Sint Maarten / Saint Martin
St. Maarten / St. Martin
St. Maarten / St. Martin gives you two distinct Caribbean experiences on one island, combining beautiful beaches, fantastic dining and plenty of opportunities to explore. The Dutch side is generally livelier and more resort-focused, while the French side is known for its restaurants, smaller hotels and laid-back European-Caribbean feel.
Families
Families who enjoy combining beach and resort time with restaurants, activities and exploring the island.
Couples
Couples who want beautiful beaches, excellent dining and plenty to experience beyond their hotel.
Food Lovers
Travelers who consider restaurants and dining an important part of their Caribbean vacation.
Independent Travelers
Travelers who prefer using their hotel as a home base while exploring different beaches and both sides of the island.
Active Travelers
Travelers who want to mix relaxing beach days with boating, snorkeling, sightseeing and island exploring.
St. Maarten / St. Martin is one of the Caribbean destinations I recommend when travelers want more than a resort-only vacation. The island is divided between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint Martin, and being able to experience both sides is a big part of what makes a trip here interesting.
The Dutch side tends to have larger resorts, casinos, nightlife, shopping and a livelier atmosphere. It's also home to famous Maho Beach, where planes approach directly over the beach near Princess Juliana International Airport. The French side feels different, with excellent restaurants, beautiful beaches, smaller hotels and a more relaxed European-Caribbean atmosphere.
For families, St. Maarten / St. Martin works particularly well when everyone enjoys exploring. You can spend one day relaxing at the resort, another visiting a different beach, and another taking a boat trip or heading out for dinner. Because the island is relatively compact, it's possible to experience quite a bit without turning the vacation into a nonstop sightseeing trip.
This isn't necessarily the destination I'd choose for a family whose number-one priority is a huge all-inclusive resort with endless activities. There are all-inclusive options, but the ability to explore different beaches, restaurants and both sides of the island is one of St. Maarten / St. Martin's biggest strengths. Choosing the right side and location should come before choosing the hotel.
Becca's take
I wouldn't come to St. Maarten / St. Martin just to sit at one resort for a week. One of the best parts of staying here is having two different sides of the island to explore, plus great beaches, restaurants and easy day trips. I usually start by figuring out whether someone would be happier with the livelier, more resort-oriented Dutch side or the quieter, food-focused French side. For families who like getting out and doing things rather than staying inside an all-inclusive bubble, it can be a really fun Caribbean choice.
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