http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_sun.gifThe island's dependable trade winds free the island from oppressive heat or prolonged leaden skies, and its temperate climate is consistently graced by the sun. The average temperature is 81° F, the average water temperature is 78° F.http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/main_dest_sxm_1.jpgSint Maarten/Saint Martin<FONT FACE="ARIAL" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" CLASS="H3STYLE"><B>A Hint of Holland, A Dash of France</B></FONT><BR><BR>This unique island shares the cultures of two countries...to the south is the Dutch side, Sint Maarten, with its cosmopolitan capital of Phillipsburg. Find the best duty-free shops, glittering casinos and popular nightspots. To the north is the French side, St. Martin... miles of powdery beaches complement the quaint boutiques and chic cafes in the capital of Marigot. Relaxed, yet a culinary haven for sampling all regions of French cuisine. Stay on either side, and you'll get a true taste of paradise on this gorgeous and diversified island.http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/map_dest_sxm.jpgSonesta Maho Beach Hotel & CasinoAll-InclusiveValue PlusSint Maarten- The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino invites you to experience a new level of luxury in Sint Maarten. From the...A5http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_200282paa_t.jpgDivi Little Bay Beach ResortSint Maarten - Divi Little Bay Beach Resort is conveniently situated only a five minute drive or 15 minute walk from Philipsburg,...A4http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_200281paa_t.jpgGreat Bay Beach Hotel & CasinoAll-InclusiveSint Maarten - This resort is located on the outskirts of Philipsburg, overlooking the ocean. Offering a variety of activities...A4http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_200277paa_t.jpgLa Terrasse at Royal Islander ClubSt Maarten- The Royal Islander Club - La Plage & La Terrasse are located in the popular Maho area, well known for its Casino...A4http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_211844paa_t.jpgCaravanserai Beach ResortValue PlusSint Maarten - Enjoy luxury by the calm blue Caribbean Sea at this lovely resort, just minutes from shopping, restaurants and the...A3http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_210474paa_t.jpgL'Habitation de LonvilliersValue PlusSt. Martin - Quiet elegance is the hallmark of L'Habitation de Lonvilliers, a deluxe resort situated within an exotic nature...A6http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_200280paa_t.jpgGrand Case Beach ClubSt. Martin - This hotel rests on two beaches on the French side of the island. Grand Case Beach Club is a short stroll from the...G4http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_G.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_G.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_G.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_G.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_200278paa_t.jpgAlamanda ResortThe Alamanda Resort is an invitation to the splendor of living in the heart of the Caribbean.A place of transcendence and...A4http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_212224paa_t.jpgEsmeralda ResortEsmeralda is an ideal spot for beach lovers, watersports enthusiasts and those looking for a quiet atmosphere.A4http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_211819paa_t.jpgHotel Mont VernonValue PlusSt. Martin - This All Junior Suite resort overlooks the sparkling blue Atlantic and 2 miles of sandy beach. Enjoy an exhilarating...A4http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_210260paa_t.jpgLe Flambyant ResortValue PlusSt. Martin - The perfect setting to unwind and forget, Le Flamboyant Resort is a classically designed, colonial-style resort...A4http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_200284paa_t.jpgHotel Beach PlazaValue PlusBordering beautiful turquoise waters and nestled between the Simpson Bay Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. EXTRA VALUE: American...A3http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gifhttp://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/sxm_211592paa_t.jpgTravel to and from Sint Maarten/Saint Martin uses the <b>Queen Juliana Airport</b>.Departure taxes are generally <b>$20.00 U.S.</b>There are many car rental agencies on both sides of the island. Rates are about US$25 to $55 per day, and most companies offer unlimited mileage. A valid driver's license and a major credit card or cash deposit (about US$350 to $600) are required. In order to protect the livelihood of taxi drivers, cars may not be picked up at the airport; they are delivered to guests' hotels instead. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and insurance is mandatory unless you have a Gold or Platinum credit card.The currency in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is the <b>Antillean Gilder/French Franc</b>.Valid U.S passport or a state issued birth certificate with a raised seal and a photo I.D. backup.Dutch Side:10 to 15% added to bill. French Side: a 5% occupancy tax is typically added.Dutch side requires birth certificates, valid return tickets, a minimum age of 21, a residency period of 10 days, and they must request a temporary tourist permit from the Lieutenant Governor. The French side has a residency requirement of six months.