, developing them in an onboard pseudo-darkroom and selling framed images the next day. He eventually started attending the annual Antigua Classic Regatta and Sailing Week, where he expanded the scope of his work – especially since 2000, when he switched to a digital camera.

Since then, Wright has developed his photography enterprise into a fullfledged business, sailing in the 1972 French Amphitrite that he calls home from regatta to regatta, capturing the action and selling the candid captured moments to those involved. His digital wares are high resolution, thanks to his two 21-megapixel Canon EOS-1DSs – one equipped with a 400 mm lens, the other a 70mm- to -200mm. Instead of pre-printing, he displays images on his laptops and burns CDs to order on the spot; he’ll mail printed orders to customers’ homes.

The ace lensman was kind enough to share his images of the Heineken Regatta and Moondance; you’ll find one on the cover and another on page 40. Learn more about Wright and buy his photos at photoaction.com

Telephone: (+599) 544-2503 Fax: (+599) 544-2133 Email: customerservices@royalresortscaribbean.com

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Contents

8

Days of Fun

14

Island History

18

Island Tips

Shopping Sensations

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22

28

Dining & Nightlife

40

Come Sail Away

Treasure Islands

52

46 Costa Linda News | 14

Resort Tips

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Days of Fun Ready for some fun in the sun?

The Resort offers a variety of exciting ways to spend your vacation.

Whether you want to lounge on the beach or poolside, brush up on some tennis skills, experience an aquatic adventure with Aqua Mania or stay pampered at the Spa, we have it all. Whether you prefer snorkel or scuba trips, island bus tours or shopping in two countries, relaxing to a feature film by the ocean, or taking a sunset party cruise, we can match anyone’s personal taste in adventure. Need some more ideas? Speak with the Concierge or the knowledgeable staff at Aqua Mania to begin planning for an unforgettable stay.

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Tennis Anyone?

The Resort has four floodlit tennis courts.

For lessons with the Tennis Pro or to reserve court time, please contact the Security Office, extension 5911/5912.

Smooth Sailing The calm waters of Simpson Bay are ideal for kayaks and sailing and as a Resort guest or member you are entitled to the complimentary use of a kayak for one hour per suite.

Kayak hours are from 9a.m. to 4p.m. and the use of a kayak is at your own risk. Children must be accompanied by an adult, limit two adults per kayak.

Pool Fun There are six pools on property, one always right outside your villa! Float around in serene comfort or swim up to the pool bar for a drink and some island music.

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Fitness Center Keep up with your daily workout at the Fitness Center where you will find a variety of exercise machines to help you stay in shape. Dial extension 5948 for more information. The fitness center is located on the third floor beneath the Resort lobby.

Kid’s Stuff Checked out all the pools already? Time for the next adventure for those youngsters! The Playstation, a floating aquatic playground, is a great way to mix playtime with beach time. Contact Aqua Mania about this and other exciting vacation adventures for the kids.

Sun Tips Beware of over exposure to the Caribbean sun! It is very easy to get carried away with sunbathing, especially if you are not accustomed to the intensity of the tropical sun. Make sure to use sunscreen with the SPF (at least 15) suitable for you skin type. Choose environmentally friendly sun products and apply regularly after going in the water. The hottest part of the day is between 11a.m. and 2p.m., and remember that you can still get burnt even when it is cloudy.

Getting your Bearings Stop by the Orientation Briefing on Monday at 9:00 a.m. at Roma restaurant located in the Marina Plaza.

Pamper Body and Soul at the Spa L’Aqualigne health and beauty clinic offers a spectrum of treatments and therapies from massages to facials and more. Call extension 5211 for more information.

Hit the Beach Tan on the white sand beach or join in a game of volleyball, explore wildlife with a mask and flippers or see our beach staff to set you up with beach chairs under a palapa.

The Concierge Center Stop by the concierge center conveniently located next to Hollywood Casino for complimentary assistance with all your vacation needs. All members and guests are welcome to fifteen minutes per day, per villa of free computer/internet access. Concierge center hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. or dial 777 from any resort phone!

Resort Shuttle Service Use our shuttle service to get around the Resort. Call the front desk at Ext. 5421 to request transport and a van will be sent to your building to take you wherever you want to go on the premises.

Transport is available only on request.

Beach Towels Please stop by the towel booth across from the A-building, which is open from 7:00AM to 6:00 PM daily. Beach towels are also available at the beach towel booth, which is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Room Charging System The very popular villa key “charging system” has made its way to the Resort. Many Royal Resorts members have been asking for this service and your requests have been answered! You can now charge at the 5 pool bars, beach bar and lobby bar as well as the four on-site restaurants.

Wireless Internet Do you have your laptop with you? Stay connected with free wireless Internet access available at the resort. Call the Front Desk for the weekly password.

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Island History Even if this isn’t your first time in St. Maarten, this is most likely your first time in the autonomous country of St. Maarten.

By Dan Sweeney The first thing people notice is the landing. As you begin your descent, if you are unfamiliar with the flight patterns of St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport, it seems as if the pilot has determined that the proper landing procedure involves direct contact with the shore. But after a few intense seconds, the plane screams overhead in a beautiful display of old-school barnstorming skill and touches down on a stretch of runway between the ocean and a lush mountain. If you’re lucky enough to be seated on the right side of the plane, you can even see your final destination as you land, Simpson Bay Resort & Marina, standing tall, strong and bright against the turquoise water of Simpson Bay. The descent into the airport is a metaphor for the history of St. Maarten itself and the excitement and fun that the island has come to represent. Although it had been settled by Arawak Indians thousands of years before, St. Maarten was discovered by Europeans in 1493, on Christopher Columbus’ second voyage.

He gave the island its name and claimed it for Spain, though the Spanish didn’t bother colonizing and so the Dutch moved in, founding a new colony in 1631. At the time, Spain and the Netherlands were involved in a decades-long war, with the Dutch trying to achieve independence from the Spanish. And so, just two years after the founding of the colony, the Spanish invaded St. Maarten and tossed out the settlers.

Spanish control of the island proved to be short-lived; the Dutch won their independence in 1648, and the island returned into their hands. That’s when the French moved in. It looked like war again, but the two countries eventually decided to settle their differences amicably by divvying up the island between the two nations. According to local legend, a Frenchman and a Dutchman started off on the east end of the island and walked in opposite directions until they met on the west side. The island would then be split in half wherever the two men met. As the story goes, the Dutchman had been drinking and stopped to sleep off the effects. Thus, when the two finally met, the Frenchman had gained more ground, and the French wound up with 21 square miles of island compared to the Dutch’s 16.

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Princess Juliana International Airp

ort, circa 1960

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Philipsburg pier, circa 1960

While a booze-soaked story that takes place in the golden age of Caribbean piracy isn’t too hard to believe, in truth, the French had a large fleet of ships sitting off the coast of the island during treaty negotiations. As a result of this blatant flexing of military might, the French were able to bargain for a bit more land. But that was hardly the end of it – the original border between French and Dutch St. Maarten changed more than a dozen times over the next century as each side tried to outmaneuver the other and take over a larger and larger slice of the island. That, however, was then.

Other than those few clashes centuries ago, the Dutch and French sides of the island have coexisted peacefully for more than 350 years, a fact that both sides point to with pride. Indeed, no formal border has ever been agreed upon, and travelers don’t need a passport to travel from one side of the island to the other, allowing visitors to experience French and Dutch cuisines and cultures, all in a lush, tropical setting, and all with the greatest of ease. Visitors like the idea of saying they’ve been in two countries that are so close yet so decidedly different, right down to the spelling of Sint Maarten (the French spell it Saint Martin).

By the early 1800s, the border between French and Dutch St. Maarten looked like it does today. St. Maarten was then a part of the Netherlands Antilles, which became largely autonomous, though still part of 16 RESORT PELICANLIFE RESORT NEWS

the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in 1948. Of the six islands that made up the Netherlands Antilles (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten), Aruba left the group first, separating from the Netherlands Antilles and becoming an independent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1986. It took another quarter century until Curaçao and St. Maarten would do the same, but on Oct. 10, 2010, St. Maarten became a self-governing country for the first time in its long history.

The events of 10-10-10, the much anticipated autonomous date much ballyhooed in the local press, mean that rather than being a part of the Netherlands Antilles, which is in turn a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, St. Maarten is now its own country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on an equal footing with Holland, Aruba and Curaçao. Because it’s such a new development, it’s impossible to say what the long-term results of autonomy will be on St. Maarten, but like those screaming jets touching down at Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten’s future will be an exciting thing to see. Welcome: You’re fortunate to have come to the island during a most historic time.

