If you associate the Caribbean with a laid-back atmosphere, a tranquil beach and a quiet sunset, then you haven’t been to feisty Saint Martin – Sint Maarten. What’s the best part of visiting this dual-governed island? You can get a taste of two distinct, lively cultures all for the price of one vacation. Like much of the Caribbean, the island was hit hard by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Make sure you call or check the websites of any businesses you plan to visit in advance to check on their status.

The 37-square-mile dot is popular with travelers who like to eat well, party hard and shop duty-free in between trips to the beach. The north side, Saint Martin, is controlled by the French government. It’s the home of the island’s tastiest restaurants and party beaches. Whereas cosmopolitan Sint Maarten shelters the most animated casinos, bars and clubs. A territory of the Netherlands Antilles, Saint Maarten takes up the southern 16 square miles.

But for all the excitement, Sint Maarten still fosters a stress-free vibe – starting out with how easily you can pass between both sides of the island. So catch a few morning rays on a quiet Dutch-side beach; later, take a leisurely afternoon stroll through a French-side mountain. You’ll be more than primed to sneak back over the border for a night in the casinos.