Lowlands, Sint Maarten Travel Guide

Discover the serene beauty and luxury of Lowlands, Sint Maarten, where pristine beaches, upscale resorts, and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable Caribbean retreat.

Nestled on the southwestern tip of Sint Maarten, Lowlands is a serene and picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and luxurious living. Known for its pristine beaches, upscale resorts, and vibrant nightlife, Lowlands presents a captivating retreat for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure. With its stunning coastal views and crystal-clear waters, this area is a haven for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Lowlands is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Sint Maarten, including the famous Mullet Bay Beach, where you can enjoy soft white sands and gentle waves. It's a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. For those who enjoy a bit of luxury, the area boasts several high-end resorts and villas, offering world-class amenities and services. The region is also known for its golf courses, making it an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts. Beyond the beaches and luxury accommodations, Lowlands offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and casinos. You can experience the local culture through its diverse culinary scene, featuring a mix of Caribbean, French, and international cuisines. The proximity to the French side of the island also provides easy access to additional attractions and experiences, ensuring that there is always something new to discover in Lowlands.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lowlands.

Visit Mullet Bay Beach early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Rent a car to explore the area at your own pace and visit nearby attractions on both the Dutch and French sides of the island.
Try local seafood dishes at the beachfront restaurants for a taste of the island's culinary delights.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine life while enjoying water activities.
Check the local event calendar for festivals and events happening during your stay for a chance to experience the local culture.

Explore Lowlands: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Lowlands

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Da Waterhole

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Da Waterhole, a beachside bar and grill offering delicious food and stunning ocean views in Sint Maarten.

4.2

Tropicana Princess Casino

Discover the vibrant energy and thrilling gambling experience at Tropicana Princess Casino in Cole Bay, Sint Maarten.

3.8

Anguilla Arch

Experience the breathtaking vistas of Anguilla Arch, a must-see scenic point that showcases the stunning beauty of the Caribbean coastline.

4.7

Mullet Bay Beach

Experience the tranquil beauty of Mullet Bay Beach, a tropical paradise in Sint Maarten perfect for relaxation and adventure.

4.6

Best landmarks in Lowlands

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Best Landmarks

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Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa

Experience the ultimate tropical getaway at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, where luxury meets adventure on stunning Maho Beach.

3.8

Rainforest Adventures St Maarten

Discover the vibrant ecosystem and thrilling adventures at Rainforest Adventures St Maarten, a lush paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

4.4

Parotte Ville Bird Park

Discover the vibrant world of exotic birds at Parotte Ville Bird Park, a tropical sanctuary in Sint Maarten, perfect for families and nature lovers.

4.8

Da Waterhole

Experience the vibrant flavors of Caribbean cuisine at Da Waterhole, a lively bar and grill on the beautiful Mullet Bay Beach.

4.2

Best restaurants in Lowlands

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Sunset Bar and Grill

Experience unforgettable sunsets and delectable Caribbean cuisine at Sunset Bar and Grill in Simpson Bay.

4.4

Da Waterhole

Experience the vibrant flavors of Caribbean cuisine at Da Waterhole, your perfect beachside retreat in Sint Maarten.

4.2

Little Jerusalem Restaurant SXM

Experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Little Jerusalem Restaurant SXM in Simpson Bay – where every dish tells a story.

4.7

Sale & Pepe Marina Italian Sicilian Restaurant SXM

Experience authentic Sicilian cuisine at Sale & Pepe Marina in Simpson Bay - where Italian flavors meet Caribbean charm.

4.3

Best bars in Lowlands

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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All Bars

Sunset Bar and Grill

Experience the tropical paradise at Sunset Bar and Grill, where delicious food meets stunning beachfront views in Sint Maarten.

4.4

Buccaneer Beach Bar

Experience the vibrant flavors and stunning views at Buccaneer Beach Bar, the ultimate grill destination in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten.

4.3

Da Waterhole

Experience the vibrant ambiance and delicious flavors at Da Waterhole, the ultimate Caribbean bar and grill on Mullet Bay Beach in Sint Maarten.

4.2

Nowhere Special

Discover the lively atmosphere of Nowhere Special, a grill and bar in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, offering delicious food and vibrant live music.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Lowlands

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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Dany's at Cupecoy Beach Bar

Experience the ultimate beachside relaxation at Dany's at Cupecoy Beach Bar, where refreshing drinks and stunning ocean views await.

