Sint Maarten is the Dutch southern part of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. It shares the island with the French northern part, Saint-Martin. This dual nationality gives Sint Maarten a unique blend of European flair and Caribbean charm, famous for its lively atmosphere, duty-free shopping, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
Here’s a detailed overview:
- Area: Approximately 34 km² (13 sq mi).
- Population: Estimated at around 43,923 people as of mid-2025.
- Language: The official languages are Dutch and English. Papiamento, Spanish, and French are also widely spoken due to the island’s diverse population and shared border.
- Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG). The U.S. Dollar is widely accepted and commonly used throughout the island.
- Religion: Predominantly Christian, with a majority being Roman Catholic, and significant Protestant communities. There are also smaller Jewish and Muslim communities.
- Capital: Philipsburg.
- Major Cities/Towns: Philipsburg, Lower Prince’s Quarter, Cul de Sac, Simpson Bay.
Attractions & Wonders:
Sint Maarten’s attractions offer a mix of natural beauty, leisure, and a touch of the extraordinary.
- Maho Beach: World-famous for its incredibly close proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). Sunbathers can experience the exhilarating thrill of large jets flying directly overhead on approach or departure, making for fantastic photo opportunities.
- Philipsburg: The capital, known for its picturesque boardwalk along Great Bay, duty-free shopping (electronics, jewelry, liquor, and clothing), and colorful historical buildings.
- Simpson Bay Lagoon: One of the largest lagoons in the Caribbean, it’s a hub for yachting, water sports, and boasts numerous marinas, restaurants, and bars.
- Dawn Beach: A beautiful beach on the eastern side of the island, known for its stunning sunrises and calm waters, popular for snorkeling.
- Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak): While located on the French side (Saint-Martin), it’s the highest point on the island and offers panoramic views of the entire island and surrounding waters. Easily accessible from Sint Maarten.
- Guana Bay Beach: A more secluded and rugged beach on the Atlantic side, popular for surfing when the conditions are right.
- Fort Amsterdam: A historic fort dating back to the 17th century, offering historical insights and scenic views over Philipsburg and the sea.
- Butterfly Farm: A peaceful tropical garden filled with hundreds of exotic butterflies and moths.
- Topper’s Rhum Distillery: Offers tours and tastings of locally produced rums.
- Loterie Farm: Also on the French side, this former sugar plantation is now a nature reserve with hiking trails, a “treehouse” lounge, and a natural spring-fed swimming pool.
Architecture:
Sint Maarten’s architecture is a blend of traditional Caribbean and Dutch colonial styles, often with adaptations for the tourism industry.
- Philipsburg’s Colonial Charm: The buildings in Philipsburg, especially along the Boardwalk and Front Street, showcase elements of Dutch colonial architecture with colorful facades, wooden balconies, and gabled roofs, though perhaps less ornate than in Willemstad, Curaçao.
- Traditional Caribbean Houses: Simple, often brightly painted wooden houses with louvered shutters and verandas, designed to catch the breeze.
- Modern Resorts and Villas: Along the coastline, especially in areas like Simpson Bay and Maho, contemporary resort architecture dominates, featuring large complexes, condominiums, and luxury villas.
Roads:
Sint Maarten has a decent road network, but given its small size and popularity, traffic can be heavy, especially in Philipsburg, Simpson Bay, and around the airport. Roads are generally paved, but some can be narrow and winding. Local drivers are known for their courtesy, which helps with flow in busy areas. Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the island, but be prepared for occasional congestion.
Hotels:
Sint Maarten offers a vast array of accommodation, from large all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels to private villas and guesthouses.
- Sonesta Ocean Point Resort (Maho Beach): An adults-only, all-inclusive luxury resort known for its excellent service and proximity to the airport for plane spotting.
- Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa (Maho Beach): A larger, family-friendly all-inclusive resort with a casino and water park.
- Divi Little Bay Beach Resort (Little Bay): A popular resort with multiple pools and beach access.
- The Morgan Resort Spa & Casino (Simpson Bay): A newer luxury resort near the airport.
- Simpson Bay Resort & Marina (Simpson Bay): Offers spacious suites and a marina, popular for extended stays.
- Oyster Bay Beach Resort (Dawn Beach): A charming resort with a nautical theme on a beautiful bay.
- Secret Garden by Hope Estate (French side but accessible): A more secluded, boutique option.
Restaurants:
Sint Maarten boasts an incredibly diverse and high-quality culinary scene, often referred to as the “culinary capital of the Caribbean.” You’ll find everything from fine dining to casual beach bars and local eateries. While Grand Case on the French side is famous for its “Restaurant Row,” the Dutch side also has excellent options.
- Ocean Lounge (Philipsburg): Located at Holland House Beach Hotel, offers beachfront dining.
- Sale & Pepe (Simpson Bay): Highly-rated Italian restaurant.
- Jax Steakhouse (Maho): A popular choice for steak lovers.
- Pineapple Pete Restaurant & Bar (Simpson Bay): Known for fresh seafood and lively atmosphere.
- Skipjack’s (Simpson Bay): A well-known spot for fresh seafood.
- Topper’s Restaurant & Bar (Simpson Bay): Serves American and Caribbean dishes, often with live music.
- L’Escargot Restaurant (Philipsburg): A long-standing French restaurant in the heart of Philipsburg.
- Dinghy Dock Bar & Grill (Simpson Bay): A casual spot on the water for drinks and bites.
Cuisine:
Sint Maarten’s cuisine is a delightful melting pot of Caribbean, Dutch, French, Creole, and international influences.
- National Dish (Dutch side): Often considered Seafood & Dumplings, though not as formally designated as on some other islands.
- Common Dishes & Flavors:
- Fresh Seafood: Abundant, including snapper, mahi-mahi, wahoo, conch, and lobster, often grilled, fried, or stewed.
- Callaloo Soup: A hearty, leafy green soup (often considered a national dish on the French side, but popular on both).
- Crab Backs: Baked crab meat served in the shell.
- Johnny Cakes: Small, fried cornmeal flatbreads, slightly sweet, served as a side or snack.
- Conch and Dumplings: Pressure-cooked conch with homemade dumplings in a savory sauce.
- Ribs and BBQ: Popular, especially at roadside stands and casual eateries.
- Dutch Influences: You’ll find Dutch cheeses, pastries, and Indonesian influences like rijsttafel (rice table) due to the strong Dutch connection.
- Guavaberry: A local berry used to make jams, juices, and especially the famous guavaberry rum and liqueur, a traditional Christmas drink.
- Hot Sauces: Locally made hot sauces are ubiquitous and add a kick to many dishes.
