CARIBBEAN PARADISE.

Comprising three of the most picturesque gems of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, this route comprises visits to three different countries in one week. First up is St. Martin/Sint Maarten (SXM) – the smallest island in the world split between two different countries. The French northern side exudes French culture, class and cuisine with a little Caribbean flair, while the southern Dutch side boasts zany, upbeat and wild vibes that’ll have you dancing the night away to a steel drum band. Next is the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla, acclaimed for its sugar white sand beaches, low elevation and totes the record for bluest water in the world. Finally, St. Barts – the French Caribbean home to mega yachts, world renowned beach clubs and the winter water playground of the jet-set. 

Various exchanges between colonial powers lead to ownership of the island between two nations. Legend has it that over 350 years ago, the Dutch and the French wished to draw a border on the island in a civilized manner. It was decided that a walking race should be held to determine how much land each nation could claim. The French competitor had to follow the coastline to the North, the Dutchman had to walk South. Once they circumnavigated the island and met again, a line would be drawn between the starting point and the meeting point to define the border. Both men choose beverages according to their culture: the Frenchmen a bottle of red wine, the Dutch a bottle of genever (Dutch gin). Obviously, quenching one’s thirst with gin will have a more significant negative impact on one’s athletic performance than sipping some wine. The Dutch soldier discovered this when he met his more sober French competitor again: his gin induced slow-down cost the Dutch quite some territory. French St. Martin covers now two thirds of the island!