St. Martin-St.Maarten- Although the island is often referred to by one name, it is actually divided between France (St. Martin) and the Netherlands (St. Maarten). Cruise ships dock at the Dutch capital, Philipsburg, which boasts hundreds of duty-free shops, golfing, casinos, and exciting nightlife. In St. Martin you’ll find less-crowded beaches and fabulous restaurants. Marigot and Grand Case are famous for their Creole cuisine.

The two sides of the island have some similarities, yet each offers a unique experience for travelers. St. Martin is the place to go for quiet relaxation and seclusion. It offers quaint towns with typical French colonial architecture and nice street-side cafes. Some of the best restaurants can be found on this side of the island, specializing in sophisticated French and Creole cuisine. Head to Sint Maarten for the nightlife and for a more lively scene. Their renowned celebration of Carnival includes parades, music, dancing, and great parties that last all night. Activities abound here, from casinos to malls to dance clubs — something for everyone to guarantee an action-packed, upbeat vacation. Both sides offer unbeatable white-sand beaches, plenty of palm trees and the chance to experience some of the best island time that the Caribbean has to offer.

The two nations have been living peacefully (for the most part) for the past 350 years, cooperating and sharing the island’s generous natural resources, beauty and tourist traffic, yet still allowing their respective national cultures to shine through. Both are great for romantic travel!

Highlights:

• Bask in the sunshine on St. Martin’s stunning beaches
• Kayak through the hidden shores of the island for an intimate look at the coastline
• Snorkel in protected Marine Reserve Le Gallion, where sea life flourishes
• Charter a boat for the day and explore the island in comfort and style
• Go horseback riding along the beautiful shores