St-Martin/St. Maarten

Saint Martin is a tropical island in the northeast Caribbean, approximately 300 km (186 miles) east of Puerto Rico. The 87 km² island is divided roughly in half between France and the Netherlands Antilles; it is the smallest inhabited sea island divided between two nations.

• The southern Dutch half comprises the Eilandgebied Sint Maarten (Island area of St. Martin) and is part of the Netherlands Antilles. Main town there is Philipsburg.
• The northern French half comprises the Collectivité de Saint-Martin (Collectivity of St. Martin) and is an overseas collectivity of France. Main town of Saint-Martin is Marigot.

Collectively, the two territories are known as 'St-Martin/St. Maarten'. Sometimes SXM, the IATA identifier for Princess Juliana International Airport (the island's main airport), is used to refer to the island.

Sint Maarten, the Dutch side, is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewelry, exotic drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and plentiful casinos, while Saint-Martin, the French side, is known more for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping, and rich French and Indian Caribbean cuisine. Attractions in St-Martin/St. Maarten include St. Maarten Zoo, St. Maarten Museum, Parrot Jungle, The Mullet Bay Golf Course, and the Butterfly Farm

Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin is home to several world-class accommodations, including hotels (such as Rainbow Beach Club Resort and The Royal Turtle Inn), villas, and timeshares, many of which are privately available for rent or sale. Some properties have over 200 rooms, while others have fewer than twenty. Many are located directly on beaches and in upscale shopping districts. Villas pepper the coast, boasting private beaches. Some are private residences, while others are available to affluent renters.