Exploring Sint Maarten: A hidden gem rebuilding from the storm

 

Sint Maarten (Dutch side) and Saint Martin (French side) offer a unique Caribbean blend of cultures, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality. Despite being devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017, this island paradise is bouncing back with determination and charm.

When we visited in April 2018, the signs of recovery were visible, though many buildings still showed the scars of the storm. The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, benefited from swift aid and reconstruction efforts, while the French side, Saint Martin, faced delays due to political differences. Still, Sint Maarten was welcoming and lively, offering more than enough for an unforgettable holiday.

We landed at Princess Juliana Airport (SXM), famous for its dramatic runway over Maho Beach. Although the airport had seen better days, the atmosphere was still electric. The rare sight of planes flying just meters above the beach was a thrill we’d longed for, though fewer flights meant it wasn’t as frequent.

Our stay was near Maho Beach, where the hurricane’s impact was more evident. The area was dotted with half-destroyed buildings and construction crews working tirelessly. However, the beach itself was a serene escape, with soft sand and crystal-clear waters. We enjoyed the solitude, as the media’s portrayal of widespread devastation had deterred many tourists.

For a delicious local experience, we visited Driftwood Boat Bar near Maho Beach. The lamb shawarma there was hands-down the best we’ve ever had, a perfect meal after a long day at the beach.

On our second day, we took a taxi bus to Phillipsburg, the Dutch side’s bustling capital. As a cruise port, the city’s streets are lined with duty-free diamond stores, but we were content to window shop and enjoy the ocean views over a leisurely meal. Phillipsburg’s charm is undeniable - its mix of culture, shopping, and seaside dining makes it the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon.

Our third day was spent at Mullet Bay, where we spent hours swimming, watching the planes, and enjoying the laid-back vibe. Afterward, we dined at Sunset Bar and Grill in Simpson Bay, a larger, more relaxed venue where we watched crabs scuttle along the shoreline while sipping on cold drinks.

The highlight of our trip came on our final full day when we tried snuba diving - a cross between snorkeling and scuba diving. At Bobby’s Marina, Snuba SXM outfitted us with the gear and guided us to a stunning underwater world teeming with fish and sea urchins. The experience was unforgettable, and even though we only lasted about 20 minutes underwater, the memories will last a lifetime.

As our trip wound down, we caught one final plane landing at Maho Beach. The rush of wind and the sight of a giant jet flying just feet above us was a thrilling end to an amazing adventure.

Sint Maarten is a resilient destination with breathtaking beaches, warm people, and unforgettable experiences. Though still rebuilding, the island is open for business, and your visit can help speed up the recovery process. If you’re looking for a beautiful, less-traveled Caribbean getaway, Sint Maarten is calling.