In Dutch St. Maarten--Not only is St. Maarten a free port, but it has no local sales taxes. Prices are sometimes lower here than anywhere else in the Caribbean, except possibly St. Thomas. On some items (fine liqueurs, cigarettes, Irish linen, German cameras, French perfumes), we've found prices 30% to 50% lower than in the United States or Canada. Many well-known shops on Curaçao have branches here.
Except for the boutiques at resort hotels, the main shopping area is in the center of Philipsburg. Most of the shops are on Front Street (called Voorstraat in Dutch), which stretches for about 2km (1 mile) and is lined with stores. More shops are along the little lanes, known as steegijes, that connect Front Street with Back Street (Achterstraat), another shoppers' haven.
In general, the prices marked on the merchandise are firm, though at some small, very personally run shops, where the owner is on site, some bargaining might be in order.
Antillean Liquors, Queen Juliana Airport (tel. 599/54-54267), has a complete assortment of liquor and liqueurs, cigarettes and cigars. Prices are generally lower here than in other stores on the island, and the selection is larger. Guavaberry island liqueur is made on island.
Del Sol St-Maarten, 23 Front St. (tel. 599/54-28784), sells men's and women's sportswear. Embedded into the mostly black-and-white designs are organic crystals that react to ultraviolet light, which transforms the fabric into a rainbow of colors. Step back into the shadows, and your T-shirt will revert to its original black-and-white design. The same technology is applied to yo-yos, which shimmer psychedelically when you bob them up and down.
Colombian Emeralds International, Old Street Shopping Center (tel. 599/54-23933), sells unmounted emeralds from Colombia, as well as emerald, gold, diamond, ruby, and sapphire jewelry. Prices are approximately the same as in other outlets of this famous Caribbean chain. There are some huckster vendors around the island pawning fakes off on unsuspecting tourists; if you're seriously shopping for emerald, this is the place.
Belgian Chocolate Shop, 109 Old St. (tel. 599/54-28863), is the best of its kind on island. Contrary to popular rumor, only some of the velvety chocolates sold in this upscale shop are pornographic, portraying parts of the human anatomy. It's always busy here, especially when cruise ships are berthed at the nearby piers.
Guavaberry Company, 8-10 Front St. (tel. 599/54-22965), sells the rare "island folk liqueur" of St. Maarten, which for centuries was made only in private homes. Sold in square bottles, this rum-based liqueur is flavored with rare guavaberries, usually grown in the hills in the center of the island. (Don't confuse guavaberries with guavas -- they're very different.) The liqueur has a fruity, woody, almost bittersweet flavor. You can blend it with coconut for a guavaberry colada or pour a splash into a glass of icy champagne. They also sell gift items and various types of hot sauces
Greenwich Galleries, 20 Front St. (tel. 599/54-23842), is the most interesting and sophisticated art gallery on either side of the island, with Bajan pottery in tones of sea greens and blues, replicas of Taíno artifacts from the Dominican Republic, enameled metal cutouts that are both quirky and perplexing, and a range of paintings and lithographs from artists as far away as Holland and Britain.
Nanette Bearden Fine Arts Gallery, 44 Front St. (tel. 599/54-31540), is the legacy of the late American artist Romare Bearden, some of whose work hangs in such galleries as New York's Metropolitan and the Smithsonian. Known for his images of black culture in the Caribbean, the Manhattan artist created this gallery to exhibit the work of island artists. A different artist is showcased every month.
Little Switzerland, 52 Front St. (tel. 599/54-22523), is part of a chain of stores spread throughout the Caribbean. These fine-quality European imports are made even more attractive by the prices, often 25% (or more) lower than stateside. Elegant famous-name watches, china, crystal, and jewelry are for sale, plus perfume and accessories. Little Switzerland has the best overall selection of these items of any shop on the Dutch side.
Caribbean Camera Centre, 79 Front St. (tel. 599/54-25259), has a wide range of merchandise, but it's always wise to know the prices charged back home before making a major purchase. Cameras here may be among the cheapest on St. Maarten; however, we've discovered better deals on St. Thomas.
Little Europe, 80 Front St. (tel. 599/54-24371), is an upscale purveyor of all the "finer things" in life. Its prices are inexpensive compared to North American boutiques. Inventory includes porcelain figurines by Hummel, jewelry, and watches by Concorde, Piaget, Corum, and Movado.
At the Shipwreck Shop, Front Street (tel. 599/54-22962), you'll find West Indian hammocks, beach towels, salad bowls, baskets, jewelry, T-shirts, postcards, books, wood carvings, native art, sea salt, cane sugar, and spices -- in all, a treasure trove of Caribbean handcrafts. If you're looking for affordable gifts or handcrafts in general, this might be your best bet.
