Beyond the Beach: Why St. Maarten Is the Caribbean’s Most Captivating Crossroads for Canadian Travellers

White sand, turquoise waters, the warmth of the sun’s caress—when Canadian winter hits, this is the stuff many vacationers’ dreams are made of. But then there’s the traveller who wants it all: stunning beaches along with nightlife, art, history, a cosmopolitan food scene and memorable activities.

Whatever your vacation style, St. Maarten offers the ultimate sunny getaway, with 37 of the Caribbean’s most spectacular beaches—and so much more—all a short flight away from many Canadian cities.

Where Europe meets the Caribbean shores

Think if you’ve seen one beach and you’ve seen them all? Not so fast.

Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Dutch-French island of St. Maarten is the most unique in the region. Partitioned by the oldest treaty in effect in the Caribbean, it’s a binational and bilingual island, governed by the Netherlands on the south side and France in the north.

The flavours of this vibrant island draw on these influences and its rich history. Today, people of from more than 80 nationalities call St. Maarten home, resulting in one of the most vibrant food scenes in the Caribbean. From sophisticated dining in the Dutch-side capital Philipsburg to casual lolos—barbecue shacks beloved by locals—and barefoot beach bars with stunning waterfront views, plus cuisines that range from Indian to Italian to Lebanese, options abound to suit every taste. Philipsburg also offers a colourful art scene, including renowned street art. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s murals, studios and galleries and meet their creators and curators, or simply meander around town and see the works on a self-guided art walk.  

You also won’t want to miss out on the twin districts of Simpson Bay and Cole Bay, home to the island’s largest concentration of restaurants and bars, set along a stunning shoreline.

Unique and jaw-dropping attractions

Of course, vibrant nightlife is just one reason to recommend Simpson Bay. While Maho Beach, close to Princess Juliana International Airport, is famous for its plane-spotting vantages, Simpson Bay runs parallel to the runway and offers a less-crowded—but no less exhilarating—alternative.

The area is also home to many of St. Maarten’s best resorts and attractions, starting with Simpson Bay Lagoon, one of the largest natural harbours in the region. The ultimate site for mega-yacht spotting, it’s also the jumping-off point for water adventure: snorkelling and sailing tours and the annual Heineken Regatta, a more than 40-year-old extravaganza of sailing, culture and music that draws visitors from around the world every March.

If you’re looking for a low-key vibe, the west coast trail from Mullet Bay traverses no less than five beaches. Or check out Geneve Bay Beach near Philipsburg, where you can find uniquely shaped geological formations and cacti and watch brown pelicans dive for their dinner. If you want a little history on the side, don’t miss Little Bay Beach, where you can trek back in time to the ruins of Fort Amsterdam, built by the Dutch in 1631.

Your vacation—your way  

Art, history, an exciting food scene—the abundance of things to do is just one reason St. Maarten is great for vacationers looking for more than just a day on the beach. But St. Maarten’s amenities and access are also unparalleled when it comes to meeting the needs of all types of visitors.

All-inclusive resorts at a variety of price points? Boutique and luxury hotels that will make your trip unforgettable? Villa and condo rentals that make it comfortable and easy to escape the crowds and do your own thing? Check, check and check.

St. Maarten offers accommodations for every type of traveller and vacation experience. It’s a great gateway to more remote islands too: Anguilla, St. Barts, St. Eustatius and Saba are all easy day trips. And with direct flights (or easy connections) from airports across Canada, the beach—and so much more—is mere hours away.

To get started on planning your dream beachside vacation, visit vacationstmaarten.com/plan-your-vacation/.