about the island
St. Maarten
Sint Maarten (or SXM) is an island in the northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 300 km (190 mi) east of Puerto Rico. The 87-square-kilometre (34 sq mi) island is divided between the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The division dates to 1648. The southern Dutch part is one of four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The northern French part comprises the Collectivity of Saint Martin and is an overseas collectivity of France. There are 3 currencies in use on the Island: the Caribbean Guilder (CG or XCG), which is the official currency and this pricing is shown in supermarkets and at gas stations, as well as the US Dollar, the more commonly used currency on the Dutch Side. On the French Side the Euro is the official currency, but US Dollars are accepted as well. The most common language spoken is English, but French, Spanish, Creole and Papiamentu are also commonly heard.
The 37-square-mile island of St. Maarten was first settled by the Arawaks and was discovered by Christopher Columbus on behalf of Spain in 1493. Columbus sighted the island on November 11th, the holy day of St. Martin of Tours, and so named the island after him. For the next 150 years the island was passed between Holland, England, France and Spain. The old stone forts that guard many of the island’s inlets are proof of the island’s turbulent past. In 1648 St. Maarten was peacefully divided between Holland and France, and today is the smallest landmass in the world to be shared by two sovereign nations.
Come to where European sophistication and Caribbean island passion have fallen in love. Where boredom is a forbidden emotion. A magical place called St. Maarten.
St. Maarten is a 24 hour experience unlike any other in the Caribbean
Famous as the culinary capital in the Caribbean, Saint Martin has hundreds of fabulous restaurants to choose from, from high end to BBQ on the beach. The nightlife scene is not one to miss with an impressive bar scene, night clubs and casinos. During the day you can lounge on any of the 37 stunning beaches, enjoy a wide variety of watersports and boat trips, zip down the highest zipline in the Caribbean, hike, kite, sail, or explore the underwater world on a scuba diving trip, the opportunities are endless!
The island is a four-hour flight from New York City, two hours forty-five minutes from Miami and has direct airline connections with European major cities. Sint Maarten serves as a hub as it easily connects visitors to the islands closely surrounding Sint Maarten, such as Saba, St. Barts, and Anguilla, and many of the other Caribbean Gems like Antigua, St Kitts& Nevis, the BVI’s and USVI’s are only a short flight away.
The island exudes an energy that fuels body and soul
When it comes to where to lay your head and make yourself feel at home, St. Maarten offers endless possibilities, with accommodations to suit every taste, many of which are among the very best in their class. And you’ll never want to leave this island empty handed. Every square mile of St. Maarten is tax free, as well as duty free for a “shop till you drop” experience. So plan on filling many needs while you’re here, and fulfilling many passions. For nowhere in the world will you have more opportunities to set yourself free and explore without limits. For more information visit www.vacationstmaarten.com
