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Lowlands
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Lowlands, Sint Maarten, pairs Cupecoy cliffs, Mullet Bay beaches and Caribbean scenery with easy access to island dining, sailing and sightseeing.

A Low-Lying Coastal District

Lowlands occupies Sint Maarten’s southwestern corner, a largely residential and resort-oriented area named for its gently undulating terrain. Rather than a traditional Caribbean town with a compact centre, it is a spread-out district of villas, condominiums, beaches, scrub-covered hills and carefully planned developments. Its setting makes it particularly appealing to travellers who want sea views and quieter surroundings while remaining close to the island’s main dining, nightlife and transport hubs.
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Beaches, Cliffs and Island Views

The coast provides Lowlands’ defining scenery. Mullet Bay Beach curves around a sheltered bay, while Cupecoy is known for pale limestone cliffs, small sandy coves and changing Atlantic swells. The coastline can feel dramatically different from one day to the next, with calm turquoise water in protected areas and stronger surf on exposed stretches. Porto Cupecoy adds a more urban, Mediterranean-inspired waterfront setting, with residences, shops and places to eat arranged around a marina-like lagoon.

A Convenient Base on the Dutch Side

Lowlands lies close to Simpson Bay, Princess Juliana International Airport and the entertainment district of Maho, although each is a separate area. This proximity gives visitors access to restaurants, boat excursions, casinos and late-evening venues without requiring accommodation in the busiest parts of the island. The district is best explored by car or taxi, since distances between beaches, residential developments and commercial facilities are not always convenient on foot. Its appeal lies in the combination of open coastal landscapes, comfortable self-catering accommodation and easy access to Sint Maarten’s wider island life.

When is the best time to visit Lowlands?

Best: June–August · 31–32°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January3180
February3170
March3160
April3150
May3240
June (best)3230
July (best)3130
August (best)3140
September3150
October3160
November3170
December3180

Getting to and around Lowlands

How to get there

The principal gateway is Princess Juliana International Airport, located in the adjacent Simpson Bay area on the Dutch side of the island. From the airport, Lowlands is reached by road via the airport and Simpson Bay districts, with taxis and hire cars providing the most practical connections. Travellers may also arrive by ferry or cruise-related services elsewhere on the island, although these are not located in Lowlands itself. There is no railway. Road access connects the district with Philipsburg, Simpson Bay, Maho and the French side, but journey times vary considerably with traffic, roadworks and congestion around the airport corridor.

Transportation

Lowlands is spread out, and a hire car is often the most flexible way to reach beaches, supermarkets, restaurants and accommodation developments. Taxis are widely used, but it is sensible to agree the fare and destination before travelling. Local minibuses operate on major island roads, though routes and stopping patterns are less useful for reaching every residential enclave or beach entrance. Walking is practical for short journeys within individual developments, such as Porto Cupecoy, but roadside conditions, heat and gaps between districts make longer walks uncomfortable. Night driving requires care because lighting, road surfaces and shoulder space vary.

Best attractions in Lowlands

Lowlands’ principal attractions are coastal rather than civic. Mullet Bay Beach offers a broad crescent of sand framed by low hills, with a more open beach atmosphere than the sheltered coves farther west. At Cupecoy, pale limestone cliffs and small sandy pockets create a striking shoreline whose appearance changes with tides and sea conditions; some sections are more suitable for viewing than swimming. Porto Cupecoy provides a contrasting experience, with landscaped residences, a lagoon-like waterfront, shops and dining spaces arranged in a planned development. The district’s elevated roads and coastal viewpoints also reveal the nearby French side and the Caribbean horizon. Travellers interested in aviation can reach Maho Beach quickly from Lowlands, but it belongs to the neighbouring Maho area rather than Lowlands itself. Together, these places show the southwestern Dutch side as a landscape of beaches, cliffs, residential architecture and easy access to Sint Maarten’s wider attractions.

