Having the ability to essentially do as you please is one of the reasons Las Vegas has been dubbed as Sin City. But here on St. Maarten, we tend to believe that the true 'Sin City' is right here. Why deal with the unbearably dry, hot summer or even the cold possibly snowing winter in Las Vegas when you can do the things you enjoy in the warm Caribbean sun.
One of the most treasured sins in St. Maarten is, of course, drinking alcoholic beverages. But what do you do when you're ready to leave the bar, restaurant or nightclub in North America? You sadly have to leave your drink behind. Here, we call that a 'traveler'. We do not like to waste beverages of the adult variety, so ask your bartender or server for a plastic glass to pour your remaining drink into. Now, the walk back to your hotel doesn't seem so mundane, because you can sip on that rum punch all the way home.
Did you order a bottle of wine and not finish it at the table? Put a cork in it and take it with you. Now you can enjoy your excess wine with your leftover meal, all from the comfort of your hotel room.
Of course, we cannot neglect to mention the many casinos on the Dutch side of the island. Offering slots, poker games, table games, bingo, baccarat and even sports betting; you can indulge in the fun of gambling while on the island. The Hollywood Casino in the heart of the Pelican Neighborhood describes itself as a boutique casino, offering everything from slots to table games and a poker room. Simpson Bay/Cole Bay is home to four more gaming establishments: On Airport Road you'll find the brand-new Ultimate Sports Casino, driving towards Cole Bay, you'll see the Paradise Casino for mostly slots and sports betting. A little further, there is the Tropicana with a wide selection of slots.
Port de Plaisance on Union Road in Cole Bay (the road leading to Marigot) is a large entertainment compound and home to the glamorous Princess Casino, which offers any kind of casino gaming.
Another favorite sin is following the temptations of sensual pleasure. Maybe you like to start, or end, your evening at an adult entertainment club. St. Maarten is known throughout the Caribbean for their progressive regulations regarding adult entertainment. Visit one of the many clubs and be treated by attractive women as the celebrity you always aspired to be. And for our female readers, don't despair. Women are certainly welcome into all establishments, and are a large percentage of clientele. As for our couples, lots of fun is to be had as well. Dancers may offer a couple's dance, so don't be shy. Yes, this is all legal in Dutch St. Maarten.
Smoking
The enjoyment of lighting up shredded tobacco leaves and inhaling their smoke is not as severely restricted on St. Maarten as in North America or Europe. There is more of a 'live and let live' attitude here. Most restaurants and bars let you smoke - just be considered and don't blow it into the direction of obvious non-smokers. The island even has its own cigar manufacture.
For these reasons, and so many more, we assert that St. Maarten is the legitimate heir to the title of Sin City.
