St. Maarten is Calling: News from the Caribbean’s Coveted “Friendly Island”

PHILIPSBURG October 2021 With August 2021 airport arrivals from the United States exceeding 2019 levels by 26%, and the ever-popular winter travel months approaching, the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Maarten announces an enticing roundup of new and noteworthy experiences catering to travelers seeking an enriching and highly accessible tropical escape.

"Our resilient island of St. Maarten enthusiastically welcomes new and returning visitors who will be captivated by emerging experiences in addition to those they already know and love," said May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism."From new forms of artistic expression, to a highly anticipated airport project, the Heineken Regatta's comeback and beyond, we're proud that our zestful culture and friendly locals remain at the forefront of it all."

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ACCOMMODATIONS: NEWS AND OFFERS

Divi Little Bay Beach Resortwill debut an expansion in January 2022, with the introduction ofOceans at Divi Little Bay-- a new-build, 98-room wing featuring ocean-facing rooms and suites. Enhanced services and amenities at Oceans at Divi Little Bay will include VIP check-in, a personal concierge, and room-only or all-inclusive booking options.

The locally-ownedBaker's Suitesboutique hotel debuted three Ocean View Deluxe condo-style suites in August that are available for individual bookings or as one large flat -- bringing the hotels room count to 13.

Just steps from Great Bay Beach, the 30-roomHorizon View Beach Hotelis offering special rates for September and October 2021, starting at just $75 per night for deluxe queen rooms and $99 per night for beachfront suites (plus 20% tax).

Ongoing through December 17, theSXM Villa Vibescampaign brings together a collection of luxurious villa accommodations offering travelers enticing perks on private villa stays -- from pay-per-bedroom options for families to free nights to concierge-level services.

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ON THE HIGH SEAS

The legendaryHeineken Regattais set to make its comeback March 3-6, 2022. Registration is now open for sailors all around the world who want to participate in the 42nd annual event.

This sailing season, theSint Maarten Yacht Clubis offering a variety of lessons led by skilled instructors for kids and adults at all experience levels.

On October 2nd,Aqua Mania Adventureswill host its sixth annual Pink Sunset Sail in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Tickets cost $50 and include entrance to a pre-party gathering, raffle, t-shirt, and 90-minute sunset sail aboard Aqua Manias catamarans.

On November 1st,Pyratz Gourmet Sailingwill add a second Lagoon 450 Catamaran to its fleet, along with the Pyratz Office Space and Boutique, where patrons can relax before and after their boat trip and shop sustainable local goods and Pyratz apparel.

Opening in late 2021,Navy Beach St. Maartenwill be a premiere yachting destination facility with a gourmet restaurant, expansive pool deck, Sky Lounge rooftop bar, super yacht marina, gaming area, tennis courts, a full gym, and many other yacht-friendly amenities.

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ENTERTAINMENTandADVENTURE

In August,Inspired Selfieopened its doors in Cole Bay as the Caribbeans first ever selfie museum, with themed rooms, such as the Carnival Room, Holiday Room, and Wall of Candy.

In November, the newSXM Padel Clubwill bring two state-of-the-art padel tennis courts, two petanque courts, facilities with showers, changing rooms and a refreshment stand. Played on glass-enclosed courts 25 percent smaller than the average tennis court, padel is recognized as the fastest-growing racket sport in the world.

TheCaribbean Brewing Companys Dutch Blonde Beach Bar is preparing to open four Escape Rooms by the end of September 2021; in November, a wine tasting experience will pair French wine with Dutch cheese paying homage to the islands dual nationality. An authentic Dutch pancake menu rounds out new offerings.

Twelve new murals painted by local artists debuted around Phillipsburg in a project calledColorMeSXMwith the Be The Change Foundation, in an effort to revive the vibrant downtown area. WithIsland Sightseeings Phillipsburg Mural and Bar Tour, travelers hop on the famous Trolley Train and explore the citys new art in style.

Over in Cole Bay,Seaside Nature Parkoffers a one-of-a-kind adventure: swimming with horses. A one-hour horseback ride on the propertys scenic trails ends with a cooldown on the shore of Seasides very own beach, where riders lay flat on their horse as they go for a swim.

Adventure companyTri-Sport SXMs new mountain bike trail tours are led by a professional biker, with mountain bikes available for rental to explore hidden trails.

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AIRPORT UPDATES

ThePrincess Juliana International Airportbegan the Airport Terminal Reconstruction Project in September 2021. One of the most anticipated projects for the airport to date, the initiative aims to restore structural damages sustained during Hurricane Irma in 2017 and further modernize the 15-year-old building. The reconstruction project is on schedule to be completed by quarter two of 2023,however, certain sections of the terminal building will be ready for use as early as December 2022.

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GETTING THERE

Airlift into the destination continues to prove highly accessible to North American travelers, with American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, United and Frontier Airlines offering direct flights into SXM Airport.

As of September 30, Sunwing is offering flights from Toronto, and from Montreal as of October 4. Air Transat will fly from Montreal and Toronto starting November 27 and December 29, respectively, while Air Canada is scheduled to begin bi-weekly service from Toronto on December 18. Finally, WestJet will fly one to three times per week from Toronto beginning this November.

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ENTRY PROTOCOLS

The most up-to-date Covid-19 entry requirements and protocols are available on the website,www.stmaartenentry.com, along with a link to submit a mandatory health authorization application via the user-friendly Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS), and purchase the mandatory St. Maarten Protection Plan, which was recently lowered to $15 from $30 per traveler.

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About St. Maarten

The charismatic, ever-cultural Caribbean island nation of St. Maarten continues on a bright path forward, welcoming curious visitors inspired to renew their passion for life via nature- immersive, wellness, and experiential travel opportunities. Occupying the southern part of the

island it shares with French overseas territory Saint Martin, the beloved, Dutch-owned Caribbean destination offers inspirited travelers one of the region's most diverse menus of multicultural experiences -- a coveted hub where quintessential island vibes meet incomparable Caribbean cosmopolitan flair -- inclusive of the color-laden capital of Philipsburg, serene

lagoons, 37 sundry beaches, fascinating salt pans, and beyond. From the snorkeler to the shopper, from the surfer to the foodie, from the thrill seeker to the history enthusiast, in St. Maarten, all lifestyles find their place under the sun. For more information, please visitwww.vacationstmaarten.com.