Grenada, the Spice Isle

Looking for relaxation, brilliant white sand beaches, stunning blue water and a bit of culture? Then Grenada is your place. The small Caribbean island is somewhat off the beaten track (at least compared with more mainstream islands like Barbados and Jamaica) but has just as much to offer travellers. Part of the Grenadines, the neighbouring islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are just a short ferry ride away.

There is no question that the capital of St. George’s is one of the most scenic in the Caribbean. The tiny pastel houses are built into the hillside overlooking the harbour, which is full of boats, beaches and bright blue water. The island itself has maintained its historical charm, thanks to treasures like Fort George and the picturesque Carneage, which visitors can stroll along. Just be prepared to do some hiking, if you’re looking to get a good photo of the scene below!

While some fly to Grenada and settle in for a week, many visitors come via cruise ships and only get to spend a day in the country. While this is definitely long enough to get a good feel for the place, you may be left wishing you could spend at least one more day lounging on the beach or wandering through the markets.

Beaches

Grand Anse Beach.

The most popular beach in the country is Grand Anse, which spans for about three kilometers along the southwest coastline. Parts of it are lined with hotels and restaurants, and there are a number of vendors on hand offering everything from cold drinks to water sports. This is about as close to paradise as it gets, folks. The water is warm, the views are spectacular and the sand is soft and rock-free.

If you only have a day in Grenada, you’ll want to spend at least half of it here.

Another bonus? The nearby market, where you can get fab daiquiris! The fenced-off, grassy area houses a number of stalls offering cool drinks and snacks, and there are also spots to pick up souvenirs or seek refuge from the blazing sun under an umbrella.

Waterfalls

If you’re not content to work on your tan all day, work up a sweat with a hike to one of the island’s many waterfalls. A popular pick is the Seven Sister waterfalls, a trail which boasts—you guessed it—seven waterfalls. It takes about 45 minutes to walk through the rainforest, at which point you get to reward yourself with a dip in the cool water. Concord Falls is also a good choice, featuring three falls on the edge of a forest reserve. Guides can also be hired for some of the longer hikes.

View of the harbour.

Where to shop

While you’re wise to spend your time on the island soaking up the scenery, it’s worth a walk over to one of the many street markets to pick up what Grenada is known for—spices. The country is nicknamed the ‘Spice Isle’ as it is one of the world’s largest importers of spices. You can pick up combo packs that will include a number of spices, including cinnamon cloves, black pepper and saffron, which can make for nice gifts, too! The larger markets are located near Grand Anse Beach and the cruise port, and you can try bartering to save some cash.

Fort George

Fort George.

If you’re not content to lounge on the sun-soaked beach all day and would prefer to take in some history, you’ll want to head up to Fort George. The imposing fortress was built back in the 1700s and is perched 175 feet above the harbour. The grounds are all but deserted, and visitors have open rein to explore all the nooks and crannies—and get a photo of themselves ‘loading up’ the cannons! One of the best parts of a trip to the fort is the incredible views it affords, of the island below. Keep in mind there are a LOT of stairs, to get all the way up! Admission is free.

Practicalities:

How to get there: Fly into Maurice Bishop International Airport, or arrive via boat—whether it’s onboard an Eastern Caribbean cruise or a yacht trip through the Grenadines.

Currency: The East Caribbean Dollar (EC) is the local currency, but US dollars are also accepted.

Must buy: Spices, obviously! Hit the markets, and stock up on things like nutmeg and cinnamon.

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GALLERY: Grenada

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Antigua: A beach for every day of the year

Antigua’s claim to fame is that it is home to 365 beaches—“one for every day of the year.” A place could do worse! The Caribbean island (pronounced An-tee-gah) is a haven for sun seekers, thanks to its hot climate, warm waters and hundreds of white sand beaches sprinkled across both Antigua and its little sister island of Barbuda. It is also a top destination for celebrities like Oprah and Eric Clapton, who both have beautiful homes here.

If your sole goal is to get a bronzed bod, then this is the place for you.

However, Antigua also has lots to offer in terms of excursions and sightseeing. Being one of the safer and cleaner islands in the Caribbean, it’s safe to head out on your own or walk along the mile-long beaches, and you likely won’t be approached by people peddling goods. Antigua is also one of the more expensive islands, but it’s true that you get what you pay for. Expect five star service, beautiful clean beaches and gourmet dining.

