Bajan Lifestyles

31/05/2026

Beware of the French side of Sint Martin.

Nobody warned me that a lot of places don’t even start opening until around 10am.

I crossed over early, excited to explore the boutiques, cafés and streets of Marigot, only to find myself walking through what felt like a movie set before the actors arrived.

The funny part is every shop I peeked into looked good. Stylish boutiques. French cafés. Little stores that looked like they were fully prepared to take my money.

But the shutters were down.

Turns out, many businesses on the French side operate on a slower schedule than the Dutch side, with shops commonly opening around 10am and some even closing for extended lunch breaks during the day.

So learn from my mistake.

If you're heading over for shopping, maybe let the French side wake up first.

28/05/2026

I have never been one to wake up at 5am, but when I heard there were pelicans at Fort Amsterdam, I made a serious effort.

The hike to the top is short but steep in places, and by sunrise the views over Little Bay, Great Bay and the Caribbean Sea made every step worthwhile.

Built by the Dutch in 1631, Fort Amsterdam was the first Dutch military fort in the Caribbean and played an important role in the early history of St. Maarten. Today, the remains of the fort sit on a peninsula that is also home to one of the island's most important nesting areas for brown pelicans.

For me, though, it was the combination of history, nature and those incredible views that made the experience special. I honestly can't remember the last time I saw a pelican this close.

Worth every step. Worth the lack of sleep. And definitely worth working up an appetite for the buffet breakfast back at Divi Little Bay Resort.

26/05/2026

Driving in St. Maarten completely changed the way we experienced the island. Instead of being limited to one area or spending hundreds on taxis, we had the freedom to explore both the Dutch and French side on our own time. From beach hopping and late-night food stops to rainforest adventures, rum tastings, and watching planes land at Maho Beach, having a car made the trip feel effortless.

We booked with Exclusive Car Rentals and the process was surprisingly smooth from start to finish. Airport delivery made arrival easy, the service felt professional and reliable, and the compact car ended up being perfect for navigating the island roads and tighter parking areas. The first drive on the right side definitely took a minute to adjust to, but after that, it honestly became part of the fun.

If you really want to experience Sint Maarten properly and not just stay inside a resort bubble, rent the car. The island is too beautiful to stay in one place.

18/05/2026

18/05/2026

This isn’t the side of Sint Maarten fighting for attention.

Suites overlooking a private peninsula.
Exquisite dining layered with Caribbean flavour, ocean views, and the kind of atmosphere that quietly stretches dinner into the night.
Water so blue it interrupts your train of thought.

And between the suites, tropical gardens unfold around you like a private oasis… winding pathways, towering palms, and lush greenery blending so naturally into the architecture it feels like the resort was built inside the island, not on it.

This is the side of Sint Maarten that already knows you’ll come back.

Amenities at Divi Little Bay include multiple infinity pools, direct beach access, a beachfront promenade, water sports, spa services, oceanview restaurants, bars, a fitness centre, shopping village, and suites designed for long slow mornings overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

What more could you ask for?

15/05/2026

When you think of the Caribbean, you think of a cluster of islands scattered between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. But once you start moving between them, the region feels completely different.

Connected by a shared history, culture, food, music and people, we are more than separate destinations on a map. We are the Caribbean.

That’s what made this trip from Barbados to St. Maarten with interCaribbean Airways feel different. It wasn’t just about getting from one island to another. It was about experiencing the Caribbean as one connected region.

Founded in the Turks and Caicos, Inter Caribbean now connects more destinations across the Caribbean than any other regional airline, with a growing network spanning more than 20 destinations and 27 cities throughout the region, from Barbados and Jamaica to Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Guyana and beyond.

For years, Caribbean travel has been marketed as isolated vacations. Fly in. Stay put. Fly home. But regional travel opens a completely different perspective. Short flights. Different islands. Different cultures. One Caribbean.

Barbados to St. Maarten. One short flight. One connected region.

12/05/2026

Mother’s Day this year was a little different. Instead of the usual lunch or flowers, I spent the evening with my mom at Wisteris246 for their Paint, Pot and Sip experience.

You paint your own clay pot, choose a plant, then pot it yourself while sitting in the garden surrounded by other moms, families, good conversation, mini bites and drinks. It felt relaxed, creative and surprisingly calming.

I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but there was something nice about everyone slowing down for a few hours and just making something with their hands instead of rushing through another restaurant reservation.

Refreshingly different, wholesome without trying too hard, and definitely something I’d do again.

11/05/2026

Everybody going to Sint Maarten apparently… and I refuse to enter another country looking unfinished.

So this week is officially operation: repair, restore, reinstall.

Hair first because Caribbean humidity does not believe in loyalty.
Lashes because I’m not fighting for my life in vacation photos.
Nails because if I’m holding a cocktail on a beach, the hand has to match the moment.

This is not maintenance anymore. This is pre-departure reconstruction.

10/05/2026

We have received several heart felt comments about Moms. Bur there can only be one winner.

Congratulations to Carolann's Mom, such a lovely lady who truly deserved the gifts.

03/05/2026

MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY – TERMS & CONDITIONS

This giveaway is hosted by Bajan Lifestyles in collaboration with Lena Deesigns and Evah Scents.

Prize
One (1) winner will receive a curated Mother’s Day bundle including:
• Floral and balloon arrangement from Lena Designs
• Candle set from Evah Scents

Prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other items.

How to Enter

Follow all three accounts: Bajan Lifestyles, Lena Designs, and Evah Scents
Like this post
Comment below telling us why your mom (or a mom you know) deserves this gift

Eligibility
• Must be 18 years or older
• Giveaway closes on 8th May at 6pm

Winner Selection & Announcement
• One winner will be selected at random
• Winner will be announced on Instagram on 9th May at pm
• Winner must respond within 24 hours or another winner will be selected

Prize Collection
• Prize will be delivered on the 10th May between 8am - 11am.
• Winner must be willing to be photographed.

Important
• This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram
• By entering, participants confirm they release Instagram of responsibility
• Bajan Lifestyles, Lena Designs, and Evah Scents reserve the right to modify or cancel the giveaway if necessary