Fodor's In Focus St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Barth & Anguilla

Separated by just a few miles and known as favorites of American travelers, the Caribbean islands of St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Barthélemy (also known as St. Barth's), and Anguilla couldn't be more different. Dutch St. Maarten offers big resorts, extensive shopping, and vibrant casinos, while French St. Martin is a bit more low-key, with excellent dining options and smaller, charming hotels; both sides share excellent beaches and offer a wide range of outdoor activities. Upscale St. Barth's is dotted with exquisite luxury boutique hotels and hundreds of private villas, bringing a taste of France's Côte d'Azur to the Caribbean. Anguilla is known for its soft, white beaches, luxurious accommodations, excellent restaurants, and fun, low-key nightlife. The three islands are linked by frequent air and ferry service, allowing travelers to hop from one island to the other easily and quickly.