Welcome: You’re fortunate to have come to the island during a most historic time.

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Island Tips Vacation is all about relaxing and having fun. Here are a few tips to make sure your stay on island is nothing but smooth sailing.

Island Lingo English is spoken everywhere but Dutch is the official language of St Maarten and French in Saint Martin. You may also hear Papiamentu in St Maarten and Creole Patois in Saint Martin, in addition to other world languages such as Spanish, Chinese and Hindi.

Money Matters The official currency of Dutch St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder (NAF) and on French St. Martin it is the Euro. US dollars and all major credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs throughout the island. Identification is needed in order to cash travelers checks.

Phones To place a call from the resort to numbers on the Dutch side of the island, dial 9 + the 7-digit number. To call the French side of the island, dial 9 + 00590 + 590 + the 6 digit number.

Drinking Water Water is one of our most precious commodities here on St. Maarten. Seawater is converted into fresh water by our desalination plant, a very sophisticated process. There is no need to buy bottled water; St. Maarten’s water from the tap is safe to drink.

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Safety The resort has surveillance cameras, 24-hour security patrols and the staff is trained to be on the alert for anything amiss. We also recommend that you use the in-room safe to store your valuables.

Never leave your belongings unattended in parked cars or on the beach. Walking alone at night on the beach or in areas with no streetlights is not recommended. Likewise, do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.

When on vacation it is always a good idea to carry copies of your passport, credit card numbers and the phone number of your credit card company in your wallet.

Newspapers Leading US and European newspapers are available on St. Maarten.

For local news, check the St. Maarten Daily Herald and its Thursday Out & About section. Newspapers can be purchased at Lord & Hunter, located next to the Red Piano.

Island Shopping Island capitals, Philipsburg and Marigot, are both duty-free zones full of jewelry and watches, lead crystal, French perfumes, electronics and designer labels. Other good buys are paintings by island artists, local hot sauces, preserves and Guavaberry liqueur, which is distilled from the berries of a native tree. Ask the Concierge about a free shopping trip to Philipsburg and the water taxi shuttle offered

by Aqua Mania Adventures to Marigot.

Shopping hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. in St. Maarten and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. on the French side.

Renting a Car Rent a car and explore the island at your own pace. Thrifty/Paradise Car Rental is located in the Resort lobby. Open daily: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

EXT 5190.

Time Zone Atlantic Standard Time year round (equivalent to Eastern Daylight Savings Time).

Bridge Information Simpson Bay Lagoon on St. Maarten is a major port for mega yachts and sailboats. To allow boats to enter or leave, the Simpson Bay Bridge has to open. The bridge opens on Airport Road at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. On the French side in Sandy Ground, the bridge opens at 8:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Instead of drumming your fingers on the wheel, why not tune into Island 92 (91.9 FM) and enjoy some great music.

THE ST. MAARTEN ANIMAL WELFARE FOUNDATION

*MAKING A DIFFERENCE YEAR AFTER YEAR* The St. Maarten Animal Welfare Foundation is a non-profit organization with a wonderful team of volunteers and support from local veterinarians, which promotes the humane treatment of animals.

Humane education is our #1 Priority. Since 1992 the Animal Welfare foundation has provided colorful humane education materials for school children and encourage children towards greater responsibility of pet ownership as well as offering awareness activities such as dog washes and dog walks.

Sterilization is our #2 Priority. The organization has sponsored over seven thousand sterilizations for residents of limited means as well as affordable spay/neuter drives.The Foundation also operates and funds: an Animal Ambulance Team whose volunteers respond to animal emergencies and offer free taxi of pets to local vets and also collects unwanted animals for adoption.

Dutch St. Maarten does not have an animal shelter; however through the generosity of three local veterinary clinics, adoption space is made available at no cost to the Foundation providing new homes for nearly 2500 animals.

Learn more by contacting the concierge or donate now at Lord and Hunter shop. The Animal Welfare Foundation lives on the support of people like you!

Cell: 599-520-8887 E-mail: sxmanimalwelfare@yahoo.com www.animal-welfare-sxm.com PELICAN RESORT NEWS RESORT LIFE 19

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Shopping Sensations Shopping on Sint Maarten and Saint Martin offers high quality duty-free goods in charming island style. The island has a well-earned reputation as a shopper’s paradise. Here you will find the best prices on local crafts & arts, exotic foods, jewelry, liquor, tobacco, electronics, leather goods, as well as most elegant designer goods.

Duty free, Tax-free abound. You can literally shop till you drop.

There are mainly two shopping areas on the island, chic Marigot on the French side, and Front Street in the heart of Philipsburg, on the Dutch side. Philipsburg features over a mile of shopping. In addition to Front Street, there is Old Street with attractive gift stores and art galleries, and Back Street with a colorful local market, souvenir shops, and inexpensive clothing. Whereas the entire center and marina area of Marigot is a lovely shopping district with old CrĂŠole houses, bistro bars, cafes, restaurants, fashion and designer boutiques, jewelers and perfume shops.

Enjoy your shopping spree on either side!

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Marigot Set sail from the Resort to experience French flavor in the port town of Marigot. Explorers will be well rewarded with an adventure unlike anything the Dutch side of the island has to offer.

In contrast to the bustling cruise ship port of Philipsburg, Marigot is home to luxury yachts and charming boutiques. The cafés and bars along the marina, such as La Belle Époque – offering some of the best pizza on the island, daily specials and fresh mussels – remain packed with patrons throughout the day. Inland from the marina and those bustling cafés, you’ll find the Rue de la Liberté and the beginning of your shopping experience in Marigot.

Shops offer many of the same high-end goods you’ll find at shops in Philipsburg – perfume, jewelry and clothing to name a few – but with a decidedly French influence. Many of the best boutiques can be found in the West Indies Mall, which lies at the base of a hill, upon which sits the squat, stone form of Fort St. Louis. Built in 1767 from plans developed by King Louis XVI, who is, perhaps, more famous for being guillotined during the French Revolution. The fort is one of the must-see sites in Marigot and offers a stunning view of the entire city. Another, perhaps more macabre, interesting site is the city’s cemetery, which dates back to the early 19th century. The French Caribbean influence will be noticeable to anyone who has been to New Orleans and seen similar aboveground crypts.

Along with these sites, visitors should make sure to hit Marigot’s open-air market, which takes place each Wednesday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located on the Rue de France along the wharves. This is a wonderful time to enjoy many of the local farmer’s treats such as sweet potatoes, coconuts, tropical fruits, local spices, fresh fish, and of course enjoy a glimpse of the various local arts and crafts. You may wish to purchase not only food but also some of the beautiful crafts created by locals in the area.

For Francophiles who visit the Resort, Marigot is a must-do. We recommend getting there nice and early so you can start your day with a warm croissant and a cup of freshly brewed coffee at one of the many cafes. Then, hit the open-air market and the high-end shopping at the West Indies Mall.

Next, stop by Marina Royale, this marina is more than just a home to the yachts along the docks. Today, you will find a large variety of waterfront cafes, craft shops, bistros, and a wonderful museum with Haitian artwork. Check out the view from Fort St. Louis and visit the cemetery along the Rue de Sandy Ground as you head out of town.

This spectacular French Caribbean journey begins from your island home. Experience Marigot by hopping on the Monday Island Bus Trip, spending a day or two exploring via the daily boat ride with Aqua Mania or by renting a car with Thrifty car rental. With as many boutiques as fabulous restaurants for which the island is renowned – France is calling!

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Philipsburg The capital of Dutch Sint Maarten, Philipsburg, is rich in history and abundant in shopping. Founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch Navy, the town’s history is still felt when you pass by the historic Court House that was built in 1793 for the purpose of John’s home.

Philipsburg became a bustling center for international trade including salt mining, which was the Dutch settler’s main interest in this unique island. Remnants of the original Great Salt Pond can still be seen while driving along Walter A. Nisbeth Road, also known as Pondfill Road.

On most days while driving into town, it is impossible to miss the gigantic vessels docked at the A.C. Wathey Pier. With boats to ferry people to shore, Great Bay, the bay

Head on up to Front Street for a fantastic shopping experience packed with jewelry, electronic and clothing stores.

in front of Philipsburg, can accommodate six large cruise ships at once, with space along the dock for four. In fact, the pier was expanded in 2009 to accommodate the world’s largest mega class cruise ships. As a result, Philipsburg can be packed with cruisers, all milling about the bars and shopping centers of Front Street. St. Maarten’s duty free shopping port is the destination for shopping in the Caribbean.

