The tiny island of ST MARTIN / ST MAARTEN has been hared between the French and the Dutch since the mid-seventeenth century. The island has some of the finest beaches in the Eastern Caribbean, especially Orient Beach on the French side. The stunning scenery around Pic Paradis, and many excellent restaurants and hotels on both sides of the border. The best duty free shopping has turned the island into a virtual mall, and the Dutch capital, Philipsburg, is often bursting to the seams with cruise ship shoppers. The French side seems to be more secluded and quieter and most visitors come to relax on the many whitesand beaches.