St Martin
St Martin is the smallest island ever to be owned by two sovereign powers, France and the Netherlands. This delightful destination therefore enjoys the perfect blend of Dutch and French culture together with the bon vivant of Caribbean living.
Sitting pretty at the crown of the Guadeloupe Archipelago, this little gem is just 144 miles from Puerto Rico. The scenic beauty of the island is epitomised by the majestic Mount Flagstaff, an extinct volcano that overlooks the hilly terrain, beautiful beaches and a host of coves and bays.
At 37 square miles, it is fairly easy to get around meaning visitors can experience both sides without much trouble. The French side oozes sophistication with a blasé attitude. It is regarded as the more scenic of the two, is less developed and boasts some of the best dining in the Caribbean. The Dutch side is in the south, with the capital Philipsburg renowned as a duty-free shopper’s paradise. The favoured beach resorts are also found in the Dutch side.
There are 35 beaches in total on the island with beautiful white sand sloping into clear turquoise waters. The conditions are ideal for water sports making St Martin a popular choice for sailing enthusiasts and divers.
St Martin is regarded as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean with over 400 exquisite restaurants nestled on its shores. The village of Grand Case in the French side is a popular choice with a selection of restaurants serving a variety of cuisine to suit all tastes. The nightlife is a lively affair with a host of bars and casinos to choose from.
St Martin offers wonderful shopping great beaches and water sport opportunities as well as historic, cultural, architectural and natural attractions. This tiny island offers plenty to see and do if desired and is a perfect get-away for couples and honeymooners.