With its compact nature and easy-to-follow street plan, Philipsburg is made for pedestrian traffic and an ideal shopping experience. The Boardwalk, along the beautiful shores of Great Bay, is the place to grab a drink or have lunch at Taloula Mangos while listening to live music.

Head on up to Front Street for a fantastic shopping experience packed with jewelry, electronics and clothing stores. Among the shops of Front Street lie a variety of points of interest, including the St. Maarten Museum and the St. Maarten Guavaberry Company. Although guavaberries grow throughout the Caribbean, St. Maarten has taken their cultivation to special heights, and the St. Maarten Guavaberry Company offers liqueur, barbecue sauce, jam and other goods all made with the island’s native fruit. Make sure to stop by for free samples of their delicious Rum blends including the famous Guavaberry Colada. Turn north onto any alley (Dutch: steeg) or street (Dutch: straat) and you will find a busy shopping area, Back Street.

The market here offers a taste of Caribbean flair with a variety of clothing stores and kiosks with great bargains.

Getting from the Resort to Philipsburg couldn’t be easier. Choose between Aqua Mania’s water taxi, onsite services of Thrifty car rental or free bus trips that take place each Wednesday and Friday. The air-conditioned bus tour includes cold drinks and a guided tour that covers the history and interesting landmarks of St. Maarten as revealed by Don Sharman, a 15-year resident of the island with a breezy personality and a million jokes (he considers himself more a showman than a tour guide). Don will guide you to many not to be missed places including a courtyard homage to Holland, which features a restaurant, a sidewalk bar and a shop that sells Dutch cheese and chocolate.

Once you experience the flavor and savings of Philipsburg you are sure to crave another trip to the Caribbean’s shopping capital.

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Dining

&Night Life No matter what your craving may be, Sint Maarten and Saint Martin is a great place to dine.

Your palate will be delighted by the tasty culinary choices offered from the more than 350 restaurants.

That, we’ve been told, is the most per square mile in the Caribbean. Sint Maarten and Saint Martin is truly an international island and as such is the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. There are hundreds of gourmet restaurants, bistros and sidewalk cafés on this little island that is shared by two countries.

Heralded by crimson sunsets over azure blue seas, unforgettable nights await you in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin. The island’s legendary nightlife attracts visitors from all over the world. Test your luck at roulette, blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em poker and more at lively casinos located on the Dutch side of the island. Dance the night away at stylish clubs and discotheques or relax at local beach bars, laid back lounges and beachside BBQs with steel drum bands or sail the evening away on scenic dinner cruises.

When it comes to dynamic dining and nightlife, St. Maarten/St. Martin offers something for everyone.

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A Cut Above Situated in the Marina Plaza, The Stone allows guests to experience fine dining without ever leaving the resort grounds. Chef Johann Roebert entices diners with a menu that includes equally well-prepared seafood and steak. But the twist that makes The Stone so unusual is that, as its name suggests, stone cooking. Meals are prepared in the kitchen until they are cooked almost perfectly. Just before being finished, though, the food is removed from the kitchen and placed on a hot stone, on which the meal is served. Entrées finish cooking right on your table and right before your eyes. It would be impossible to get a more freshly cooked meal without eating in the kitchen.

My rib-eye arrived at the table sizzling to a perfect medium. The steak cut easily and soaked in the aux jus that comes alongside, it melted away in the mouth like butter. The Stone also offers a beef filet and a flank steak that are flavorful and fantastic, still many diners opt for seafood. You can choose from tuna, tilapia and more – the menu changes occasionally based on which ingredients Chef Roebert can get fresh. Accordingly, the chef prides himself on making The Stone’s fare as local as possible, with a few hints at far-flung lands tucked into the menu. In that way, The Stone is much like St. Maarten itself, Caribbean flavors mixed with not only the European influences of Dutch and French, but the many people who have come afterward.

Pair your dinner with a choice from the restaurant’s extensive wine list, which includes selections from France, Italy, the United States, Australia, Argentina, and Chef Roebert’s homeland of South Africa.

Other than some of the wines, the chef has added a touch of South Africa to the menu with the biltong and cheddar soup. A South African specialty, biltong is meat cured in vinegar and salt, similar to jerky but thicker and not quite as chewy at the end of the process.

Chef Roebert adds the biltong to a creamy cheddar soup, making for a unique blend of flavors that proved to be one of the evening’s most lasting impressions.

A leisurely glass of wine enjoyed outside along the marina, as the sun slips down over Simpson Bay, the clouds burst into impossible shades of pink and orange, and your dinner sizzles on a hot stone before you is an absolute must during your stay at the Resort.

Menu Suggestions Squid sauteed with fresh garlic, parsley and lemon with our house salad

The Stone Restaurant

Beef filet, fresh grilled baby asparagus & mushroom sauce

Located at the Resort in the Marina Plaza.

Grilled Caribbean lobster with garlic & apricot glaze

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STONE

THE

Restaurant

Tel: (599) 526-2037

The Stone Restaurant The Stone offers a unique concept in a relaxed, smart-casual setting. Whether you crave St. Maarten’s freshest fish, the most tender, mouthwatering beef filet, or one of their vegetarian selections, you’ll find “stone” cooking imparts a uniquely enjoyable natural flavoring to your meal.

Marina Plaza - Extension 5510.

Topper’s Restaurant & Bar The key word at Topper’s is comfort, from the fun and cozy decor, feel-good atmosphere to the friendly service, and food. It was voted best international restaurant three years in a row. Whether you dine on great steaks and fresh fish or “comfort food” such as their yummy meatloaf, you will definitely be back for more!

Open for lunch and dinner 7 day a week.

Tel: 544 3500

Jimbo’s Mesquite Grill The smokin’ aroma of Jimbo’s sizzling Fajita’s will start your mouth watering, but first order one of their famous margaritas, served in hand-blown Mexican glasses. Jimbo’s offers starters like the enormous “Deluxe Nachos Grande” or “California Calamari” and main courses range from fall off the bone “Baby Backs” to “Stuffed Grouper Chipotle”. The open-air dining surrounds a beautiful swim-up bar, so come as casual as you like. You’ll probably want to go more than once, so don’t save Jimbo’s for your last night!

Tel: 544 3600

Located in the Simpson Bay Yacht Club. Open Daily.

10% off non-discounted items for Resort guests w/ key

Ice Cream Planet ice Cream The finest Italian gelato available in a variety of fresh flavors, creamy vanilla, chocolate and more. Find your favorite! Ice Planet Cream Planet also offers freshly made breakfast, light lunchIce cream coffee internet and more…

es and snacks. Made to order cakes, pies and other baked goods are offered for any special occasion.

Located on the Marina Plaza. Open Daily.

Ext. 5456

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A Rare Dining Experience

Getting to Rare means taking a quick trip to the Atlantis World Casino on the southwest end of the island. You will soon find that the trip is more than worth it, with Rare offering some of the best fine dining in the entire Caribbean, let alone St. Maarten. Situated in the courtyard of the casino, Rare lies just beyond a small wooden bridge, and walking across that bridge and through the restaurant’s glass double doors is like walking into another world. The sumptuous décor, the friendly French bartender, the beef-heavy menu, everything inside transports diners to an eatery that would easily fit in among the best offerings of global cities such as New York or Paris.

The restaurant is the second for chef-owner Dino Jagtiani, who opened Temptation next door in 2002 and followed with Rare in 2005. Jagtiani is that rarest and most exotic of St. Maarten inhabitants: an island native. After growing up in St. Maarten, Jagtiani traveled to New York, where he enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America. Between his Caribbean roots, his American education and his Indian family, Jagtiani brings volumes of worldly knowledge to the gourmet table, and his menu reflects that.

Our meal at Rare started, as any good meal on the islands should, with cocktails. Rare’s menu includes some unusual takes on the mar-

tini, and our St. Martini, made with coconut rum, peach schnapps, guava juice, passion fruit and lime zest, proved a perfectly sweet opener to the evening. A basil lemon drop, which includes Absolut Citron, basil syrup and lemon juice, was a more-unusual but entirely welcome aperitif, the basil making for a cocktail unlike any other we have tasted.

