Mark Says
the Caribbean island of St Martin/St Maarten has been shared between France and the Netherlands since the mid-seventeenth century. The island is hugely popular with European and North American visitors alike, who are attracted by its top-notch beaches, great duty-free shops and unique blend of French and Dutch culture. Large resorts and casinos are dotted across the island, but away from the coast densely populated St Martin/St Maarten remains remarkably unspoilt. Part of the Leeward Island chain, St Martin/St Maarten boasts some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, and the reefs surrounding the island are teeming with a wide variety of fish. Several wrecks, including the 200-year-old British ship HMS Proselyte, can be dived at Wreck Alley on Proselyte Reef. Not surprisingly, the gallic flair for food is reflected on the French side of the island, and there are a host of fine restaurants in the charming capital of French St Martin, Marigot. Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St Maarten, is less distinguished, but is packed with shops selling cheap clothes and bargain booze. ; Most people heading to St Martin/St Maarten do so as part of a resort package, but there are also plenty of small-scale independent hotels, especially on the French side of the island. Due to its warm climate St Martin/St Maarten is popular all year round. The best time to visit is between mid-December and April when rainfall is at its lowest and refreshing trade winds prevent it from getting too hot. Hurricane Season runs from May until late-November, and although you are unlikely to get caught in an actual hurricane, the weather can be unpredictable at this time of year.
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