St Martin is a wonderfully popular Caribbean island destination, known for its beaches, food, colourful history, and for its cruise ship ports. Some of its accommodation would rival any island for luxury, but it’s got plenty of great value hotels too. This is partly to do with the regular cruise ship arrivals, but it’s also because this lovely island has two very distinct sides: Sint Maarten, which covers the island’s southern side, is Dutch, and known for its friendly atmosphere, lively cruise ship crowds, family friendly resorts, and buzzy shopping; the island’s north is French Saint Martin, which is a more laid-back place, known for its colourful history and culture, great markets, and serious foodie credentials. If you’re looking for a great value, all inclusive beach resort you can try either side — around Sint Maarten’s capital, Philipsburg, or along the jungle-fringed beaches of the northern coast. You’ll also find great value hotels around the cruise ports; around Simpson’s Bay, which also has the casinos and the best shopping; and around historic Fort Amsterdam.