Saint Martin

Saint Martin has 2 distinct sides (and names), with its northern end governed by the French Republic and its south – Sint Maarten – belonging to the Netherlands Antilles. No matter where you choose to stay, there’s plenty of world-class hotels, casinos, restaurants, and night-time spots to enjoy throughout your vacation. It’s also easy to explore both sections as there is no physical barrier between them and the whole island is one of the smallest of the Leeward islands.

The French side has beautiful beaches, most of which are clothing-optional – visitors tend to gravitate toward Orient Beach. Friar's Bay is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Saint Martin, thanks to its gentle waves for the kids and lounge chairs with umbrellas for the parents. Sint Maarten has just about everything you’d need for a tropical vacation in the Caribbean. Duty-free shopping is possible on Philipsburg’s Front Street, while beachfront dining is available along Great Bay Beach. A must-visit is Dawn Beach, where you can enjoy amazing sunrise views and snorkeling in clear water.

What to see & do in Saint Martin

Where & what to eat in Saint Martin

Food and dining in Saint Martin offer up a whole new world of culinary delights, and this island has a reputation all over the world for its fusion cuisine. Lobster, shellfish, and seafood are staples here, with meats and barbecue offering their own unique flavors with local spices and a Creole touch. You can find quick-serve take-out restaurants on beaches and streets. You can head for family-style eateries that have a...

10 Best Local Restaurants in Saint Martin
While searching for the best local restaurants in Saint Martin (or Sint Maarten, of course), you’ll likely notice a distinct European influence. Though Caribbean flavors can be found throughout the double-sided island, its colonial heritage helps shape the food on...
10 Great Restaurants in Saint Martin
These great restaurants in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten show off the rich culinary diversity of this small island. From French classics to slow-cooked BBQ to dishes with rich aromas from the use of Caribbean spices, Saint Martin is a melting pot...

Where to shop & what to buy in Saint Martin

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Saint Martin
The best places to go shopping in Saint Martin generally reflect the island's fame as a vacation destination for the posh and royalty. This means you should expect plenty of high-end shopping malls that offer brands you’d likely already know and love, especially in Marigot, the island’s main town. If malls aren’t your thing, you’ll find cobblestoned and ocean-facing streets lined...
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Where to go & what to do at night in Saint Martin

Nightlife in Saint Martin offers everything from the dazzling lights of casinos to live shows and dance clubs with pounding beats and a young, hip crowd. You can explore bars on the beach and classic discos. You can even kick back in relaxed style at a cocktail lounge with a margarita or martini. Casinos are the heart and soul of this island. It's been called the Little Vegas of the Caribbean,...

10 Best Beach Bars in Saint Martin
Beach bars in Saint Martin evoke images of salt-rimmed glasses filled with craft margaritas, mugs of rum punch, and relaxation on stretches of soft sand and clear surf. The Caribbean is a tropical paradise, and beach bars in Sint Maarten...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Saint Martin
The best things to do after dinner in Saint Martin are as diverse as the island’s daytime attractions. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the best-loved vacation islands in the Caribbean. Duty-free shopping, luxurious hotel resorts with pools...

Useful information

10 Best Towns and Resorts in Saint Martin
Villages and towns in Saint Marten, and its southern region, Sint Maarten, offer a melting pot of more than 120 different cultures and are a gem of the Caribbean. This island forms one of the smallest areas of land divided between two countries. Here you can find posh luxury resorts, gorgeous beaches of white, yellow, pink, and black sands, outstanding...
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