This Summer Should Be All About St. Maarten
St. Maarten welcomes the season with an island-wide campaign, new hotel product, and fresh attractions.
May 2024 – St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean – With a renewed commitment to promoting the island’s unique charm, the island of St. Maarten greeted 2024 with a new tourism office, logo, and branding, celebrated increased air lift -both domestic and inter-island, and anticipated the opening of a new luxury hotel, as well as not to be missed cultural and sports attractions – including one under water, laying the foundation for a vibrant and exciting year ahead. With summer on the horizon and to celebrate the new developments now in full swing, the destination has launched the “Summer Starts In St. Maarten” campaign offering island-wide discounts through August 31, 2024.
Discover the latest highlights shaping the island’s summer narrative below:
Accommodations
Having opened in March 2024 the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa is a 200-room luxury resort situated on Dawn Beach, known for white sand, sunrises and unobstructed views of neighboring islands. The highly anticipated property includes three restaurants: Liguria, coastal Mediterranean; Carambola, casual island fare; and Breeze, which is inspired by tropical food and libations that are available at the pool or beach and the relaxation focused Hibiscus Spa featuring 16 treatment rooms. The property’s 10,000 square foot indoor ballroom, three executive boardrooms and flexible outdoor venues are the perfect backdrop for corporate incentive groups, destination weddings, milestone moments, or any important events.
The well known and loved Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, an all-inclusive and adults-only 130 suite resort, recently debuted a new Seascape Pool. The updated area includes a shallow area for lounging, personalized drink service and a swim up bar. One of the best aspects of the new pool is it provides guests the opportunity to view the famed plane spotting over Maho Bay all while being poolside.
Opened in 1947, The Seaview Beach Hotel in the heart of downtown Philipsburg, on the shores of Great Bay Beach, leans into summer having completed a full reimagining and renovation showcasing modern, yet cozy beachside decor. Each of the property’s 30 rooms have a new vibe, including two completely upgraded suites with a kitchen and large oceanfront balcony, perfect for longer stays and families. Outdoor amenities were also part of this new chapter, with seaside renovations including an infinity pool, Seaview Pool Bar and Restaurant, firepit, and ten updated cabanas featuring deluxe seating, along with private showers and bathrooms. Add to that the grab and go market, Double Dutch Cafè and Juice Bar and all you need is to book your flight.
Airline News / Inter-Island
Winair Additional Flights
St. Maarten is benefitted by a unique central location within the Caribbean, serving as a hub to neighboring islands, allowing visitors to explore via day trips or as an extension to their time on island.
Winair, a local St. Maarten based airline, has made interisland travel seamless with daily scheduled lift from St. Maarten to sister islands including Saba and St. Eustatius, flights to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao and up to 24 flights daily to St. Barths. Early in the year the airline increased many of their flight routes to further connect the island regions giving the those traveling to St. Maarten more options than ever before.
- Antigua / St. Maarten
o 2-3 times daily
- Dominica / St. Maarten
o 2-3 times daily
- Saba / St. Maarten
o 3 times daily with fourth late afternoon flight
- St. Eustatius / St. Maarten
o 3-4 times daily
- St. Kitts / St. Maarten
o 2-3 times daily
- Tortola / St. Maarten
o 2-3 times daily
Additionally, through July 31, 2024, you can embark on an adventure from St. Maarten to Saba or Statia for just $79, and to St. Barths for $99 inclusive of taxes. These fares are exclusively for day trips booking flights that depart SXM before 11:00 am and return after 4:00 pm.
Island Experiences
Under SXM: One of the most exciting new attractions to the island this year is the underwater sculpture museum and artificial reef, Under SXM. The project features over 300 artificial reef sculptures modeled after local moments and figures, with inspiration hailing from the work of renown street artist Lily Hinckfoot, to Carnival in which the scene features local icons such as King Beau Beau and DJ Outkast all located in a designated trail under the water in Little Bay. These pieces represent the past, present and future of the island’s culture, each paying homage to the history of the island. Besides the beauty the sculptures bring, they are a crucial part of creating a protected new habitat for local marine species in which to thrive. Each sculpture was built to include an inert substrate for corals, sponges and more to grow while the internal slots and shelves are ideal for juvenile fish to thrive. Twice daily snorkel excursions are available through Aqua Mania Adventures and provide snorkel gear, instruction, and access to this underwater playground.
