One island, two faces: French and Dutch, which changed borders 16 times between 1816 and 1948, making a mark on both cultural and culinary traditions. Spend the day on the Dutch side of the island, starting with a history lesson on St. Maarten at the Emilio Wilson Museum and the restored sugar plantation at Rockland Estate, built in the 1700s. The museum tells the powerful story of Trace Wilson, who was born into slavery on the property in 1818, and her direct descendant Emilio Wilson. You will see depictions of what life was like on a plantation and learn about the customs, traditions, lifestyle and stories that earned St. Maarten the nickname “The Friendly Island.” From here, you’ll take a guided nature hike on the estate’s trail of indigenous plants, learning about native species like the calabash and frangipani tree and the folklore surrounding the albizia lebbeck, known as woman’s tongue. You’ll now be guided to Emilio’s restaurant, the plantation’s former boiler room, where you’ll have a refreshing fruit punch after your hike. Emilio’s chef will greet you in the restaurant’s kitchen before taking you on a culinary journey in the restaurant’s private wine cellar, the largest on the Dutch side of the island.