St. Maarten and St. Martin Vacations

St.Maarten and St.Martin Vacations, this island is one of the smallest land masses in the world divided between two countries. Two nations, two cultures—one celebrated island. Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin share a celebrated island and its own distinct charm, with the combined effect being a magnificent crossroads of colonial and Caribbean splendor.

The luminous beaches are brilliant golden crescents, where you can snorkel, dive, windsurf and kayak in the stunning, warm and crystalline waters. Away from the beach lie colorful open-air markets, sites rich in colonial grandeur, acclaimed restaurants of every flavor and variety, and an artistic community that brings the world’s cultural elite to celebrate this tropical brilliance.

On the Dutch side, Phillipsburg is recognizable for its beaches, local rum-based liquors, casinos and festive nightlife. Cruisers flocked the over 500 duty-free shops lining Front Street alongside 300 restaurants and 14 casinos. On the French side of the island St Martin is significantly quieter, fashionable visitors seeking culture in a more relaxed affair at the outdoor markets, and some of the finest Caribbean cuisine is on offer.

St. Maarten and St. Martin Travel Tips

For a literal taste of St. Martin, look no further than the fine dining of Grand Case, lolo shacks serving local specialties, and, of course, harbor bistros and cafés.

Perhaps the most famous beach here is Maho Bay, situated at the end of the airport’s runway where large aircraft fly just feet over sunbathers heads. The view of the airplanes landing so close to the beach is a must-see.

The Arawak Indians were the first to inhabit the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten. They left their homeland in the Orinoco basin of South America and migrated along the chain of islands in the Caribbean. They gave it the name “Sualouiga” meaning “Land of Salt” for the salt-pans and the salty water they found here in great abundance.