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Saint Martin is a unique gem among picturesque Caribbean destinations: one wondrous island split between two separate countries. Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin have coexisted peacefully here since the Partition Treaty of 1648. (No wonder they call it the “Friendly Island.”) Though its main tourist attractions are within French borders, many visitors arrive on the Dutch side, via the St. Maarten Cruise Port or Princess Juliana International Airport (known for its world-famous beachfront runway). Wherever you end up on island, you won’t be far from pristine surf, boutique beachfront hotels, and colorful cafes and bars teeming with local flavor. Here’s how to map out your ideal St. Martin getaway.

• Saint Martin is a single island that's been divided into the Dutch-run Sint Maarten and French-run Saint-Martin since 1648.
• For pure luxury, La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, offers private beaches and the island's oldest wine cellar.
• Experience the thrill of Maho Beach, where planes fly overhead due to the airport's beachfront runway.

The island has no shortage of luxury lodging. But La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, is the undisputed winner for well-heeled jet-setters. Hugging the cliffside above its own private beach, this luxury property features suites and a top-notch food and beverage program that includes the island’s oldest wine cellar.

If you’re OK with dialing down the opulence a notch or two, consider The Paradise Peak. These cozy cottages are tucked into the high rainforests of the island, 1,300 feet above sea level, with unrivaled views of the surrounding landscape. Sure, you’re not by the beach, but you can easily admire it at a distance from the serenity of your pool. 

For those who crave something closer to the action, consider booking your stay at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. It overlooks Great Bay on a spit of land within striking distance of Philipsburg’s famed nightlife. 

The Best St. Martin Beaches

When it comes to world-class sandy shores, St. Martin has an embarrassment of riches. Singling out the best is something of a fool’s errand since the entire island is pretty much enveloped by one big, beautiful beach. So, pick your personal slice of paradise based upon what, precisely, you’re after. For example, if you want to avoid other people entirely, Mullet Bay is for you. It’s on the western side of Sint Marteen, not far from the French border. In fact, the entire peninsula here boasts secluded gems like Long Beach, which abuts La Samanna resort. In between sits Cupecoy Beach, which is notable for its cliff formations rising gracefully from the sands. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s Maho Beach, which some have dubbed “the most extreme beach in the world.” Why? Because jumbo jets take off and land directly overhead on account of the unusually short landing strip at Princess Juliana International Airport. It is teeming with crowds and anything but serene, but it certainly makes for a good Instagram story. 

If it’s aquatic activity you’re craving, the bustling strand of Orient Beach is where you want to be. But with a slew of clubs, bars, and restaurants right alongside it, you have to be comfortable with crowds. Farther down the eastern shore, Dawn Beach is another popular destination, prized for its talc sands and unobstructed views of St. Barts across the channel. Hedge your bets between beauty and boisterousness with an afternoon at Anse Marcel Beach. Perched at the mouth of a narrow cove, overlooking Anguilla, with its own namesake resort, this place has a little bit of everything.

Things to Do in St. Martin 

You’ll want to allow ample time for simply laying on the beach and soaking up the sun, of course. But if that ever gets old, there’s an abundance of activities both on and off the shore to keep you busy. Start off by snapping selfies in front of the iconic murals of Marigot. The vibrant Wall of Art was created, in part, by French street artists in the wake of Hurricane Irma—an inspired testament to resiliency. If you want to increase your heart rate, head over to Loterie Farm, where you can tour the rainforest by zip line. The area is also a good launching spot for ambitious hikers looking to amble their way up to Pic Paradis, the island’s tallest point. Start from the trailhead near Colombier, and it’ll be about three miles to the pinnacle and back. 

If you prefer to stay over water, the options are equally robust. Up along the northern end of the island, Orient Beach's calm, cerulean surf is ripe for marine activities. At Bikini Watersport, right on the sand, you can rent Jet Skis or go parasailing above the waves, with views of neighboring St. Barts hovering over the distant horizon. Just north of the beach is Cul-de-Sac Bay, where you can catch a quick ferry to the idyllic iguana-guarded Pinel Island. It’s a nature reserve with some short walks to be enjoyed amongst the native flora and fauna. Or you can stay near the dock and enjoy piña coladas and cod fritters from tables that literally rise from the water. For those favoring a more private experience, charter a catamaran with Pyratz Gourmet Sailing. You can combine a full-day cruise with chef-prepared cuisine and craft cocktails.

What to Eat and Drink in St. Martin 

Make sure to save room for dinner, because St. Martin has some of the finest cuisine in all of the Caribbean. In Marigot, you can embark on an evening crawl through the many Creole-centric restaurants crowding the center of town. La Petite Auberge is a standout here—a cozy affair specializing in local seafoods bathed in rich, buttery sauces and curries. 

Down in Philipsburg, the Dutch are doing things slightly less preciously. Check out The Greenhouse for a prime example. Signature items include the Jamaican jerk chicken salad and the manageably spicy bang bang shrimp. The boisterous beachside dining hall features live music on most nights of the week. If you’re strolling through town during the day, stop in at the Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store. It’s a great place to stock up on authentic gouda, or simply pair a wedge with wine during one of the regular tastings. However you play it, do not leave without sampling a sip of the guavaberry liquor, a local delicacy.