This is a small tropical island of 37 square miles that belongs to the Netherlands Antilles. It's located in the southernmost tip of the arch and divided in two different territories: St. Marteen in the Dutch side of the island and St. Martin on the French side. As time has rolled on, both regions have paid tribute to their own cultural legacy and the strong influence these two nations have exerted on their traditions. The borderline between these two islands is imaginary since travelers can move freely back and forth. The main road for drivers is marked by a simple milestone or obelisk built to celebrate the 300 years of the aforesaid division in 1648. St. Marteen guarantees a peerless experience packed with adventures and a variety of choices. All this caught in an ambience that combines Caribbean and European hospitality. Blessed with an incredible tourist infrastructure and superb service in its hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos and other spots, you'll get a chance to come closer to the island nation's own history. In the capital Philipsburg, travelers can swing by Fort Willem, the Palace of Justice and the Botanical Garden. There are also great beaches with breathtaking surroundings like Grand Beach by the Bay; Dawn Beach north of the city; Guana Beach; Simpson Bay east of the island; Cupecoy and many other that stand for ideal locations for the practice of any kind of sport, especially nautical activities. For enthusiasts of ecological adventures, there are scheduled hikes down the trails of Loterie Farm on the French side right at the base of Paradise Mount, the highest peak on the island. Golfers, instead, can stick around in Mullet Bay. From Philipsburg, you can make out huge cruises docking in the calm and gorgeous Caribbean waters. By and large, St. Marteen is a magnificent paradise for those seeking a different kind of vacation time in which the combination of culture, games and fun in its warm waters is what really counts.
