Maho Bay, on the southwestern shore, is Sint Maarten's main resort area. It feels a bit like the Las Vegas Strip: while little more than a block long, it's dense with multistory buildings housing exclusive jewellers, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and a huge resort and casino. Maho Bay has a nice enough beach except that it's at the very end of the airport runway. The area is even marked with a sign warning beach goers that 'low flying and departing aircraft blast can cause physical injury!'

Known as the "flat island"

This small pristine tropical island is perfect for a relaxing afternoon of snorkeling.

The unofficial town center, featuring an 18th-century courthouse and a tourist information booth.

This crowded street is a popular tourist center for duty-free shopping.