Part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sint Maarten occupies the southern half of a Caribbean island it shares with the French collectivity of Saint Martin.

The island delights with fresh seafood, lively nightlife and high-end boutiques, while its landscapes range from shimmering lagoons and powdery beaches to stark salt pans.

In Philipsburg, cobblestone streets and brightly painted colonial façades line Front Street, where market stalls and shops spill toward the harbor.

For active travelers, Sint Maarten serves up endless thrills — think snorkeling and diving over coral gardens, waterskiing across turquoise bays and even the heart-stopping ride on one of the world’s steepest zipline.