You don’t have to travel across the Atlantic to experience the fascinating cultures of Europe. Instead, you can hop on a three-hour flight from Miami to the charming island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten! Why the two spellings? Well, this 37-square-mile-island is governed by both France and the Netherlands. The French side of the island refers to itself as Saint Martin, while the Dutch side is known as Sint Maarten.
There’s no closed border between the island’s two distinct halves, so there’s endless opportunity to explore the quaint elegance of France, the vibrant vibes of the Netherlands, and the incomparable beauty of the Caribbean all in one captivating island. Not sure which side to stay on? Here’s our BeachBound resort breakdown:
Saint Martin
The French side of the island is studded with quaint towns, secluded coves, and laid-back resorts like the Grand Case Beach Club. This resort provides access to two beaches and is an idyllic retreat to relax and revel in Caribbean beauty. Guests enjoy apartment-style accommodations with ocean and garden views, and all the rooms are just steps away from the beach. Additionally, the resort is walkable to the town of Grand Case, featuring gourmet French-inspired cuisine, quaint European architecture, and boutique island shopping.
Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa
This resort is ideal for couples and honeymooners looking for a paradise where everything’s included. Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort offering Unlimited-Luxury® privileges, including unlimited food and drinks, on-property entertainment, and best-in-class service. The resort’s luxe design features an oceanfront infinity pool and guest rooms with private balconies, some of which have their own private pool access.
Sint Maarten
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort - All Inclusive
The Dutch side of the island is a hub for nightlife, shopping, and all-inclusive vacationing. The chic and swanky Sonesta Ocean Point Resort sits atop a cliff overlooking the world-famous Maho Bay. The resort’s sweeping island views are complimented with adult-only accommodations and luxury all-inclusive amenities. Plus, guests can enjoy the three on-site restaurants, four different bars and lounges, and nearby access to the island's premier casino.
If you’re traveling with little ones, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort offers exclusive family deals, like kids under five eat free for every paid adult. This resort is situated on a peninsula with two bays on either side, so there are amazing ocean views from nearly every angle. Guests can relax in spacious family-style accommodations and enjoy three on-site pools and beachfront access. This resort also offers guests the option to add on an all-inclusive plan, including pre-paid access to exclusive amenities.
So, which side of the island is calling your name? Book your Saint Martin/Sint Maarten beach vacation at BeachBound.com today.