St. Maarten/St. Martin is an island divided between the Netherlands and France. St. Maarten (Sint Maarten) is the Dutch half and St. Martin is French. Legend has it that a gin-drinking Dutchman and a wine-guzzling Frenchman walked around the island to see how much territory each could earmark for his country in a day. The Frenchman walked farther, but the canny Dutchman got the more valuable piece of property. And when the race was over, France laid claim to 21 square miles and Holland got only 16 square miles.

For an island that is big with restaurants, hotels and nightlife, it is a small island, about half the area of Washington, D.C. This divided island is the smallest territory in the world shared by two sovereign states and was officially split in 1648. The only way you will know you have crossed into the other state is by the welcome sign at the boarder. Both nationalities live together peacefully, and there is no hassle when you cross the island's international borders. There are plenty of taxis and other transportation options making it easy to get around the island.

Today, St. Maarten/St. Martin is no longer a sleepy Caribbean island. It is a very active island with the Dutch Capital, Philipsburg bustling with cruise-ship guests taking advantage of the large selection of Duty-free shopping options. The island’s 36 white sandy beaches remain unspoiled, but growth has come to the island. Even the French capital Marigot can become crowded when the cruise ships are in port.

The French side of the island has a slightly different character and has a distinctly French air. It has been undergoing a building boom of late, with lots of new hotels opening, but for now at least, it's still sleepier than the Dutch side. Most hotels tend to be quieter and more secluded than their Dutch counterparts. It does boast some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean, with an extraordinary number of good bistros and restaurants.

The Dutch St Maarten is complete with windmills, beaches and sports to suit all tastes. You can shop till you drop, then get up again and shop some more. The bargains are everywhere because St Maarten is a truly duty-free, tax-free island. The sports scene on the island isn't as well organized as on many Caribbean islands, however the Dutch side has golf and other diversions. Most people come to St. Martin or St. Maarten just to relax on its many white-sand beaches.

And then there is St Martin's famous Orient Bay and its beach – best known as "clothing optional." Most tours will make a stop, so you can shop at the booths of local souvenirs and visit the beach. And if you tire of Franco-Dutch ambience, you can make a day trip by ferry to British Anguilla and transportation to other Dutch islands as well as once-Swedish St Barts.                                               

Be sure to add me to your favorites list!