St. Martin and Sint Maarten Visitors Guide
Enjoy a French, African, British and Dutch heritage with the Personal Villas experience
Is it St. Martin or St. Maarten? Actually, it's both, with the north side of this Caribbean destination (St. Martin) controlled by the French, and the south side (St. Maarten) a territory of the Netherlands. You'll find the best beaches on the north side, the best nightlife on the south side, and plenty of reasons to visit both sections of this breathtakingly beautiful island.
The Beaches You Don't Want to Miss
You'll find a distinct difference between the French and Dutch beaches on the island. The St. Maarten beaches tend to be a little more, well, modest — which means beachgoers are wearing swimsuits. On the St. Martin side, expect topless and even clothing-optional beaches as the norm. On both sides, though, you'll find dazzling white sands and amazing snorkeling.
Check out these beaches to soak up the sun:
Cupecoy Beach:
This St. Maarten beach is the exception that proves the rule: the clothing-optional standout on the Dutch side. Head here for an all-over tan, then relax as you watch the sunset. This is also a fantastic beach for a run in the sand, and if you start early enough, you may have it all to yourself.
Maho Bay:
Okay, this St. Maarten may not be your first choice for sunbathing, but you'll want to stop by for the astonishing Instagram opportunities: Never have you seen a plane swoop overhead so close to the sand. No one will believe you didn't use Photoshop.
Orient Bay Beach:
This St. Martin beach is the most popular on the island for a reason, and it's no surprise people compare it to St. Tropez. You'll find all the restaurants and boutiques you could want lining the streets around the beach, every water sport imaginable is available, and if you think you've spotted a celebrity, you're probably right. Looking for the clothing-optional section of the beach? Head to the south.
Outdoor Fun on the Island
Partying and sunbathing isn't all that St. Martin/St. Maarten has to offer. If you love being active, you'll want to check these off your island to-do list:
Hike to Pic Paradis:
This hike, which starts off the main road between Grand Case and Marigot, isn't that tough — only 1,391 feet, and only the last part is really steep — but you'll still get to say you climbed to the highest point on the island. Seeing the entire island spread below you is worth it.
Ride a bike through history:
A historical bicycle tour of Philipsburg gives you a greater understanding of this unique island and its colonial history (Spoiler alert: The Spanish were involved, as well as the Dutch and French). Particularly fascinating is the tour of 17th-century Fort Amsterdam, which has an unexpected connection to the island of Manhattan.
Go underwater:
St. Martin/St. Maarten has some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. It's hard to narrow down the top choices, but check out Creole Rock, Dawn Beach and Simpson Beach.
Where to Eat on the Island
If you're lucky enough to head to St. Martin/St. Maarten in the spring, you can catch Carnival, celebrated on both sides of the island with parades, reggae shows, and lots of partying. At all times of the year, you'll find spectacular dining choices, especially on Boulevard de Grand Case, noted as the culinary heart of the island. Check out some of these favourites:
Rare:
This steakhouse in the Atlantis casino delivers mouthwatering meats and sides worthy of all your winnings.
La Shambala:
A beachfront Grand Case favorite that puts an innovative twist on the best Caribbean ingredients (think black tiger shrimp carpaccio with olive oil ice cream).
The Restaurant at La Samanna:
Some consider this the finest restaurant in the Caribbean, and the lobster sampler may convince you that they're right.
Street-side lolos:
Not all great food requires a white tablecloth. Check out these barbecue shacks lining the streets to enjoy some of the best grilled crab, ribs, and fish you'll ever taste.
You can't go wrong when you rent a personal villa to make your St. Martin/St. Maarten vacation perfect. Contact us to find the ideal spot.