Hurricane Irma may seem like a tragedy from long ago, but rebuilding after the Category 5 storm has been an ongoing process for many residents of the Caribbean islands in its path. A success story of that island spirit is Saint Martin, which has rebounded with newly constructed businesses, repaired beaches, and freshly blooming plants that are bringing the island back to life. Airlines are again flying over Maho Beach and landing at the now-repaired Saint Martin airport, and cruise ships passengers are disembarking by the thousands, all of whom come to enjoy the vibrant party scene, the spectacular snorkeling and diving, and of course the relaxed Caribbean vibe.
The island of Saint Martin is divided into two countries: St. Martin, a semi-autonomous region governed by France, and St. Maarten, which is part of The Netherlands. The two countries operate as one community, without any monitoring of their border, and the mix of cultures combines with the Caribbean native culture into a unique blend of food, drink (rum!) and fun. Saint Martin also has a unique reputation for pulling out all the stops for LGBTQ travelers.
Now is a perfect time to visit Saint Martin, not only to escape the winter, but also to support the island’s economy that relies on those tourism dollars. Don’t just wander around and buy a t-shirt; check out some of the attractions that make the island so popular: