St. Maarten gets its personality from its two protectorates, the Netherlands and France. The south side of the island, called Sint Maarten by locals, grew up under Dutch rule and now boasts world famous casinos and a raging nightlife. For that reason, vacation rentals in Philipsburg, the south’s main town, command a premium.
The north side of the island has the French connection, and so goes by the nom de rigeur “Saint Martin.” The rich and famous frequent the north’s nude beaches, and the French’s proclivity for fine foods has spread all across the island, earning St. Maarten the title of Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean. While the towns here resemble a blend of European and Caribbean cultures, the diversity of inhabitants and visitors here takes on an international flavor. The villas in St. Maarten are truly world class.
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