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island guide

CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE SXM ADVENTURE

Welcome to SXM Festival 2025, where your festival experience transforms into a dream vacation in the heart of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. This enchanting island offers more than just world-class music and entertainment—it invites you to explore stunning natural beauty, vibrant nightlife, fantastic shopping, and thrilling outdoor adventures. 

When the festival stages wind down, the island's nightlife comes alive. Discover chic beach clubs, vibrant bars, and sophisticated lounges where the party continues well into the night. Dance under the stars, enjoy world-class cocktails, and experience the unique blend of French and Dutch influences that make the island truly unique.

FRENCH & DUTCH SIDE

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is unique as the smallest landmass in the world shared by two nations. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry woven by both French and Dutch influences. Wander through the charming streets of Marigot with its French cafes and open-air markets, then cross the border to Philipsburg, where Dutch heritage comes to life in vibrant colors and festive atmosphere. Each side of the island offers its own distinct flavor, from cuisine and language to architecture.

DUTCH SIDE

Sint Maarten is the Dutch side of the island and is known for its vibrant nightlife and casinos, beaches, jewelry stores and refreshing drinks made with native guavaberry rum.  Discover Philipsburg, where Dutch heritage comes to life in vibrant colors and festive atmosphere. Each side of the island offers its own distinct flavor, from cuisine and language to architecture.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

For those seeking adventure, the island is a playground of outdoor activities. Explore lush hiking trails at Pic Paradis, where you can witness panoramic views of the island. Try your hand at water sports like kite surfing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding in the turquoise waters. If you’re a thrill-seeker, take a zip-line ride through the tropical canopy at Rainforest adventure.

01/04

THE NATURAL POOLS

Discover the Back Bay trail and explore the nature to reach the amazing natural pool for a refreshing dip in the magical-looking tide pool. Indulge in a gourmet picnic before hiking back.

MORNING TREK & YOGA

Hike a mystic trail of island and admire the rugged beauty of the island. Practice yoga overlooking the bay immersed in nature and refresh yourself with a natural smoothie.

THE ZIPLINE

Book a zipline experience and get a birds eye view of the island from the highest and steepest zipline in the world. Perfect for adrenaline junkies.

ORIENT BAY SURF

Surf the warm sea at Galion Beach, located on the eastern side of the island. Special training session by professional champion surfers.

BEACHES

Indulge in Stunning Shorelines and Golden Beaches

Relax on golden sands and listen to the gentle waves at Baie Rouge or experience the lively atmosphere of Orient Bay. 

Dive into crystal-clear azure waters for snorkeling or simply soak up the sun and let your worries melt away.

01/08

BAIE ROUGE AND BAIE AUX PRUNES

Stunning exclusive beaches. Bring your refreshments and enjoy a memorable sunset.

GRAND CASE

Calm waters, fancy beach clubs and restaurants make this one of top beaches.

ANSE MARCEL

A calm yet luxury resort location with breathtaking views of lush green vegetation. Beach side restaurants and hills protect it from the wind. Great for snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding. 

ORIENT BAY

The “Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean”. This 2 km stretch can be windy, perfect for sports fanatics who come here for surfing and other water sports. Discover the trendy beach clubs.

MULLET BAY

The long stretch of beach is rarely over-crowded, offering lounge chairs, beach bars and naked golden sand. Known for some of the best sunsets.

MAHO BEACH

This unique beach is where travellers flock to experience the thrilling rush of airplanes flying extremely close overhead.

SIMPSON BAY

One of the longest beaches of the island. It is along the silent paths of old Simpson Bay Village with lots of restaurants and nightlife around. 

PINEL ISLAND

This tiny island of paradise is accessible by a short 10 minute Ferry from Cul de Sac on the far north-east side. Enjoy shallow waters and delicious lobster.

GASTRONOMY

With so many cultural influences, the Island is a world-renowned hot spot for fusion cuisine. Served up with local spices, creole sauces or tropical fruits and beautiful views.

Don’t miss Grand Case where there are plenty great restaurants with diverse tastes ranging from French fine dining to local island BBQ.    

WHERE TO EAT? HERE'S SXM'ERS PICKS

01 LOCAL

02 BRUNCH

03 DINNER

01 LOCAL

Lolos: The open-air barbecue stands known locally as "lolos" are a St. Martin institution, dishing out heaping helpings of barbecued ribs, lobster, chicken or fish grilled on split metal drums, garlic shrimp, goat stew, rice and peas, cod fritters, and johnnycakes—full platters from $10 to $20, a real bargain on pricey St. Martin. In Grand Case, two of the best, Talk of the Town and Sky's the Limit , have covered seating, a waitstaff, and sea breezes ($1 Carib beers don’t hurt, either).

Marigot Market: The Marigot market is the place not to be missed to experience and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and spicy scents. In front of the seafront and not far from Fort Louis, small Creole huts opening onto the street set the scene for this colorful market. Local fruit, vegetable and spice sellers are set up alongside fishmongers to help you discover the best products on the island. This colorful market is always on the move, it enlivens Marigot every day of the week, except Sunday.


02 BRUNCH

Rainbow Cafe: This freestyle beach club cafe offers a boho heaven atmosphere overlooking Grand Case Bay with mesmerizing views towards Anguilla. Feel the ocean breeze gently through your hair and hear the waves bring sand while you enjoy a top-class meal from the Kichten team. The food is paired with refined cocktails made from only the freshest ingredients or a selection of the finest French wines!

So Benedict: Quality food in a relaxed environment in the center of Marigot. Cute little restaurant in the heart of the town, perfect for a quick brunch with friends on a friendly budget. 

Chez Fernand: On the Marigot seafront, Chez Fernand is a true French-style bakery where you can find a wide range of breads, baguettes, and pastries, baked that same day by skilled bakers trained in traditional French recipes. Go for lunch and build your own custom sandwich with the bread and filling of your choice, or opt for a wrap, quiche, or salad. You can eat there or take it to go. Chez Fernand’s pizzeria offers house-made pizzas to go from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (budget friendly)

Coco BeachAre you looking for a delicious lunch with a view? Do you want to spend an unforgettable beach day? They offer both options.

Take advantage of their incredible location, go for a swim in the turquoise Caribbean Sea, sit back on their comfortable beach chairs and order a cocktail before your lunch is served. 

03 DINNER

Bamboo House: One of the prettiest views you’ll have of the island.This hip and trendy restaurant and lounge is set in a meticulously restored 19th century colonial Sugar-mill with an enormous terrace with an amazing view of Simpson Bay. Award winning Sushi and Steak with Sushi chefs hailing from Nobu, Morimoto, and Makodo. Hot kitchen features aged steaks and fresh fish. Great for large groups and parties.

Palapa Hidden Oasis: Awaken your senses in this -one of a kind- restaurant. Experience casual fine dining in a unique hidden oasis. Palapa is an extraordinary journey from the moment you step inside. Famed for its hurricane chic décor with lush vegetation and tropical pools, it is the perfect backdrop to awaken your senses. Chef and his team offer French-Caribbean influenced dishes with mouthwatering prime-cut steaks, fresh local seafood, a great selection of starters and other inspired dishes.

Mr. Chow: Modern Asian Bistro Specializing in scratch cookery. Showcasing modern Asian techniques and flavors. Located right in the heart of Maho, perfect place to have a great dining experience before going out on the town.

JAX: JAX serves Certified Angus Beef Prime. Quality cuts are well-marbled to make the juiciest and most tender, melt in your mouth steak. From Filet Mignon to New York, and bone-in rib to Porterhouse, each steak served at JAX becomes the perfectly prepared centerpiece for an unforgettable experience.