Supermarkets


We continue to receive emails from people going to the island asking the same questions, "Where do you buy food?"and "Are there supermarkets on the island?" or "I'm traveling with small children will I be able to buy baby food?" Supermarkets or Food Markets on the island are in abundance. They are not as large as food markets in major USA or Western European cities, but by island standards they are big. Here are several: the Food Express at La Terrasse Resort in Maho; Le Grand Marche at the circle or round-a-bout in Cay Hill; a newly opened Le Grand Marche in Cole Bay on Union Road behind the RBTT Bank next to the Princess Port de Plaisance Resort entrance; the Food Center on Union Road in Cole Bay across from Almond Grove Estates; newly opened Le Gourmet Marche in the former Hot Tomatoes Restaurant building on Simpson Bay Lagoon; The Daily Express in Cole Bay which is a very nice food market that I refer to it as the Newspaper; Le Super Marche on the Lowlands Road going into Marigot; and The Match in the mall on the Rue de Holland in Marigot, which is the largest food market on the French side of the island.

Most island supermarkets have all the products you would find in any US or European supermarkets including: fresh vegetables, fish, meats, milk products, baby products (Gerber's, diapers, talc powder, etc.), can goods, snack foods, beer, soda & wine, hard liquor, magazines and books, cheese, bakery goods, desserts, and even pre-made sandwiches. Also, most of the island food markets carry the same brand names that we have in our US supermarkets as well as brand names which I recognize from European markets. So, if your accommodations provide kitchen facilities, you can shop at the supermarket, cook, and eat in if you desire. Also, in most areas of the island, there are small local food stores which carry many of the everyday items you need.

Also, you can join in the great fun and festivities of market day on Wednesday and Saturday in Marigot or in the Market Square in Philipsburg. Besides fruits and vegetables, there are handcrafted art work by local artisans, clothing, scarves, leather goods, souvenir items and more.

Are you ready for a taste of Island flavor? At the Match, take home some Ma Doudou, a flavored rum liquor made on St. Martin, which comes in narrow bottles with Madras tops and pieces of fruit in the bottles. It's great! Or, you can try Guavaberry, the legendary folk liqueur made from wild local berries found only on St. Maarten.

Where to buy Cuban Cigars

Cigar aficionados ask the question, "Where can I buy Cuban cigars?" Here's the answer! Almost anywhere! In the Marina Port la Royale in Marigot, there are several cigar stores with incredible selections including Cubans. One is La Casa del Cigarro located on the promenade between Tropicana Restaurant and La Petite Auberge Des Iles. Another is La Casa del Habano on the Rue de la Liberte and a third is La Petite Boutique du Cigare on the Boulevard de France. On the Dutch side, there's Cigar Aficianado in the Maho Shopping Center, and on Front Street in Philipsburg, La Casa del Habano, and the Cigar Emporium. Many retail stores also sell Cuban cigars.