In addition to its unique cultural, ethnic, climatic and geographical characteristics, the island is one of the rare destinations where relaxation, exoticism and safety are combined.
St. Maarten/Martin is the smallest island in the world to be divided and ruled by two sovereign powers: Dutch Sint Maarten, the south side, and French St. Martin, for more than 300 years. The French side of the island is part of the Guadeloupe Department of France and it is just as if you were in France. The Dutch side is not The Netherlands but part of the Netherlands Antilles, a group of Caribbean islands that belong to the Dutch Kingdom.
St. Maarten/St. Martin is noted for its 36 beautiful beaches, the most friendly people in the Caribbean, an extraordinary mix of nationalities, all which make for the best in fine dining, shopping, night life and more. To read more about what to do, check out the Helpful Links menu.
Its capital, Philipsburg - a popular stop for cruise ships - began as a Dutch trading center, and forts around the city are reminders of its strategic importance in St. Maarten’s history. Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631, was the first Dutch military outpost in the Caribbean; the Spanish captured the fort soon after it was completed and kept it until 1648, when they abandoned it. Fort Willem, today topped by a television transmission tower, is great for a hike.
