Nightbeat
Nightbeat
Let’s Get This Party Started! by Susan Campbell It’s hard to resist the rhythms once the beat beckons and builds and the sun sinks beneath the waves. To truly discover where tropical nights turn into magical memories, follow the vibe slowly as it moves to its final crescendo at sunrise.
Ease into an electric evening
The shift from lazy beach day to barefoot bopping in the sand starts early, where locals and visitors alike tend to congregate around a few favored spots to socialize and raise a few. These include Taloula Mango’s and Blue Bitch Bar: side-by-side legendary watering holes in downtown Philipsburg that offer you a great spot to kick off the evening on the boardwalk. Or follow the sound of classic rock and roll to famous Hard Rock Cafe where fab drinks and good times are always on tap. Then sashay on to Satori at Mary’s Boon for laid-back sunset style tapas and cocktails at happy hour, and maybe stick around for live music later on the beach. If you’re seeking a charming crew of yachties for friendly camaraderie and the latest scuttlebutt, SkipJack’s happy hour in Simpson Bay Lagoon is the place to be, and more boatie folks will also be found bellying-up to the bar to trade yarns (and for the Friday live music) at Lagoonies in Cole Bay. If you’re seeking romantic and easylistening live entertainment, sneak off to The Hideaway, which is hidden away atop Cole Bay at La Vista overlooking a lovely infinity pool. Close by, you’ll find Topper’s in Pelican Key – try some of their incredible gourmet island-made rums and maybe stay later for one of their specialevent evenings. Another neighboring locale is Jimbo’s Rock & Blues Café with great tunes and Tex-Mex-style happy hours, 74 Nights
tapas, and a big selection of frozen Marga ritas around a cool wade-in pool bar. Next, it’s on to Maho, where Sunset Bar & Grill is the best place in the world for planespotting; it’s also a perfect hangout to start early and stay on for more beachside revelry. Karakter beach bar on Simpson Bay has live music on Thursdays and Fridays. Of course, don’t forget the French side – Orient Bay Beach has its own nightlife vibe and special soirees at seaside spots like Palm Beach.
Saturdays; on Friday and Sunday nights they light mystical fireballs to please the gods of land and sea there. Also on Kim Sha beach is La Bamba Beach Bar, famous for their Latin music Tuesdays and rock and roll Sundays. Later, as the tropical stars hit the night sky full tilt, unearth some local music stars, hot DJs, and eclectic entertainment at some of these spots. Pete’s Village hosts Pineapple Pete, SPN Sports Café, and The Alley Ultra Lounge; there’s something for every mood and footmoving style there. Karaoke Thursdays and flashback Fridays are back at The Boathouse in Cole Bay, a legendary island nightlife landmark. And across from the airport is the new funky hot spot the Pink Iguana, a bar made out of a 100-year-old reconditioned tug boat!
As the night unfolds, it’s time to circle back to Maho’s magnificent quarter-mile of hot spots. It’s like a mini Vegas strip sparkling with neon lights and gala entertainment, inside and out. Pick and choose your vibe there at spots like Cheri’s Café for cabaret style shows. More musical treats are in store at The Sopranos Piano Bar with live pianists every night of the week and even dueling pianos on Thursdays. And if you can’t get enough tinkling of the ivories, then head to The Red Piano in Pelican Key, a long-time favorite and veritable nightlife institution. Open seven nights with live music every night, this place has a wonderful staff and you’re virtually guaranteed a fun night. They also host a special “Church on Monday” event that will have you singing “hallelujah!” E
Pump it up a notch
Head to Buccaneer Beach Bar on Kim Sha Beach for rowdier happy hours and wild live music nights on Wednesdays and
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Nightbeat Smooth, snazzy or full-on frenzy
Your next night move, your attire and how you greet the dawn will depend on your party mates. Sleuth out the late night offerings that often last right till sunrise at the island’s trendiest high-octane clubs. Start at the indoor bar and open terrace of Privé Hookah & Sky Lounge perched atop the Mega Yacht Building. They offer scads of special events and multiple flavors of hookahs. Then follow the beat to La Palapa Marina to catch Soggy Dollar’s famous DJ Bossman where the VIP lounge and private cabanas often host visiting celebs! And Le Shore has become the place to see and be seen in Simpson Bay for electronica and theme nights. You’ll catch today’s hottest tracks at Tantra – a multilevel party emporium in Maho Village boasting the island’s largest
dance floor and best DJs. Another rooftop bar at the Sonesta Maho Resort is Sky Beach – a unique open-air lounge with real sand and an indoor bar with lively entertainment and special events. Expect both barefoot boogying and stilettos in the sand there, but either way, everyone gets into their unique club groove with abandon. Of course, there are also the glitzy casinos that never sleep, often with plenty of stellar nightly entertainment, and Da Party Bus too, if you want to take it to the streets in style. Whatever you do, make sure to get out under the tropical stars because night is the time when magic happens. It’s easy to find just the right spot to get your own style of party started on this island, and when you call it a night is up to you! K
The Red Piano
The Soprano’s Piano Bar
Note: establishment hours and nights of live music and entertainment might vary throughout the year; check their respective websites for updated information. 76 Nights