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Best landmarks in Lowlands

Lowlands’ most recognisable landmarks are natural and contemporary rather than colonial monuments. The limestone cliffs of Cupecoy form a distinctive coastal edge, broken by small coves and viewing points where the geology is more visible than on the island’s broad sandy beaches. Mullet Bay Beach is another defining feature: its sweeping shoreline and low hills mark one of the Dutch side’s best-known coastal settings, even though its surrounding facilities have changed over time. Porto Cupecoy represents the district’s modern architectural identity, using landscaped buildings, balconies and a waterfront plan to create a recognisable residential and commercial ensemble. These places do not constitute a historic city centre, but together they explain Lowlands’ present character: a former peripheral landscape reshaped by tourism, coastal recreation and resort-style development while remaining closely tied to the natural contours of southwestern Sint Maarten.

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Best restaurants in Lowlands

Lowlands has a smaller and more dispersed dining scene than Philipsburg or Simpson Bay, with restaurants concentrated around condominium and resort developments rather than a traditional market quarter. Porto Cupecoy provides one of the district’s principal clusters of cafés and restaurants, while nearby Maho and Simpson Bay offer a broader range of Caribbean, European, North American and international cooking. Menus across the Dutch side commonly reflect the island’s maritime setting through fresh fish, seafood and grilled dishes, alongside regional favourites such as conch and goat preparations where offered. Dutch, French and wider Caribbean influences are also visible in bakery goods, sauces and casual meals. Self-catering is practical for visitors staying in villas or apartments, with larger supermarkets located in the wider Simpson Bay area. Restaurant availability and trading patterns can change after storms or seasonal shifts, so accommodation staff are useful for current local information.

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Best bars in Lowlands

Lowlands itself is generally quieter after dark, with evening activity centred on restaurants and bars within or near accommodation developments rather than a dedicated nightlife street. Porto Cupecoy can provide a relaxed waterfront setting for drinks and dinner, while the nearby Maho and Simpson Bay districts have the island’s better-known concentration of casinos, lively bars, music venues and late-night entertainment. The short distance makes those areas accessible by taxi, although visitors should arrange their return rather than rely on walking along roads designed mainly for vehicles. Evenings in Lowlands are more suited to sea views, informal drinks and private accommodation gatherings than to large clubs. Local nightlife is predominantly casual and holiday-oriented, with Caribbean, international and live-music influences appearing across the Dutch side.

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Best nightclubs in Lowlands

Lowlands itself is generally quieter after dark, with evening activity centred on restaurants and bars within or near accommodation developments rather than a dedicated nightlife street. Porto Cupecoy can provide a relaxed waterfront setting for drinks and dinner, while the nearby Maho and Simpson Bay districts have the island’s better-known concentration of casinos, lively bars, music venues and late-night entertainment. The short distance makes those areas accessible by taxi, although visitors should arrange their return rather than rely on walking along roads designed mainly for vehicles. Evenings in Lowlands are more suited to sea views, informal drinks and private accommodation gatherings than to large clubs. Local nightlife is predominantly casual and holiday-oriented, with Caribbean, international and live-music influences appearing across the Dutch side.

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Best shops in Lowlands

Shopping in Lowlands is concentrated around Porto Cupecoy and individual accommodation developments rather than a traditional high street. Visitors can find cafés, small retail services and holiday-oriented businesses there, while larger supermarkets and a wider range of shops are more readily available in nearby Simpson Bay and Maho. The most characteristic purchases across Dutch Sint Maarten include Caribbean food products, rum and other island-made goods, beachwear, locally themed souvenirs and practical supplies for self-catering stays. The island is also known for duty-free and jewellery shopping, particularly in larger commercial districts, although these outlets are not a defining feature of Lowlands itself. Markets and independent shops elsewhere on the island may offer crafts, artwork and regional products, but visitors should distinguish locally made goods from imported souvenirs and check customs allowances before transporting food, alcohol or other purchases internationally.