Although the beef options at Rare are as numerous as any good steakhouse, we opted for what the menu referred to as “St. Louis style” pork ribs. As with all of Jagtiani’s dishes, the ribs were so much more than promised. Like most St. Louis style ribs, these were grilled, basted in a barbecue sauce and then re-grilled. But instead of the usual midAmerican barbecue sauce, Jagtiani uses a teriyaki sauce that gives the meat just as sweet a flavor, yet without engulfing the meat in the tomato-based flavors of typical barbecue sauces. The ribs came piled log cabin-style, and we were unable to finish the meal despite our best efforts. And, oh, those efforts were Herculean – the rib meat literally fell from the bone, as tender as any we have had (and believe me when I say that we know barbecue).

We also sampled one of Jagtiani’s non-beef specialties, an organic chicken satay. It was served with a knowing nod to the Caribbean, with black beans and rice, grilled pineapple and fried plantains. The satay arrived at our table hanging from a metal bar, a playful element that is reflected not only in the warm service but in the menu itself.

In short, not only will we be returning to Rare, but we will be doing so armed with a large appetite and a powerful yen for steak.

Rare Restaurant Cupecoy, Sint Maarten (599) 545-5714 32 RESORT PELICANLIFE RESORT NEWS

Menu Suggestions 22oz Certified Angus Beef Prime - Bone-in (Cowboy) Rib Eye, a serious steak to capture the essence of the divine bovine.

Truffled Mac ‘n Cheese – sinfully delicious Vidalia Onion Rings with rhubard ketchup and wasabi hollandaise

Temptation Winner of the Daily Herald’s Best of Award for Most Romantic and Best High-End Restaurant for five years, Temptation and her sister restaurant, Rare, offer the largest wine list on the Dutch side with a choice of fifty bottles under $50. Live piano music nightly.

Tel: (599) 545-5714

Cupecoy, Sint Maarten.

Bon Appetit Enjoy the French side of St. Martin right here at the Resort.

Open all day from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. for your convenience.

Bon Appetit serves all the Classic French dishes like onion soup, escargot, salads, sandwiches, coq au vin, roast chicken, steaks, seafood, amazing desserts and so much more.

Ext. 5294

Daily specials for lunch and dinner.

Wide selection for breakfast 7 - 11 a.m.

Happy Hour 4 - 6 p.m.

Thai Bali Discover Thai Bali with its sophisticated setting, chic décor and lighting, hospitality, service and delicious Thai food.

The waterfront location at the prestigious Marina Royale in Marigot is simply unforgettable.

Marina Port La Royale – Marigot. Closed Sundays.

Tel: 0590 51 13 16

L’ Auberge Gourmande Deservedly awarded Caribbean Travel & Life’s Best of the Caribbean Readers’ Choice Award, offering the ultimate in romantic, fine French dining. Established in 1979, this exquisite restaurant was one of the first to open in Grand Case.

10% off non-discounted items for Resort guests w/ key

Tel: 0590 87 73 37

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The Boathouse Seafood Bar & Grill Voted # 1 Best Seafood Restaurant 2010 by the St. Maarten Daily Herald readership.

Tel: 544-5409

Seafood specialties include our infamous Hurricane Shrimp and Pan Fried Whole Snapper to mention a few. Our Angus Prime Ribeye and Filet Mignon served with peppercorn sauce is to die for. The Boathouse also offers an expansive vegetarian menu. For lunch our eclectic selection of wraps is sure to hit the spot. Seasonal Anguilla Crayfish Platter A MUST! Seafood so fresh, you’ll wanna slap it!

La Belle Epoque La Belle Epoque is located in Marina Port La Royale in Marigot.

Stop early in the morning for breakfast, call in for lunch or dinner, or just relax over coffee or cocktails in the afternoon after shopping in all of Marigot’s shops and boutiques.

Tel: 590 87 87 70

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Grilled Mahi Mahi in a Zesty Creole Sauce Mahi Mahi 6oz Mahi Mahi Juice of ½ a lemon 1/8 tsp Minced, Fresh Ginger 1 tbsp Virgin Olive Oil 1/8 tsp Thyme 1/8 tsp Finely Chopped Garlic Combine ginger, thyme and garlic in a bowl. Add lemon juice and stir.

Rinse fish filet and pat dry with a paper towel. Drizzle olive oil all over the fish and rub into surface. Rub spice/lemon juice mixture into the filet season to taste with salt and pepper. Place the filet on the hot grill and cook for approximately 4 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish, turning carefully with a spatula.

Creole Sauce ½ tbsp Olive Oil 1 tbsp each of Chopped Onions, Red & Green Bell Peppers and Carrots 1 tbsp Dry White Wine 1 tsp Butter ¼ tsp Fine Chopped Garlic ¼ tsp each of Dried Basil and Thyme 1 lbs Canned crushed Tomatoes or Tomato Paste 1 Maggi Cube Pepper Flakes Add Olive Oil to hot skillet. Add Onions, Garlic, Bell Peppers, Carrots, Basil and Thyme.

Sautee for 1 minute but do not let Garlic brown. Add Tomatoes or Tomato paste, Maggi cube, Pepper flakes and butter. Stir gently and simmer for about 2 minutes.

This delicious recipe is provided by Alexander’s Kitchen and is located above Bon Appetit restaurant on the resort property. Alexander’s Kitchen is a restaurant serving local cuisine with a distinctive St. Maarten flavor with specialties such as Oxtail, Creole Mahi Mahi and Curried Chicken.

Alexander’s Kitchen Ext. 5091

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Krazy Kat’s Beach Bar and Grille Enjoy relaxing ocean front dining at Krazy Kat’s Beach Bar serving cool drinks and fresh grilled favorites including Caribbean lobster.

For a relaxing toes in the sand afternoon or an evening enjoying good food and drink, stop by Krazy Kat’s Beach Bar and Grille.

Ext. 5935

Red Piano We’re the bar next door! Meet your neighbours and celebrate your vacation with us every night of the week with our talent from around the world!

Doors open nightly at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.

Ext. 5454

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Come

Sail Away

The Heineken Regatta is still the biggest and best race in the Caribbean.

By Dan Sweeney The Simpson Bay Resort & Marina – and in fact all of St. Maarten —will be transformed during the first week of March. An armada of sailing ships will cluster around the island; big, sleek racing vessels, medium-range yachts like something out of the America’s Cup and a virtual naval fleet of smaller boats filled with eager spectators.

The Heineken Regatta is the largest sailing race in the Caribbean. About 250 vessels competed in 2010, with more expected to arrive in 2011. With them and the race fans that follow the regatta circuit, the island’s population will swell with thousands of sailors, well-wishers and party-goers. As the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Crew say, “it takes the whole island to throw a party this big.”

At Aqua Mania in the Resort’s own marina, a long-time employee has more than a passing interest in the race. Garth Steyn, a South African native and resident of the island for almost 20 years, has worked with Aqua Mania for most of his time in St. Maarten. He cut his teeth in racing sailboats as a crewman with fellow St. Maartener Frits Bus, whose long string of wins has made him something of a local legend.

It takes the whole island to throw a party this big.

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“My first time out with him, we won the Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas,” Steyn recalls. On a recent morning at the marina, Steyn sits with his wife, Debby Lind-Steyn, at a marina-side table, looking out over Simpson Bay. Debby, a friendly blonde, and Garth, far more laconic than his effusive wife, sport matching “St. Maarten Sailing School: Crew Wanted” shirts.

Although slow to begin talking about his exploits, once the conversation turns to sailing, Garth grows more and more animated, his love of the sport overcoming his initially taciturn nature. “There used to be a catamaran out here called El Tigre, and the lady that owned it put us in the Heineken Regatta on another boat with her husband, but she put us in the racing class.”

He chuckles before adding, “We were way, way out of our league. I suppose that was 1994. That was my first experience in the regatta.”

From those humble beginnings, Garth has become one of the most experienced captains on the island. “Used to be, the Heinek42 PELICAN RESORT NEWS RESORT LIFE

en Regatta was just Friday, Saturday, Sunday, but they’ve added Thursday now. On Thursday, they do the out-and-out racing boats. On Friday, we race around the island; on Saturday, we race from here to Marigot, and on Sunday we race from Marigot to Simpson Bay.” “For Aqua Mania’s part,” Debby adds, “We put out the big spectator boats. So the big sail catamarans that you see” – she gestures toward the bay, where Tango and Lambada are moored – “will go out with 65, 70 people on board. People are already signing up.”

Aqua Mania’s two big sail catamarans will be among a sea of observer boats, all lined along the raceway when the regatta gets underway each day. A festive atmosphere surrounds these spectator boats, with people enjoying libations, cheering for friends or favored racers, and shouting encouragement to runners up.

