Some destinations stop you in your tracks the moment you arrive. The island of Saint Martin is one of them.

This small Caribbean gem, just 37 square miles, is one of the most unique islands in the world. It is divided between two nations, the French part known as Saint Martin and the Dutch part known as Sint Maarten, each with its own distinct personality, cuisine, and culture. No passport is required to cross between them, just an open road and a sense of curiosity.

We felt the unique Caribbean, Dutch, French culture. It’s easy to get around a great place to learn about some history and one of the best for relaxation. You’ll find many beaches and bays.

The island got its name by accident. Originally, Christopher Columbus named the island now known as Nevis (another great place to visit by the way) after Saint Martin of Tours. He’s the patron saint of many places across Europe. Somehow, probably a results of poor cartography back then, modern day Saint Martin is now the island we are covering in this week’s PI.

The Durch and French agreed to divide the island in the Treaty of Concordia (1648) but fought over the border numerous times until 1816. It’s been peaceful and divided since then, but we read there are talks about uniting things.

There is something about the island that feels remarkable. It has survived hurricanes, rebuilt itself from the ground up, and come back more vibrant than ever. The people are warm, the energy is electric, and the island is known for being resilient.

You can start your morning with a buttery croissant on the French side, spend your afternoon on a powder-soft beach, and end your evening dancing to live music on the Dutch side. Few places in the world offer that kind of range in a single day.

The island also sits at a fascinating crossroads of cultures, languages, and flavors that find a way to blend together. That combination of European charm and Caribbean soul is rare, and once you experience it, ordinary destinations start to feel a little flat.

Here are some places you will want to check out:

Maho Beach is easily the most famous spot on the island, and for very good reason. This is where the runway of Princess Juliana Airport meets the beach in a jaw-dropping way. There is a bar at the beach that has the flight schedule posted.

You can buy a drink and sit back for the show. It starts with a dot on the horizon, and everyone begins getting their cameras ready. Before you know it, the airplane is flying so low over your head that you can feel the roar of the engines like you’re at a rock concert. It is thrilling, loud, and absolutely unforgettable.

👉🏼This was unlike anything we’d ever seen before.

Orient Bay on the French side is one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean. The water is a vivid turquoise, the sand is soft and pale, and the beach is lined with restaurants and loungers. It has a lively, social atmosphere that makes it easy to spend an entire day without noticing the time.

Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side and a great place to explore on foot. The boardwalk runs along Great Bay Beach and is lined with shops, restaurants, and colorful colonial architecture. It is a wonderful spot for an evening stroll.

Marigot is the charming capital of the French side. The open-air market, the waterfront cafes, and the relaxed pace of life here feel a world away from the busier Dutch side. Visit on a Wednesday or Saturday morning when the market is in full swing.

Fort Louis sits above Marigot and rewards the short climb with panoramic views over the bay and surrounding islands. It is a quiet, historical gem that many visitors skip entirely, which means you will likely have it mostly to yourself.

Simpson Bay Lagoon is one of the largest lagoons in the Caribbean. This is perfect for sailing enthusiasts, water sports lovers, and sunset seekers. A sunset sail from here is one of those experiences that is hard to top.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

St. Maarten is surprisingly accessible.

The Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side welcomes direct flights from many major U.S. cities including New York, Miami, Atlanta, and Boston. Several major airlines service the island, and flight times from the East Coast typically run between three and four hours, making it one of the more convenient Caribbean escapes.

Many cruise lines also include St. Maarten as a port of call, so if a cruise is more your style, there is a good chance the island is already on your itinerary.

Renting a car is the most popular and convenient way to explore both sides of the island. Roads are relatively straightforward, and crossing from Dutch to French territory is seamless with no border checkpoints to navigate.

Taxis are widely available and reliable, especially around the airport, cruise port, and major beaches. Water taxis are a fun option for hopping between certain beaches and bays, and they add a little extra adventure to the journey.

Just keep in mind that traffic can build up near Philipsburg and Simpson Bay during peak hours, so plan your timing accordingly.

La Playa Orient Bay - right on the beach, breakfast included

The Morgan Resort Spa Village - on Maho beach

Holland House Beach Hotel - go snorkeling right from the hotel

Tradewinds at Simpson Bay - beachfront condo with a kitchen

On the French side, start your day with a fresh croissant or pain au chocolat from one of the bakeries in Marigot. Dinner on this side leans into classic French technique with a Caribbean twist, think fresh lobster, duck confit, and beautifully plated seafood.

On the Dutch side, look for local johnnycakes, a staple fried bread that pairs perfectly with saltfish. BBQ ribs, fresh caught snapper, and conch dishes are also widely beloved across the island.

The Sunset Bar and Grill at Maho Beach is a must, not just for the plane spotting but for the food and atmosphere. Lolos, which are casual open-air roadside grills, are scattered across the island and serve some of the most authentic and delicious local cooking you will find anywhere. Do not walk past one without stopping.

Fresh fruit juices, rum punches, and the local Guavaberry liqueur are favorite drinks to try as well.

St. Maarten is a casual, warm weather destination, so pack accordingly and pack light.

Bring lightweight, breathable clothing you can layer for air-conditioned restaurants on the French side, which tend to be a touch more formal in atmosphere. A few sundresses or linen shirts go a long way.

Water shoes are helpful for rockier beach entries, and reef-safe sunscreen is a must.

A small crossbody bag works well for day trips since you will be moving between beaches, towns, and restaurants frequently. Bring a reusable water bottle, a good hat, and a light rain jacket since brief tropical showers can pop up without much warning.

You’ll want an underwater phone case if you’re snorkeling.

If you plan to visit Maho Beach, bring earplugs if you are sensitive to sound. You have been warned, and you will thank us later.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in St. Maartin. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob