The Dutch Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is the Dutch half of the island, with planes over the beach and lively nightlife. You should go if: You want to watch jets land over a beach You like duty-free shopping and beach bars You want to combine Dutch and French sides in one trip Must-visit places: Maho Beach: Planes land just above the sand Philipsburg: The capital, with a boardwalk and Front Street shops Simpson Bay: Restaurants, marinas and nightlife Mullet Bay: A long, calm beach Guavaberry Emporium: Tastings of the island's folk liqueur Must-try foods: Lolo BBQ: Ribs and chicken from roadside grills Johnny cakes and saltfish Fresh conch Guavaberry liqueur Fun facts: Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Guavaberry liqueur is the island's traditional drink. It shares the island with Saint Martin under a treaty dating to 1648. Logistics: Best time: December to April Currency: Caribbean guilder (XCG), but US dollars are used almost everywhere Getting there: Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) Getting around: Taxis and rental cars; drive on the right Tipping: About 15 percent if service is not included Must-learn phrases: Hello: Hallo Please: Alstublieft Thank you: Dank u Goodbye: Tot ziens Good morning: Always greet first in English too