St Maarten

Overview

The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) is much more heavily developed. Many large resorts have been built and on many days a half-dozen or so cruise ships flood Phillipsburg with their passengers. Phillipsburg is one of the Caribbean's best shopping towns. If shopping's not your thing, while your significant other shops you can sit out back on Phillipsburg's harbor beach and have a drink. Or play at one of the casinos just down the street. There are nine on this side. When it all gets too mellow, go rip it up with a 4x4 excursion around the island. The French side (Saint-Martin) is popularly known for Orient Beach and the adjacent nudist resort. However the towns of Marigot and Grand Case provide some of the best gourmet meals anywhere and plenty of interesting shops. Beauty abounds on the island, with bluffs overlooking pretty harbors, sandy-cliffed beaches or just tranquil rocky coves where fish provide the beauty.

History

Saint Martin is the smallest land mass divided between two countries. It is a part of both the French West Indies and Netherlands Antilles. The northern, French side of the island, goes by the name "Saint-Martin" and is under the administrative control of Guadeloupe. The southern, Dutch side of the island, goes by the name "Sint Maarten" and is under the administrative control of the Netherlands Antilles. Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is divided into two sections. The French side of the island (Saint-Martin) takes up 20 square miles. The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) takes up 13 square miles.

When to Go

Essentials