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Lowlands essentials

Currency and Payment
The official currency of Sint Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, abbreviated ANG or NAf. United States dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas, though exchange rates and change may vary. Cards are commonly used by larger hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and established businesses, while smaller vendors, taxis and beach services may prefer cash. ATMs are available in the wider Simpson Bay and Maho areas, but carrying a modest amount of local currency or US dollars is useful when travelling away from commercial centres. Check whether a card transaction is charged in guilders or dollars before confirming the payment.
Safety
Lowlands is a dispersed visitor and residential area, so sensible precautions remain important. Keep phones, wallets and beach belongings out of sight in parked vehicles, and avoid leaving valuables unattended on quieter stretches of coast. Use well-lit roads after dark and arrange a taxi if unfamiliar with the island’s driving conditions. Beach users should monitor waves, currents and weather, particularly at exposed Cupecoy, and should not assume that every swimming area has lifeguard supervision. Tropical storms and hurricanes can affect travel plans during the Atlantic hurricane season, so visitors should follow local advisories and accommodation guidance.
Emergency Situations
In an emergency on the Dutch side of the island, dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance assistance. State that the incident is in Lowlands and provide a precise villa, condominium, road or beach location, as addresses can be difficult to identify in spread-out developments. For non-urgent medical needs, accommodation staff or a local pharmacy can advise on nearby clinics and healthcare providers. Keep travel insurance details and essential medication information accessible. During severe weather, follow official instructions, avoid exposed coastlines and confirm road conditions before attempting to travel.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress casually for beaches but use a cover-up away from the shore, particularly when entering shops or restaurants. Ask permission before photographing residents or private property, and do not climb fragile coastal formations or leave litter on beaches. Drive on the right-hand side and give way to local traffic conditions rather than relying only on familiar road habits. Tipping is customary when service charges are not already included, but the amount should reflect the service received. Respect warnings about swimming, rough seas and restricted areas, and remember that Lowlands is a residential district as well as a holiday setting.
Local Tips
Lowlands is easiest to understand as a group of coastal pockets rather than a single centre: Cupecoy is associated with cliffs and coves, Mullet Bay with a broad beach, and Porto Cupecoy with residences and waterfront facilities. Check tide, wind and surf conditions before planning a beach day, since the character of each shore can change quickly. Stocking up in Simpson Bay or nearby commercial areas can be practical for villa and apartment stays. For evening meals, transport and organised excursions, the wider Simpson Bay and Maho districts offer more choice than Lowlands itself.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHallo[ha-lo]
GoodbyeAyo[a-yo]
YesSi[see]
NoNo[no]
Please/You're welcomePor fabor[por fa-bor]
Thank youDanki[dan-ki]
Excuse me/SorrySori[so-ri]
How are you?Kon ta bai?[kon ta ba-i]
Fine. And you?Bon. I bo?[bon. ee bo]
Do you speak English?Bo ta papia Ingles?[bo ta pa-pi-a in-gles]
I don't understandMi no ta comprende[mi no ta com-pren-de]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi kier mira e menu, por fabor[mi ki-er mi-ra e me-nu, por fa-bor]
I don't eat meatMi no kome karni[mi no ko-me kar-ni]
Cheers!Salud![sa-lud]
I would like to pay, pleaseMi kier paga, por fabor[mi ki-er pa-ga, por fa-bor]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Yuda![yu-da]
Go away!Bai for![bai for]
Call the Police!Yama polis![ya-ma po-lis]
Call a doctor!Yama dokter![ya-ma dok-ter]
I'm lostMi ta perdi[mi ta per-di]
I'm illMi ta malu[mi ta ma-lu]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mi kier kumpra...[mi ki-er kum-pra...]
I'm just lookingMi ta so mira[mi ta so mi-ra]
How much is it?Kuantu esaki ta kosta?[kwan-tu e-sa-ki ta kos-ta]
That's too expensiveEsaki ta muchu karo[e-sa-ki ta mu-chu ka-ro]
Can you lower the price?Bo por baha e preis?[bo por ba-ha e preis]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kuantu ora ta?[kwan-tu o-ra ta]
It's one o'clockTa un ora[ta un o-ra]
Half past (10)Mitad di dies[mi-tad di dies]
MorningMarduga[mar-du-ga]
AfternoonTardi[tar-di]
EveningAnochi[a-no-shi]
YesterdayAyer[ai-yer]
TodayAwe[a-we]
TomorrowMañana[ma-nya-na]
1Uno[oo-no]
2Dos[dos]
3Tres[tres]
4Cuatro[kwa-tro]
5Cinco[sin-ko]
6Seis[sais]
7Siete[syet]
8Ocho[o-cho]
9Nueve[nwe-ve]
10Diez[dyes]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Unda tin un/e...[un-da tin un/e]
What's the address?Kua ta e adres?[kwa ta e a-dres]
Can you show me (on the map)?Bo por mustra mi (riba e mapa)?[bo por mus-tra mi (ri-ba e ma-pa)]
When's the next (bus)?Ki ora ta bini e siguiente (bus)?[ki o-ra ta bi-ni e si-guien-te (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Un biahe (pa ....)[un bya-he (pa)]

