September 16, 2025
This winter, I had the chance to spend three weeks on the island of St. Maarten. In that time, I toured 8 hotels, explored beaches, hiked trails, and soaked in everything the island had to offer. What makes St. Maarten so unique is that it’s divided into two sides: the lively Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the laid-back French side (Saint-Martin). Even though the island is small, each side has its own personality, and no matter where you stay, you’ll want to explore both!
Dutch Side Highlights
The Dutch side felt alive from the moment I arrived. It’s where the energy of the island really shines, with bustling streets, buzzing beaches, and so much to see and do. I spent one afternoon at Maho Beach watching planes land right over my head, and it was every bit as exciting as I imagined. If you’re someone who loves adventure, this side of the island won’t disappoint.
- Philipsburg: duty-free shopping + colorful restaurants
- Maho Beach: the famous spot to watch planes land right above you
- Pic du Paradis: hike to the island’s highest point for stunning views
French Side Highlights
The French side was a completely different vibe. It’s calmer, quieter, and perfect for slowing down. This is where I found some of my favorite spots of the whole trip. I loved wandering through Grand Case, enjoying an afternoon swim at Orient Bay, and taking the short ferry to Pinel Island. Pinel especially stole my heart, between the calm waters, the little hike, and a lobster sandwich I still think about, it was an unforgettable day.
- Grand Case: quiet beach town with great dining and shopping
- Orient Bay: crystal-clear waters + lively beach bars
- Pinel Island: a hidden gem only a short ferry ride away
- Calm waters + easy hike
- Stunning, secluded beaches
- Incredible lobster sandwich, you must try!
Do You Need a Car?
This was one of the big questions I wanted to answer for myself, and honestly, it depends on the type of trip you want. I rented a car and loved the freedom of hopping from one side of the island to the other, discovering beaches and restaurants as I went. But I also used taxis a couple of times, and it was stress-free. That’s what makes St. Maarten unique – it’s small enough that either option works.
All-Inclusive or Not?
This was another big one I wanted to get clarity on. All-inclusive is easy, convenient, and perfect if you just want to sit back and relax. But if you’re like me and love wandering, tasting, and exploring, non-all-inclusive is the way to go. Some of my favorite memories were at little local spots where I could experience the island culture firsthand. During my hotel tours, it was the non-all-inclusive hotels that really became my favorite.
- All-Inclusive: easy, convenient, and worry-free
- Non-All-Inclusive: gives you the chance to explore local markets, try a LoLo, and discover hidden gems (these really caught my eye)
My Takeaways
After three weeks, I can say this island is unforgettable. From watching planes at Maho Beach, to relaxing on hidden stretches of sand, St. Maarten offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s a destination I’ll definitely be recommending to clients who want it all!