Saint Martin sits like a bright jewel in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, a tiny island with a big personality split between two countries: the French north, Saint‑Martin, and the Dutch south, Sint Maarten.

The French side charms visitors with sun‑drenched nude beaches, stylish boutiques perfect for clothes shopping, lively outdoor markets and a delicious blend of French and Indian Caribbean cuisine — think flaky pastries alongside fragrant curries and fresh seafood.

Marigot, the picturesque capital on the French side, curls around a sheltered marina dotted with yachts and painted houses in cheerful pastels. Stroll the waterfront to taste local treats and browse artisan stalls; when I visited the open‑air market was under construction but its lively spirit was already on display in nearby cafés and street vendors.

Perched above the town, Fort Louis — an 18th‑century French military fort — rewards the short climb with sweeping panoramas of the harbor and the neighboring Dutch coastline, a perfect spot for photos and a moment of island history.