Nightbeat
Nightbeat
After Dark Delights by Susan Campbell Whether barefoot bopping in silky sand to a live band is your thing, or slipping into dressy duds and stilettos for high octane clubbing is what floats your boat, it’s all happening on this island seven nights a week. So let us show you where the night really moves… Casual and friendly encounters
No need to dress to impress at these surfside and inside watering holes. Elbow up to the pine with the locals and meet new friends during the many happy hours and special theme nights at spots like Taloula Mango’s and Blue Bitch Bar, side-by-side sister bars in downtown Philipsburg on the boardwalk. Or get your rocking mode on at Hard Rock Cafe where music is always king and drink specials abound. Sunset
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Bar & Grill in Maho gives the airplane spotters a perfect perch to party on as the night rolls in. And Karakter beach, lounge, and restaurant on Simpson Bay, beside Mary’s Boon on the other side of the airport, also often have live music surfside and lots of theme evening fun. How about catching up on the latest island scuttlebutt at boatie hangouts like SkipJack’s where their happy hour in Simpson Bay Lagoon is downright legendary. And The Boathouse, a true island landmark dining spot and get-together spot, sometimes has live music and karaoke
to get the joint really jumping. You can also join more salty sailors and yachties trading yarns at Lagoonies in Cole Bay where live music on Fridays turns it into a real local happening. The revelry starts early, even before the sun goes down at Topper’s on Airport Road. Try some of their incredible gourmet island-made rums in many surprising flavors like white chocolate raspberry, and maybe stay later for one of their special event evenings: Thursday night karaoke is hugely popular. Or hop into the newly renovated Jimbo’s Rock & Blues Café
for their famous happy hours with giant margaritas, great tunes, and tapas around a unique wade-in pool bar. For later seaside dancing in the sand, head out to Buccaneer Beach Bar on Kim Sha Beach for many wild, live music nights during the week, and on Fridays and Sundays, they light mystical fireballs on the sand to pick up the party. You can also head to The Red Piano in Pelican Key to hear exceptional musicians tinkling the ivories. They are particularly known for their live band on Monday nights, called Church on Monday. !
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Nightbeat Blue Bitch Bar
Romantic escapes abound
Seeking something a little softer and smoother to romance your special someone under the tropical night stars? Then slip away to The Hideaway at La Vista atop Cole Bay overlooking a lovely infinity pool. They have local entertainers playing soft island music and Wednesdays they have Klassy Karaoke night. For VIP style lounging with your main squeeze, sashay to the premium cabanas on a man-made beach on top of a roof at the Sky Beach Rooftop Beach & Lounge. It’s the ultimate spot for sophisticated canoodling, and later it morphs into an ultra chic club pulsing with dance and house music.
Nightbeat Experience Maho magic
As the night unfolds further, it’s time to circle back to Maho’s magnificent quartermile 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 without missing a beat. There are many fine dining spots and casual restos should you get peckish while bar-hopping. Don’t miss places like Cheri’s Café for outdoor cabaret style shows, and Bamboo’s Buddha Lounge is a surreal and chic escape. The casino often sends musicians and dancers out into the street for a flash mob of outdoor entertainment. Unreal! The Sopranos Piano Bar in Maho is also a must-visit for excellent live music and sing-alongs, and Bajatzu Bar & Grill has a real New York lounge feel to it with great
3 Amigos
classic cocktails. Scope out 3 Amigos; they have much more than marvelous Mexican food and authentic margaritas. Their Sexy Saturdays are epic, and they also have DJs and lively music on other nights. And don’t leave Maho Village without a trek up to Tantra, the island’s most famous late nightclub. Hot DJs, private lounges, and VIP service rules there; it’s the spot to see and be seen! More fun vibes and party modes
Head out for more fun as the tropical stars climb higher. Make your way to the live music and hot DJ spots to get your dance fix such as Pineapple Pete, where there’s something for every mood. Or head over to Cupecoy for an eclectic selection of music at News Music Cafe, from piano to alternative rock depending on the night. And every Saturday there is super sexy with Latin music and free salsa lessons!
Hard Rock Cafe
You can also look for the late night offerings at La Palapa Marina to catch Soggy Dollar Bar’s famous DJ Bossman where the VIP lounge and private cabanas hide visiting celebs! And Le Shore club in Simpson Bay is renowned for their VIP events as well with lots of electronica music. Of course, there are all the glitzy casinos, on the Dutch side, that never sleep, often with plenty of stellar nightly entertainment. Take it to the streets!
If you’d rather bounce around in a party on wheels, there are two choices to ensure your rocking night really rolls. Da Party Bus helps you take it to the streets in style and Rooster’s Party Bus, an open-top double-decker London style bus, has a live DJ and three-hour open bar for crowing till the cows come home. But whatever you do, make sure to get out under the tropical stars after dark here because night is the time when the magic really happens all around this island. St. Maarten nightlife always sizzles as hot as the tropical sun does during the day! "
Island hopping
If you have the opportunity to visit the island of Curaçao and are looking for some adult entertainment, add the VIP bar lounge at Campo Alegre Adult Resort & Casino to your list. Tel: (5999) 868-8422. www.campoalegre-curacao.com Note: establishment hours and nights of live music and entertainment might vary throughout the year; check their respective websites for updated information. 72 Nights
Top photo courtesy of Blue Bitch Bar. Bottom photo courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe
Top photo courtesy of 3 Amigos. Bottom photo courtesy of Campo Alegre
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