Iain Mobbs, an employee of Aqua Mania and racing partner with Garth, describes the races: “The out-and-out race involve the Thoroughbreds of racing boats. These are high-powered performance yachts driven by the pros. I prefer the Friday race because all of the boats participate, no matter what class; the race mainly starts in Simpson Bay but there are so many boats that they have to start in different places across the island. The Saturday and Sunday races involve different sailing classes including the Cruisers, Catamarans, Spinnaker and nonSpinnakers plus the professional Racing boats.” Iain also shares his favorite part of the race, the part that really gets his heart racing - the beginning: “First, the boats get the 10 minute warning that the race is about to start. The crews begin rushing around to check their lines while the captain studies the winds to make sure the boat is positioned in the most advantageous place. The yachts jostle around and the one-minute mark is sounded, boats come head to head with each other, pushing to get into their preferred spot. Tension is high and room is tight. The horn sounds and the boats begin their rolling start. It is awesome to watch.”

The fun starts on the water and ends on dry land. Each day, wherever the race ends, a large party takes place featuring internationally known Caribbean and mainstream acts. Previous headliners have included Maxi Priest and Ziggy Marley in 2010, The Wailers in 2009, Shaggy in 2008, Damian and Stephen Marley in 2007, Ozomatli in 2006, Jimmy Cliff in 2005 and the Black Eyed Peas in 2004. These parties continue late into the night, with after-parties taking place at a variety of clubs and bars throughout the island.

For the Steyns, the parties take a backseat to the race itself. “As far as our own boat, Moondance,” Garth says, “we raced last year and came fifth in our class out of 15 boats, and I was sick as a dog. But November last year, we raced interisland on the Course de l’Alliance. We raced from here to St. Barts, and then the next day, we raced from St. Barts all the way around the back of St. Maarten, all the way around the back of Anguilla, and then up to Road Bay. And then, on the Sunday, we raced from Road Bay down to Marigot. And we won. Then we had the Heineken Regatta in March, where we came in fifth. Funny weather, but we had a good team and we sailed well.” A good team plus a few wins during other races helped the Moondance to be named “Boat of the Year” in 2010. All told, the Moondance, Garth and his crew race six or seven times in a season, which takes place from November to July.

The Moondance is a 36-foot Catalina sailboat with a 50-foot mast. She can comfortably accommodate eight people, sleeps six and boasts a kitchenette. Although she’ll be occupied racing the first week of March, for much of the year, she is available for day trips and other rentals as well as for sailing lessons by the St. Maarten Sailing School, which is operated by the Steyns.

“We saw a need to bring up some of the young people on the island,” Debbie explains.

“With the new labor rules that come in with 10-10-10 [the date of St. Maarten’s move to autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands], you can’t just hire any experienced captain who comes in looking for work. But a lot of the locals just don’t have that experience. So, we’re trying to teach people here about sailing.”

“And I’ve since used student crew in the races,” Garth adds. He glances back toward the Moondance, bobbing up and down in Simpson Bay before finishing, “There’s nothing like it.”

Whether you’re on-island for the races or not, the first week of March will be actionpacked and, if you don’t yet have a crew to cheer on, the Moondance crew makes a great home team for anyone staying at the Resort. And if you catch the sailing bug, the Moondance can take up to four people for sailing lessons, double that for cruises to nearby islands. Contact your concierge or visit the Aqua Mania shop in the Marina Plaza to set up an outing.

PELICAN RESORT RESORT NEWS LIFE 43

An Ownership Interest in the Caribbean for a Fraction of the Cost

A new concept in Lifestyle

44 PELICAN RESORT NEWS

Now More than Ever…

You deserve it • Vacation Membership at Simpson Bay’s only Premier rated Resort • All Oceanfront Villas • One and two-bedroom furnished villas with fully equipped kitchens • Full hotel services with 5-star amenities • Optional rental and exchange program • • • • • •

24-hour front desk & security • Beachfront restaurant • Lobby & pool bar Free-form pools • Lighted tennis courts Casino • Guest laundry • Convenience store Spa • Concierge service • Car rental Wireless Internet • Full back-up power generator Operated by the Caribbean’s most respected management group

Rentable, resalable, inheritable…and fabulously enjoyable Visit the Sales Center for an appointment or courtesy tour.

Call Ext. 5800 Toll-free 1-877-736-4586 www.simpsonbayresort.com

& Luxury

PELICAN RESORT RESORTNEWS LIFE 45

Treasure Islands Just off the coast of St. Maarten are three islands, all with their own unique qualities, that you don’t want to miss…

By Dan Sweeney With beautiful beaches, active nightlife and many great dining experiences, St. Maarten by itself can captivate visitors for weeks. But every island has its own character, and with so many of them so nearby, island hopping has become one of the Resort guests’ favorite pastimes. Sailing from the Resort via Aqua Mania Adventures the Edge I and Edge II, a pair of wave-piercing catamarans, ferry visitors to St. Barts and Saba. Two sailing catamarans, the Lambada and the Tango, depart from the marina for Anguilla and its sister island, Prickly Pear Cay. While close in latitude, the two islands serviced by the Edge catamarans could not be more different in attitude. St. Barts has become a playground for the rich and famous and features shops from some of the most well known highend brands in the world. Saba, on the other hand, has retained its natural beauty and quaint charm while catering to the more eco-adventure traveler.

Known as the Unspoiled Queen, Saba is a dreamland for divers and hikers. As the 65-foot Edge approaches the island, it appears to be unoccupied and, perhaps more importantly, impassible (which is likely why Saba was a pirate’s lair in the 1600s). The edges of Saba descend into the ocean from sheer cliffs before sloping off a few hundred feet up as the island rises to the peak of Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Netherlands at 877 meters (or 2,877 feet).

After about 90 minutes of skimming across the Caribbean, traveling about 26 nautical miles, it appears as if Saba lacks a port of any kind. But after sailing halfway around the tiny island, past craggy Diamond Rock that rises from the water next to the island, the little port of Fort Bay gradually comes into view.

Hiring a taxi to get up those first few hundred feet and into The Bottom, the first village along Saba’s road, is absolutely essential for all but the most physically fit and/or masochistic visitors.

At port you will find knowledgeable and friendly tour guides, like my driver Donna Cain, waiting to share their experience of Saba. With a bubbly personality and an infectious laugh, Donna will happily drive you up to see the splendor of this giant rock (the origin of the word “Saba” is believed to be derived from the Arawak Indian word for “rock”, which is “siba”).

The ride begins with a sharp upward slant, then cutting into tight switchbacks as you ascend. This road, an engineering marvel of Saba, connects Fort Bay to the airport on the opposite side of the island.

When Dutch engineers arrived here in the early 20th century to survey for a road across the island, they determined that, due to the dizzying topography, a road across the island would simply not be possible. This disappointed Josephus Lambert “Lambee” Hassell, one of the island’s few residents at the time.

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Boat Trips to Saba Saba is only one of the nearby islands served by ferries leaving from the Resort. The Edge I and Edge II also travel to St. Barts, which includes some of the best shopping in the Caribbean, with stores such as Hermés and Cartier just waiting for visitors to arrive and shop for their luxury goods. Between the shops, the celebrities and the fine dining and French culture, St. Barts is tailormade for tourists who appreciate la bonne vie. Just a 45-minute boat ride from St. Maarten, the island is a close journey.

Situated even closer to St. Maarten, but on the opposite side from St. Barts, Anguilla promises some of the best beaches diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. Nearby Prickly Pear Cay is even more gorgeous underwater, and its two restaurants and bar, staffed solely by people who sail over from Anguilla each day, mean that the island maintains its quiet, beautiful desolation. All of these islands can be reached from the Resort, with boats leaving at various times throughout the day.

For more information visit Aqua Mania Adventures today or log onto to their website. www.stmaarten-activities.com

Saba, Oh Jewel most precious, in the Caribbean sea. Mem’ries will stay of thy beauty, though we may roam far from thee.

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Brushing aside the engineers’ claims, Lambee took a correspondence course in civil engineering and then in 1938, with the help of the other determined locals armed with picks, wheelbarrows and shovels, started building “The Road that couldn’t be built”.

Lambee and the island’s other residents finished their seemingly impossible task over 20 years later, just in time for the opening of Saba’s second engineering wonder, its airport. The runway at Saba is the smallest commercial runway in the world, about the same size as an aircraft carrier. Unlike on an aircraft carrier, pilots who land at Saba have to stop their planes without the help of tailhooks and wires. As pilots are accustomed to saying in aviation circles, be glad that you arrived by boat.

