Atlantic Crossing

Madeira is an island of unbelievable beauty set in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about a one and one half hour flight from Lisbon. As it lies parallel to the coast of Africa, it has gentle weather — a moderated climate all year round. Perfect for golf. Mountains drop abruptly into the sea and surround small fishing villages at their base. Just west of Funchal, the capital city, lies Cabo Girao, the second highest cliff in the world. Discovered in 1420 under the sail of two officers of Henry The Navigator, Madeira has been a port of call for many ships over the centuries. The island is volcanic in origin, and the flowers that have been brought here have multiplied greatly over the centuries. The spectacular Blandy Gardens, northwest of Funchal and the neighboring property to Palheiro Golf and Casa Velha do Palheiro is a tribute to this flora.

After a round of golf at either of Madeira’s championship golf courses, Santo de Serra or Palheiro Golf, you can enjoy a glass of famous Madeira wine. Perhaps a visit to Camara de Lobos (Winston Churchill’s favourite place), a little fishing village at the base of Cabo Girao. How about a trip to Porto Moniz at the far northwest end of the island where you can soak in the natural pools. Funchal is the capital of Madeira. Ancient streets, beautiful churches, great shopping and many great restaurants dot the city.

Thirty seven sandy beaches, sparkling Caribbean seas, soothing trade winds, fine dining and incredible duty free shopping combine to make St.Martin/St.Maarten a true vacationers paradise.

Destination St. Martin is proud to represent a number of smaller hotels on the French side of the island; generally not the type of places found in the glossy tourist brochures but rather more intimate yet immaculate properties which allow the visitor to experience true island life. Accommodations are available on the beach in the beautiful French village of Grand Case, in Nettle Bay near the town of Marigot and at popular Orient Beach.

The smallest island in the world ever to have been partitioned between two different nations, St. Martin/St. Maarten has been shared by the French and the Dutch in a spirit of neighborly cooperation and mutual friendship for almost 350 years.

The border is almost imperceptible and people cross back and forth without ever realizing they are entering a new country. The only marker is a monument between Union Road and Bellevue, testifying to centuries of peaceful cohabitation and the treaty that made the arrangement possible.

All the same, each side has managed to retain much of the distinctiveness of its own national culture. The French tend to emphasize comfort and elegance. The beaches are secluded, the luxury resorts provide lavish accommodations, and the restaurants offer some of the finest dining experiences anywhere in the Caribbean. The latest French fashions can be found in many of the shops, and the smell of fresh croissants and pastries mixes everywhere with the spicy aromas of West Indian cooking. Small caf’e9s and charming bistros add a decidedly Gaelic and cosmopolitan flair to the place. On the whole the atmosphere remains very relaxed.