The Butterfly Farm: Situated approximately 20 kilometres from Simpson Bay, this hugely popular tourist attraction is home to hundreds of butterflies from all over the world. Among some of the favourites are the iridescent Blue Morpho butterflies from the rainforests of South America, the giant Atlas Moth and the friendly Tree Nymph from South East Asia. From microscopic eggs to exotic caterpillars and pupae, visitors can witness the evolutionary cycle of these beautiful specimens.
Loterie Farm and Fly Zone: Once a famed sugar cane plantation, Loterie Farm is now one of St. Maarten’s premier tourist attractions. The nature retreat was created to preserve the island’s last remaining virgin rainforest, with thousands of plant species including towering mahogany, mango, papaw and guava-berry trees amongst spectacular rock formations and hillside streams. Well-maintained trails, leading from the foothills to the top of the island’s highest point, take visitors to a viewing platform offering panoramic views across St. Maarten. From here, the Fly Zone allows riders to soar over the forest canopy on a zip-line to the bottom.
Happy Beach: There are 37 beaches to choose from on St. Maarten, and Happy Beach has to be one of the best. A typically tropical white-sand beach lined with coconut trees, this idyllic location can only be reached by a ten-minute hike through the hills. The beach has remained largely untouched by the island’s tourism, and is an ideal spot for picnicking.