Half-French, half-Dutch, and all-Caribbean, the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten provides a unique vacation—two distinct European cultures inhabiting the smallest landmass shared by two countries, united by West Indian rhythms and spices and ringed with fine beaches.  

Dutch St. Maarten encompasses two-fifths of the 37-square-mile island, and the Dutch capital Philipsburg serves as the island's primary cruise ship port, filled with some of the Caribbean's best duty-free bargains.  

Beautiful Baie Rouge on St. Martin's French side is one of the island's quieter strands, perfect for lovers seeking uncrowded sands.  

The Grand Case Beach Club is a longtime favorite of Americans vacationing on French St. Martin. The hotel's location—right next to the Caribbean's culinary capital, Grand Case—couldn't be more ideal for foodies.  

St. Martin's French-side capital of Marigot is home to a popular market, where island spices are sold right out of the bag.  

Also on the French side is Long Bay, home to the classy, decadent hideaway La Samanna, an intimate resort that has been entertaining celebrities and royalty since the mid-1970s.  

With fine beaches ringing most of the island, even the airport has a beach, and Maho Bay is no slouch. Just be sure to cover your ears for the midday airplane landings.  

Tucked into the cliffs above Cupecoy Beach, the signature drink at the Cliffhanger Bar is a Green Flash, an irresistible treat at sunset.  

One of St. Martin/St. Maarten's unique aspects is that it serves as a hub for a quartet of other islands like tiny Saba, reached by ferry. Though it lacks beaches, Saba has excellent hiking trails leading to the top of the 2,877-foot volcanic summit, making for a lovely and peaceful daytrip from St. Maarten.  

One of the hotel options on Dutch St. Maarten is Great Bay Beach Hotel, an all-inclusive resort located at the edge of Philipsburg.  

Far and away the most famous beach on the island, the French side's Orient Bay is also the most renowned clothing-optional beach in the Caribbean. For the most part it's not hedonistic—most of the beach is playfully topless—but the scene is festive and busy from dawn till dusk.  

Even Philipsburg, the bustling capital of Dutch St. Maarten, has a beach lining its shopping district. Sunset over Great Bay as the cruise ships sail on their next port is a memorable way to close out the day.