St. Martin - St. Maarten

If you think of the Caribbean as a relaxed atmosphere, a tranquil beach, and a peaceful sunset, you haven't been to feisty St. Martin and St. Maarten. What's the best part about visiting this island governed by two governments? For the price of one vacation, you can sample two distinct, vibrant cultures. In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the island, as it did much of the Caribbean. Make sure to call or check the websites of any businesses you intend to visit ahead of time to confirm their status. In between trips to the beach, visitors flock to the 37-square-mile dot to eat well, party hard, and shop duty-free. The French government controls the north side, St. Martin.

It's home to the best restaurants and party beaches on the island. While cosmopolitan St. Maarten is home to the most vibrant casinos, bars, and clubs. St. Maarten is a Dutch Antilles territory that occupies the southern 16 square miles. Despite the excitement, St. Martin and St. Maarten maintain a stress-free atmosphere, beginning with the ease with which you can travel between the two sides of the island. So, soak up some rays on a quiet Dutch-side beach in the morning, then take a leisurely afternoon stroll through a French-side mountain in the afternoon. You'll be more than ready to sneak back across the border for a night of gambling.