Arriving at the Sint Maarten Sapphire Beach Resort was an experience nothing short of excitement and a thrill for adventure. Stepping off the shuttle and into the resort, I was introduced by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles as I got ready to call this place home for a month, instantly making us feel like family in this Caribbean paradise.
As I walked into the resort’s lobby, the first thing that caught our eyes was a kiosk with flyers. Each flyer detailed an abundance of amazing adventures available on the island, from snorkeling excursions to sunset cruises. This resource became valuable for planning fun activities during our stay. The variety of options presented in these flyers promised an exciting month ahead, ensuring that there was something for everyone in our group to enjoy.
Meeting my classmates I would be spending the month with added another layer of excitement to the experience. After settling in, we decided to dive right into the fun and start exploring what Saint Martin had to offer. Our first adventure was a catamaran tour that showed the island.
The catamaran was equipped with everything we needed for a day of relaxation. As we set sail, the view of the island from the water was nothing short of spectacular. The turquoise waters, and the sea breeze provided respite from the tropical heat. The crew was knowledgeable and friendly.
The next day while walking on the beach I was greeted by some locals who invited me to visit some secret spots for cliff jumping. These hidden gems were not on any of the flyers, making the experience feel exclusive. Standing at the edge of the cliffs, the views of the ocean, its water so clear that we could see the vibrant marine life swimming below. Exploring SXM from the water also gave us a unique perspective of the island.
Orient Bay, located on the northeastern coast of the island, is renowned for its breathtaking views where the ocean and sky merge. The motion of the sea, coupled with the expansive sandy shores, creates an atmosphere that captivates all who visit. During a walk on the beach a few of us stumbled upon a sailboat anchored just off the shore. We decided to set sail and explore the bay from a different perspective.
Our group was fortunate to include Maxim, a certified sailing instructor with years of experience. His expertise and confidence were reassuring as we prepared for our impromptu sailing excursion. With Maxim around, we were in capable hands, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience without any worries. As we cast off from the beach and the sailboat began to glide across the water, a sense of exhilaration. The sight of Orient Bay from the sea was simply mesmerizing.
My first week here was filled with countless adventures and unforgettable moments. The initial warm welcome, the wealth of information provided by the kiosk of flyers, and the incredible activities we experienced all contributed to making my time on the island truly special. From cliff jumping to catamaran tours, each day brought new experiences and deeper connections with both the island and each other. As we reflected on our adventures, we realized that the magic of Saint Martin lay not just in its stunning landscapes, but in the warm hospitality and the sense of discovery that awaited us at every turn.