Grand Pineapple Resort.

One of my favourite parts about the resort I stayed it was that there was CHAMPAGNE. I’ve mentioned I have a slight obsession with bubbles, but sadly most resorts only offer ‘sparkling wine’ at best. At the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort, they had Kir Royale ON THE MENU! The hotel also boasts the popular ‘Outhouse’, a cliff-top restaurant where ‘Miss Mary’ serves mouth-watering BBQ ribs and jerk chicken. After licking off your fingers, scribble the name of your hometown on one of the many signs that decorate the place, or write the date of your visit.

Hit the water

Obviously you should spend most of your time on the beach, and will likely be happy as a clam simply wandering out to the white sand in front of your resort. However, it’s worth a trip around the island to check out some other locales. One of my favourites is Runaway Beach, which is near the stunning Sandals Antigua Caribbean Village & Spa. The long stretch of brilliant, soft sand offsets the bright blue waters, and there are a number of amenities in the area. Get your taxi driver to drop you off, then simply set up your beach towel and veg, or book a water excursion. I hopped on a sea-doo for half an hour which was tons of fun, and quite different than the times I’ve ridden around a smooth lake. Waves make the water surprisingly choppy, and the warm salt water sprays up as you whip around.

View of the reef below.

I also took advantage of the parasailing on offer—the first time I’d ever gone up, and definitely a great place to try it out! We headed out on a speedboat with about four other people plus two crew members, and each got a turn going tandem on the parasail, which is attached to the boat by a long rope. The view from hundreds of feet up was incredible, granting a panoramic view of the turquoise water and a bright coral reef. It is also surprisingly relaxing as you watch the beautiful scene below, as the wind pushes you along. However, this is NOT an activity for those who are afraid of heights, as it feels like there is nothing between you and a big drop down.

Another great way to spend a day in paradise is taking a trip around Antigua. One way is on a boat tour, which will take you around the island in just a few hours. You get to see the incredible waters (everything from turquoise to dark blue to aqua green), do some celebrity spotting (Oprah’s house) and may also make a pit stop to do some snorkeling. Most resorts can set up this excursion for you, which usually costs about $130 depending on the length, and will likely include food and drinks. Be sure to pack some anti-nausea medication if you’re the sea-sick type, as the water can be choppy.

Gallery: Antigua

Land tours

Devil’s Bridge.

Antigua also has lots to offer on-land, including its capital of St. John’s. The small city can be overrun with tourists on days when cruise ships dock there, but it does have some lovely shops near port if you’re into that story of thing. Otherwise, it’s best to get a tour around the island as part of an excursion or by hiring a taxi driver to take you around for the day. Most people try to make a stop at the awe-inspiring Devil’s Bridge. A large limestone rock formation on the east coast, waves have pushed it into a bridge, creating blowholes that surround its arch. Stop for some photos if you get the chance, but take care if you get near it as the rocks can be extremely slippery.

Sunset at Shirley Heights.

English Harbour is another popular stop, and is THE place to see incredibly large yachts. When I was there, one of Microsoft’s bigwigs had his boat docked in its waters, which frankly looked like a hotel, complete with helicopter landing pad. The harbour is surrounded by a historic district, but the best place to take in the stunning view is from Shirley Heights. The site is high up in the hills, in the ruins of a colonial observation post. After you scramble past the monstrous cacti, you can look down at the bright blue waters of the harbor below, and even see the neighbouring islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe. The best time to visit Shirley Heights is on Sunday, when there is a BBQ with live music compliments of a talented steel drum band. Reggae music takes over once the sun sets (a major highlight of the night, btw) and a dance breaks out.

Practicalities:

Money: U.S. dollars

How to get there: Try to book as an all-inclusive from Canada (through Toronto), the U.S. or the U.K., so all of your food, drinks, accommodation and transfers are included.

Must try: English Harbour Antigua Rum- enjoy it in a Rum Punch!

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GALLERY: Antigua

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St. Martin: A scary landing, sunbathers in birthday suits and duty-free heaven

When the travel agent who sold me a cruise found out we were docking in St. Martin for a day, she perked up.

“Ooh, I LOVE St. Martin!” she enthused. “You can just jump right off the ship, and you’re on the beach!” The lady would know, having worked on cruise ships for years (she says). Not one to take things at face value I did some investigating, and soon figured out what all the fuss was about. St. Martin is in fact a fantastic place to visit, whether you’re there for the day, a week or a month.

