Saint Martin / Sint Maarten Island

Catering to both French and Dutch sensibilities (with a lot of American influences), this island is great for those who want a European or American vacation in a tropical location. The wealth of casinos, night spots and restaurants make this a no-brainer for cruise passengers and other travelers. There are a few top-end resorts and a lot of French bistros to delight incurable romantics. And, with the array of watersports at Orient Beach, the zoo and the Butterfly Farm, families will find it easy to plan outings for the kids. The duty-free havens of Phillipsburg and Marigot are enough to send shoppers into absolute ecstasy. Orient Beach, with its colorful umbrellas and lounges lined up in rows and the topless sunbathers languishing in the tropical breezes, is reminiscent of the French Riviera. Anse Marcel, with its collection of luxury hotels, is a beautiful harbor area with a tidy marina and a pretty beach. Grand Case is one of the gastronomic centers of the Caribbean, with more quality French restaurants per square mile than you'll find anywhere outside of Paris. The beaches around the southwestern edge of the island rival any found in the Leewards for powdery sand and gentle waves. And there is always plenty to do, as numerous companies offer all sorts of watersports and touring adventures. So if you want an island where you have access to everything the Caribbean offers - including beautiful beaches, glitzy casinos, great restaurants and a wide variety of activities - this is your place. Everything you need to know about where to stay, where to dine, and how to have fun is here. With color photos on every page.