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Duty-Free Delights
In Philipsburg, shops line Frontstreet, the narrow boulevard nearest the waterfront. In these duty-free stores, electronic goods, leather, jewelry and liqueur (especially guavaberry liqueur) are especially good buys. (For the best prices, shop on days when the cruise ships are not in port.) No duties are charged in or out of port (one of the few such ports in the world), so savings on consumer goods run about 25-50% at this popular dutyfree stop. Shop carefully, though, and know prices on specific goods before you leave home. Some items are not bargains. Typically, shops open at 8 or 9 amand remain open until noon, then reopen from2 to 6 daily.When cruise ships are in port, most shops remain open through the lunch hours.

Dutch Sint Maarten doesn't often receive the rave restaurant reviews awarded to French St. Martin, but that's a mistake. With culinary offerings that range from French to Indonesian to Italian, this part of the island offers excellent dining at prices that are often better than the French section. Restaurants throughout the island reflect themany cultures that live here and the many lands which the Netherlands once influenced.

Hotels & Resorts

Holland House Beach Hotel
Frontstreet 43, Philipsburg
800-223-9815, 599-54-22572
www.hhbh.com
$
This 54-room hotel is the ideal location for serious shoppers. Especially popular with Dutch travelers in town to do business in Philipsburg, this charming European-style hotel is also perfect for those looking to do a little business of their own in the duty-free shops. The junior suite here is an excellent value, two rooms with kitchen, living room and a large balcony.

The capital city of Philipsburg bustles with activity in its dutyfree shops and glitzy casinos, but still boasts plenty of history. The town's Frontstreet has been a market since the 17th century, when Dutch traders brought their acquisitions to the island from as far away as Indonesia.

Courthouse. The most distinctive structure in town, this green and white building was built in 1793 and renovated just a few years ago. It's a popular meeting site for shoppers on Front- street and the taxi stand is nearby.

St.Maarten Museum, 119 Frontstreet, Philipsburg. Housed in a restored 19th-century West Indian house in downtown Philipsburg, this museum features the history and culture of the island. Displays include artifacts from prehistoric to modern times. Open 9 to 4 weekdays and 9 to noon on Saturdays.

Golf

Mullet Bay is home to an 18-hole golf course that's back in operation after repairs. The championship course, designed by Joseph Lee, includes a putting green and practice green. Greens fees include a golf cart and run about $105 for 18 holes or $60 for nine holes; club rentals available for $20-$25. Reservations should be made about a week in advance; 599-54-52801 or 599-54-53069.

Jogging

The Road Runners Club of St. Maarten has a Fun Run every Wednesday at 5 pm and invites visitors. On Sundays, an early bird run of two to 15K starts at 6:45 am at the Pelican Resort and Casino. Contact the front desk at Pelican Resort (599-54-42503) for more information.