Where to shop in St. Maarten: Front Street, duty-free and guavaberry

St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean’s great duty-free islands, and the split personality shows in the shopping too. The Dutch side runs on jewellery, watches, liquor and electronics with no sales tax; the French side leans to perfume, fashion and French goods.

What to look for

Front Street in Philipsburg is the main strip, a long run of duty-free jewellery, watches, liquor and linens behind Great Bay. Marigot on the French side is the place for perfume, fashion and market finds. For something actually of the island rather than flown in, look for guavaberry liqueur and local crafts. The markets are worth a wander whether or not you buy.

The shops

Before you go

Duty-free counters may ask for your travel details, so carry them, and prices are keenest when the cruise crowds thin. The number on each page is the shop’s own.