The sweeping curve of the beach at Grand Case near the northern tip of st maarten island shelters a little fishing village that is famous not only for its fine foods but also for its distinctive style of architecture. Elaborate carvings and fretwork, in what is called a gingerbread style, adorn the fronts of the small wooden houses painted in pastel colors, and the effect is truly charming.

The most common misconception about the St Martin French West Indies is that it must be much hotter in summer than it is during the rest of the year. In fact, the average monthly temperatures remain remarkably stable, varying by only about 5 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. This stability can be attributed to the tradewinds (Les Alizés) which bring refreshing breezes from the Northeast throughout the year, tempering the tropical heat.

During Prohibition in the U.S., the French side was wet and the Dutch dry. A border guard was stationed on the only main road, but the Dutch were too smart. They bought their booze on the French side, then used secret trails to return. The border guard never confiscated the first quart.

For many years, Grand Case was a sleepy little village with a road barely wide enough for one car. It really was nothing more than cotton plantations, shrimping and salt ponds. Cotton was shipped to England and salt to Guadeloupe, Martinique and then Europe. Weather beaten wooden homes straddled the road in Grand Case, Creole words meaning Big House. As the village became known for its culinary excellence, these homes were gradually transformed into restaurants, some world-class.

The gentle sounds from the turquoise waters of the bay set the stage for a relaxing lunch at a beachfront bistro. Spend the day on one of the calmest beaches on the island, perfect for children, but with beach bars lively enough to keep the parents amused also. The area comes alive at night when the finest restaurants in the Caribbean show off their best. Later still you can dance the night away in the local clubs. Large and comfortable hotels are located at each end of town and cozy guesthouses line the in street.

Some of the island's best restaurants also happen to be located in this area.
Sunset Café, one of the best places in the world for sunset watching. Have a drink and await the elusive little dot of green as the sun sinks into the sea. So have a sip of your wine (chilled rosé), and watch the show.

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