The Dutch side is known for having nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and casinos. The French side has plenty of restaurants, but that is where the night ends.
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For our visitors, the main difference will be felt by the more widely available bustling nightlife, casinos, shopping and activities available on Dutch side St Maarten, whereas slightly larger French side St Martin offers a larger array of nature areas to explore.
On the westernmost point of the French side of St. Martin lies La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin, a full-service, 83-room resort whose private, secluded nature has attracted its fair share of celebrity guests (Oprah, Salma Hayek, Kevin Kline).
St. Martin's Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewellery, drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and casinos. The island's French side is known for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and French and Indian Caribbean cuisine.
Dutch Sint MaartenThe Dutch side of the island is more developed. There are more amenities and services available, traffic tends to be heavier and the atmosphere is more animated, with a steadier flow of tourists who are more likely to be looking for a party atmosphere.
The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions. Avoid remote areas at night. Do not take valuables to the beach. Make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch.
Many people prefer Dutch Sint Maarten since it is more developed. This indicates that the amenities and services are more plentiful on this side of the island. However, those who choose a more relaxed setting stay at French Saint Martin. In addition, it has a more “Caribbean vibe”.
Guavaberry is the National Liqueur of Sint Maarten / St. Martin. The Guavaberry Emporium is a protected National Historical Monument, built on the site of an ancient synagogue in the middle of town.
The shores of northeastern St.Maarten are home to the well-known Orient Bay Beach, a well-loved stretch of sand on the island. Also referred to as the “St. Tropez” of the Caribbean, this beach is the largest in St.
Plum Bay or Baie aux Prunes beach is secluded and not so frequent a destination for tourists. Golden sands and clear turquoise water are enhanced by the peace and quiet that this beach offers. The calmer seas around this wild beach are the perfect locations for snorkeling and sometimes for surfing.
The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourists who come to enjoy the agreeable weather and summer temperatures. The sunshine is almost constant during this period, with hardly any rain.
The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourists who come to enjoy the agreeable weather and summer temperatures. The sunshine is almost constant during this period, with hardly any rain.
The associated registration, quarantine and documentation requirements must be observed. For details see the link below. Update 2022-01-14: According to media reports on Tuesday (11 January), authorities in Sint Maarten have imposed a daily curfew from 11 pm to 5 am (local time).
Maarten/St. Martin. Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. High-SPF sunscreen is essential and recommended for those not used to intense sunlight.
The official local currency is the Antillean guilder (ANG) and has been fixed to the US Dollar at approximately 1.80 ANG to 1USD for over 35 years. The US Dollar is accepted everywhere on the island. Local currency and US Dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated throughout the island.
Traffic Laws: Vehicles operate on the right-hand side in Sint Maarten. You can drive in Sint Maarten with a valid U.S. driver's license. Right turns at red lights are prohibited. There are no border controls separating the Dutch and French sides of the island.