Anyone considering taking a vacation to the exotic Caribbean, there are plenty of diverse islands to choose from. Ask any visitor and they will all point you to a different island, depending on their own particular taste. In addition, in the Caribbean there is not any such thing as a bad vacation location, its just a matter of one perhaps, being slightly different and standing out from the crowd.
St. Martin is one such island that defiantly stands out, the reason for this, is that this island is two different places rolled into one. On one side of this beautiful island is St. Martin on the other is St. Maarten, these are not two different names for the same place. These are two very distinct destinations one with a long Dutch history, the other a former French colony.
This separation once divided the island in every way, but now it provides a wonderful and vibrant mix of Dutch, French and Afro- Caribbean cultures that now separates this little piece of paradise from the other stunning islands in the region.
Thats why these two/one vacation destinations are becoming the latest hotspot for visitors to the stunning beaches, scenery and culture of this exiting island. Here are a few details about what you can expect from this heady mix of Afro-European cultures.
Nearly all tourists considering the sunny Caribbean have more than a passing interest in the beach culture that the area has in plentiful supply. St. Martins Dutch region can offer the visitor some of the finest white sand delights to be found anywhere in the islands. Across in the French enclave there is an equally stunning nudist beach, if that is more to your taste.
For visitors from America and Canada the island can offer many of the delights of a European vacation. While still benefiting from a short flight and endless hours of sun drenched, tropical enjoyment.
Even though the Caribbean is so close to the continental United States very few of the islands have airports capable of landing large passenger jets. St Martin is an exception, and many non-stop flights arrive every day from US airports across the country. For those flying from the eastern states this location also offers the advantage of being in the same time zone avoiding the unpleasant jet lag experience.
The island can offer genuine French and Dutch cuisine as well as a real taste of those very different European cultures and attitudes. These are all combined together with that easy-going Afro-Caribbean nature, to give a highly cultured but also laid-back atmosphere, unique in the Caribbean.
St. Martin is a genuine shopper's paradise that can provide all the very latest in Paris runway fashions. And it were not enough, these exciting fashion opportunities are available at around 40% less than you would pay in Paris or New York. St. Martin is the undisputed fashion center of the islands.
There are lots of high quality hotels offering the ultimate in luxury, there are also villas and that offer equally high standards of accommodation with the added benefits of seclusion and privacy. Many visitors to the island are now choosing to enjoy all the comforts of home and opting for the unusually high standard of private accommodation available on the island.
St. Martin enjoys four seasons, luckily, none of them includes snow. Wintertime offers long sunny warm days and cool evenings, making it the most popular time to visit for foreign tourists. The summer months can be hot, but are always tampered by the cooling trade winds that pass by the island. You can nearly always be guaranteed weather that is comfortable no matter what time of year you choose to visit the warm and friendly island of St. Martin
So summer is officially over and you're already wishing for the warm weather to come back. Unfortunately you're going to have to wait until at least March for there to be more than a smattering of warm days. That is, of course, unless you're interested in taking a vacation to the Caribbean. There are plenty of islands there that are warm year round and just ripe for a vacation. But which one? There are almost too many to choose from. Which one will provide you with everything you'll want and need? Why, St. Martin of course.
There are a lot of things you should keep in mind when picking a place to vacation, but after you've come up with your list of things that are important to you about a vacation location, check out this list of why you should enjoy your time off in St. Martin.
Beaches
Nobody goes to the Caribbean without intending to visit the beaches, and St. Martin has a beach no matter what your tastes are. If you have the family with you, then enjoy the numerous beaches on the Dutch side of the island. Don't have the kids and want to enjoy something a bit more risqu?? Thereis a nude beache on the French side of St. Martin at Orient Bay for those looking to truly relax and let go of their inhibitions while on vacation.
Europe Without the Long Flight
Hey, we all want to visit Europe, but 8 to 10 hours of flying is no way to start your vacation. Instead, enjoy a much shorter flight to the Caribbean that will end with a much more relaxing vacation. St Martin is one of the few Caribbean destinations with non-stop flights from many US hubs. For those that live on the East Coast of the United States the Caribbean also offers the added bonus of being very close to the same time zone, helping to eliminate much of the jet lag associated with traveling overseas.
Thanks to its combination of French and Dutch culture, St. Martin has a very European feel to it, with an excellent blend of both these cultures and the Caribbean in cuisine, atmosphere, and amenities. Sure, taking a trip to France would be great, but with St. Martin you can get a taste of France without having to travel for hours and still not necessarily have a beach nearby.
Shop Till You Drop
Who has the time to fly to New York City or Paris to get all the newest fashions? For that matter, who has the money? St. Martin has been called a shopper's paradise, featuring all the fashions that you'd usually have to go to New York City or Paris for, and at up to 40% less than you'd pay elsewhere. No matter what you're looking for ? jewelry, the newest fashions, local styles, discounts on last years' designs ? St. Martin has become the fashion capital of the Caribbean.
Amazing Amenities
Sure, there are hotels you can stay in on your Caribbean vacation, but why stay at the same place as hundreds of other people when you can have your selection of some of the most amazing Caribbean villas in the Caribbean? St. Martin villas are second to none, offering all the comforts and amenities of home, such as kitchens, living rooms, and privacy, but with a view that you'll never get to enjoy from the comfort of your actual home. St. Martin villas are the only way to stay when you're visiting this island paradise.
Weather You Can Relate To
Believe it or not, St. Martin is in the northern hemisphere. Because of this, St. Martin, and all of the Caribbean islands, experience seasons much like the United States does. They do in fact have the traditional 4 seasons in St. Martin that we have further north. Of course, it's warmer in December on St. Martin than it is in Maine, but it is also notably cooler in December on St. Martin than in June. Because of this, when planning a trip to stay in a St. Martin villa, think about what kind of weather you want to experience. The winter is a fantastic time with warm days and cool gentle nights. Obviously the winter time is the high season and costs more, so if you would like to enjoy the island and to get a deal ? May and November are great months to choose. All the year round, St Martin is cooled by the sea breezes that constantly blow, so if you must go during the summer vacation, you will find it fresher than mainland USA.
Relax and Enjoy
No matter your reason for going to St. Martin, be it shopping, the culture, or just wanting to stay in a St. Martin villa, the only thing that you should be sure to do is to kick back, relax, and enjoy your vacation. With your family, with your significant other, or even by yourself, your Caribbean vacation should be all about taking the chance to unwind.
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Scott Miscall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Supplements, Alternative Medicine and Home Management. Blue Ocea Villas offers an extraordinary selection of private villas on the islands of Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy and Saint Maartin. Search for