Magazine Onboard #5

O r i e n t b a y

P i n e l • T i n t a m a r r e

A n s e Ma r c e l

G r a n d C a s e

P i c Pa r a d i s

Ma r i g o t

B a i e N e t t l e

L e s T e r r e s B a s s e s

SAINT

MARTIN

It is so well hidden in the mountains that, unless you happen to have heard about it

or seen it on a map, you would never even suspect the existence of Anse Marcel.

And yet, it is an absolutely fabulous place that it would be a shame to miss.

Imagine an idyllic little bay surrounded by lush green hills. The only access road climbs up

and over a steep hill and winds down the other side. It is a remote location that hides

a hidden jewel: the “Riu Palace St Martin”, a luxurious 4-Star dream destination.

Another feature that puts Anse Marcel in a league of its own is the high quality marina

offering a standard of luxury and comfort that is greatly appreciated by crews and boat

owners alike. The natural configuration of the bay makes it an ideal place to anchor, but the

densely wooded surrounding hills that slope down to the water hide many surprises.

They are threaded with hidden paths, traces of

the secret trails once used by pirates and smugglers.

Many have been opened again and are regularly

maintained by the stewards of the Saint Martin

Nature Reserve. Some of the trails are marked to

provide safe hiking routes. One will take you to la

Pointe des Froussards and another to the Petites and

Grandes Cayes. These remote and isolated stretches

of shoreline are probably the most unspoiled and

naturally preserved on the island.

In fact, when you visit Anse Marcel, be sure

to drop in to the office of the Nature Reserve.

This organization is responsible for the management

and the protection of more than 3000 hectares of

territory on both land and sea. The ecosystems they

preserve are home to a wide variety of flora and

fauna that thrives in amazing abundance. Mangroves,

ponds, coral reefs and shoreline forest areas are now

protected. And so, as you explore this stunning island,

both on land and at sea, you will have the opportunity

to observe more than 85 species of bird as well

as iguanas, green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles,

reef fish, rays, sharks and even, at some distance from

shore and depending on the season, marine mammals.

O n b o a r d # 5