St. Martin

Saint Martin is a single small island split between French and Dutch sides, each with its own character but no real border between them. The French side leans toward quieter beaches, boutique restaurants, and a laid-back pace, while Dutch Sint Maarten brings casinos, cruise-ship crowds, and Philipsburg's lively waterfront. Its most famous spot is Maho Beach, where jets from the nearby airport roar low overhead before landing. Beyond the spectacle, the island offers one of the Caribbean's best mixes of French and Dutch food and culture.