Vacation In St Maarten
StMaarten is a destination with an almost hedonistic attitude towards life. Nothing is too much trouble for the natives and Caribbean courtesy is the norm. With its pristine beaches, tantalising cuisine and relaxed lifestyle, St Maarten has long been one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. It is also among the top vacation spots in the world. If you’re considering a vacation here, there’s no doubt that you’ll want to know more about St Maarten tropical island resort packages, it’s people, culture and beaches before booking a flight. We have compiled some of the best St Maarten tourism tips on the Internet so that you can plan your perfect vacation in paradise today!
If you are thinking of planning a vacation, and want to visit somewhere tropical and luxurious then it is probably not a bad idea to consider St Maarten. This small island has something for everyone, including some really fantastic luxury at Princess Juliana International Airport.
Picking the right vacation location for your next family trip that satisfies everyone’s wishlist can be a daunting task. This is where St Maarten truly shines in comparison with some other islands: you won’t have to sacrifice beach time, nightlife, and a relaxing atmosphere because they all coexist on this Caribbean island. It’s almost like someone made it specifically to meet all your whims and wishes!
The island of St. Maarten stands tall as the queen of Caribbean islands, a magnificent vacation getaway and an endless playground for fun-seeking travelers. This pristine island has it all – gorgeous golden beaches perfect for tanning, snorkeling and scuba diving. Soak up some sun on the yacht, set sail to a neighboring island or experience off-the-beaten-track adventures during a mini road trip.
Have you ever wanted to travel to a place that is truly unique and special? A place where you can find stunning beaches, delicious food, and friendly people? If so, then Saint Martin should be at the top of your travel list.
Vacation In St Maarten
There are plenty of reasons to visit St Martin – from stunning white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters to duty-free shopping, vibrant nightlife and diverse cultures. Plus, as a dual-nation island with two different cultures and two different vibes, you get a two-for-the-price-of-one Caribbean island vacation. What can beat that?
Table of Contents show
Where is St. Maarten located?
Known as “The Friendly Island,” St. Martin island is an idyllic paradise in the Leeward Islands. Since 1648 the island has been peacefully divided since between France (Saint Martin) and the Netherlands (Sint Maarten), making Saint Martin island one of the smallest landmasses in the world shared by two sovereign states (37 square miles). There are no border patrols, regulations, or barriers between the two autonomously administered zones, and they exist in relative harmony.
The two sides of the island claim to be pals, but after nearly 360 years of being neighbors, they have developed a bit of a friendly rivalry. Both the French and the Dutch firmly believe that they have the best places to explore in St Martin. Both St Martin tourism bureaus claim their respective parts of the island offer the finest holiday destinations, the best places to live, and the best places to relax. You won’t find McDonald’s and soulless holiday homes here.
ⓘ TIP: For cheap St. Maarten vacation packages, check Expedia.
What is French Saint Martin like?
Francophone Saint Martin, on the French side of the island, epitomizes the island lifestyle: fine dining, lovely landscapes, pristine and secluded beaches, and an appreciation for the more pleasurable things in life.
When you visit St.Martin, it will be like the south of France spiced with a dash of Caribbean flavor. Think small market towns, cafes with Parisian-quality pastries, French Caribbean seafood, and a laid-back, boho-chic attitude that’s perfect for a quiet, relaxing holiday.
The two largest towns on the French side of St-Martin are Grand-Case and Marigot.
What is Sint Maarten like?
Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of the island. The shipping port, the airport, and most of the island’s beautiful architecture and companies are all located here.
Philipsburg boasts a charming boardwalk, upscale eateries, casinos, and nightclubs, and its residents emphasize etiquette. Some of the architecture also has a definite Dutch Caribbean vibe.
Front Street is home to a number of high-class jewelry stores. It can get quite crowded when ships are in port. Cruise passengers come to Philipsburg to do their duty-free shopping.
Why visit St Martin? The beaches
One of the reasons St. Martin (Sint Maarten) is such a prime Caribbean vacation destination is because of its many picturesque beaches. With 37 to choose from, it might seem a bit daunting.
Here are three popular beaches you’ll enjoy.
1. Red Bay / Baie Rouge
Lying on the French side of the island, this beach gets its name from the color of the rocks and cliffs surrounding the beach. It is known to be one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on St. Martin island.
The beach is bordered by beautiful villas. You can rent an umbrella and beach chairs, then enjoy the sun and a great view of Anguilla (Flat island).
There is a parking space just above the beach. It fills up very quickly on the weekends, so make sure you arrive early!
2. Orient Bay / La Baie Orientale
Nicknamed the “Saint Tropez of the Caribbean,” Orient Bay, on St. Martin’s northeastern coast, is one of the biggest and most popular beaches on the island.