Saint Martin is a unique island and Caribbean destination split between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin. The Dutch side is where the Princess Juliana International Airport is, while most tourist attractions are in French territory. Regardless of location, visitors can enjoy pristine surf, beachfront hotels, and local cafes and bars.
A Beautiful Caribbean Island
St. Martin is located in the Caribbean Sea with a tropical climate. Peak tourist season is December through April, the dry season. The months of November and May offer minimal rain and fewer crowds. Direct flights from New York take under four hours. Luxury lodgings include La Samanna and Paradise Peak B&B, while Divi Little Bay Beach Resort offers affordability and a view of the bay close to Philipsburg’s nightlife.
St. Martin has many great beaches to choose from, surrounded by one big beach. Mullet Bay offers solitude, while Cupecoy is known for its cliffs, and Maho is popular for jumbo jets landing and taking off directly overhead. Orient Beach is busy with water activities, Dawn Beach is prized for its sands and views, and Anse Marcel is a mix of beauty and activity with its own resort.
The Calm Blue Waters of Saint Martin
It is recommended to allow sufficient time to enjoy lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun. For a change of pace, there are various land and water activities available. This can be taking pictures in front of the famous Marigot murals – the Wall of Art which was created by local street artists. To add some excitement, people can visit Loterie Farm for a zip line tour through the rainforest or a hiking challenge. Head to the trailhead near Colombier for a 3.1-mile hike to reach the top of Pic Paradis, the highest point on the island.
For a water-based experience, tourists can visit Orient Beach with its calm blue waters offering various marine activities like jet skiing and parasailing available for rent. Taking a five-minute ferry ride to Pinel Island, a natural reserve with opportunities for walks and observing local flora and fauna, is a good way to enjoy local food and drinks near the dock. For a more exclusive option, visitors can choose a full-day catamaran cruise with chef-prepared meals.
St. Martin boasts excellent cuisine, with Marigot and Grand Case offering Creole-style restaurants. Marigot, Le Petite Auberge is great for local seafood dishes, and in Grand Case, Ocean 82 makes tasty grilled lobsters and pasta while offering seaside views. Philipsburg has casual dining options like The Greenhouse, known for its Jamaican jerk chicken salad and bang bang shrimp.