St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be divided between two nations. The northern part of the island is owned by France and the southern part of the island is owned by the Netherlands. Many tourists visit this beautiful island each year to enjoy the blend of the French and Dutch cultures as well as the unique experiences that each side has to offer.
In Saint Martin, both the French and Dutch sides of the island are united and share a similar culture as well as the same friendly and welcoming nature. However, there are distinct differences between the French and Dutch sides of the island such as the languages commonly spoken, the currency used, the lifestyle of the people, and the beaches and the available entertainment. Each side of the island has unique things to offer each traveler that would determine the type of vacation they would experience.
It is very common for travelers who are planning on visiting St. Maarten to wonder which side of the island would be best for them to visit during their vacation. This article will discuss some of the differences between both sides of the island and highlight the best that each side has to offer. Some of the main differences between Sint Maarten (Dutch) and Saint Martin (French) are listed below.
- The language: The official language of Saint Martin is French, and the official language of Sint Maarten is Dutch.
- The currency: The official currency of Saint Martin is the Euro, and the official currency of Sint Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder. The American Dollar is also widely accepted within both territories.
- The capital city: The capital city of Saint Martin is Marigot, and the capital city of Sint Maarten is Phillipsburg.
- The general atmosphere: Saint Martin is known for having a very laid-back and easy-going atmosphere. The population in Saint Martin is lower than the population in Sint Maarten and the locals have a strong appreciation for the finer things in life such as fine food and naturally beautiful beaches. Sint Maarten has a higher population and is the most popular side of the island among tourists. Sint Maarten is known for its bustling nightlife and vast array of entertainment options such as bars, casinos, and nightclubs.
- The cultural influence: Saint Martin has more of a European influence than its Dutch counterpart. The locals maintain a very liberal perspective and attitude about life which is very reflective of European culture. Sint Maarten is more diverse than its French counterpart and has an animated spirit that reflects Caribbean culture.
What are the historical reasons for the division of Sint Maarten (Dutch) and Saint Martin (French)?
The border division in St. Maarten originates back to the history of St. Martin when the island was first inhabited by Dutch and French settlers in the early 1600s. Both countries saw the profitable value of the island because of the abundant natural resources. In order to avoid war, both countries mutually decided to divide the island between their two territories with the signing of the Treaty of Concordia on March 23, 1648. This beautiful Caribbean paradise has been split amicably between the French and Dutch nations ever since. There are no customs, border patrol, or fences that divide the two nations, just signs, flags, and monuments designating the border of the two independently governed territories.
Which side of St. Maarten is nicest, Sint Maarten (Dutch) or Saint Martin (French)?
Sint Maarten (Dutch) is considered by many who visit St. Maarten to be the nicest part of the island. The reason for this is because of all of the amenities and activities that are readily available on this side of the island such as fine restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, luxury hotels, water sports, hiking, and more. French Saint Martin has many of these amenities and activities as well but in a much lower volume than its Dutch counterpart.
Sint Maarten has a cruise port located in Phillipsburg that brings thousands of tourists to Dutch Sint Maarten every year. Princess Juliana airport is also located on the Dutch side as well as the majority of the businesses on the island. This part of the island caters more towards tourism, so there are plenty of activities that are available to do during the day and well into the evening for travelers from all over the world. The nicest places that can be found in Sint Maarten (Dutch) are listed below.
- Phillipsburg
- Dawn Beach
- Simpson Bay
- Lowlands
- Cupecoy Beach
- Mullet Bay
- Maho Beach
Which side of St. Maarten has the best beaches, Sint Maarten (Dutch) or Saint Martin (French)?
The best beaches in St. Martin are located on the French side of the island. The beaches on the French side are known to be the most natural and pristine beaches that can be found on the island of St. Martin. These beaches are relaxing and peaceful with colorful coral reefs, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. Many tourists love the beaches in Saint Martin (French) because they are less crowded than the beaches in Sint Maarten (Dutch). The beaches in Saint Martin (French) are usually free to enter. Some of the best beaches in Saint Martin (French) are listed below.
- Grand Case Beach
- Orient Bay Beach
- Friar’s Bay Beach
- Baie Rouge
- Pinel Island
- Tintamarre Island
- Burgeaux Bay Beach
Which side of St. Maarten has the best hotels, Sint Maarten (Dutch) or St. Martin (French)?
The best hotels in St. Maarten are located on the Dutch side of the island. The Dutch side of the island welcomes far more tourists than it’s French counterpart. There are a wide variety of hotels on this side of the island that can meet the needs of all types of travelers, whether you’re traveling as a family, with friends, or on a romantic getaway.
Some of the amenities provided by these hotels in Sint Maarten (Dutch) are airport shuttle services, childcare, room service, rooftop bars, spas, and more. The hotels in Sint Maarten (Dutch) are also located close to the airport and most of the tourist attractions on the island such as shopping, beaches, nightclubs, casinos, restaurants, and more. Most of the hotels in Sint Maarten (Dutch) will cost from $200 to $600 (€176 to €530) per night. The best hotels in Sint Maarten (Dutch) are listed below.
