Now a part French part Dutch island there was already a colony of 14 French families based on the island when the Dutch finally established a settlement in St. Martin/St. Maarten in 1631.
In 1633 the Spaniards invaded St. Martin/St. Maarten and the attempts of the French and Dutch to protect their settlements were futile, so they retreated until the Spanish troops left the island in 1648.
On March 23rd 1648, The French and Dutch signed the “Treaty of Concordia” The island has been divided, and the story of how it happened has been embellished throughout history to become the ‘Legend of St. Martin/St. Maarten’.
Even after the signing of the treaty however, the island changed hand 16 times with even English powers vying for control. In 1817 the partition treaty was eventually enforced, giving the French 21 square miles and the Dutch 16 square miles and giving shape to the island as we know it today.
Peel back the layers of this enticing island and you will find a panoramas of colorful scenery dominated by flaming bright red, orange and yellow flamboyant trees.
Pick a sun kissed mango dripping with cool juices or a coconut filled with nourishing water.
Lie on beaches and discover the heat of the powder white sands that are perfect cradles for a tired body.
Take a dive to enjoy undersea world of coral and caves filled with the colour of tropical fish.
Sail away on a catamaran to one of our hidden coves that are perfect for an intimate rendez vous.
Take a walk, explore its hills, fly on a zip line or travel by horse back, everything is possible here.