The Caribbean island of St. Martin (French) and Sint Maarten (Dutch) offers its visitors a little bit of France and Holland with a whole lot of the Caribbean.
The island is the smallest place in the world which shares a common border between two countries. Both sides of the island have their share of attractions. The French side and its capital of Marigot offers high end shopping, exquisite French dining cuisine and great beaches as the world famous Orient Beach. Orient Beach by day offers a clothing optional side, surfer bars and great dining under the stars by night.
The Dutch side which also offers a wide range of duty free shopping but differs in that its more Americanized, English speaking, uses the Greenback, has big box stores, fast food restaurants and is the heart for the islands night life.
The Dutch areas of Maho and Simpson Bay lagoon area offer a variety of night life options from pirate themed pubs, discos, exotic night clubs, casinos and an opportunity to party to Caribbean sunsets.
Regardless of which side one chooses, one visit will never be enough. There is a different beach for every day of the week. Small ferries and commuter aircraft also connect to the neighboring islands of St Eustatius, Saba, Anguilla, St Kitts and St Barts.
Getting There: KLM and Air France offer direct flights from Europe. While from Canada there is direct flights during the winter season from Toronto and Montreal via Air Canada, West Jet and Sun Wing. American flights that service the island include Jet Blue, American Airways and United among many others.
For more photo's see my website: www.thetimetraveler.net
