About St. Maarten / St. Martin
St. Maarten/St. Martin provides the European charm, while nature provides unspoiled beauty. It's easy to understand why this stunning island is called "The Friendly Island" and has captured the hearts of many.
European Flair meets American Convenience
A Little Background
The island of St. Maarten/St. Martin (often abbreviated SXM) is the smallest territory in the world shared by 2 countries (French and Dutch), a division dating to 1648. It is a cultural melting pot hosting more than 70 different nationalities living peacefully together.
Dutch vs. French
The Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewelry, exotic drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and plentiful casinos. The island's French side is known for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and rich French and Indian Caribbean cuisine.
Languages & Currency
English is the most commonly spoken language along with a local dialect. The official languages are French for Saint Martin, and both Dutch and English for Sint Maarten. Other common languages include various French-based creoles (spoken by immigrants from other French Caribbean islands), Spanish (spoken by immigrants from the Dominican Republic and various South American countries), and Papiamento (spoken by immigrants from Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). US dollars are accepted everywhere on the island.
Shopping
Shopping on both sides of the island offers duty-free goods in numerous boutiques. Popular goods include local crafts & arts, exotic foods, jewelry, electronics, liquor, tobacco, leather goods, as well as most designer goods. Often, designer goods are offered at significant discounts!
Nightlife
The island exudes an energy that fuels body and soul, and with fourteen casinos and dozens of clubs, there's no stopping until you say so. What's more, talent from around the world comes to entertain, adding to an ambience of carefree fun and frivolity that is native to an island that perfectly blends European sophistication with Caribbean charm.
37 Beaches
Windsurfers, snorkelers, and sun worshippers all have their favorites. Some of our more renowned beaches include the mile-long Mullet Bay Beach, perfect for swimming. Little Bay Beach is a favorite of snorkelers, with calm waters that offer excellent visibility. Dawn Beach is known for its powdery white sand. And Guana Bay Beach,along the southeast coast, offers magnificent views of St. Barthelemy and is a perfect location for wind and kite surfing. Don't forget the secluded Happy Bay and the "Saint Tropez of the Carabbiean" — Orient Bay.
Restaurants & Activities
More than 400 restaurants on the island offer everything from Caribbean Cuisine to French Gastronomical Fine-Dining, in all price ranges. Other activities are too many to count, but to name a few: deep sea fishing, island cruises, golf, watersports, island-hopping St Bart's, Anguilla, Saba, and beyond, scuba diving, zip-lining, and much, much, more!