4.7

The Hole in the Wall

Discover the lively atmosphere and friendly service at The Hole in the Wall, a must-visit bar in Sint Maarten for an unforgettable night out.

4.6

WE Lounge

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Sint Maarten at WE Lounge, where delicious food, refreshing drinks, and lively entertainment await.

4.3

Moonbar Rooftop

Moonbar Rooftop: Where Caribbean Nights Come Alive with Stunning Views, Great Music, and Lively Atmosphere in Sint Maarten.

3.7

Best shops in Lowlands

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Best Shops

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Jewels & Beyond

Explore Jewels & Beyond in Sint Maarten for exquisite jewelry, beachwear, and unique souvenirs, all in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

5.0

Maho Market

Explore Maho Market in Sint Maarten for fresh local produce, unique snacks, and a taste of Caribbean culture in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

4.2

Shop-4-Less

Shop-4-Less in Sint Maarten is your go-to destination for party supplies, toys, and festive decorations, perfect for celebrating any occasion.

4.4

SXM CIGARS

Discover the ultimate cigar experience at SXM Cigars in Maho Village, Sint Maarten, featuring premium selections and expert staff.

4.7

Explore Lowlands on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Lowlands, mapped for you.

Lowlands Essentials

Lowlands in Sint Maarten is easily accessible via Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), located just a short drive away. Direct flights are available from major US cities, Canada, and Europe. Alternatively, you can arrive by ferry from neighboring islands such as Anguilla or St. Barths. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport for your convenience.
Transportation in Lowlands is straightforward. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed from most locations or booked in advance. Car rentals are a popular option for those wanting to explore at their own pace. Public buses are available but less frequent. For a unique experience, consider renting a bicycle or scooter to navigate the area.
The official currency in Sint Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but US dollars are widely accepted. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Lowlands, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and tips.
Lowlands is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. Areas like Philipsburg and Simpson Bay can have higher instances of petty crime, so stay vigilant. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid walking alone after dark.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Princess Juliana International Airport has a medical clinic, and there are several hospitals and clinics in Philipsburg. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily available.
Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing due to the tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing attire when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious settings. Public Transport: Do be courteous and patient when using public buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Good day'. A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and be open to new flavors. Don’t leave large tips as it is not customary; a small gratuity is usually sufficient.
To experience Lowlands like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals who are often willing to share insights about the area. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful beaches and enjoy water activities like snorkeling and jet skiing. For a unique dining experience, try the local 'lolos' (food shacks) offering authentic Caribbean dishes.

When is the best time to visit Lowlands?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Lowlands

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Lowlands. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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

The earliest known inhabitants of the Lowlands in Sint Maarten were the Arawak and Carib indigenous peoples. These groups lived off the island's natural resources, engaging in fishing, agriculture, and trade with neighboring islands. Evidence of their presence can still be found in the form of ancient petroglyphs and archaeological sites scattered throughout the Lowlands.
In the early 17th century, European powers, notably the Dutch and French, began to take an interest in Sint Maarten due to its strategic location and fertile lands. The Treaty of Concordia, signed in 1648, divided the island between the Dutch and French, with the Lowlands falling under Dutch control. This period marked the beginning of European settlement and the establishment of plantations in the area.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Lowlands became a hub for sugarcane plantations. Enslaved Africans were brought to the island to work on these plantations, profoundly shaping the region's demographic and cultural landscape. The ruins of some of these plantations can still be visited today, offering a glimpse into this turbulent period of history.
The abolition of slavery in 1863 brought significant changes to the Lowlands. Freed individuals established their own communities and began to diversify the local economy. Agriculture remained important, but fishing and salt production also became prominent industries. The cultural heritage of the descendants of these freed individuals continues to influence the Lowlands today.
The latter half of the 20th century saw a major shift in the Lowlands as tourism began to develop. The construction of luxury resorts, villas, and golf courses transformed the region into a premier destination for visitors. This development brought economic growth and modern infrastructure, but also posed challenges to preserving the area's natural and historical sites.
The Lowlands is home to a vibrant blend of cultures, which is celebrated through various festivals and traditions. Events such as the annual Carnival and Heineken Regatta showcase the island's rich heritage, featuring music, dance, and cuisine that reflect its diverse population. These festivals are a testament to the enduring cultural vibrancy of the Lowlands.