Cupecoy

Cliffs, colossal construction and collegians

The Cupecoy area is located east of the French Terres Basses in the Dutch Lowlands, the part of the island with the biggest construction boom at the moment. Its scenic location and its proximity to Maho and Simpson Bay did not leave investors hesitant for very long. Cupecoy's limestone cliffs are the area's trademark. The secluded beaches in front of them have limited access to public. Until now, the area has only been a small outpost of the tourist places with a mixed residential and holiday quarter, but surprisingly it is also a student area.

Cupecoy's limestone cliffs

The American University of the Caribbean

The American University of the Caribbean operates a medical college here. The slogan "Study where other people go on vacation" has never been more valid. There is no typical university life though, partly because most of the students are older and bring their family and children. Their main meeting point is not a fraternity or student union, but the casino complex right next door to the university. Supposedly there have been students who did not cope very well with this.

The Mullet Bay resort remains have since been removed

Another unique thing lies just behind the campus: Sint Maarten's picturesque golf course. Originally it was part of the Mullet Bay resort which was destroyed in a hurricane. Rumour has it that the owner received so much insurance money that he decided to take the cash and run instead of rebuilding. But considering the extent of the construction boom already under way in the Cupecoy area, it is probably better left that way.