Saint Martin

Saint Martin is a rare island divided into two nations: the French side (Saint-Martin) in the north and the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) in the south. Both areas share a relaxed Caribbean vibe combined with European sophistication, free internal border crossing, and multilingual locals (French, Dutch, English, and Creole) 

 Top Things to Do

Beaches & Water Fun

• Maho Beach (Sint Maarten): Watch planes skim overhead at the world-famous runway beach—an exhilarating experience

• Orient Bay & Mullet Bay (French side): Orient Bay is lively and water-sport–friendly; Mullet Bay offers calmer, picturesque snorkeling opportunities 

• Friars Bay & Happy Bay: Secluded, sandy gems ideal for quieter beach time and sunset views

Landmarks & Culture

• Fort Louis (Marigot): On the French side, climb to the fort for panoramic views over the harbor and town

• Fort Amsterdam (Sint Maarten): Dutch-side historic fortress with excellent views over Philipsburg and pelican sightings 

Gastronomy & Shopping

• Grand Case (French side): Known as the “gastronomic capital,” home to fine dining restaurants and local Lolos (BBQ stalls) along the beach 

• Front Street (Philipsburg): Lively Dutch-side shopping district with duty-free shops, bars, and eateries

Nature & Hiking

• Pic Paradis trek: The island’s highest point (~424 m), with lush rainforest and often free-roaming vervet monkeys. Great photo vantage points await 

• Sentry Hill & Rainforest Adventure: Take a chairlift or optional zipline down the hillside with sweeping island views; stop at Emilio’s restaurant for a memorable meal 

Unique Experiences

• Underwater Sculpture Garden (Little Bay): Snorkel among over 300 submerged statues—part art installation, part artificial reef with tropical sea life 

• Day trip to Îlet de Pinel: Accessible by kayak or water taxi; calm shallow waters for snorkeling and casual beachside dining on this tiny islet .

 Eat & Drink Highlights

• Caribbean-French fusion: Jaw-dropping meals in Grand Case such as lobster, Johnny cakes, conch fritters, and gourmet Creole dishes 

• Casual beachside Lolos: BBQ skewers and local fare by the sea.

• Elegant French dining: Reserve at spots like Emilio’s (Sentry Hill) for elevated cuisine with a view.

 Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: December to April offers dry, sunny weather; September–October may bring tropical storm risk

• Getting Around: Renting a car is best. No passport checks at the border—easy to explore both sides in one trip

• Currency & Languages: French side uses the euro, Dutch side uses Netherlands Antillean guilder or USD; English is widely understood across both.

• Stay duration: 3–5 days covers beaches, nature, dining and culture. Add more time if planning island hopping to nearby Anguilla or St. Barts 

Where to Stay

French Side (Saint-Martin)

• Grand Case: Boutique inns or seaside eateries-rich guesthouses—ideal for food lovers.

• Marigot area: Charming French-style hotels near markets and harbor.

Dutch Side (Sint Maarten)

• Philipsburg & Simpson Bay: Good mix of hotels, seaside resorts, and villas; ideal for nightlife and shopping.

• Maho Beach: Unique for plane-spotting stays with beachfront access.