SXM Padel Club: Committed to advancing the sport of Padel, not only on island, but globally, the SXM Padel Club launched a cutting-edge live streaming service for all matches played on its three courts – an addition aimed to enhance the player experience and contribute to the continuous development of Padel enthusiasts at the club. In 2024, the SXM Padel Club will host both an International Open Tournament from June 6-9, 2024, as well as the International Senior Padel Tournament (ISPT) from December 12-15, 2024, with players for both hailing from across Europe, the Caribbean, and the USA. Opened in 2021, the facility continues to grow its presence with a loyal following locally and is committed to bringing the sport to visitors wanting to stay active and either improve their game or learn something new.
We Culture (Carnival Museum): Having just opened in April 2024, We Culture is the world’s first museum dedicated to the vibrant spirit and colorful history of Carnival in the Caribbean in the form of dozens of costumes each narrating the unique story of the evolution of this iconic celebration. This 8000 square foot exhibit takes guests on a 60-minute guided exploration that includes artwork and costumes
from years past, along with hands on interactive moments allowing visitors to truly feel the power of the party from playing with musical instruments to dancing along to many forms of Carnival music. Open Monday – Saturday, this new cultural gem allows the power of Carnival to last all year long.
Summer Starts in St. Maarten Campaign
This summer, hotels and activity partners throughout the Dutch Caribbean Island of St. Maarten are enticing travelers with free nights and exclusive discounts as part of the destination’s “Summer Starts in St. Maarten” campaign. Aimed to encourage visitors to spend their vacation exploring this dual nation island, partners have united to offer these exclusive deals now through August 31, 2024, providing added incentive to experience a summer getaway on the friendliest of islands.
Participating hotels are offering guests up to two free nights when booking their holiday by using the code SXMSUMMER24. A complimentary guavaberry cocktail, a St. Maarten specialty, sweetens the deal further for each qualifying visitor. Hotels are offering a 4th, 5th, or 6th night free, and in some cases, seven nights for the price of five. Participating properties include:
- Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa
- Simpson Bay Resorts & Marina
- Oyster Bay Beach Resort
- Royal Islander Club
- Princess Heights
- La Vista Beach & Resort
- Sapphire Beach Club
- Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
- Holland House Beach Hotel
- Sea View Beach Hotel
- Commodore Suites
- Baker’s Suites Boutique Hotel
Once booked, the Dutch-owned island nation invites travelers to get out and explore with 15% off activities that range from cultural island tours and rum workshops to sunset sails and horseback riding. Participating companies where guests can enjoy the discount while uncovering the magic of St. Maarten and the island’s rich culture include:
- Aqua Mania & Dive Adventures
- The Rusty Parrot
- Tri Sport
- Seaside Nature Park
- Sea Grape Tours
- Big Bastard’s Beach Bar
- SXM Beer
For full details and information on the promotions and offers for all participating partners, visit vacationstmaarten.com/summerdeals.
About St. Maarten
The charismatic, ever-cultural Caribbean Island nation of St. Maarten continues a bright path forward, welcoming curious visitors inspired to renew their passion for life via nature- immersive, cultural, culinary, and experiential travel opportunities. Occupying the southern part of the
island it shares with French overseas territory Saint Martin, the beloved, Dutch-owned Caribbean destination offers inspired travelers one of the region’s most diverse menus of multicultural experiences — a coveted hub where quintessential island vibes meet incomparable Caribbean cosmopolitan flair — inclusive of the color-laden capital of Philipsburg, serene lagoons, 37 sundry beaches, fascinating salt pans, and beyond. From the snorkeler to the shopper, from the surfer to the foodie, from the thrill seeker to the history enthusiast, in St. Maarten, all lifestyles find their place under the sun.
To learn more about St. Maarten, please visit www.vacationstmaarten.com or follow on Instagram at @Vacationstmaarten.