After just a few minutes by car, you’ll reach The Bottom, the capital of Saba, and some theorize that this is the actual crater of the dormant volcano, which makes this beautiful island. Many of the 1,500 residents of the island live in the Bottom. Stop by the Sacred Heart Church, which was built in 1877.

One of many churches on the island, Sacred Heart houses a one-of-a-kind hand-painted mural behind its altar that combines rainforest scenes with religious symbols. This mural was painted by a Dutch resident of the island, Heleen Cornet and is said to include actual portraits of the children of Saba. Heleen, one of the many talented artists, is a native of Holland and has been living in Saba since 1986. Head over to the Saba Artisan Foundation, just down the street from the Sacred Heart Church. Here, visitors can purchase handcrafted silkscreen clothing and bolts of cloth, lacework items (Saba is renowned for its lace work), Saba spice, and the local liquor, which is made from fennel seed, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg blending to create an anise-like, licorice flavor.

Another few minutes on the road, past the tiny hamlet of St. Johns, and you’ll come to Windward Side, the only other village on the island that rivals The Bottom in size. Beyond that lays the small village called Hell’s Gate. Officially, the area is called Zion Hill, but back before the road was built, porters who had to carry goods all the way up the hill remarked that it was more like Hell’s Gate than Zion Hill. The name stuck, and now the only place to see “Zion Hill” is on the sign as you enter.

Back in Windward Side, you’ll find a market, souvenir shops, a couple of restaurants and two bars. The Swinging Doors bar, so named for its Western-style saloon doors, is the place where everybody knows your name. If you just feel like having a “cold one” and partake in some easy conversation with a couple of locals, including the bar’s proprietor Eddie Hassell, this is the place to be.

Windward Side also marks the trailhead for the path going to the top of Mount Scenery. From the town, the walk takes about an hour and a half or 1,064 steps. About one quarter of the way up the trail, it splits, with the right fork heading up the mountain and the left to a restaurant, where some hikers stop on the way up or down the mountain for a bite to eat before continuing their journey. The place is known for its red curry shrimp and its jerk chicken sandwiches as well as a refreshing blend of fruit juices called “A Hikers Haven.”

It may be a strenuous walk, but hikers are well rewarded when they reach Mount Scenery’s summit – the views of Saba, the Caribbean and neighboring islands are simply unrivaled. Surrounded by rainforest, Mount Scenery is also referred to as the “Elfin Forest” due to it’s misty atmosphere and lush ferns, and with Saba’s trademark white-walled, red-roofed homes dotting the landscape, you’ll feel as if you’ve journeyed not just up the mountain, but back through time. More-sedentary visitors can take comfort in the fact that no matter where you go on the island, a fantastic view is right around the corner. And if you prefer your sightseeing be done below the waterline, Saba offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling not merely in the Caribbean but in the entire world. The Dive Shop at Aqua Mania Adventures will help you get set up for one of the best dives you will ever experience. The whole island truly lives up to its Unspoiled Queen moniker. Indeed, until regular ferry service started, it seemed as though Saba would remain a small, untouched world unto itself, with only the ghosts of the old Caribbean to give it justice. After all, to quote the phrase allegedly first uttered by the island’s most infamous resident, 18th century pirate Hiram Beakes, “Dead men tell no tales.”

Boat Trips, Watersports, Daysails and Island Activities

Saba

Visit the Caribbean’s “Unspoiled Queen” with high speed ferry “Edge.”

Sightseeing, hiking and diving.

Rock & Roll Safaris

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tango Caribbean Dinner Cruise Enjoy a 3 hour coastal cruise with buffet style dinner.

Open bar and dessert. Lively Caribbean music.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - 5:30 p.m.

Anguilla & Prickly Pear

While sightseeing, captain your own watercraft. Stop for snorkeling.

Drinks and snorkel gear included

Daily 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Scuba Diving - Padi

Free dive and snorkel demos Mondays at the B Pool. Daily dives for certified divers. New to St. Maarten - NITROX. Dive trips to Saba with high speed ferry “Edge.”

Discover Scuba - Daily Night Dive - Thursday Dive Saba - Wednesday through Sunday

White sandy beaches and great snorkeling.

Lunch, drinks and snorkel gear included.

Anguilla - Wednesday & Friday Prickly Pear - Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Sand Dollar

Lambada Sunset Sail Unforgettable sunsets and coastal sailing with open bar and snacks.

Thursday - 5:15 p.m.

3 hour snorkel trip to Creole Rock. Snorkel gear and drinks.

Great sightseeing to the French Side , calm waters an excellent guide.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

St. Barts

Just 45 minutes on “Edge” to the “Jewel of the Caribbean.”

Sightseeing, shopping and beaches

Special Resort Cruise on Monday

Calypso to Marigot Lagoon Cruise Lagoon cruise at sunset followed by dinner at quaint “La Petit Auberge” restaurant in Marigot. No parking or traffic problems.

Tuesday - 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Daily trips to Marigot by Boat We book: horseback riding • yacht racing • deep sea fishing • Aqua Mania rents: waverunners • kayaks • snorkel gear • float belts • chairs • umbrellas • coolers and tennis rackets. semi submarine trips and private boat charters.

The Resort has: Playstation 4 kids - swing, slide and splash right in front of Our boutique has: beach toys • clothing • shoes • floats • sun lotions • the beach • Kids lagoon cruise on Thursdays. batteries • film • bags • snorkel gear • boat t-shirts and friendly staff.

Visit us at the Marina: Call 544-2640 or ext 5214 www.stmaarten-activities.com

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Resort Tips Please take a few minutes to read this section and familiarize yourself with the resort regulations and the additional services available. We appreciate your cooperation, the rules exist to ensure that all our owners and guests enjoy their vacation and to help our staff maintain the Resorts in tiptop condition.

We trust you will have a wonderful stay with us. Please stop by the Sales Center to renew old acquaintances, pick up the latest information on where to go and what to do, or learn more about the advantages of ownership.

Visitor Policy The Resort is a private club and access is controlled. All owners, guests and other visitors must register at the Front Desk upon arrival. May we suggest that you use discretion when inviting new acquaintances to your unit.

All owners, guests and visitors must agree to follow the published resort regulations and those of the affiliated facilities they may use during their stay. The Resort also reserves the right to terminate the use of resort facilities to anyone refusing to comply with the rules.

The law of St. Maarten, to the exclusion of the laws of any other jurisdiction whatsoever, shall apply to and shall govern, and the courts and authorities of Country St. Maarten shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any claim arising from any accident, injury, or illness occurring during your stay at the Resorts or as a consequence thereof.

Your Resort Home The Resort staff will do everything possible to make your stay pleasant and comfortable and if a problem should arise please report it to the Front Desk. You can rest assured that the matter will be taken care of as quickly as possible, often within minutes. Aside from maintenance requests, situations sometimes occur as a result of human error, for example, confusion over similar sounding names or breakages during Saturday unit changes. Accidents will happen and rather than expecting some form of complimentary compensation, a sincere apology from resort personnel should suffice.

The Resort is not a hotel nor is it managed as such. It is a non-profit and member dues cover operating expenses only. There are no funds to cover free dinners, extra nights, or gifts. The cost of such compensatory awards would come directly from owner dues.

Accepting this fundamental difference is essential to understanding why compensation is not permitted for any minor inconvenience you might encounter during your visit.

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Checking In Check-in time is 4 p.m. Upon check-in you may request the number of keys you require. Some rooms at the Resort has a safety deposit box that requires a lock and key, which will be issued to you upon check in. Please do not lose the lock and key, as you will be charged $75 US. A $250 US refundable deposit is required upon check in.

Checking Out Check-out time is 10 a.m. This time is strictly enforced and villas that have not been checked out at the Front Desk and vacated will be charged US$100 per hour with a US$100 minimum. Housekeeping will remove all belongings to prepare the villa for the next occupants. Complimentary luggage storage is available with the Bellman and changing rooms with showers are available in the gym.

Medical Service An independent doctor provides 24-hour medical service. Guests must pay all medical expenses (doctor’s fees, hospital charges, ambulances and prescriptions) directly to the provider. The Resorts assume no responsibility for any medical service provided.

New Concierge Desk All services handled by Reception now have been centralized at the spacious new Front Desk in the lobby. As an additional convenience, guests can also use the new guest phones located throughout The Resort or the Concierge Desk to talk to staff and take care of their needs without having to walk to the Front Desk every time.

