St Martin is the smallest island in the world to have been partitioned between 2 different nations.
In a nutshell
One half is owned by the French and the other by the Dutch. On the French side, the beaches are secluded, the resorts lavish and the restaurants serve gourmet cuisine. The Dutch side is informal with a bustling commercial district. Between the two of them, you should be able to find just about every ingredient you need for a perfect holiday!
Getting there
Flight details - You fly direct from London Gatwick to Antigua on Virgin Atlantic's award-winning service, then connect on to St Martin with a local carrier. Local airport departure tax is currently US$30 (approx £17) per person and is payable in US Dollars or Euros, which are both widely accepted on the island.
Flight time - Gatwick to Antigua approx 8 hours 40 min, Antigua to St Martin approx 40 min.
Time difference - GMT -4 hours.
Language - French and English.
Currency - US$ or Euro on the French side. US$ or Antillean Guilder on Dutch side.
Star attractions
- 36 Beautiful Beaches
- Gourmet Dining
- Duty-Free Shopping
- Casinos
- Helicopter Trips to St Barts and Anguilla
- Historic Forts
Handy stuff
Local Living
Small beer - £2.15
Can of coke - £1.10
Loaf of bread - £1.35
Bottle of wine - £10.80.
The above are approx local supermarket costs.
Additional info
Great for Beaches
Grand Case Beach is lined with 'shacks' serving delicious grilled lobster and barbecue fare. Orient Bay is also recommended, particularly for windsurfing. The calm waters of Little Bay Beach are great for snorkelling with good visibility.
Gourmet Food and Chic Shops
There are over 200 restaurants to choose from on St Martin. Marigot is home to upmarket boutiques and shops, and a lively morning market on Wed and Sat. Front Street in Philipsburg is a duty-free haven.
Island Hopping
Catch the ferry from Marigot to Anguilla to laze on Shoal Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. From Philipsburg, a ferry will take you to St Bart's, a cosmopolitan island, renowned for its shops and high-class restaurants.
Total Flexibility
Tailor-make your ideal Caribbean holiday by combining hotels we feature in different destinations. Try a twin- or triple-centre holiday across different islands.
Weather and climate
