This island is unique in that one half is owned by the French and the other half by the Dutch. There’s a legend that a Frenchman and a Dutchman walked towards the center of the island on either side of the bay, waving at each other when they met at the center of the island.
The capital of the French side is a lovely little town called Marigot. It has the feel of a very cosmopolitan village with its myriad French botiques and excellent French and creole food, as well as an excellent French cafe right across the street from the pier at the town center. It’s quaint and has very much a European feel, with many houses having ornate wrought iron gates and little outdoor gardens.
The dutch side is more tourist oriented and built up. It’s thronged with locals trying to sell you everything from jetski rentals to girls and weed. There are many more lower end retail establishments here including the usual chain food. This is the place to go if you’re a party animal. For me, I’d prefer to hang out at the cafe sipping cafe au lait and eating some amazing pastries :)
The island as a whole is just gorgeous. Rolling hills and amazing scenery everywhere you look. I stayed at a hotel maybe 1/2 hour walk from Club Orient, on the outskirts of Orient Bay – the further you go down the beach towards Club Orient, the less clothing you see :)
I can’t wait to get back, and recommend St. Martin to anyone looking to escape the winter to someplace warm.
