11 Brand New Things to Experience on St. Maarten / St. Martin in 2025
(Photo courtesy of UnderSXM)
If you are a frequent guest of our island, you might know that the credo of the St. Maarten flag is “Semper Pro Grediens”, or always going forward. That means there is always new things to discover on this 37 square mile island! Whether you look for activities as a resort guest or as a cruise passenger, there is always some new event, must visit bar or restaurant or must see novelty on the island. From under water to rooftop experiences and activities touching all senses – here is 10 new experiences to try in 2025 – more to follow on this blog!
1. UnderSXM
Opened in 2024 only, UnderSXM is a brand new snorkeling and scuba diving park. Over 300 statues depict scenes of St. Maarten history and culture, and form a new habitat of marine life. Take a dive!
2. Casa del Habano
Cigars are one of the most famous Caribbean export products. The carefully crafted lounge (and bar!) of La Casa del Habano is made for a moment of relaxation on the scenic central square of Philipsburg. Apart from a wide variety of cigars and drinks, it has an ongoing production of handmade cigars.
3. Ultimate Club Sonesta Rooftop bar
For its adults only “Ultimate Club” visitors of the 9th and 10th floor, the Sonesta St. Maarten All-inclusive resort now has a brand new experience available. Their recently opened rooftop bar (and restaurant) offer a breathtaking view over the full runway of Princess Juliana International Airport, all the way to famed Maho Beach where the planes come in. Ensure you book on the right floor for this experience!
4. Balls & Wine
Balls & Wine is not new, but a household name for visitors and residents alike instead. The scenery however changed totally – from their well known petite spot at a shopping mall, they now moved to a well designed restaurant space in the middle of the popular strip of Simpson Bay. Their intimate scale has remained – make sure you make a reservation, because the fan crowd remained too!
5. SXM Taxi App
A breakthrough for many – St. Maarten now has its own app for booking a taxi. This easy innovation considerably shortens your waiting time and increases your dinner, shopping and hotel time in the process!
6. CMC Jamboree
The Caribbean Multihull Challenge is expanding year over year. A first this year is the kick-off event in Philipsburg, including races amongst the dozens of ships participating. If on island the 30th of January, go – if not, come next year!
7. Expanded Padel Court
St. Maarten is well on its way to become the #1 Caribbean padel destination – if it is not already. SXM Padel still young itself, now hosts international tournaments and celebrities of the sport on a multi-annual basis. Over the past year, new courts were added to this padel palace, and its elevated bar improved.
8. IGY Marina Meeting Center
If yachting, doing business or planning a meeting, incentive or exhibition on St. Maarten, ask if you can use the brand new meeting center at IGY Marinas in Simpson Bay. The view, whether it is over the lagoon and / or yachts, is highly inspiring. State of the art meeting furniture and equipment as well as a private bar come with the scenery.
9. Grumpy Bayside Pizzas
Though still a new bar on the block, even newer is Grumpy’s addition of delicious pizzas made right under the watchful eye of the biggest mega yachts visiting the island at Dock Maarten. A great décor for a delicious drink and bite.
10. Weekly agenda
The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association has made a comprehensive catalogue of its member restaurants’ weekly specials, music events and theme parties. In addition to its annual events calendar of monthly and yearly festivities, a great compass to set course on your St. Maarten voyage!
11. Rejuvenated Princess Juliana International Airport
An airport as an experience? Yes, this now applies to St. Maartens wholly renewed Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). After six years of hard work, on November 14th 2024 former queen Beatrix of the Netherlands reopened the new airport, becoming the most modern in the Kingdom of the Netherlands as of that second. New high tech appliances are in place to make your trip as seamless as possible. As the airport is moving to a data driven experience, make sure to complete an online Entry.sx ED Card before traveling!
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