"The Friendly Island" a Sint Maarten Travel Page by eenelfje

St. Maarten, also called The Friendly Island, is actually very European, consisting of two countries - a Dutch side and a French side. The native languages are English, Dutch and French.
There is no formal border, just signs welcoming you from one side to the other. The Dutch side (capital Phillipsburg) has the large resorts, duty free shopping, night clubs and casinos, cruise ships, and is generally busier. The French side (capital Marigot) is quieter, and while also offering duty free shopping, is generally more relaxed. Approx. 77,000 people live on St.Maarten.

The island itself is not big. You can drive around the island (without stopping) in 2 hours.

The weather on Sint Maarten is on average, 26-33 degrees all year round with gentle trade winds which keep the humidity low. The water temperature will range from 25-27 degrees in the winter and 27-30 degrees in the summer.
There is no defined rainy season, but one does exist for hurricanes. During the time between July through November, the whole of the Caribbean is on watch for possible hurricanes. Although infrequent, all the islands must remain prepared.

Guavaberry is the legendary folk liqueur of St.Maarten. Guavaberry became and still is an integral part of the local island culture. The Guavaberry itself is a wild local berry which are found in the warm hills at the center of the island. Guavaberry fruits are rare and seasonal, making the liqueur even more unique. Visit the shop at No. 8-10 Frontstreet, Philipsburg.
You canīt leave St. Maarten without buying a bottle of Guavaberry liquor !

A tradition of the locals is on New Years day when the visit all their friends and family and get a guavaberry drink on every stop. (Burps..)

St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean's leading sailing venues, playing host each year to the Heineken Regatta.