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Philipsburg Beach
in Dutch St . Maarten
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// ESSENTIALS NASSAU
THE BAHAMAS
CUBA
JAMAICA
100 miles
COLOMBIA
HAITI
A T L A N T I C O C E A N
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Charlotte Amalie , St Thomas
San Juan
Puerto Rico ( U . S .)
U . S . Virgin Islands
C a r i b b e a n S e a
VENEZUELA
Tortola
Philipsburg , St Maarten
British Virgin Islands
When to go : December to April offer warm , dry weather , lots of sunshine and generally calm seas Currency : US dollar is the official
currency of Puerto Rico , BVI and USVI , while the Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar Language : English , plus Spanish on
Puerto Rico , Dutch on St . Maarten . and French on St . Martin
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PHILIPSBURG , ST . MAARTEN
The French and Dutch share St . Maarten , a pretty little island in the Eastern Caribbean — the smallest island in the world to host two nations — and the contrasts are keenly felt . On the Dutch side in Philipsburg , navigate through maze-filled alleys with duty-free shops alongside the pastel hues of West Indian gingerbread trim houses , an architectural style distinct to this region , so-named for the use of decorative wooden latticework . Among them , Old Street is the most charming and colorful , while the Great Bay Beach boardwalk , one block away , offers respite from the sometimes busy streets . Great Bay Beach is the first beach visitors will come across , easily accessible from the boardwalk — and for those who just want a relaxing afternoon , it ’ s a good spot to stop and enjoy the views of the island and the shallow , calm , crystal-clear waters . It also isn ’ t far from the cruise port .
Bring an appetite to St . Maarten , particularly if planning to cross the border to St . Martin , for the French side ’ s gastronomic prowess is its main point of pride . Grand
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Case , a great day trip from Philipsburg , is the unofficial foodie capital . It also happens to be the site of a sweeping , narrow beach of golden sand , overhung with wooden dining terraces for a classic seafront dinner of local staples such as conch fritter , callaloo soup and stuffed crab backs , followed by a cocktail containing guavaberry , the national liqueur of St . Maarten .
St . Maarten is an excellent spot for hiking . Head for Pic Paradis , the highest point on the island , for a hike through the forest to an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the surroundings , including the neighboring island of Anguilla .
There are many snorkeling and diving spots around the island : the clear , warm waters are ideal for spotting marine life . Snuba excursions — where beginners can dive without a tank , but with an air pipe tethered to air tanks on the surface of the water — are a popular excursion available from Philpsburg . The best snorkeling is to be found on Simpson Bay on the Dutch side , or Mullet Bay Beach adjacent to Maho Beach .
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image : getty . MAP ILLUSTRATION : JOHN PLUMER |
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