History of Lowlands

Indigenous Life Before Colonisation

The island now divided between Sint Maarten and the French collectivity of Saint-Martin was inhabited by Indigenous peoples before European settlement. Archaeological evidence records earlier occupation by groups associated with the wider Caribbean, followed by communities commonly identified with the Taíno and later Kalinago worlds. Lowlands itself is better understood as part of the island’s coastal landscape than as a separately documented ancient town. Its sheltered bays, freshwater access and productive low-lying ground would have formed part of the environmental setting that later attracted farming and plantation activity.

The 1648 Island Partition

European settlement brought competing French and Dutch claims, but the decisive event in the island’s modern political history was the Treaty of Concordia, signed in 1648. It divided Saint Martin between France and the Netherlands, creating the border that still shapes movement and administration today. Lowlands lies on the Dutch side, Sint Maarten. The boundary is open to everyday travel, yet the division remains visible in different legal systems, public services and cultural influences across the island.

Salt, Plantations and Coastal Agriculture

During the colonial period, the Dutch side developed around salt gathering, small-scale agriculture, livestock and maritime trade. Low-lying land and coastal ponds were valuable in an island economy where terrain and water determined what could be cultivated or harvested. The area that became known as Lowlands did not develop as a major colonial capital; instead, it formed part of the rural hinterland beyond settlements such as Philipsburg. Plantation agriculture and salt production declined over time, leaving the broader district with a landscape shaped as much by scrubland and beaches as by surviving colonial structures.

From Rural Outskirts to Resort Coast

For much of its history, the southwest of the Dutch side remained less urbanised than Philipsburg and the developing Simpson Bay area. Improvements in roads, aviation and tourism gradually changed that balance during the twentieth century. Beaches such as Mullet Bay and Cupecoy became associated with leisure, while land once valued chiefly for farming or grazing was adapted for hotels, villas, condominiums and recreational facilities. Lowlands consequently emerged as a residential and visitor district rather than a historic town centre.

Tourism and Contemporary Lowlands

Modern Lowlands reflects Sint Maarten’s transition to an economy strongly shaped by tourism, real estate and services. Developments around Porto Cupecoy and the Mullet Bay area introduced denser accommodation and commercial spaces beside established residential properties. Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused extensive damage across Sint Maarten, including tourism and infrastructure, and reconstruction has influenced the appearance and availability of facilities throughout the island. Today, Lowlands combines traces of a rural past with a coastal visitor economy, while remaining closely linked to Simpson Bay, Maho and the island’s international airport.

Lowlands in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Lowlands, Sint Maarten

Discover Lowlands like never before with Evendo - your 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels
  • Images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Plan your Lowlands adventure with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Explore attractions, book hotels, and enjoy local tips for an unforgettable experience.

  • Comprehensive travel essentials and the history of Lowlands
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring Lowlands, Sint Maarten. Imagine stepping into a world where every landmark, attraction, shop, bar, nightclub, restaurant, and hotel is at your fingertips. With Evendo, you can effortlessly discover the best that Lowlands has to offer, from the stunning beaches at Mullet Bay to the vibrant nightlife at Cupecoy Beach.

Evendo provides detailed information, rich descriptions, and local tips for every location. Whether you're planning to visit the iconic Maho Beach to watch planes land or dine at the renowned Sunset Bar & Grill, Evendo has got you covered. The app not only helps you find these amazing spots but also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly.

No more hassle of figuring out where to go, what to see, or how to get there. With features like 'Near Me' to see nearby attractions, easy navigation, curated local tips, and comprehensive maps, Evendo ensures you experience Lowlands like a local. Plus, with travel essentials and the history of Lowlands included, you'll be well-prepared for your adventure.

And the best part? Evendo is completely free to use. No in-app purchases, no hidden costs. Download Evendo today and start your journey through Lowlands and beyond. With coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, Evendo is truly your global travel guide.

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