Who owns Big St. Martin island?
Who owns Big St. Martin island? The Nature Conservancy bought the island in 2013, intending to donate it to the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge as it is an important bird stopover point.
Is St. Martin US or British?
Located just south of Anguilla and south/south-east of the British Virgin Islands, this is one Caribbean island with a difference. The southern half called Sint Maarten belongs to the Dutch, while the northern part (Saint Martin) belongs to the French. Both halves, as we've discovered, are quite spectacular.
Where not to stay in St Maarten?
I would avoid anything in Marigot, Sandy Ground, Nettle Bay, Dutch and French Quarters, Lower and Upper Prince Quarter, Cole Bay, Mary's Fancy, etc. These are locals areas and not much there for tourists. I am not sure there ARE AirBnBs in those areas but there could be.
Are people from Saint-Martin French citizens?
People of more than 120 nationalities live on St. Martin, the majority being French, Haitian, Dominican, American, or European. The official language used in the administrations and schools is, of course, French. But thanks to the island's cosmopolitan history, English is widely spoken among the population.
Can you travel between the Dutch and French side of St. Martin?
There is no physical border between the French and Dutch sides of the island and people and goods may travel freely between the two.
Who does France share the island of Saint Martin with?
The 87-square-kilometre (34 sq mi) island is divided roughly 60:40 between the French Republic (53 km2, 20 sq mi) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands (34 km2, 13 sq mi) by the 16 km (10 mi) border.
Why is St. Martin half French and half Dutch?
Between 1627 and 1631, Holland decided to send settlers to St. Martin, to exploit the island's natural salt reserves. The French and the Dutch signed the Treaty of Concordia, also known as the Partition Treaty, on March 23, 1648. So the island was split into two parts and shared by France and Holland.
What currency is used in St Maarten?
The Antillean Guilder or Florin is the official currency in St. Maarten, which is divided into 100 cents. US dollars are accepted at the majority of businesses on the Dutch side of the island. On the French side, the euro is the official currency.
Why is Saint Martin island famous?
St. Martin's Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewellery, drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and casinos. The island's French side is known for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and French and Indian Caribbean cuisine.
When not to travel to St Maarten?
The island's weather is pleasant year-round, but these are times when rain showers are less likely. Summer and early fall are not good for a vacation; many hotels close in this offseason and there's a chance of hurricanes. Also avoid visiting in winter and early spring (mid-December to April) if you can.
Where do celebrities stay in Sint Maarten?
On the westernmost point of the French side of St. Martin lies La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin, a full-service, 83-room resort whose private, secluded nature has attracted its fair share of celebrity guests (Oprah, Salma Hayek, Kevin Kline).
What is the best month to go to St Martin?
The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourists who come to enjoy the agreeable weather and summer temperatures. The sunshine is almost constant during this period, with hardly any rain.
Where do celebrities stay in Saint Martin?
On the westernmost point of the French side of St. Martin lies La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin, a full-service, 83-room resort whose private, secluded nature has attracted its fair share of celebrity guests (Oprah, Salma Hayek, Kevin Kline).