St Maarten, Caribbean

For an island with a big reputation for restaurants, hotels, and energetic nightlife, St. Maarten is small -- only 96 sq. km (37 sq. miles), about half the area of Washington, D.C. An island divided between the Netherlands and France, St. Maarten (Sint Maarten) is the Dutch half, and St. Martin is French. Legend has it that a gin-drinking Dutchman and a wine-guzzling Frenchman walked around the island to see how much territory each could earmark for his country in a day; the Frenchman walked farther, but the canny Dutchman got the more valuable piece of property.

St. Maarten/St. Martin has thirty-seven beaches on its thirty-seven square miles. The cuisine is varied, from classic French to pizza and burgers, as well as local Caribbean fare. Blenders are busy mixing up delicious fresh frozen cocktails, guavaberry, mango, and passion fruit coladas heading the list.

It is a friendly and safe destination with a great cultural mix. It is also known for its duty free shopping. A rental car is a must.

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