Great Bay, St. Martin

Which is which?

The island is split into two parts: the French side and the Dutch side (Sint. Maarten). As such, it has two main cities—Philipsburg (Dutch) and Marigot (French). Most tourists spend the bulk of their time near Philipsburg as it is the island’s hub, boasts a great beach and is a mecca for shoppers (more on that later). St. Martin is also situated right in the middle of a number of islands, and on a clear day you can see Saba, Nevis, St. Kitts, Anguilla and ritzy St. Barths.

If you’ve ever had a hankering to see one of these islands, you can easily hop on a ferry and head over for the day, without the high price tag of staying overnight.

The craziest airport ever

Those arriving in St. Martin as part of an all-inclusive (a more economical way to visit, yet still significantly pricier than places like Mexico or Cuba) will fly into Princess Juliana International Airport, which is on the Dutch side.

The airport is world-famous for its ridiculously short runway wedged between popular Maho Beach and a large hill. People flock to the area to watch the gigantic jets navigate the strange flight path, as they roar just meters above sunbathers.

This spot is definitely worth a visit regardless of how little time you have on the island, to take in the strangeness of it all! Just be sure to bring earplugs.

Beach life

Orient Beach

St. Martin truly has a beach for everyone—including those who only like wearing their birthday suits. Yup, the island is home to a nudist beach on the French side, called Orient Beach. A large reef runs along the coast and clothing is optional on the southern end, making it a popular spot for nudists and lookie-loos.

If exposure isn’t your thing, you may want to stick to something more PG like Simpson Bay, which is considered one of the longest and nicest on the island. A number of cute little boats dot the turquoise water, and the beach is framed by green hills. This is THE spot to see all the neighbouring Caribbean islands, provided it’s a clear day.

The most popular stretch of sand would have to be Great Bay, which is the beach that anyone arriving by boat first sees as they approach St. Martin. The beach itself is huge, meaning you won’t be sharing a beach towel with strangers, and the area is lined by a massive boardwalk that leads tourists into Philipsburg’s hotels, restaurants and shops. Great Bay is a big plus for cruisers, as you’re basically on the beach as soon as you disembark the ship, and won’t need to pay for a cab or book an excursion to get your tan on.

Shopaholics

It’s safe to say that the most popular pastime for tourists in St. Martin is shopping. Sure the beaches are great and the views spectacular, but who can say no to 40 per cent off?!

Philipsburg has dozens of duty-free shops where you can pick up clothes, cigars, jewellery and liquor, at steep discounts.

For example, a 750 ml bottle of coconut rum costs about $30+ in North America, but you can pick one up in St. Martin for $11. Yup, $11. Keep in mind that most countries have a limit to how much liquor and tobacco you can bring home before paying duty—although even if you pay taxes on top of the St. Martin prices it will likely still be cheaper than anything you can get at home.

One thing to remember if you are travelling on a cruise ship is that you’re not allowed to bring any liquor into your room after you board. However, the ship will hold it for you until the night before you leave, so you’ll get to bring it back with you.

Quick facts:

Languages: French, English and Dutch

Currency: US dollars, Euros most commonly accepted

How to get around: Rent a car, but keep in mind there can be horrendous traffic jams (strange, for a country of about 80,000 people). Taxis are also plentiful.

Where to stay: There are a number of options including all-inclusive resorts, hotels or vacation rentals. If you plan on staying for longer than a week, it may be worth renting a condo and grocery shopping to cut down on costs. Remember, booze is cheap here!

Must try: Any drink with guavaberry in it. The fruity, rum-based liquor is a sweet, pink concoction that’s great as a margarita-type bevvy. Grab one at a bar along the beach for about $6 and enjoy! You can also pick up a bottle of guavaberry liqueur to take home with you at the duty-free shops.

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Gallery: St. Martin

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A Day in Dominica

Most people flock to the Caribbean in search of sun, white sand and calm waters. This is precisely why most tourists don’t bother with the island of Dominica. Its beauty is more rugged than postcard-worthy, due to its black, rocky beaches. As pretty as they are to look at, they’re not ideal for those looking to lie around and work on their tan.

Roseau, Dominica.

