7 Night Disney Cruises

St. Maarten Island 

The exotic island of St. Maarten is 37 square miles and has a population of 77,000 people. St. Maarten is Dutch (16 square miles) and that part of the island's capital is called Philipsburg, while St. Martin is French (21 square miles) and that part of the island's capital is Marigot (St. Maarten and St. Martin are different names for the same island). There is a diverse culture with over 77 different nationalities represented on this small island where everyone speaks English (you can also find people who speak Spanish, Papiamentu, Italian, Hindi and Chinese). Some noticeable differences though: there are casinos on the Dutch side (not allowed in the French) and topless beaches on the French side (not allowed in the Dutch).

The island has a rich history which is present in the people that you will encounter. The island was originally settled by the Dutch and French in 1630 and after a few skirmishes the two decided to split the island. St. Maarten has only recently become a vacation destination and prior to 1950 it was driven mostly by a trade based economy who's primary export was not surprisingly: salt.

Now the island is visited by over one and a half million people a year because of the relaxing environment, sun, beautiful beaches and to get a taste of what the colonial Caribbean has to offer. 

Culture abounds in everything. On the French side you can find homes still standing and occupied in fantastic condition from the colonial French architectural style: complete with the fretwork that wealthy land owners adorned their homes in to show off their stature. And there is no lack of cultural history bearing the Dutch stamp either. Homes built in the colonial "Gingerbread style" utilize the same fretwork but for a more utilitarian purpose. It looks beautiful, provides shade and lets air circulate at the same time.

The flora and fauna of the island is amazing. As you wind the hills the narrow, steep roads are lined with cashew nut, banana, and mango trees. Pelicans (the national bird), egrets, goats, sheep, cows and horses are common sites as well. If wildlife interests you and you have the time you may wish to stop in to the St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden.

The overall feeling of the island is one of relaxation. There is no hurry, and it can be quite an adjustment getting used to the laid-back attitude of the island and it's people. Just take your time and soak in everything that the island has to offer.