Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

St. Maarten Homepage

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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St. Maarten, a small Caribbean island, is one of the most unique destinations in the region due to its split governance between two nations: the Netherlands and France.

Sint Maarten (Dutch side) and Saint-Martin (French side) together form part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. Covering just 34 square miles, it’s the smallest landmass in the world shared by two sovereign countries.

Despite the division, there are no border controls, and people move freely between the two sides.

St. Maarten is renowned for its 37 beaches, with Maho Beach being the most famous due to its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport.  

The island was first inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples before Christopher Columbus sighted it in November of 1493. The Spanish claimed the island but abandoned it in the 17th century. In 1648, the Dutch and French divided the island under the Treaty of Concordia, establishing the border that still exists today. 

Residents are primarily of African, European, and Caribbean descent, with influences from over 120 nationalities.

Tourism is the backbone of St. Maarten’s economy, accounting for about 80% of its GDP. Philipsburg is a shopper’s paradise with duty-free stores, and the French side’s Marigot Market offers local items like crafts and spices.

Note: hurricane season) spans July to November. 

Our Flight From Paris, France to Sint Maarten Caribbean Islands We booked our flight on AirFrance one-way for $1,682USD for 2 people, or $841USD each. We left at 10:30 am Paris time, and arrived at 2:50pm Sint Maarten time. Since there is a 5 hour differential between the two locations, our body time was 8pm.

Port St. Maarten Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Caribbean Today, it's one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, handling over two million cruise passengers annually. If you have been on a cruise in the Caribbean chances are that you've been to this port.

Chesterfields Restaurant Sint Maarten, Caribbean Chesterfields Restaurant is a renowned waterfront dining destination known for its vibrant Caribbean atmosphere and stunning views of Great Bay and the marina. Located on the Dutch side of the island of Sint Maarten, it's the go-to spot for both locals and cruise ship visitors.

Sint Maarten Happy Hour Learning Curve You know, you would think something as easy as going for Happy Hour on a Caribbean Island would be very simple. Beer. Beach. Sunset. But we're here to tell you, yes, there is a learning curve.

Local Restaurant Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Caribbean Staying on a Caribbean Island can be expensive, and Sint Maarten is no exception. Right across the street from the many Diamond-and-gold jewelry shops, is this local yellow-shack restaurant that sells Chicken, Rice and Pork Ribs as their specialty and at affordable pricing.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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