The 37 square miles that make up the island of St. Maarten are divided between the Netherlands and France. They share a peaceful coexistence - there are no formal border crossings - but each side has its own distinct personality.

The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, occupies the southern part of the island and Philipsburg is its cosmopolitan capital. The town curves along the edge of the Great Bay, its bustling Front Street a delight for those who love duty-free shopping. Its streets are filled with jewelry stores, art galleries, upscale shops, and lively markets. Be sure to take in the sights at the diminutive Sint Maarten Museum. The town is also well renowned for its nightlife, casino gambling and discos.

There are 36 beaches on the island of St. Maarten and each has its own personality. One of the more popular is Maho Bay Beach near the airport where you can watch planes land and take off right over your head! Dawn Beach, on the eastern side of the island, is noted for underwater life with exquisite reefs just offshore - great for snorkeling. Orient Beach is always hopping with Caribbean bands, watersports and refreshments and vendors galore. There are many more to explore - directions can be easily obtained at your hotel.

You’ll want to rent a car and explore this charming tropical getaway. It’s easy to get around - the island is small enough to sample both cultures in the same day, English is widely spoken and the U.S. dollar readily accepted. Pick a day to spend the morning shopping in Philipsburg or go to the beach, drive over to the French side for dinner and be back in plenty of time to head to a casino or disco to play until the wee hours.

For a delightful excursion, why not take a ferry to Ilet Pinel off the coast of the French Cul-de-Sac area? Here you’ll find white sandy beaches and great snorkeling. You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas there, and the beach bars serve snacks and light meals. If you’re into scuba diving, be sure to check out the wreck of the HMS Proselyte, which sank in 1802 in 50 feet of water a few kilometers south of Philipsburg.

It doesn’t matter where you stay, you’ll be delighted by the diverse culture and scenic beauty of this tiny tropical paradise. As the tourist board tag says, “Twice the Vacation. Twice the Fun.”