A fact so charming, it always has to be mentioned first: The island of Sint Maarten-Saint Martin is the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. Only 37 square miles are owned by France and the Netherlands Antilles. The French territory covers about two thirds of the island and is technically a part of Europe and the European Community. The Dutch side is a member island of the Netherlands Antilles and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but not considered European territory.

There is no real border, just modest monuments and signs. The island is known as an almost perfect holiday environment; beaches and nightlife are spectacular, shopping and dining the best in the Caribbean.

To get a feel of the area covered by St. Martin, multiply 6 miles by 6 miles. You got already 36 square miles... But not to worry, this is the biggest small island in the world. Without visiting, its impossible to imagine the variety of landscape, cultures and entertainment to be found here. St. Martin just doesn't FEEL that small... Its central mountain range provides for a rugged and interesting terrain, with winding roads up and down the hills, through small villages and still plenty of untouched land.

The Caribbean's largest lagoon is the Simpson Bay Lagoon, landlocked with the exception of two narrow channels with draw bridges. The Lagoon is large enough to have a real sail and is home to a giant fleet of yachts, which are either berthed in one of the luxury marinas or anchored in the sheltered waters. St. Maarten has become the yachting center of the Caribbean, home port to some of the world's most outrageous mega yachts.


One is the Concordia Agreement: The Dutch and the French side agreed more than 350 years ago that residents of either side of the island can be commercially active on the other side without any Red Tape or border difficulties. This contract of peaceful coexistence turns out to be the oldest active, undisputed treaty on our planet!

Welcome to tiny St. Maarten/St. Martin, home to people from 90 countries and speaking dozens of languages, a rich and unique cultural crossroads of the world, all on just 37 square miles (96 square km), making it the world's smallest land mass to host two separate governments -- French and Dutch -- separated by a meandering non-border that nobody notices. Though English always works, you'd have to walk the halls of the United Nations to hear so many different languages or find more cultural diversity in such close proximity.

Every stroll along one of the island's more than 37 beautiful beaches or streets in Caribbean-style Philipsburg or very French Marigot is an opportunity for a multicultural encounter with someone from one of the four corners of the globe. The island's diversity is reflected in hundreds of world-class eateries, from Parisian bistros to American sports bars, to restaurants serving German, Indian, creole, Vietnamese, and Italian fare.

Enjoy the food, but first and foremost come to St. Maarten for the sand and the sea, the friendly people, and wonderful weather -- where the temperature is almost always 87 degrees, with cooling trade winds, which make the island a good vacation spot all year round.

Whatever can be done in or on the water -- snorkeling, scuba, sailing, windsurfing and more -- can be found here. There's even a golf course, and many resorts have tennis courts. The duty-free shopping is as good as anywhere in the Caribbean, and the nightlife is second to none, whether your preference is cool and mellow or loud and wild. Day trips are available by ship or plane to the nearby islands of Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Barthélemy. There are hotels for every budget -- from motel-type units to some of the Caribbean's most exclusive resort accommodations. The standard of living is one of the highest in the Caribbean.

On the negative side, St. Maarten/St. Martin has been heavily developed in recent years, so the quaint island culture is becoming harder to find. Especially in the high season, traffic can be difficult. Still, the beaches are clean, the water blue, and the weather intoxicating.
 

Currency: US dollar is universally accepted. The Euro is primarily used on the French side and Dutch Guilders are accepted on the Dutch Side.

Electrical: The electrical standard on the Dutch side is the same as the United States. All appliances are compatible. However, a converter is needed if you are staying on the French side.

Taxes: There are no additional taxes on purchase items. If you are bringing items back home, please refer to the duty policy of your country.

Gratuities: Most restaurants have no added 15% service charge to the bill. Make sure to ask if a service charge has been included on the bill. Some not so reputable restaurants do not disclose such a charge unless asked.

Transportation: The public transportation in our opinion is not convenient. We highly recommend a rental car since St Maarten is a relatively small island that is easy to circumnavigate and the island's attractions and stunning beaches are spread out over the island. Rental car rates are affordable and can be negotiated to 30-40% off list prices upon arrival at the airport. Please email us for any tips or guidance relating to car rentals.

Weather: The weather on St Maarten is ideal. The Netherland Antilles enjoys one of the best weather cycles. Typically in the low season the temperatures range between 75-85 buffered by the cool tradewinds. The high season is slightly warmer but just as comfortable since the days often have a passing 10-15 minute sprinkle of rain during the mid day.