The island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten presents a rare Caribbean case of two nations sharing a single shore. In the north, Saint Martin (the French side) sells a chic, Euro-Caribbean sensibility with laid-back beaches, fashionable boutiques and a relaxed pace. To the south, Sint Maarten (the Dutch side) pulses with high-energy nightlife, casinos, duty-free shops and a more dynamic Caribbean beat. Combine them for the ideal island experience.

On French Saint Martin, a hike up Pic Paradis rewards you with wide island panoramas, lush dry-forest valleys and a visible sense of the island’s history. At nearby Loterie Farm wander shaded trails through a private rainforest preserve, watch for native birds and butterflies, and settle in at the Jungle Room for a relaxed afternoon in nature.

© St. Maarten Tourist Board

Saint Martin boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean. Orient Bay is one of the largest and most popular, lined with watersports rentals; a naturist section at its far end; and lively beach clubs like Kontiki Beach, where full-service loungers and chilled cocktails keep the day easy. For quieter sands, Plum Bay is known for gentle waves in a secluded setting, while Friar’s Bay comes with calm waters and an easy coastal path to Happy Bay, a favorite among locals.

For shallow, crystal-clear water great for wading or snorkeling, Îlet Pinel (Pinel Island) lies just a short shuttle boat ride from the Cul-de-Sac jetty. Farther offshore, accessible by boat charter, vibrant marine life surrounds Tintamarre Island, offering one of the top snorkeling experiences in the area.

Beyond the beaches, the French capital of Marigot treads a slower pace. Browse the open-air market for spices, handmade crafts and the island’s own guavaberry rum, then head uphill to Fort Louis for inspiring harbor views and a glimpse into the island’s colonial past. In the evening, Saint Martin is where you’ll find much of the island’s fine dining.

Old Street © St. Maarten Tourist Board

Crossing into Sint Maarten, the atmosphere changes quickly. Philipsburg is a magnet for duty-free shopping, but the Dutch side stands out most for its high-energy attractions, striking views and deep-rooted local flavor.

For an iconic island experience, head to Rainforest Adventures Park, where the Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlift rises to one of the island’s highest points. From there, the Flying Dutchman, the steepest zip line in the world, sends you on a 1,050-foot drop toward the valley. You can also try the Sentry Hill zip line that skirts along the ridge or the twisting Schooner Ride inner tube slide.

Sint Maarten’s food culture thrives at its beloved lolos, small roadside kitchens that serve the island’s boldest flavors. Breedy’s Pit Stop Seafood Shack is known for freshly grilled snapper, Jimmy’s The Original Fat Boy BBQ for slow-smoked ribs and johnny cakes, and Cindy’s Roti Shop for doubles or goat roti worth lining up for.

The island’s creative side shows most obviously in its colorful murals and small galleries, where Dutch colonial architecture frames bold, modern art. But for a return to serenity in the south, head offshore to Pelikan Rock, where seabirds wheel above the cliffs and the stillness feels worlds away from the Dutch side’s bustle.

Guavaberry Emporium © St. Maarten Tourist Board

Together, Saint Martin and Sint Maarten offer two getaways in one: the French side, quietly elegant and naturally lush, the Dutch side, unapologetically vibrant, big-hearted and full of character. Spend time on both, and you’ll begin to understand how the island builds its unique paradise from two distinct backgrounds.

LODGING
JW MARRIOTT ST. MAARTEN BEACH RESORT & SPA
Set along Dawn Beach, this serene beachfront resort combines lush grounds with a full-service spa, an inviting pool and elegant accommodations just steps from white sand.
144 Oyster Pond Road,
Dawn Beach, Sint Maarten
$$$$

LE MARTIN BOUTIQUE HÔTEL
An intimate boutique in Cul de Sac, Le Martin offers a quiet saltwater swimming retreat, breakfast served poolside and kayaks to Pinel Island, with sea-view terraces and easy access to nearby Orient Bay.
17 Rue de Terrasse de Cul
de Sac, Cul de Sac, Saint Martin
$$$

SONESTA OCEAN POINT RESORT

This all-inclusive, adults-only, all-suite retreat perches above Maho Bay and sports three pools, a rooftop bar, a wellness area and fine dining at Azul.
1A Rhine Road, Maho, Sint Maarten
$$$$

DINING
BISTROT CARAÏBES
This Grand Case favorite presents fine French-Caribbean cuisine in a romantic, open-air setting, with standout dishes such as lobster thermidor and impeccable service drawing devoted diners night after night.
81 Blvd. de Grand Case,
Saint Martin
$$$$

BOVIN STEAK HOUSE

In Simpson Bay, Bovin delivers a refined steakhouse experience with premium cuts, fresh seafood and stylish modern décor, creating one of the island’s most exciting dining destinations for meat lovers.
37 Billy Folly Road, Simpson
Bay Resort, Simpson Bay,
Sint Maarten
$$$$

LE COTTAGE
An intimate, upscale spot in Grand Case, Le Cottage blends French culinary tradition with island ingredients, offering artful presentations, a curated wine list and attentive service in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
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, served by 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 are readily available at both, with fixed rates to most destinations. Rental cars are available on site, and many hotels provide prearranged transfers. Public buses run near SXM, but they are infrequent and not practical for luggage-burdened travelers.