Like the Dominican Republic and Haiti, this single island is divided between two different nations — both of which gave their side the same name (just spelled differently). The French side, St. Martin, is filled with the fragrance of French-Creole cuisine, while St. Maarten, the Dutch side, inevitably has a different flavor.
But besides good food (which, honestly, can be found on either side anyhow), the island is filled with first-rate beaches, luxury resorts, duty-free shops and colorful reefs.