Cole Bay

It has only been in the last few years that Cole Bay has earned its place on a tourist map. Prior to this, Cole Bay was not much more than an industrial community where dozens of untidy ware houses and shops lined un-groomed alleyways. There were a lot of run down houses that provided a shelter and home for transient workers, but were not so gentle on the eye. None of the more presentable neighbourhoods, out of the few that there were, proved to be any good for short term, holiday makers on the island. The standards just simply weren’t good enough. But since then, much has changed and many improvements have been made to Cole Bay.

A new causeway was built, which connects Simpson Bay directly with the north-western part of Cole Bay. This has relieved the traffic congestions and commuting times significantly, making it much easier and quicker to move to and from the bay.

Included within Cole Bay is a stretch of commercial activity, named appropriately the ‘Golden Mile’, where various yachting and boating businesses have made a name for themselves over the years. Much of the island’s yachting industry have settled along the lagoon shorelines that make up Cole Bay, including the huge marine chandlers Island Waterworld and Budget Marine. There is also a very popular sailors watering hole along this part of the lagoon too, called Lagoonies; a world famous restaurant and bar.

If we can’t tempt you with the yachting community here then perhaps you will be more interested to learn that Cole Bay is one of the major entertainment destinations on Sint Maarten. Close to the French border, Port de Plaisance, a large resort complex, is where you will find the island’s most glamorous gaming establishment, Princess Casino. Here you can gamble until your heart’s content, whilst sampling food at some of the island’s finest restaurants. It is here at Port de Plaiance where you will also find the most elegant fitness and wellness sanctuary, The Country Club, alongside a number of other luxury resorts and hotels.