Philipsburg-2022

Philipsburg | Capital of Sint Maarten

“Philipsburg | The Capital of Sint Maarten (Dutch West Indies) is the best place for TAX-FREE Shopping or sniffing up Caribbean culture!”

While being out and about to record a video about the island I shot some images special for our followers. PS. This is NOT the quality of the real docu-video, that will be a lot better

But…Our Island capital is ready! Philipsburg is the best place on St. Maarten / St. Martin for a vibrant day-visit with shopping, restaurants, bars, and lots of history!
With over 2 miles of Beach, this is the largest Bay on Dutch Sint Maarten. For many Great Bay in Philipsburg is the most beautiful bay in the entire Caribbean!
Walking in the streets of the Capital you’ll find lots of historical influences such as old Dutch street names, Heritage Museum, Churches, the famous Courthouse, Statues, Fort Amsterdam (inside Divi Little Bay) and lots more.

Philipsburg carries most of the World’s top tier luxury brands of clothing, jewelry, and watches. SXM is also known to be one of the world’s best places to buy loose diamonds and custom made jewelry for any special day or person. With everything Tax-free you can save approx. -30%, you can literally make back your vacation!

Read a lot more about Philipsburg: wearesxm.com/top-spots/philipsburg-sint-maarten/

Download the We Are SXM App. for GPS service & the Island Pocket Guide for all information offline.

Recommendations | Things to do in or from Philipsburg

Segway Tours are the best way to explore the famous Boardwalk & Front Street in Philipsburg, the Capital of St Maarten. Fun, Safe and fun for all ages!

Caribbean Brewing Company: Taste paradise with San Martin Island beer, brewed and bottled on SXM! Join the Brewery Tour to learn about this local beer, cheers!

Parotte Ville – Bird park: Hidden gem amongst the sand and waves. This St Maarten bird paradise is full of beauty, wonder and history! Super Kids & budget activity.

Party like a local! Join the Sint Maarten Pub Crawl! Explore Sint Maarten’s best bars and restaurants in an organized manner with a great group of people.

Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit: Nick Maley’s unique movie creations and memorabilia for Star Wars, Alien, Superman, Highlander, Terminator, Men in Black, etc!

Island Tours & Taxi: For the best island view you hire the best local tour company ~ Jo Junie Tours; only experienced local drivers & tour guides!!

Art School by Tess Verheij: Be inspired by creativity, get educated, and shop local at the Art Craft Cafe! Private Sessions/classes for Adults and Kids!

Amsterdam Cheese & Liquor store has the best Dutch Cheeses & unique liquors from around the globe. With the Liquor, Wine & Cheese tasting events you enjoy all!

Recommendations | Watersports and Boat Tours leaving from Philipsburg

World-class diving on SXM! Explore the incredible underwater world with Dive Sint Maarten, a friendly and truly personalized experience with certified instructors.

Bigfoot Watersports – Jet Ski Rental & Island Tour – Within walking distance from the Cruise dock on the boardwalk in Philipsburg, great for Cruise Ship visitors!

12 Metre Regatta: the ultimate yachting challenge, crewing a real America’s Cup boat. A thrilling head-to-head battle between two genuine giants of the ocean!

St Maarten is known as the friendly island and Random Wind Charters has the Spirit of St. Maarten. Enjoy a luxurious and unforgettable Catamaran sailing trip!

Private Yacht Charter | Board one of their comfortable luxury Cats with full-service onboard and explore secluded Caribbean Islands in Paradise like never before!

Boomerang Catamaran: where the fun goes round and round. Around the island or over to Anguilla | St. Barths. A boat trip with Captain Morgan as the man of the hour!

Recommendations | Shopping in Philipsburg

“Providing quality at great value, people will always come back.” Little Europe’s undeniable success is a result of friendship & loyal support of their clientele.

Taste paradise with the Local Beers from Caribbean Brewing Co. | Brewed & bottled on St. Maarten: San Martin, Dutch Blonde, Pirate IPA, 1863 Stout, SXM Light.

Say Cheese! Amsterdam Cheese & Liquor store is a prime cheese lovers paradise with the best Dutch and St. Maarten Island souvenirs! Try something unique.

Rue Royale Maison brings European Luxury essence with the casual and duty-free shopping of St.Maarten. The ultimate lifestyle shopping experience.

