Famous as the smallest island ever to have been partitioned, St Maarten ha been shared by the Dutch and French since 1630, when they united to repulse the Spanish. Until 1817 nobody bothered with boundaries and you can still move freely about the island; but despite the mixed Dutch, French and African heritage, you can fail to distinguish the contrasting styles of the island’s French and Dutch communities. Photo by: thenewarea51

Saint Maarten welcomes cruise liners, commerce, gambling, reggae, hard rock and rijsttafel restaurants. It’s the only place in the Caribbean, where shopping is 100 per cent duty free and in Philiosburg, you will find 500 of the smallest luxury shops in the world. Despite heavy tourism development, it’s still a treasure of old world Dutch architecture and military relics, often next to the white beaches that guarantee St Maarten’s popularity. The French emphasize comfort and elegance on their side, with secluded luxury resorts and the best food in the Caribbean. Photo by: sreddy17

Marigot, the capital, is the most French in spirit of all Caribbean cities, a luxury colonial version of a Mediterranean market town. But on the beaches you can always tell where you are by the dress code – modest on the Dutch side, topless or nude chic on the French. Orient-Plage is officially ‘clothing-optional’, but on the French side no-one is looking and no-one cares. With steel bands and firelit dancing, it makes for heady beach barbecues. The combination of cultures means you can do just about anything there on some of the Caribbean’s prettiest and liveliest beaches and in the towns. Photo by: iheartmegalodon

When to go: October to June. In March, the Heineken Regatta attracts world-class yachting enthusiasts. Population: Saint Maarten 34,800 (2007). How to get there: By air from Miami, San Juan (Puerto Rico) or Caracas. You should know: Saint Maarten operates a joint nature and marine reserve which includes 40 km of trails through mountains, forests and along the shore. Photo by: xaviermaire

Photo by: Liembo