Yes, you get two for one if you visit this island!  This is the smallest island in the world to be split between two different nations, France(St.Martin) and Netherlands Antilles(St.Maarten). Getting here is fairly easy with connections from our area through Miami. It is located about 150 miles south of Puerto Rico with a total population of 80,000. We will talk about St. Martin first.

St. Martin is combined with Guadeloupe and is an overseas department of France.  They can vote in French elections. 

Marigot  is the capital city and very French.  The entire city is only 4 streets wide so it is fairly easy to find your way.  It is filled with restaurants, small bistros and fine shopping.  Yes, "GREAT" shopping as my wife Angel would say. You will find all the BEST brands of merchandise here.  The island is duty free but be sure to check with your travel supplier about your limits.  Try the West Indies Market and shop along the Waterfront. 

Angel and I thought eating lunch at the Marina Royale was wonderful.  Perfect setting and great restaurants. Try Chanteclair on the waterfront at the Marina Royale.

St. Martin also has one of my favorite beaches Orient Beach.  This is a 2 mile long clean, white and wide stretch of beach located on Orient Bay.  CAUTION!!!!!  There are at least 2 clothing optional resorts located on the south side.  You will see some nudity on this beach.  Snorkeling is fine here since the reef off shore protects the beaches and it is located in a protected marine reserve.  This beach is not to miss if you come to the island.  There are beach bars and restaurants that line the beach.  Find one that makes your potion and relax.

There are many lodging picks here.  If you are looking for 5 star service we suggest you try La Samanna.  They also do a great job with resort weddings.  The Esmeralda Resort is also a nice choice here. There are also many villas here and in St. Martin that are also nice for a week's stay.  You will not find many huge resorts on this side of the island.  Most resorts are under 100 rooms.

Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten. The Dutch side is about a third of the 37 square miles of the entire island.

St. Maarten also has lots of shopping.  Angel call this "volume" shopping.  You will find the 4 for $ tee shirts here and so on.  I have no idea how many small shops in and around front street there are but there must be 300!  If she must shop and you get tired there are many restaurants and bars that line Front Street and will give great beach chair service while you wait on your honey to finish her shopping.  Can you tell this has happen to me a few times?

Beaches on this side of the island are good but, sorry the other side is better in my opinion.  Again, they are not bad and better than most in the states.  But you are so close to Orient Bay they all pale in comparison. Great Bay is nice with lots of activities.  Maho beach is also nice with the airport next to it the jets pass overhead only feet above you.  At least rent a car of take a taxi to the other side of the island while you are here.

There are great resorts on this side of the island as well.  We like the Wesitn Dawn Beach a very nice resort on a great beach.  Looking for something bigger with a great casino?  How about the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino. There is value at this resort since you are within walking distance to the capital and great shopping and restaurants.

Again, Angel and I love sharing with you.  If you have any questions you can post them here are email us at:
angelf@allabouthoneymoons.com or kerryf@allabouthoneymoons.com.  Call us at 504-324-2121 or 800-519-0605. You can always log into our site at http://www.kerryf.allabouthoneymoons.com.

Next time we will share a few tips on Resort Weddings.