On 11th Nov 1493, famed explorer Christopher Columbus landed on a small Caribbean island and laid claim to it in the name of Spain. In 1624, French settlers began to start the cultivation of a new cash crop, tobacco.
A few years later in 1631, Dutch colonialists arrived they were interested in another highly prized commodity, salt. From 1684, the island was split in half to form Sint Maarten the Dutch zone in the south of the island. And Saint-Martin, the French settlement in the northern half of the island. The British also had interests on the little island up until 1816.
Modern visitors do not have to suffer months on a crowded sailing ship to reach this paradise island. In November 2006, Juliana International Airport opened on the island, this modern air terminal is capable of handling the big jets such as the 747. This has allowed visitors from across the world to reach the island either directly or via many cities in the continental US.
Although the island has a Dutch and French history, English is also widely spoken. Visitors can also use either Euros or Dollars almost anywhere, as well as using their credit cards at ATMs, or to pay for goods and services directly. A good way to get around is to use the extensive network of small and inexpensive buses that traverse the entire island.
The tropical Caribbean climate provides for a very comfortable year round warm weather, with little variation in temperature from one season to another. An average air temperature throughout the year of around 27C and the sea is a very pleasant 26C on average, every day of the year.
Annual rainfall on the island is around 1000 mm falling in short bursts usually in the late afternoon or evening. The trade winds provide a near constant and cooling breeze from the Atlantic Ocean.
Each year huge numbers of Europeans and Americans arrive to participate in one of the world's largest sailing extravaganzas the Heineken Regatta. On the Dutch side of the island, many visitors seek out the joys of the well hidden Dawn Beach, and it is classic palm fringed white sands and azure blue sees. The beach is also famed for its high quality shallow snorkeling opportunities along its Coral reef, located just off shore.
There are many such hidden gems on the island as well as busier beaches that offer all the facilities that you would expect of a modern and cosmopolitan vacation island. The highest quality accommodations can be found, including some of the best high end villa rentals in the whole Caribbean.
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