That being said, Dominica is a great place to stop, especially as part of a cruise.

As you approach port, you’re greeted by beautiful green hills framing the island, as white and pastel-coloured buildings dot the landscape.

Ships dock in the capital of Roseau, and from there it’s a quick drive to most landmarks. The main thing Dominica has going for it is that there is lots to see, so try to find a tour that hits all of them, or hire a driver to take you around. We went with the latter option after disembarking the boat, by hopping in a van with a number of other tourists. It only cost us about $20 each for a tour that lasted around five hours!

You’ll likely start with a drive up to Morne Bruce, a popular viewpoint at the top of the island that affords panoramic views of Roseau and the glittering water below. Take a few pictures here then wander over to the Botanical Gardens. The 40 acre site hosts about 50 types of plants and trees, and is also home to Dominica’s national bird—the Sisserou Parrot.  The gardens are open every day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

One of the twin waterfalls at Trafalgar Falls.

Once you’ve gotten your fill, head to Trafalgar Falls, located in Morne Trois Piton National Park. On the drive there you’ll pass lush green hills, banana trees and livestock like goats grazing along the roadway. After arriving at the site, you’ll go on an easy walk through the bright green vegetation which only takes about 15 minutes. One thing you’ll notice is an area featuring a bubbling sulphur pool. This is common in the country, as Dominica is a volcanic island with a number of hot springs. When you arrive at the twin falls, simply sit back and take in the scene, or get adventurous and climb over the boulders at the base of the falls and jump into the pool at their base. If it’s really hot out, this is a great option!

If you haven’t had your fill of waterfalls just yet, get back in the van and head to another national treasure: the Emerald Pool. This is another site featuring a beautiful waterfall and a big pool at the bottom, which is great for a midday float. That being said, it’s very similar to Trafalgar Falls, so if your time is limited don’t bother visiting both sites.

Champagne Reef.

Before heading back to port, make one last stop at the Champagne Reef. Made up of a pebble-covered beach, tourists can rent snorkelling equipment for about $5 then jump into the water, which ‘bubbles’ just as the name would suggest.

A volcano submerged below the surface pushes gasses up, creating bubbles which make it feel like you’re swimming through a glass of champagne.

Visibility isn’t always great if you’re hoping to see tropical fish, but this stop is all about taking in the bubbles. There aren’t many places you can see that!

If none of this appeals to you, there is one option left: whale watching. Dominica is a haven for sperm whales, which are commonly spotted between November and March. If you’re lucky, you might also spot a pod of dolphins. There are a number of tour operators that offer such excursions, which will set you back about $50 each.

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Gallery: Dominica

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How to spend an extra day in Puerto Rico

Poor Puerto Rico. Despite being blessed with white sand beaches, a huge national forest, tropical weather and a historic town centre, the majority of tourists only spend a day here. Why? Because it’s all about the cruise ships. Besides Florida, Puerto Rico is one of the busiest ports for ships sailing the Caribbean, which means many travellers arrive in San Juan the night before or day of their cruise, then fly out again as soon as it docks. It’s really a shame, since you could easily spend a week exploring the island. If you don’t have that luxury, here are a few ways to make the most of your time.

Beachin’ it

If all you want to do is relax, you’ve come to the right place. Try and check in to one of the high-rise hotels in either Condado or Isle Verde, which line the long beaches. While most are about 10 kilometres away from the city centre, you are in the heart of the nightlife action.

Spend your day watching bronzed bodies stroll along the beach, or jump in the turquoise water for some snorkelling.

Grab a cocktail (made with Bacardi, which is produced here!) before patio-hopping down the strip. End up at the trendy San Juan Water and Beach Club Hotel, which has a rooftop pool and comfy white sofas—great for taking in the sunset.

Old San Juan

The best place to learn about the great history of Puerto Rico is with a trip through Old San Juan. Established in the 1500s as a settlement, the town is fortified by huge stone walls, perched over the ocean. There are two forts that most visitors flock to: Fort San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Fort San Cristobal. There are two guided tours available of Fort San Cristobal, including an hour-long one of the tunnels, and another that takes you around the outside of the property.

El Morro is the more popular of the two forts, as it affords some incredible views and photo ops. At six levels high, there is lots to explore including a lighthouse and sentry boxes which are located all around the property. Opt for the free orientation, or explore the site yourself with the map you’ll be given after you pay your entrance fee. Admission is $3 for people age 15 and up, or you can buy a combo ticket that gets you into both forts for $5.

