Vacationers that inspire to relax and have fun in the sun while also seeking a destination with personality must consider the picturesque island of St. Maarten, often referred to as the crossroads of the Caribbean.

With its beaches that accommodate sand castle architects, swimmers, snorkelers, windsurfers, and sun bathers, the island offers settings that create an atmosphere that allows one to experience a completely different world.

Named after Saint Martin of Tours in 1493, St. Maarten is comprised of two territories. There is the Dutch side with a 16 square mile area and there is the French side with a 21 square mile area. Before reaching an agreement of territories by signing the March 23, 1648 partition agreement on Mount des Accords, both nations vied for the island’s mineral-enriched salt ponds.

The fictional account is that they thought the best way to settle the division of the salt resources was to compete for them, so a representative of both sides was chosen to do the honors.

The two competitors faced in opposite directions and started off from the east coast on the shorelines of the island. Where ever they met would be the point at where the island would be divided. It is also said that the Frenchman was armed with his wine, and the Dutchman was in possession of his gin, thus the inability to significantly represent the Dutch team in mileage.

As a result of the population’s diversity in nationalities, their language and dialect is both unique and colorful. The dialect is Papiamento, or Papiamentu, and is the most widely spoken language on the Caribbean "ABC" islands. Papiamentu is a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French, with Arawak Indian and African influences.

While visiting St. Maarten there are two things in particular that stand out aside from the welcoming friendliness of its inhabitants, namely the plush mountainous landscapes with dwellings nestled comfortably on rising slopes, and the other, the island’s multi-cultural cuisine with its over 300 restaurants.

Restaurants that are highly recommended include: Temptations, Talouga Mango’s, Big Fish, Boathouse and Le Moulin Fou. If at the nearby Festival Village, good eats can be found at Clo’s and Johnny B.

On the Dutch side is the Capital of Philipsburg. The quaint streets in the shopping district seem to be suited for individuals that are in no particular hurry. Shoppers can enjoy no retail tax, and duty free merchandise.

Not to be out done by any of its neighbors, St. Maarten’s Annual Carnival is a must see. During the time of Carnival, Philipsburg’s Festival Village explodes with activity. Lively musical concerts add to the festive atmosphere and represented are Calypso, Merengue, Soca, Zouk, and Reggae. The Village is also bombarded with aromas from food vendors whose sole purpose is to awaken your taste buds.

The Grand Carnival Parade is the largest event that occurs during Carnival. It starts at the Carnival village and winds its way down to Front Street. The attire of its participants that range up into the thousands of dollars for one elaborate costume, represents the time, effort and dedication given to the Carnival tradition. With alluring colors and pulsating beats, viewers are compelled to "Jump Up" as the parade passes through the streets.

While on the island, there is one local in particular that is well worth taking the time to visit. Roland Joe, also known as Bushman, is known throughout his community. He is the owner of The Ital Shack Restaurant, which serves local organic homegrown vegetarian food and fresh local juices. The restaurant is located at the Bush Road no. 07, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

In addition to the restaurant, Bushman is a community activist and one of the original founder’s of the Freedom Fighter’s Foundation, an organization that focuses on health, music, culture and agriculture. His son KU-J is a vocal artist and lead singer for the Freedom Fighter’s Band, which was established by his father in 1991. KU-J’s music is created to bring about social awareness. Taking control of the band at an early age, he is inspired by a number of reggae musicians that include: Peter Tosh, Bob Marley and Steele Pulse.

Although there are a number of suitable accommodations on the island, the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort is well suited to meet the expectations of its guests. With 9 premium resorts and five locations in Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, St. Croix and St. Maarten, Divi Resort’s goal is to provide its patrons with the best Caribbean vacation experience possible.

Divi Resorts is proud to announce that the beach at its St. Maarten property, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, received the Blue Flag, an eco-label awarded to beaches around the world. The Blue Flag signifies that the beach has met strict criteria for water quality, environmental management, safety and environmental education. It is the first beach on the island to receive the designation, which has been awarded annually since 1987, and the only beach in the Netherland Antilles to ever be honored.

Divi Resorts is currently offering 4-night stays for two people for only $499 at its properties in St. Maarten, Barbados and Aruba. These specials last only until June 30, 2012 and are good for travel until December 16, 2012. $499 gets you a four night stay in a studio suite at Divi Little Bay in St. Maarten, plus a day trip by fast ferry to St. Bart’s, a place as French as you can get on this side of the Atlantic. The package also includes a welcome bottle of wine. For more information on Divi Resorts, call 1(800)367-3484, or visit, www.diviresorts.com.