The island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is a unique Caribbean destination where two nations share a single shoreline. The French north, Saint Martin, offers a chic Euro-Caribbean atmosphere with relaxed beaches, stylish boutiques and an unhurried pace. The Dutch south, Sint Maarten, pulses with lively nightlife, casinos, duty-free shopping and a more energetic vibe. Together they create a complete island experience.
On the French side, a hike up Pic Paradis rewards visitors with sweeping island panoramas, lush dry-forest valleys and a sense of the island’s past. Nearby, Loterie Farm preserves a private rainforest where shaded trails invite bird and butterfly watching; the Jungle Room is an ideal spot to unwind amid nature.
© St. Maarten Tourist Board
Saint Martin is home to some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches. Orient Bay, one of the largest and most popular, offers watersports rentals, lively beach clubs such as Kontiki Beach with full-service loungers and chilled cocktails, and a naturist section at its far end. For quieter shores, Plum Bay is known for gentle waves and a secluded feel, while Friar’s Bay features calm water and an easy coastal path that leads to Happy Bay, a local favorite.
For shallow, crystal-clear water ideal for wading and snorkeling, Îlet Pinel (Pinel Island) is a short shuttle boat ride from the Cul-de-Sac jetty. Further offshore, Tintamarre Island—reachable by private boat charter—surrounds visitors with vibrant marine life and some of the best snorkeling in the area.
Marigot, the French capital, moves at a slower rhythm. Browse the open-air market for spices, handmade crafts and guavaberry rum, then climb to Fort Louis for inspiring harbor views and a glimpse of colonial history. In the evenings, Saint Martin is known for much of the island’s fine dining scene.
Old Street © St. Maarten Tourist Board
Crossing into Sint Maarten, the island’s character shifts. Philipsburg draws shoppers with its duty-free offerings, while the Dutch side stands out for high-energy attractions, dramatic viewpoints and generous local flavor.
For an iconic adventure, visit Rainforest Adventures Park. The Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlift climbs to one of the island’s highest points, and the Flying Dutchman—one of the world’s steepest zip lines—sends riders on a dramatic 1,050-foot descent toward the valley. Additional adrenaline options include the Sentry Hill zip line along the ridge and the twisting Schooner Ride inner-tube slide.
Sint Maarten’s food scene shines in its lolos, small roadside kitchens that serve bold, authentic flavors. Breedy’s Pit Stop Seafood Shack is known for freshly grilled snapper; Jimmy’s The Original Fat Boy BBQ serves slow-smoked ribs and johnny cakes; and Cindy’s Roti Shop is celebrated for doubles and goat roti that draw lines of eager locals and visitors.
The island’s creative pulse appears in colorful murals and small galleries where Dutch colonial architecture meets contemporary art. For a quieter escape in the south, take a boat to Pelikan Rock, where seabirds wheel above cliffs and the calm contrasts sharply with the Dutch side’s bustle.
Guavaberry Emporium © St. Maarten Tourist Board
Saint Martin and Sint Maarten together offer two complementary getaways: the French side is quietly elegant and verdant, while the Dutch side is vibrant, welcoming and full of character. Exploring both reveals how two distinct cultures combine to form a unique island paradise.
LODGING
JW MARRIOTT ST. MAARTEN BEACH RESORT & SPA
Nestled on Dawn Beach, this beachfront resort offers lush grounds, a full-service spa, an inviting pool and elegant rooms just steps from white sand.
144 Oyster Pond Road,
Dawn Beach, Sint Maarten
$$$$
LE MARTIN BOUTIQUE HÔTEL
A quiet boutique hotel in Cul de Sac, Le Martin features a saltwater swimming pool, poolside breakfast and kayaks for Pinel Island, with sea-view terraces and easy access to Orient Bay.
17 Rue de Terrasse de Cul
de Sac, Cul de Sac, Saint Martin
$$$
SONESTA OCEAN POINT RESORT
This adults-only, all-suite, all-inclusive resort perches above Maho Bay and offers three pools, a rooftop bar, a wellness area and fine dining at Azul.
1A Rhine Road, Maho, Sint Maarten
$$$$
DINING
BISTROT CARAÏBES
A Grand Case favorite for French-Caribbean cuisine in a romantic, open-air setting. Signature dishes like lobster thermidor and attentive service make it a longtime island favorite.
81 Blvd. de Grand Case,
Saint Martin
$$$$
BOVIN STEAK HOUSE
Located in Simpson Bay, Bovin offers a refined steakhouse experience with premium cuts, fresh seafood and contemporary décor—an exciting choice for meat lovers.
37 Billy Folly Road, Simpson Bay Resort,
Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
$$$$
LE COTTAGE
An intimate, upscale restaurant in Grand Case, Le Cottage merges French culinary tradition with island ingredients, offering artful presentations and a curated wine list in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
97 Blvd. de Grand Case,
Saint Martin
$$$$
Seaside Nature Park on horseback © St. Maarten Tourist Board
INFO TO GO
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side is the island’s main gateway, with service from major U.S. carriers, Air Canada, Air France, KLM and regional airlines. Grand Case–Espérance Airport (SFG) on the French side handles inter-island flights. Taxis have fixed rates to most destinations and are readily available at both airports. Rental cars are available on site, and many hotels arrange transfers. Public buses operate near SXM but are infrequent and not ideal for travelers with luggage.