After you’ve seen the forts, wander around the city and stop in the artisan shops to pick up souvenirs, or head to a tax-free factory store to freshen up your wardrobe.

Be sure to wear comfy shoes to combat the cobblestone streets and hills that trip most travellers up, or jump on the free trolley.

As for accommodations, a great spot to stay if you just want to tour Old San Juan then hop on your cruise ship is the Sheraton Old San Juan. The hotel is just steps away from the action, and the closest to port.

El Yunque

La Coca Falls.

If getting in touch with nature is more your style, book an excursion to the tropical rainforest El Yunque. About an hour’s drive from San Juan, it’s made up of 28,000 acres of lush green foliage, waterfalls, mountains and streams. Most visitors come as part of an excursion, but it is possible to do as a day trip on your own as long as you have a way to get there. The park is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. which makes for a full day of hiking through the many trails, including a trip up the Yohaku observation tower and a trek to La Coca Falls.

A trip up the tower will see you brave hundreds of steps to get to the top, but the view is worth it.

You’ll get a panoramic view of the jungle below and the imposing mountains in the distance. One thing to note is that the paths through El Yunque aren’t particularly strenuous, so this will likely be your only workout.

The trip to El Yunque is really only worth a few hours of your time, as it’s not like you’ll be scrambling up mountainsides or have any wildlife encounters. Most cruise ships and tour companies offer this excursion as a half-day trip, and you can expect to spend about $50 and up per person. It is a great way to see a different side of Puerto Rico, and can be a welcome break from the city grind—plus you’ll get some great pictures!

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Gallery: El Yunque

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Pigeon Point: The best beach in Tobago

When it comes to beaches, the Caribbean has an embarrassment of riches. Black sand, white sand, pink sand, deserted sand banks or party beaches—the islands have something for everyone. Being lucky enough to have been to many of them I’ve become somewhat of a critic (What do you mean there are no washroom facilities? The waves are too strong here!), which made a beach we happened across in Tobago that much more impressive.

Stunning Pigeon Point Beach.

Pigeon Point Beach is the most popular stretch of sand in the tiny country, and for good reason.

Just a quick drive from where the cruise ships dock (you can easily hire a taxi to drive you there and back for about $20 each way) it’s a great pick for those only spending an afternoon in Tobago.  The beach is also only a few minutes from the airport, for those staying on the island longer. I’ll quickly let you in on its one downfall: you do have to pay $3 per adult to get in. BUT the entrance fee helps maintain a number of facilities in the area which you will no doubt use, so keep that in mind.

The famous thatch-roof jetty.

Pigeon Point is one of those postcard-worthy scenes—in fact, photos of its thatch-roof jetty have been widely used in tourism campaigns, making it somewhat of a symbol of Tobago. This jetty is where you will get picked up from if you choose to go on any excursions, like a glass-bottom boat tour (more on that later).

The brilliant white sand is incredibly soft and free from any sort of rubble, which continues as you walk farther and farther into the warm, aqua-marine water.

You can wade a great distance without the water going higher than your waist, which makes it a great option for those who aren’t confident swimmers.

The beach itself is lined with cute souvenir shops, food stalls, washroom and shower facilities, chair rentals as well as a number of people selling excursions like boat tours around the island. Negotiate! Since there are a few tour companies, you may be able to haggle down the price depending on how many people are in your group.

A glass bottom boat is great for seeing the fish below.

The most popular way to spend an afternoon at Pigeon Point is to hop on a glass-bottom boat tour of the nearby Buccoo Reef.

This incredible area is made up of five reef flats that make up a small lagoon, surrounded by coral. The locals have dubbed it the ‘Nylon Pool’ thanks to its brilliant colour, and you can expect to see a number of tropical fish, either by staying put in the boat or getting in with your snorkel equipment. Most excursions last up to two hours, and cost $15-$20 per person. It’s important to not to put your feet down if you swim, as you may damage the fragile environment.

If all you’re up for is a relaxing lounge on the beach, you have come to the right place to kick back and take in the scenery. Just make sure to pack your sunscreen!

