St.Martin has the Dutch side and the French side and we’re here to show you the highlights of both. You can never get bored in St.Martin, since you can flit between the two and experience the different vibes. Every time you visit, you can always get alternate St. Martin villa rentals so that you can experience something unique each time.
The French side of the island is called Saint Martin, while the Dutch area is referred to as Sint Maarten. But it’s not just about having a different name.
Foodie Considerations
The French side is obviously a great place for foodies with its French cuisine. There are several outstanding fine dining restaurants here, but you don’t have to splurge every day to enjoy the food here. Instead, you can always get your fill of restaurants along the Marigot water front where each place has their own twist on local dishes. You also have the lolos, which are open air community BBQs where you enjoy sharing a communal table with others while you munch on Caribbean dishes.
Of course, you can’t overlook the French wines either. Here they’re carefully stored in underground cellars ready to emerge for lucky patrons. But you also need to taste the robust Ti Punch cocktail with rum, lime, and cane sugar.
But Sint Maarten is fantastic for foodies and it’s a crime to visit without trying the delicious local dishes on offer. Why else would foodies from all over the world regard this side of the island as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean? You have a wide range of cuisines to choose from, Asian and European dishes are popular here, and you can even get some American comfort food if you’re feeling homesick (that is, if you’re American).
You can always visit Sint Maarten clutching onto the bottle of wine that you purchased from the French side, but you should also try the guavaberry liqueur and the rum. You can always get a fruity cocktail complete with an umbrella when you hang out at any of the tropical themed bars along the Philipsburg Boardwalk.
Shopping
On the French side of St.Martin, there’s a market on the waterfront, full of eccentric little stores, and a parfumerie where you can mix your own scent. They have a Hugo Boss Shop and Cartier too, so it’s not exactly a hick part of town.
You definitely need to get to the Dutch side for shopping, if you’re in the mood to shop till you drop. The items here are all duty-free and tax-free, and the prices are all in dollars which is convenient if you’re American.
Take a look at the Craft market, and then visit Front Street and the Boardwalk which is packed with exciting shops. It’s a serious shopping scene here.
Kissing and Nudity
When you meet people or close friends here on the French side, the traditional greeting is to give (and get) a peck on each cheek. On the Dutch side though, you kiss alternating cheeks 3 times so that’s an extra peck.
As for nudity, the French traditionally have no trouble with it. Some beaches are full of people who go topless, and there’s a beach where you can even go full nude if you wish. But if you’re a tad more conservative and you don’t really want to see naked people, you can always stay on the Dutch side of the beaches.
Nowadays though, the nudity rules are getting a bit blurry, with some French side beaches forbidding nudity while a few Dutch side beaches are allowing it.
Entertainment and Fun
On the whole, life is slower and more relaxing on the French side of the island. You’re here to get rid of stress. But if you’re craving some nightlife and casinos, along with various water adventures, the Dutch Sint Maarten is always there to take care of your needs.
Have you visited St.Martin? Share your experiences with fellow travelers in the comments below!
