Saint Martin: The Caribbean’s Twin-Personality Paradise Where Planes Scrape the Beach
Where Europe meets the Caribbean on a single island
There’s something magical about stepping across an invisible line and finding yourself in another country without ever showing a passport. On the 37-square-mile tropical island of Saint Martin, you can experience two distinct nations in a single day. The northern French side (Saint-Martin) and southern Dutch side (Sint Maarten) create a cultural fusion unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean.
“Our island is small but contains two worlds,” says Jean-Claude, a local tour guide who has lived on both sides. “You can have a croissant for breakfast in France and rum punch at a Dutch casino by dinner—all without airport security!”
The beach where jumbo jets skim sunbathers’ heads
Maho Beach on the Dutch side isn’t just another stretch of Caribbean sand—it’s an aviation enthusiast’s dream come true. Jets descend just feet above sunbathers’ heads before touching down at Princess Juliana International Airport. The experience of feeling the blast of a Boeing 747’s engines while your toes are in the sand creates an adrenaline rush that draws thousands of visitors annually.
The beach bars post airline schedules, and crowds gather with cameras ready as planes approach. When the larger aircraft arrive, beachgoers cling to the airport fence during takeoff, experiencing hurricane-force winds that send hats, towels, and sometimes people flying into the turquoise water below.
Dual flavors: From French patisseries to Dutch beach bars
The island’s culinary scene reflects its split personality. In Grand Case on the French side, gourmet restaurants serve escargot and foie gras alongside beachfront “lolos” (local barbecue stands) grilling fresh-caught mahi-mahi and ribs. Meanwhile, the Dutch side offers a more international array of flavors with lively beach bars and casinos.
Pic Paradis: Where you can see two nations at once
Hiking to the 1,400-foot summit of Pic Paradis rewards you with spectacular panoramic views of both nations simultaneously. The verdant trails weave through tropical forest where wild monkeys occasionally make appearances, remnants of pets released after a hurricane decades ago.
“From up here, you can’t see any border,” explains local environmentalist Marie Dubois. “It’s just one beautiful island embraced by the Caribbean Sea. Nature doesn’t recognize our human divisions.”
Island-hopping made easy
Saint Martin serves as the perfect base for exploring nearby islands. Day trips to Anguilla, St. Barths, or renowned diving destinations are readily available from Simpson Bay or Philipsburg. These excursions offer glimpses into the diverse island cultures scattered throughout the northeastern Caribbean.
The hidden coves of the French side
While the Dutch side bustles with cruise ships and commerce, the French territory offers secluded beaches like Happy Bay, accessible only by hiking trail or boat. Here, natural beauty remains largely untouched by development, with pristine waters perfect for snorkeling among colorful coral formations.
Where to stay: Colonial charm or beachfront luxury
Accommodations range from charming hillside guesthouses with breathtaking views to luxury beachfront resorts. The French side offers intimate boutique properties, while the Dutch side features larger all-inclusive resorts and timeshares.
Orient Bay on the French side combines beautiful beaches with upscale dining, while Simpson Bay on the Dutch side offers vibrant nightlife and water sports. Both sides present distinctive experiences within minutes of each other.
Nature’s power on display
The island’s resilience is evident in its recovery from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Today, lush vegetation has returned, and natural wonders have been restored to their former glory. Butterfly Farm near Orient Bay showcases the delicate yet persistent beauty of nature with hundreds of tropical species fluttering freely among visitors.
Saint Martin embodies the Caribbean’s essence: a place where European sophistication meets island relaxation, where mountains meet beaches, and where two distinct cultures create one unforgettable destination. Whether you’re watching jumbo jets skim the beach, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, or simply enjoying the blend of French and Dutch influences, this dual-nation paradise offers experiences that transcend ordinary island getaways.