The French and the D![]()
utch colonialists Partitioned this little piece of paradise to divide de of the island St. Martin and the other portion, St. Maarten. However, that was several generations ago and the modern island is now can be considered to be the epitome of a true mixing of diverse and intermingling cultures.
The borderline between these two nations that straddles the island is hard for tourists notice these days. It is not even particularly adhered to by the two countries, as they prefer to just get on with their lives. in a way that only Carribbean people know how.
Having said that, this is two very different places, the hundreds of years of rule of the European settlers have produced two very different cultures. However, unlike other parts of the world, these cultures live side by side in harmony, enjoying and celebrating, their similarities and differences.
The French side of the paradise island is a small tropical version of the south of France. It features fine dining, the latest in Paris fashions and a Caribbean laid-back and totally luxurious feel. The classic French style permeates through every aspect of life, influencing the resorts, street signs and the indulgent sidewalk cafes.
On the Dutch side is more bustling and just slightly more reserved. Tourism and related business’s are the main focus of business and personal lives. Although busier than the French area of the island, it is still very tourist orientated, with lots to do and see.
Whichever side of the tropical isle you may prefer, this is still the Caribbean and beach life plays a major role in tourist and local lives. There are well in excess of thirty stunning beaches dotted around the islands entire coast.
The beaches offer the classic white sands, palm trees, coral reefs and warm water that is totally crystal clear. On the French side, you don’t even need a costume for all of the beaches. The beaches vary from heavily populated, offering every beach activity imaginable to quite secluded stretches of near uninhabited palm fringed beaches. Where there is not a stunning white sand beach, there are rugged limestone cliffs cascading into the sea, offering spectacular coastal scenery.
All around the island, you can indulge in all types of water activities from basic snorkeling to the full scuba, reef diving experience or exploring the British battleship under the waters of Great Bay. Sailing, jet skiing, pleasure boating, wind surfing and parasailing are just a few of the exiting ‘must try’ indulgencies available.
There are many miles of hiking trails traversing the mountains and along the beautiful shoreline. If your feet get tired, there are horseback adventures, or a more leisurely ‘spoilt walk’ around a first class golf course.
There are night and day markets, the old French Quarter, the incredible butterfly farm and many other ways to spend you time on this enchanted island.
Finally the government and stakeholders within the tourism industry have woken up to the looming crisis since the main carrier for the Island, AA, announced its cutback on regional Caribbean flights from its major hub, Puerto Rico. It is also rumored that AA will cut its daily flight from New York to 3 flights per week while uncertainty exists over the amount of daily Puerto Rico St. Maarten flights.
