What would be a great souvenier from St. Maarten

[wakar13]

Rum, local art or handicraft - what would you experienced cruisers recommend?

 

Thanks!

Walker

[Jan_In_Maine]

I always bring back a watercolor painting from each location. My home office is also my "vacation room" and I have all the different watercolors displayed. The last time we spent some time in Margot and I purchased a beautiful hand painted tile at the market. Jan

[gtaylor]

I like the idea of bringing back a painting / artpiece from the island, and we have several from St. Maarten.

 

If you'd like to bring back rum as a souvenir, at least bring back something that you can still appreciate as an empty bottle, like Rum Jumbie or a Ma Doudou, or both. :)

 

gary

[wrcjr98]

Somebody told me to be sure and get some Guavaberry Rum? but I've never been, so I am not speaking from experience!

[Ramzister]

NO Tan Lines!

[akeasley]

Try the Guavaberry Rum. There is a store on Front Street where you can get a free sample and buy a bottle to take back with you as a souvenier.

[Dunmore2]

There are many interesting items to sample and buy in the above mentioned guavaberry store.

[gtaylor]

Try the Guavaberry Rum. There is a store on Front Street where you can get a free sample and buy a bottle to take back with you as a souvenier.

Definitely try the stuff, many don't care for it.

 

They do have free samples of many of the Guavaberry products there, but they also have the very highest prices on the island.

 

I would suggest wandering down Frontstreet towards the Courthouse a bit and stopping into Ocean Jewelers or their associated Friendly liquor store for much cheaper prices.

 

Even the shops back at the Cruise Facility are likely to have lower prices.

 

gary

[mabones]

Rum, local art or handicraft - what would you experienced cruisers recommend?

 

Thanks!

Walker

 

 

I always make a stop at Nick Maley's Art Studio on Front Street. I think it called "Paradise"? He has great Island prints. I've purchased a few of them. I even had one signed by him the last time I was there.

[Vettebuf]

Try the Guavaberry Rum. There is a store on Front Street where you can get a free sample and buy a bottle to take back with you as a souvenier.

 

Free samples of guavaberry colada - yum!

 

And you can get hand-painted bottles there too.

[cjackso8]

Guavaberry has hand painted bottles that are very pretty.

[wrcjr98]

I bought the Guavaberry Liqueur - it has the recipe on the bottle for the Guavaberry Colada's - it's a 750 ml and it was a little above $20- but I believe St. Maarten is the only place to get it-

[cleophus12]

Jewelry is always a good souvenir. And St. Maarten's prices have become very competitive the last couple of times I have been there.

[dawnmariex]

Hi. You can get the guavaberry liqueur for $15 if you pay cash in some of the stores on Back Street.

 

I bought garnet earrings at the market. They are known for their garnets.

 

There are also many people selling paintings large and small.

[newcruisergal]

Have stopped twice in Guava Berry to sample, it is wonderful! Going to bring back a pretty bottle this time when we are there this week. St. Martin is such a great port, love this island!

[mrobstad]

I bought a nice tablecloth at a linen store, but left it on the cab on the way to orient beach.

[still-learning]

We can highly recommend a visit to the "Spice Shack" in St. Maartin a very small and friendly locally owned business in the shopping kiosk type stand area as you approach the taxi stands when you exit your ship.

 

They have free samples of awesome local Jams and Honey (Guavaberry, Passionfruit, Tamarind, Pineapple...) They were ~$6.00 in a decorative bottle or ~$8.00 in a hand painted bottle.

 

They also have lots of local made Hot Sauces to sample/purchase (Papaya, Gauvaberry, Garlic, Jerk...)

 

Of course spices; Cinnamon, Vanilla, Tamarind, Curry, Saffron, Island Jerk, Annise, Cardamon, Basil, Thyme, Mixed Herbs...

 

Even some Hand Painted Christmas Ornaments that were $12 about less than 1/2 the price of other "commercial" stores.

 

I don't remember all the exact prices but they were all very reasonable.

 

I was referred by another cruise member and I am sooo glad I found this little gem and stopped by. I ended up buying nearly all of the above! :D The Mom and son who run this little shop are so friendly I ended up getting my photo with them and if I knew how to post it here I would!

[BillOh]

A T-shirt that says, MAHO BEACH - CAN YOU BELIVE? and shows a 747 zooming over the fence line. (Yes, its spelled that way)

[martinm]

I have a client that directed me to the local Rolex dealer ;)

 

Thats my idea of a keepsake ;)

[trev71]

Thanks for all the great ideas guys