Despite its tiny size, St. Maarten-Saint Maarten is one of the most unique and interesting islands in the world. Naturally, each Caribbean country attracts tourists in its own way, but it is St. Maarten-Saint Maarten that steadily attracts thousands of vacationers every season. What is so special about it?
St. Maarten-Saint Maarten is considered the culinary paradise of the Caribbean
Given the incredible cultural diversity that reigns here, it’s no wonder that St. Maarten-Saint Maarten is considered one of the world’s best “culinary” islands. There really is a lot to savour here, with restaurants offering colorful local dishes as well as delicacies inspired by the culinary traditions of Europe, North and Latin America, and even Africa. Restaurants across the island are staffed by international award-winning chefs with extensive experience in their field, so let your curiosity draw you into this wonderful world of culinary masterpieces. On the French side, the capital city of Marigot is considered the best town for foodies, while on the Dutch side is the fishing village in Simpson Bay Lagoon.
The island’s lucky number is 37
It’s very simple – St. Maarten-Saint Maarten is 37 square miles in area, and there are 37 beaches in this tropical paradise. The most famous among them, Orient Bay beach is a huge strip of shining white sand dotted with beach bars, restaurants and numerous equipment rentals for various sports. However, the best beaches of St. Maarten – Sint Maarten are safely hidden from most tourists in more secluded corners of the island. Take a stroll through the French quarter of Cul de Sac on the north coast. There you’ll find Petit Cayes beach, which is a pristine bay protected on one side by green hills. You can also find a quiet corner by the water by walking through the ghost resort La Belle Creole – after a walk through the ruins of a failed hotel complex you’ll come straight to the peaceful and secluded beach of Little Bay.
Paradise Peak is the highest point on the island
To get to Paradise Peak, either drive up the steep, uphill road to the foot of the peak or take one of the hiking trails in the Loterie Farm Nature Reserve. Such a walk takes about an hour and will leave you with many pleasant memories. The path starts at an old sugar plantation where natural springs still flow. After passing it, you’ll see an old well and ruins hidden from prying eyes, and then you’ll walk through the rainforest, where you’ll have a gorgeous view of the ocean and neighboring islands. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the real old-timers of this island – vervet monkeys. Once you’ve conquered the summit, you can take a high-speed cable rappel down, flying right over the treetops – or simply relax with a cocktail in the pool at the top of Paradise Peak.
This island is part of two nations
Why does St. Maarten-Sint Maarten have such a strange name? It is because it is the smallest island in the world, which is part of two countries: the northern part belongs to France, and the southern part belongs to Holland. Although the border between them is absolutely formal and people move around the island without restrictions, the difference in cultures and even landscapes is obvious. The French side of the island is wider, with many secluded places and hiking trails. Naturally, most people here speak French, with European-style bakeries displaying familiar sweets and pastries, and many art galleries lining the streets. On the Dutch side of the loneliness and does not smell – in the labyrinth of streets always walk people, on the roads drive cars, and in local clubs and casinos actively boiling nightlife. There is more than enough entertainment for every taste, and it is not difficult to find them. This part of the island is semi-autonomous, where people mostly speak English.
The famous airport is located on this island
Even if you’ve never heard of Saint-Martin-Saint-Martin before, you’ll probably recognize Princess Juliana Airport and Maho Beach. This is where vacationers can watch planes coming in for a landing literally over their heads. Fans of extreme sports can get closer to the runway. There, clinging tightly to the fence, you can watch a huge Boeing 747 start its engine and take off right in front of you. Not everyone can withstand the wind flow that sweeps you off your feet, but the chance to be so close to airplanes does not happen every day.