One Island, Two Countries, Zero Reasons Not to Visit Sint Maarten Right Now
Two countries, five languages, 150+ restaurants—Sint Maarten does it all
Key Takeaways
- Experience Dutch city life and French countryside without ever leaving one tiny island.
- Watch planes fly so close at Maho Beach you can practically read the flight numbers.
- Book Sonesta all-inclusive resorts for five restaurants, spa access and kids' clubs.
Welcome to Sint Maarten/St. Martin—the Caribbean island with a delightfully split personality. One tiny island, two countries, three currencies, five languages and 150+ restaurants. French countryside on one side, Dutch city life on the other and zero reason to choose between them with direct flights on affordable airlines like JetBlue.
Where to stay: All-inclusive luxury with a ‘Stay at One, Play at Two’ bonus
To experience the best of both worlds, start on the Dutch side at the legendary Maho Beach, where jets from Princess Juliana International Airport skim so low over sunbathers you can practically read the flight number—equal parts terrifying and thrilling (hold onto your hat, literally!). Then head to Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, a sprawling all-inclusive with five restaurants, a fantastically friendly spa and the adults-only Cloud9 Rooftop Bar for plane-spotting views with cocktails in hand.
Families, this is your headquarters: the Beach House Kids Club runs 8 am–5 pm, there are water slides, and yes, a swim-up bar. For a quieter escape, slip next door to the adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort—130 ocean-facing suites—some with butler service and “swim-out” suites—a dramatic cliffside Edge Pool and three à-la-carte restaurants, all included. The resorts’ “Stay at One, Play at Two” policy means you get access to the amenities and restaurants at both hotels without paying twice.
Must-see stops on both the Dutch and French sides
Take a tour to the French side to explore Marigot Market for well-priced souvenirs (souvenir does mean “to remember” in French, after all!) and iguanas galore. Next, find the Moses Walk, a sandbar path that lets you feel like you’re actually walking on water.
Circling back to the Dutch side, history buffs can stop at Fort Amsterdam, where legend has it Peter Stuyvesant—known locally as “Peg Leg Joe”—lost his leg, and which is now a pelican nesting ground. Wake up early enough and you may spot monkeys doing their morning acrobatics. Grab the catch of the day with a view of the yachts at Chesterfields Restaurant & Bar in Philipsburg (everyone from Mick Jagger to Oprah has called this island home). The island’s original name, Swaliga, means “goddess of the salt”—and with this much flavor, that tracks.
Visit StMaartenEntry.com for entry requirements and SonestaStMaarten.com for reservations.
Bring the island fun home!
Get a jolt of island vibes with a Blue Curaçao cocktail inspired by Sint Maarten’s Sonesta resorts and jet-spot from your living room.
Sint Maarten Electric Blue Lemonade recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. vodka (omit for nonalcoholic)
- 4 oz. fresh lemonade
- 1 oz. Blue Curaçao (or 1 oz. Blue Curaçao syrup for non-alcoholic)
- 2 oz. lemon-lime soda
- Lemon wheel and maraschino cherry to garnish
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the vodka and lemonade and stir well. Add a slow pour of the Blue Curaçao so it sinks to the bottom. Top with the lemon-lime soda and garnish. Serves 1.
Take a virtual tour of the island
Ready to island-hop from your couch? This sun-drenched “Best Things to Do” video posted by Experience Luxury Travel on YouTube covers both sides of the island — from the famous plane landings at Maho Beach to the French bistros of Grand Case — with tips on beaches, food and hidden gems.
This story first appeared in the June 6, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.
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