No Smoking For the health and comfort of fellow guests, a no smoking policy is now part of the official Rules and Regulations. Smoking is permitted on the terraces with the sliding doors closed and using the ashtray provided. Smoking is strictly prohibited at all times inside the units. The policy helps keep your unit in better condition and reduces the need for additional cleaning. Violators of this rule (including smoking in the villa, on the terrace with the sliding doors open or with the ashtray inside the villa) risk a fine up to $2,330 USD. This fee is the amount it will cost to clean the villa and to relocate the guests the following weeks. Thank you for your cooperation.

Maid Service Maid service is provided as follows: • Saturday check in: Tuesdays • Two week stay: Tuesdays and Fridays • Sunday check in: Wednesdays • Two week stay: Wednesdays and Mondays Each unit contains two extra sets of bath linens.

Maids do not clean the kitchen. Before check out all kitchen items must be cleaned and returned to their storage space. If the kitchen and utensils are not clean, a service charge of $75 USD will be levied. Daily maid service is available upon request. Additional fees are $25 USD per day for Studio/Junior Suite, $35 USD one-bedroom villa and $45 USD for a two- bedroom villa. Please review the kitchen inventory, sign the inventory form and return to the Front Desk. Housekeeping will check the inventory and any shortages or unit damage beyond normal usage will be charged to the occupant.

Please check the condition of the kitchen counter upon arrival, if you notice any damage, please report it to the Front Desk to avoid an additional charge upon check out.

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Voice Mail + Plus You may use the telephone voice mail system to leave messages and if a reply is required, answers will be provided at the earliest possible time. The system allows owners and guests to maximize their vacation enjoyment and not spend time looking for or waiting to talk to Managers. To use Voice Mail + Plus, simply dial 1999 and then follow the prerecorded instructions to leave your message for different departments.

Occupancy Policies Your unit has been designed to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Observing a few simple rules will ensure the comfort of our owners and guests and help keep maintenance costs to a minimum: 1. P lease do not use bath linens to remove make up, clean dirty items, or in the kitchen.

2. Please do not place plastic items in the dishwasher.

3. Please do not sit on the furniture when wet or covered with suntan lotion.

4. P lease do not hang towels, bathing suits or other items from the terrace railing.

5. P lease do not drape damp clothing over the lamp shades or furniture.

6. Please do not litter.

7. I n order to prevent mildew, condensation or odors, please use the air-conditioning only when all doors are closed.

8. E ach unit has a safety deposit box located inside the closet.

Occupancy Limits Type of unit Accomocates Studio - Sleeps 2 2 persons Studio - Sleeps 4 4 persons One Bedroom 4 persons Two Bedrooms 6 persons Penthouse 6 persons Three Bedrooms 8 persons

Your Feedback Please Your feedback is critical in our performance and improvement process. We appreciate you spending your vacation time at the Resort and ask that you take a moment to complete the survey so we may better serve you on your return visit.

Please submit the In Search of Excellence Survey at the Front Desk and you will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a complimentary rental week in the Resort. The lucky winners will be posted on www.simpsonbayresort.com.

Pool Rules and Regulations Pool hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily. Unaccompanied children under the age of twelve must use the shallow pool area.

Children under parental supervision are allowed to use any pool area. To check out beach towels please present the towel card you received at check-in.

Please return towels and retrieve your card which must be handed in at the Front Desk during check-out. Beach towels can be exchanged once a day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

1. Do not use the pool while service signs are posted.

2. No diving or jumping is permitted.

3. No splashing near the swim-up bars.

4. No bonfires on the beach or pool areas.

5. Radios, CD or cassette players are not allowed in the pool or beach areas without personal earphones.

6. B ottles or glass items are not allowed in the pool or beach areas.

7. Floats, rafts and beach equipment are not allowed in the pool area except in the children’s pool.

8. No running or horseplay in the pool area.

9. Do not take the terrace furniture from your unit to the beach or pool area.

10. W hen returning from the beach, please shower with fresh water provided near the beach.

11. Pool lifeguards are not available. Swim at your own risk.

Please Note: Parents will be held directly responsible for the actions of their children. Please make sure that all family members know and understand the pool rules.

PELICAN RESORT NEWS 55

Mail Service Stamps and mail service are available at the Lord and Hunter store, next to the Red Piano.

Boarding Passes Boarding Passes can be printed in the concierge center (charges apply), call extension 777 for information.

Suggested tipping Bellman: $1.50 US per bag Maids: $3 US per day

About the Beach The turquoise waters and brisk warm breezes of the Caribbean are beautiful and alluring but at times they can be dangerous. For your safety, please observe the warning flags prominently displayed on the beach.

Black: Do not enter.

Red: Strong wave action - unsafe for swimming.

Yellow: Moderate wave action - swimming not advisable.

Green: Calm sea - enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

All beaches in St. Maarten are Federal property and the Resort assumes no responsibility for injury, theft or other incidents in this area. Use of the beach and ocean is at the personal risk of the owner or guest. Lifeguards are not available and swimming is at your own risk. Swimming at night is not recommended.

Do not stake out your territory by placing towels or other items on the furniture or under beach umbrellas if you are not using them at the time. All such items left unattended will be removed promptly by security. It may be possible to reclaim personal items by adequately describing them; however, the Resort beach towels and other equipment so removed will be charged to your account.

Additional Information

A 15% service charge is automatically added to your bill in most of the restaurants on the island.

Electricity 110 ac (same as in the United States).

Lost and Found Contact the Front Desk or Security Department.

Wake-Up Calls Please call the Operator or the Front Desk for assistance.

Ice Resort refrigerators are equipped with an ice maker. You may also purchase ice at most convenience stores.

Phone Calls Please check with the Operator by calling 0 as dialing long distance can be expensive. Long distance calls are charged to your villa.

Dialing the US: 9+001+area code+phone number International: 9+00+country code+city code+phone number There is a charge for local calls.

Doctor For medical services please call the Front Desk at Ext. 5421.

Wireless Internet Do you have your laptop with you? Stay connected with free wireless Internet access available at the resort. Call the Front Desk for the weekly password.

Membership Information To become one of more than 12,000 Resort Members or receive Membership information, please visit the Membership Office or call extension 5800.

Babysitting $10 US per hour ($2 US per extra child). Please contact the Front Desk 24 hours in advance or the Housekeeping department at extension 5600, 5615 or 5620.

Laundromat There are laundry rooms in the Dieffenbachia, Bougainvillea, Caladium and Marina buildings and on the third floor between the stairs in both wings of the Villas. All are open 24 hours. Â You may purchase tokens to use the washing machines and dryers from the Front Desk or at the towel booth across from the A-building, $2 per token.

Water Water is safe to drink on St. Maarten.

56 PELICAN RESORT LIFE RESORT NEWS

Taxis Available upon request, please ask your concierge or the front desk for assistance calling a taxi. A $10 US refundable deposit is required before calling for a taxi, if none are available.

No “for sale” or “for rent” signs or other advertising shall be placed or distributed in any part of the common areas or the units. The right to place and maintain such signs is specifically reserved by the Resort.

Parking A parking permit is required to park your car in the Resorts. This may be obtained at the Front Desk. Please lock your vehicle; management is not responsible for theft or damage.

Emergency Procedures

Maintenance Requests A maintenance request form is located on the kitchen counter.

Please use this form to report any maintenance problems to the Front Desk.

No Advertising Use of the accommodations and facilities associated with the Resort is limited solely to the Resort members and their guests, exchangers and renters.

Resort accommodations and facilities are provided for recreational purposes only, and any use associated with commercial ends is expressly prohibited including, but not limited to, resale of Resort ownerships.

Fire Familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher location nearest to your villa and, in the unlikely event of a fire, please observe the following procedures: • Report the fire to the Front Desk at Ext. 5421.

• If possible, close all windows and doors.

• Leave your unit at once.

• D o not use the elevator – exit the building by the stairs as marked.

Hurricanes Hurricanes do not happen instantly and there is ample warning of an approaching storm. You will be advised by Management on the proper safety procedures to follow should the situation arise.

THE FITNESS CENTER Stay in Shape Don’t miss your daily workout just because you are on vacation.

• Overlooking Simpson Bay, our new gym has state of the art fitness, weight and cardiovascular equipment. and cardio area • Locker and shower facilities Located on the third level of the Villas. Ask at the Front desk for information or call your Personal Concierge.