Art Craft Café Gallery speaks to people in different ways. Admire to the colorful, creative works of artist Tess Verheij, her passion for nature is contagious!

Jewelry of distinction, for loose diamonds, custom made jewels & Pre-owned Rolex watches, Oro stands out in the crowd. Hand- crafted works of art.

Recommendations | Restaurants  in and around Philipsburg area

Emilio’s is located on a historic 18th century sugar cane plantation. Chef Sidney brings a combination of high-end dining with classic Caribbean cuisine.

In the heart of Philipsburg, this oceanfront Dutch | Caribbean restaurant is a quintessential eatery looking out to Great Bay’s crystal blue water.

Newa Chopstix in Philipsburg: Addictive Asian Fusion food with unique Himalaya mountain herbs and spices. Best Indian | Nepalese restaurant on SXM!

A diverse and inviting Asian fusion food bar in Philipsburg. Fresh and inspirational dishes inspired by the far east, complemented with Japanese Saké.

Looking for delicious, breathtaking, and away from the crowds & organized tours? Indigo Beach Restaurant & Bar, is serving the best creations of SXM!

Located in Simpson Bay serves Rotisserie chicken and South American delicacies such as Enchilada, Patacones, Quesadillas, Wraps & Burgers.

Places to stay in Philipsburg and the surrounding area

In the heart of Philipsburg, the Dutch side capital you find this astonishing boutique hotel. Holland House Beach Hotel is the ultimate Dutch | Caribbean blend!

All-suite oceanfront Beach resort with private terrace & incredible view of the Caribbean Sea. Centrally located between Philipsburg and Simpson Bay!

Oyster Bay Beach Resort | pearl of St. Maarten. A stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean & beautiful infinity pool make this a breathtaking resort worth a visit!

Mountainbike

Mountainbike | Cycling around the Island

“There I was having a beach break in Orient Bay after underestimating cycling around Sint Maarten | Saint Martin.”

Nico and myself started in Simpson Bay on a Sunday morning 6:30 am, from there we went to Seaside Nature Park, drove around the cliff and up at Indigo Bay before entering Philipsburg.
Had a nice cycle via the Boardwalk and visited some murals alongside Frontstreet.
Afterward, we cycled via the old river around the salt pond towards Sucker Garden and onwards to Oyster Bay. Here we took a nice extra loop on the right towards the “big rock” and enjoyed the views over Oyster Bay and St Barths.
Followed was  French Quarter and via the back road to Le Gallion with some great palm tree and Beach views. From the Galion we drove over the rocks towards Orient Bay and entered behind the abandoned Club Orient around 9:30. Here we shortly randomly met Juan Pablo the owner of Tri-Sport making himself ready for some foil boarding.
But… after 3 hours of cycling that’s where the cramps came in (yes, yes, I should’ve trained) but anyhow that’s when I ended up on Orient Bay for a 10 min beach break and stretch.
We jumped back on the bike and while riding to Grand Case, we randomly met Sandra, one of the Tri-Sport tour guides who decided to drive back with us and even showed us some hidden trails. In Grand Case we enjoyed the mesmerizing views at the dock and went onwards biking along the coast to Friars Bay, then Marigot and via the border reached back to Simpson Bay at 11:00 am.
After 4,5 hours my legs were dead-tired but my head full of amazing memories.
Thank you Tri-Sport for the great bike, Nico for the amazing opportunity to cycle around SXM, and Sandra for joining our ride and giving mental support!
Our “around the Island tour” shows you why it’s beautiful to explore SXM on a mountainbike. Luckily Tri-Sport also has e-bikes for rent, and a lot of smaller trips available. Rent a MTB or E-bike for yourself, or book one of the great guided tours: Tri-Sport SXM

Loterie Farm 2024

Loterie Farm | Zipline & Pool (2024)

“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” John Muir

At Loterie Farm you escape into the tropical forest Wilderness of SXM. Journey into our island paradise with the Fly Zone or the Fly Zone Extreme, a real Tree Top Adventure Tour. I made a video to share my experience with all of you.
The real focus of their Ziplines is you and your connection with the forest. Afterward, you may choose to relax by their gorgeous spring-fed swimming pool with your favorite beverage or have lunch in their open-air restaurant.

Loterie Farm is one of our (We Are SXM) top recommendations and a MUST VISIT while being on the island. For more information: Loterie Farm