St. Maarten or St. Martin, also known as the home of the "friendly people", is one of the most multicultural locations amongst all the Caribbean islands. However, two nations administer it, the Dutch side that follows the technical standards in the US and the French side that adheres to European regulations. 

But regardless of where you are on the Island, you will surely enjoy everything from the moment you wake up and start your day till the time you sleep and end the night. Are you planning on visiting the Island but have no idea where to start? Check out the information below to make the most out of your trip!

Accommodation

There's a lot of options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you are on a budget or if you want to splurge, you will find the best lodging based on your needs. You can choose from homey villas or luxurious beachfront resorts. You can also stay amongst the vibrant nightlife or stay somewhere intimate.

Food

St. Maarten is known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. There are more than 99 nationalities who inhabit the Island, making it a cultural melting pot. You can enjoy the robust flavours of the Caribbean or the refined French and European cuisine available on the Island. 

You will find French cafes, beach bars and shops in Grand Case. When you go to the French side of the Island, make sure to stop at a "lolo". This is a local barbeque stand you will find on every corner. 

But if you want to have a feast, drop by Cynthia's Talk of The Town. They offer an array of choices, from ribs to seafood. You even get to enjoy live music. 

Beaches

Though its landmass is relatively tiny compared to other Caribbean Islands, there are 37 beaches. Each one has its unique charm. To enjoy what the beaches can offer, you can sail along the coastline or lounge on a luxurious yacht to have a better view.

Maho Bay is also a great place to do plane spotting with your family. This is one of the places tourists flock the most to watch planes land at the nearby airport. You can go towards the beach to get your photo or choose one from the many vantage points around the area to have a better view. 

Activities

St. Maarten has several white-sand beaches, 40 dive sites and numerous catamaran charters. So if you are looking for activities, this place is packed with many things you can do and explore. 

You can have a great view of the Island by heading to Rainforest Adventures. It's an eco-adventure park where you can enjoy the real adrenaline rush. In addition, you can experience the world's steepest zip line, The Flying Dutchman. 

Or, if you want less adventure, go and ride the Sky Explorer. You will ride up to the top of the mountain using a gondola to enjoy a 360-degree view of the Island. If your kids like animals, you can visit Parrot Ville and marvel at the various colours of the fauna in the bird sanctuary. 

Adventurers can also enjoy the thrill of the mountains by hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATV-ing. Or you can also participate in various water sports such as jet-skiing, flyboarding, parasailing and kite-surfing.

St. Maarten also offers activities that cater to romantic getaways if you have no idea how, don't fret because local event management companies can help you plan your dream event, whether you are celebrating a wedding, an anniversary, or planning on enjoying your honeymoon. 

You can also choose to enjoy your time at other locations such as St. Barths, Saba and Anguilla, which are a 10-minute plane ride away. You can also book a ferry ride to Pinel Island, where everything is calmer, including its waters, because trade winds protect the area. 

You can also find a wide array of activities on the French side of St. Maarten. You can experience and enjoy 135 acres of hiking trails and zip-lining courses at the Loterie Farm. But if you want to take it slow and steady, you can go and grab a drink at the Hidden Forest Cafe. 

Events

You can take part in the various events happening on the Island. For example, you can enjoy the four-day St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. You can also enjoy the music and food offered during the Carnival's Music and Food Festival.

Shopping

This half-French, half-Dutch Island is the only place in the Caribbean with 100 per cent duty-free luxury shopping. You can head to Philipsburg and Front Street to find all the duty-free shops. You will find everything in this area from the best alcohol to the finest jewelry store st maarten.

You can also stip at the Guavaberry Emporium. They produce locally made rum using guava berries. A recipe that's been used by the Island for many centuries. 

Casinos

You can also try your luck at one of the numerous casinos on the Island. If you are a movie buff, you should be familiar with one of the famous James Bond movie instalments, Casino Royale. 

This casino is the largest casino on the Island. With a 21,000 square feet area, the space offers a weekly schedule of acrobatic circus shows and dance nights. Multiple parties are also hosted and accommodated inside the casino. 

But if you want a more sophisticated and subtle option, you can drop by the Red Piano. They offer live music and pool tables. But if you're going to dance the night away, you can check out the Lotus Nightclub. 

Conclusion

St. Maarten or St. Martin has so much to offer. You can choose to take it easy and unwind. You can enjoy mountainscapes and panoramic beaches with many restaurants, bars and vibrant nightlife. 

You can also feel the adrenaline you crave by participating in activities that make your heart race. Regardless of what you want to do, travelling to St. Maarten will allow you to experience a one of a kind vacation.