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Gallery: Tobago

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A guide to Jamaica, mon

While many islands in the Caribbean are off the radar (Saba, anyone?) Jamaica is a destination that just about everyone wants to go to at least once. Known most for its reggae-vibe thanks to homegrown hero and Rastafarian Bob Marley, the West Indies country boasts long stretches of beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Most tourists stay at resorts in either Negril, Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay or Montego Bay, and can easily go on excursions around the country from any of them.

Resorts

The beach in front of Hotel Riu Montego Bay.

When I visited, I stayed at the beautiful Hotel Riu Montego Bay which had just opened. All of the buildings are lavender (first time I’d seen that) and the beautiful guest rooms have granite countertops, outdoor space and fully-stocked bars. The resort is huge so you’ll get a workout walking from your room to breakfast to the pool, but all of the on-site amenities make up for it. One thing you’ll quickly notice is that if you want peace and quiet, you’ll have to stay on the beach. Buskers aren’t allowed on resort beaches, but the water is fair game, so you will definitely be approached if you venture out for a swim.

You can’t really go wrong booking Mo’Bay versus Ocho Rios for example, but try to decide on what kind of vacation you’re looking for before deciding on your destination.

Montego Bay is more of a party place (though nothing spring-break worthy, don’t worry!), Ocho Rios is close to attractions like Dunn’s River Falls and Margaritaville, while Negril features the most stunning coastlines—and prices reflect this.

Excursions

Blue Mountain.

One of the most popular ways to spend a day in Jamaica is with a trip to Dunn’s River Falls. Close to Ocho Rios, 55 metre high waterfalls are terraced through natural stairs in the rock, and include little lagoon-like pools. Thousands of visitors head there every year to climb up—and it’s not as hard as it sounds. There are also guides on hand to help those who find themselves off-balance. Entrance costs $20 for those age 11 and up.

Another option is to book an excursion to the capital of Kingston. You’ll likely have to get up really early since it takes a few hours to drive there, but this will give you a great overview of the country. The scenic route passes by the beautiful Blue Mountain, home to some of the world’s most expensive coffee.

The drive can be a bit dicey though: think hairpin turns on cliffs with no barriers, along roads so narrow that you can just barely fit two vehicles.

This makes for an interesting scenario when someone breaks down halfway up the mountain (yup, that happened). When you finally arrive in Kingston, it’s an exercise in contrasts. Grimy slums and suspect characters greet you on the way in, but soon you are looking at grand houses perched high on hills overlooking the cities—homes belonging to those that come from old money.

Devon House in Kingston.

Many tour groups start off with a visit to Devon House, a charming 11-acre property that dates back over a century. The heritage site features a beautiful plantation house that visitors can walk through, lush lawns and gardens and a few shops. Stop and grab an ice cream cone, then wander around to learn more about the home that was built by Jamaican millionaire George Stiebel.

Your guide will likely drop you off at a nearby mall to fend for yourself in the food court, before continuing on to the Bob Marley Museum. You can wander around the property for free, or pony up $20 a head for the hour-long tour. It will take you through the site, which is Marley’s home that was converted into a museum after his death. There is also a theatre where you will watch a 20-minute film, gallery and gift shop. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:30 am-4 pm.

All in all, Jamaica is a fantastic choice for those looking for some R&R, has a great dose of culture and some beautiful scenery. While not as hoity-toity as other islands like Turks and Caicos or Barbados, it’s a good choice for families and couples wanting to get away from it all.

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Gallery: Jamaica

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Gallery: Jamaica

Jamaica’s claim to fame may be the birthplace of Bob Marley, but this island in the West Indies is much more than reggae music and jerk chicken. Stunning beaches are offset by warm, clear waters, and a drive inland along roads perched on cliffs gives a glimpse of the spectacular scenery below.

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Gallery: Antigua

Antigua is a popular choice for honeymooners, boasting white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters and beautiful resorts. The island also offers stunning views, which is why celebrities like Eric Clapton and Oprah have holiday homes here.

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Gallery: St. Martin

It’s a tale of two cities. St. Martin, an island in the north Caribbean, is also known as St. Maarten. The country is divided between the French and Dutch sides, with the different influences being felt in the main cities of Philipsburg and Marigot. St. Martin is famous for its close proximity to the neighbouring islands of Saba, Anguilla and St. Barth’s, and is a haven for duty-free shoppers.

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RELATED: St. Martin: A scary landing, sunbathers in birthday suits and duty-free heaven