- Sonesta Ocean Point Resort
- Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
- Oyster Bay Beach Resort
- Simpson Bay Resort and Marina
- The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa
Which side of St. Maarten has the best drinks, Sint Maarten (Dutch) or Saint Martin (French)?
The best drinks in Sint Maarten can be found on the Dutch side of the island. This is where most of the bars and nightclubs are located on the island. The bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in Sint Maarten (Dutch) are known for having a large and quality selection of liquors, cocktails, and wine. Since so many tourists visit southern Dutch Sint Maarten many of the evening venues specialize in quality beverages made by skilled mixologists and bartenders. The best drinks made in Sint Maarten (Dutch) are listed below.
- Planter’s Punch
- Moët
- Cuba Libré
- Jenever
- Piña Colada
- Mojito
- Guavaberry Colada
- Ti’ Punch
- Daiquiri
- Dark and Stormy
Which side of St. Maarten has the best food, Sint Maarten (Dutch) or Saint Martin (French)?
The best food in Saint Martin can be found on the French side of the island. This is where the majority of the finest culinary restaurants on the island are. The European influence in Saint Martin (French) can be clearly felt and is reflected in the fine cuisine that is presented on this side of the island. Many local and European-inspired dishes are available in Grand Case, Saint Martin (French). This is so much so that the town of Grand Case is often called the “Culinary Capital of St. Maarten”. The best food in Saint Martin (French) are listed below.
- Callaloo Soup
- Locri
- Johnny Cakes
- Codfish Fritters
- Crabmeat-Stuffed Shells
Which side of St. Maarten has the best pools in their hotels, Sint Maarten (Dutch) or Saint Martin (French)?
The hotels with the best pools in Saint Martin are located on the French side of the island. This is where most of the luxury resorts are located on the island of St. Maarten. Many of these luxury hotels feature infinity pools that overlook gorgeous scenery as well as a poolside bar with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Some of these extravagant pools are about 30 feet (9 meters) in length and add to the luxurious experience of your stay in Saint Martin. The average price to stay in these hotels with amazing pools in Saint Martin is from $400 to $1400 (€353 to €1,237) per night. The hotels with the best pools in Saint Martin (French) are listed below.
- Belmond La Samanna
- The Hotel Riu Palace
- Esmeralda Resort
- La Playa Orient Bay
Which side of St. Maarten (Dutch) vs. St. Martin (French) has the best restaurants?
The best restaurants in Saint Martin are located on the French side of the island. The town of Grand Case, located on the French side of the island of Saint Martin is known to be the culinary capital of Saint Martin. There are over 400 different gourmet restaurants located on the island and the majority of them are located on the French side of the island. There are all types of European and Caribbean-inspired foods that many from all over the world travel to experience. A meal at a restaurant in Saint Martin will normally cost around $24 to $41 (€21 to €36). Some of the best restaurants in Saint Martin (French) are listed below.
- Bacchus
- Le Marocain
- La Cigale…
- Cynthia’s Talk of the Town
- Friar’s Bay Beach Café
Which side of St. Maarten has the best tourist attractions, Sint Maarten (Dutch) or Saint Martin (French)?
The best tourist attractions in Sint Maarten can be found on the Dutch side of the island. Dutch Sint Maarten is known for being the tourist hotspot on the island of St. Maarten. Most of the people who vacation in St. Maarten stay on the Dutch side of the island because of all the tourist attractions available on the island. There are tourist attractions available for all such as fun water sports, ziplining, nightclubs, bars, casinos, museums, historical sites, rum distilleries, and so much more. Some of the top-rated tourist attractions in Sint Maarten (Dutch) are listed below.
- Maho Beach
- Topper’s Rhum Distillery
- The Flying Dutchman Zipline
- Cupecoy Beach
- Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
Which side of St. Maarten has the best luxury hotels, Sint Maarten (Dutch) or Saint Martin (French)?
The most luxurious hotels in Saint Martin are located on the French side of the island. Many of the luxury hotels in Saint Martin (French) have attracted many celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Kevin Kline, and Salma Hayek. These luxury hotels feature amenities such as infinity pools, 24-hour room service, poolside bars, and more. Many of the top-rated luxury hotels in St. Maarten cost from $400 to $1400 (€353 to €1,237) per night. Some of the best luxury hotels in Saint Martin (French) are listed below.
- Belmond La Samanna
- La Playa Orient Bay
- Hotel L’Esplanade
Which side of St. Maarten has the best family hotels, Sint Maarten (Dutch) or Saint Martin (French)?
Dutch Sint Maarten is known for having the most family-friendly hotels on the island of St. Maarten. Many of the hotels in Sint Maarten (Dutch) feature helpful amenities for families such as childcare, a kid’s club for ages 4 to 12, onsite arts and crafts activities, snorkel gear rental, and more. Many fami