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St. Maarten/St. Martin: Two Countries, One Paradise!

St. Maarten/St. Martin is a little slice of heaven located about 160 miles east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea. This tiny island (37 square miles) has the distinction of being the smallest land mass to be shared by two sovereign states. The southern portion is governed by the Dutch, and the northern side is under French rule. These two influences work together in creating not only an island paradise, but a cultural feast as well. Pop across the border for a quick French feast in Grand-Case. Or dance the night away down south under a Dutch moonlight. Of course the Caribbean sun and beautiful clear water make St. Maarten/St. Martin a perfect spot for an active vacation. A day's activities can include swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, wind surfing, scuba diving, horseback riding, hiking, or lounging on your favorite stretch of sand. However you choose to visit this island that is shared by two countries, rest assured it will be time well spent!

The usual jumping off spot for the island is the Dutch capital of Philipsburg. Located along Great Bay on a narrow isthmus of sand that separates it from Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg is the pulse of the Dutch part of the island. There is plenty of shopping along Front Street, where vendors hawk duty free specialties like crystal and artwork. More shopping can be found along the narrow lanes, or steegijes, that connect Front Street to Back Street. Philipsburg's vibrant night life is the stuff of legend. Beach goers tan until the sun goes down, and party at the many clubs and restaurants till dawn. The atmosphere is a bit like Las Vegas meets the Caribbean.

By contrast, the French capital of Marigot could have been pulled right out of the Côte d' Azur and plopped onto a Caribbean island. Sidewalk terraces bloom with bright umbrellas, and cafes serve croissants and espressos to people-watching guests. The pace is more laid back than Philipsburg, but just as enticing. History buffs will like the small but impressive Amerindian display at Musèe de Marigot. The exhibits show pre-Columbian era life on the island, complete with religious artifacts, tools, and pottery remnants.

There are 36 white-sand beaches on the island, so it's fairly easy to find a spot to park your beach towel. Cupecoy Beach, near the Dutch-French border on the western side of the island, is known for the rock formations that jut out in the sand. Early beach goers often find themselves alone as the water rolls in and out, creating excellent tidal pools. Windsurfers flock to the waters off of Maho Bay Beach. Located close to the airport on the southern portion of the island, Maho Bay is great for swimming in the calm sea, and for taking pictures of the 747s as they pass overhead. Orient Bay Beach has wonderful snorkeling on the reef that surrounds the island. This beach has numerous restaurants close by, and locals enjoy a sunset while sipping their favorite beverage. A more isolated beach awaits visitors at Friar's Bay Beach. Located between Grand-Case and Margot, this beach is where you go if you want to feel like you are on a secluded Caribbean island.

The extensive reef system that surrounds the island makes St. Maarten/St. Martin a haven for snorkelers and scuba divers. The waters off of the northeastern shore, in French St. Martin, have been designated a regional underwater nature reserve, Reserve Sous-Marine Regionale, and are protected around Flat Island, Ilet Pinel, Green Key, Proselyte, and Petite Clef. Scuba diving around the coral reef yields visits with miraculous undersea flora and fauna, and over 500 species of reef fish. One favorite dive site is the wreck of the man-of-war vessel HMS Proselyte, whose watery grave is located about a mile south of Great Bay.

Hikers will enjoy the opportunity to explore the island on foot. A day's hiking can be part of a beach combing excursion, or stand alone as you head out into the island's center. Adventurous hikers will want to climb Mount Concordia, which rises along the border in the center of the island. In 1648, the treaty dividing the island was signed here, and Mount Concordia still serves as a symbol of the harmony that exists between the two ruling countries.

St. Maarten/St. Martin is an example of how governments can combine their separate strengths for a greater good. The island is flavored with both French and Dutch influences. Add to that a mishmash of African, Amerindian, and more than 50 cultures that make up the collective heritage of the descendents of the island, and you can't help but feel enchanted by the rich cultural river that flows throughout the land. Soak up some Caribbean sun and be swept away in a sea of cultural images that will ease the spirit and relax the mind.