Double the countries, double the fun in the sun in French Saint-Martin and Dutch St. Maarten. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, delectable dining and unique museums found on the twin sides of this tropical island getaway in the Leeward group of the Lesser Antilles.

Orient Bay Beach

Often called the St. Tropez of the Caribbean, this white-sand beach along the northeast coast of Saint-Martin is as well known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery as for the clothing-optional section at its southern end. There’s a lively beach-bar scene, with venues serving French food and barbecue, and offering chairs and umbrellas for rental. Boaters seeking a less-sedated day at the beach can find adventure outfitters for parasailing, personal-watercraft rentals, tubing, snorkeling and other watersports.

Loterie Farm

Choose your own adventure at this 135-acre private nature preserve off the beaten path in Saint-Martin. Self-guided hikes along marked trails wind past mango and mahogany trees in the tropical forest en route to Pic du Paradis (Paradise Peak)—elevation about 1,400 feet—for views of the whole island as well as Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius. Adrenaline junkies can traverse the forest by zip-line, on runs as long as 1,600 feet. Many visitors opt to lounge by the jungle pool, strong cocktail in hand, or take in the views while dining in the Jungle Room.

Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

British makeup and creature-effects designer Nick Maley is best known for helping bring Yoda, the wise and ancient Jedi master, to life for the original Star Wars trilogy. He now brings the series from a galaxy far, far away to St. Maarten in this fun and unique museum in Philipsburg. Visitors can see Yoda, Han Solo in carbonite, Darth Vader and more memorabilia from Star Wars and some of the other 50-plus movies that Maley worked on throughout his career. On days when The Force is with you, you might find Maley on-site, sharing his many behind-the-scenes stories.

Bistrot Caraibes

Opened in 1994, Bistrot Caraibes still shines brightly on the stellar foodie scene in Grand Case in Saint-Martin. It retains its standing as one of the best dining destinations on the island. Customers rave consistently and enthusiastically about this restaurant’s romantic atmosphere, top-notch service, well-curated wine list and fabulous French fare—especially the signature lobster thermidor.

Pineapple Pete/Wasabi Charlie

Just about everyone can find something to please their palate on the expansive menu at this casual, family-friendly dual venue in Philipsburg. It’s known for its attentive staff, friendly atmosphere and live music. Choose among sushi and steaks, pub grub and grilled seafood. There’s also a teppanyaki table during dinner hours.

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One glimpse of Roland Richardson’s plein-air paintings, and it’s clear why he’s known as the “father of Caribbean impressionism.” Just as Claude Monet memorialized haystacks and water lilies, the St. Martin native captures his home island’s fiery flamboyants (the national tree) and the soothing, surrounding turquoise seas.

When he launched his career on St. Martin in 1970 after studying art abroad, “no one else was addressing the people, the landscapes, the seas, the colors,” Richardson says. “I had an unlimited pure subject wherever I turned. I didn’t need to fabricate anything. I only needed to devote myself to observing with the intention of learning from it.”

With family roots on St. Martin that stretch back three centuries, Richardson has endeavored to preserve the island’s beauty and culture. He spearheaded the restoration of Fort Louis, overlooking Marigot Harbor, and documented the island’s history and architecture as the founding editor of Discover St. Martin-St. Maarten magazine. But it’s his artistic creations—be they in oil, watercolor or ink—that most resonate.

Visitors can find not only a gallery of his work at La Samanna Resort but also, sometimes, Richardson himself. He frequently hosts painting demonstrations where he philosophizes on light and color, and creates another of his signature scenes.

What makes St. Martin such an ideal outdoor studio? We’re in a region that, to a great degree, is still unpolluted. The light is pure, and the color is living and vivid and intense and joyous.  What are the challenges of painting en plein air? Engineering is one of the deep secrets of plein-air painting. You can’t pick up your brush and make that first stroke until you’ve solved how to set up and stabilize your canvas. That’s why most plein-air paintings are tiny; the size doesn’t pose a problem.

Recommendations for St. Martin

L’auberge Gourmande (Grand Case): We’ve known the owner, Pascal, for 30 years. He is a talented, award-winning restaurateur, and his team is amazing.

Mezza Luna (Nettle Bay): They have the most wonderful pizza and fresh, quality Italian dishes. It’s great value for the money.

The Lolos (Grand Case): These four restaurants are right on the water and have fresh fish, as well as ribs and chicken. The fresh snapper is my favorite. It’s a great local experience.

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