Open: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, closed on Saturday, Sunday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Rates for use: $6 US per person per day, $30 US per week and $90 for four weeks; Couples rates: $10 per day, $55 per week and $140 for four weeks.

Ext. 5948

PELICAN RESORT RESORT NEWS LIFE 57

Resort Directory Concierge Center 777 Front Desk 5421, 5422 Sales Office 5800 Executive Offices 5330 Car Rental 5190 L’Aqualigne 5211 Pool Bar (B) 5910 Pool Bar (Marina) 5930 Red Piano Bar 5454 Voice Mail 1999 Local Calls 9 + 7 Digit Number Operator & Fax Services 0 Security department 5911/5912 AquaMania 5214 House phones 5424, 5426 Lobby bar 5940 Roma 5950 The Stone 5510 Ice Cream Planet 5456 L’ Isola

5455 Bon Appetit 5294 Fitness Center 5948 Alexander–Cafeteria 5091

58 PELICAN RESORT LIFE RESORT NEWS

TV Channel Directory CNN 2 Resort Channel

3 TNT 4 Showtime 5 USA 6 Disney 7 HBO 8 ESPN 9 CNBC 10 NBC 11 CBS 12 ABC 13 WGN 14 Italian 15 Nickelodeon 16 Fox5 17 Univision (Spanish) 18 Weather Channel 19 Discovery 20 TV5 Modes (French) 21 Fox News 22 TBN 23 Lifetime 24

IN-HOUSE TELEPHONE DIRECTORY To call units within the resorts

Caladium Allamanda Room A1B A2B A3B A4B

Ext.

71011 71021 71031 71041

Beaumontia

Room B102 B104 B106 B108 B110 B112 B114 B116 B118 B120 B122 B124 B126 B128 B130 B132 B134 B201 B202 B203 B204

Room A1A A2A A3A A4A

Ext.

71012 71022 71032 71042

Room Ext.

A5B A6 A8 A10

71051 71061 71081 71101

Room A5A A7 A9 A11

Room

Ext.

Room Ext.

Room

72102 72104 72106 72108 72110 72112 72114 72116 72118 72120 72122 72124 72126 72128 72130 72132 72133 72201 72202 72203 72204

B205 B206 B207 B208 B209 B210 B211 B212 B213 B214 B215 B216 B217 B218 B219 B220 B221 B222 B223 B224 B225

72205 72206 72207 72208 72209 72210 72211 72212 72213 72214 72215 72216 72217 72218 72219 72220 72221 72222 72223 72224 72225

B226 B227 B228 B229 B230 B231 B232 B233 B234 B302 B304 B306 B308 B310 B312 B314 B316 B318 B320 B322 B324

B326 B328 B330 B332 B334 B402 B404 B406 B408 B410 B412 B414 B416 B418 B420 B422 B424 B426 B428 B430 B432 B434

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

73112 73122 73132 73142 73152 73162

C17A C18A C19A C20A C21A C22A

73172 73182 73192 73202 73212 73222

C11B C12B C13B C14B C15B C16B

73111 73121 73131 73141 73151 73161

C17B C18B C19B C20B C21B C22B

73171 73181 73191 73201 73211 73221

72226 72227 72228 72229 72230 72231 72232 72233 72234 72302 72304 72306 72308 72310 72312 72314 72316 72318 72320 72322 72324

Ext. 72326 72328 72330 72332 72334 72402 72404 72406 72408 72410 72412 72414 72416 72418 72420 72422 72424 72426 72428 72430 72432 72434

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

C1A C2A C3A C4A C5A

73012 73022 73032 73042 73052

C6A C7A C8A C9A C10A

73062 73072 73082 73092 73102

C1B C2B C3B C4B C5B

73011 73021 73031 73041 73051

C6B C7B C8B C9B C10B

73061 73071 73081 73091 73101

Dieffenbachia Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

D1 D2 D3 D4 D5

74011 74021 74031 74041 74051

D6 D7 D8 D9 D10

74061 74071 74081 74091 74101

D11 D12 D13 D14 D15

74111 74121 74131 74141 74151

D16 D17 D18 D19 D20

74161 74171 74181 74191 74201

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

F13 F14 F15 F16 F17 F18

76131 76141 76151 76161 76171 76181

F19 F20 F21 F22 F23 F24

76191 76201 76211 76221 76231 76241

Flamboyant Room

Ext.

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6

76011 76021 76031 76041 76051 76061

F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

Room

Ext.

M201 M202 M203 M204 M205 M206 M207 M208 M209 M210 M211 M212 M213 M215 M216 M217

78201 78202 78203 78204 78205 78206 78207 78208 78209 78210 78211 78212 78213 78215 78216 78217

M218 M219 M220 M301 M302 M303 M304 M305 M306 M307 M308 M309 M310 M311 M312 M313

78218 78219 78220 78301 78302 78303 78304 78305 78306 78307 78308 78309 78310 78311 78312 78313

M314 M315 M316 M317 M318 M319 M320 M401 M402 M403 M404 M405 M406 M407 M408 M409

78314 78315 78316 78317 78318 78319 78320 78401 78402 78403 78404 78405 78406 78407 78408 78409

M410 M411 M412 M413 M414 M415 M416 M417 M418 M419 M420 M510 M512 M515 M517 M520

78410 78411 78412 78413 78414 78415 78416 78417 78418 78419 78420 78510 78512 78515 78517 78520

76071 76081 76091 76101 76111 76121

Marina

Bougainvillea (b2) Room Ext.

Room Ext.

Room Ext.

Room

B152 B154 B156 B158 B160 B162 B164 B166 B168 B170 B174

B176 B178 B180 B251 B252 B253 B254 B255 B256 B257 B258

B259 B260 B261 B262 B263 B264 B265 B266 B267 B268 B269

B270 B271 B272 B273 B274 B275 B276 B277 B278 B279 B280

72176 72178 72180 72251 72252 72253 72254 72255 72256 72257 72258

Bougainvillea (b2)

72259 72260 72261 72262 72263 72264 72265 72266 72267 72268 72269

Room Ext.

Room Ext.

Room Ext.

Room

B352 B354 B356 B358 B360 B362 B364 B366 B370 B372 B374

B376 B378 B380 B452 B454 B456 B458 B460 B462 B464 B466

B468 B470 B472 B474 B476 B478 B480 B552 B554 B556 B558

B560 B562 B564 B566 B568 B570 B572 B574 B576 B578 B580

72352 72354 72356 72358 72360 72362 72364 72366 72370 72372 72374

Ext.

C11A C12A C13A C14A C15A C16A

Croton

Ext.

72152 72154 72156 72158 72160 72162 72164 72166 72168 72170 72174

Ext.

71052 71071 71091 71111

Room

72376 72378 72380 72452 72454 72456 72458 72460 72462 72464 72466

72468 72470 72472 72474 72476 72478 72480 72552 72554 72556 72558

Ext. 72270 72271 72272 72273 72274 72275 72276 72277 72278 72279 72280

Ext. 72560 72562 72564 72566 72568 72570 72572 72574 72576 72578 72580

The Villas at Simpson Bay

Villa numbers run from 101 to 113, 201 to 213, 301 to 313, 401 to 413, 501 to 513, 602 to 613, 703, 704, 709. 710, 711, 712, 810 and 811.

To call the suite dial 8 + villa number + 0 To call the room dial 8 + villa number + 1 To call the kitchen dial 8 + villa number + 2 Example: Villa Suite Room Kitchen 101 8 101 0 8 101 1 8 101 2 PELICAN RESORT NEWS 59

44 www.pelicanresort.com

THE VILLAS

60 PELICAN RESORT NEWS

SB

PELICAN RESORT NEWS 61 Resort & Marina

62 PELICAN RESORT NEWS

Dear Members and Guests, It is my sincere pleasure to introduce you to:

For my wife and me, it has provided a daily rebirth of health and happiness and has changed our lives! Please see your Personal Concierge for your complimentary copy of “Your Blood Doesn’t Lie” as a gift from us to you.

A Personal Message from

Richard D. Sutton

A Founder & Chairman of Royal Resorts

Welcome Home!

Call Today: 877.402.2721

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH! With Dzugan Method, you will discover that many of the “signs” of aging are actually the symptoms of imbalances and deficiencies in your blood and body chemistry...and the good news is that you can do something about it!

M E N O PA U S E | E R E C T I L E D Y S F U N C T I O N | M I G R A I N E | H I G H C H O L E S T E R O L | F AT I G U E

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