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Saint Martin Travel Wiki
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Travel to Saint Martin
Located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, Saint Martin is the smallest inhabited island in the world that is divided between two different nations. About 37,000 people live on the side that is referred to as “Saint-Martin.” Although the countries share the island, there is no real border – just a few signs or monuments. The unique culture has children learning French, Dutch, English, and Spanish while they are in school. That makes language rarely be a barrier for anyone during a visit to the island.
Travel tends to be easier on this, the French side of the island, as it is considered part of the European Union. The Dutch side is not. A visit to the island means time at the beach is a top priority. With nearly 40 beaches in total, you’ll find a hotel or a resort on almost every single one of them. The beaches are well-developed because of this, with a café, a bar, or both located on most of them. Make sure that you keep a frozen cocktail in hand so you can stay cool on a warm day.
During the stay, try a day of adventure at Loterie Farm. It offers a restaurant and lounge on its grounds, a 150-acre preserve to explore, and ziplining through an obstacle course. Plan ahead to avoid a crush of visitors should a cruise ship be in port during your stay. You’ll find Saint Martin to be a fascinating experience, no matter which side you prefer. Come prepared to relax and the island will gladly accommodate.
Best of Saint Martin
St. Martin is a dream tropical destination with crystal clear waters and powdery sand beaches. St. Martin is the northern half of the island shared with St. Maarten to the south, and is an overseas collectivity of France. Known for its lively nightlife and rich creole culture, St. Martin attracts visitors who are looking for more than just beautiful beaches.
Luxurious resorts, chic hotels, fine shopping, and excellent restaurants make this a destination you will want to visit again and again. St. Martin’s French flare permeates throughout the island culture, making the island distinct among the many beautiful tropical islands in the Caribbean. You will immediately feel welcome and at home in this island paradise.
St. Martin is the ideal vacation destination. Situated just a short flight from the United States, St. Martin has retained its distinct European flare while remaining secluded, private, and pristine. The northern half of the island, St. Martin, is a bit quieter and less populated than her southern sister, the Dutch St. Maarten. The two sides share the island’s beautiful coves, secluded beaches, and rolling hills that offer spectacular views of the ocean.
The heart of French St. Martin is the capital, Marigot. The town has a decidedly French flare and you won’t want to miss enjoying a morning spent at one of the cafes watching the world walk by. Here you will find a vibrant art and music scene that blends Caribbean and European styles. Marigot also boasts some of the finest restaurants in the tropics or you can venture to the village of Grand Case for more excellent dining options.
In terms of beaches, Orient Bay is the best known and most beautiful. Dotted with glittering resorts, the bay spans for two miles and is separated into five beaches, Kontiki, Kakao, Bikini, Waikiki and Coco Beach. Here you can relax in a beach chair, go parasailing, or take advantage of the excellent snorkeling.
Several of the beaches are top-less and there is a naturalist beach is at the south end of the bay. Maho Beach is popular and beautiful, but best known for being in the flight path of the international airport. Airplanes pass directly overhead so close you think you could reach up and touch them.
Another big attraction is the Carnival Festival celebrated in the weeks before Lent. Like many celebrations across the Caribbean, it features vibrant dance, music, costumes, and festive cuisine.
St. Martin is small and easy to navigate. You may also want to cross over from St. Martin to the Dutch side, St. Maarten. There you’ll find casinos and a vibrant nightlife. No matter what it is you’re looking for, St. Martin is sure to be the destination of a lifetime. You will want to return again and again.
Travel resources
Below you can find usefull travel resources for your visit to the country
Weather Online
Official holidays
When are holidays and no working days in the country ?
Date | English | French |
---|---|---|
January 1 | New Year's Day | Jour de l'An |
Variable | Easter Monday | Lundi de Pâques |
May 1 | Labour Day | Fête du Travail |
May 8 | Victory Day | Fête de la Victoire 1945 |
Variable | Ascension Day | Ascension |
Variable | Whit Monday | Lundi de Pentecôte |
May 21 | Abolition Day | Abolition de l'Esclavage |
July 14 | National Day | Fête Nationale |
August 15 | Assumption Day | Assomption |
November 1 | All Saints' Day | Toussaint |
November 11 | Armistice Day | Armistice |
December 25 | Christmas Day | Noël |
Beside the above mentioned official holidays a lot of people take days off / close shops in connection with Carnival, Mid-Lent and Good Friday, these are not official holidays