Access to Princess Juliana International Airport makes it one of the most prominent destinations in the Caribbean. The jet comes low over the bright waters of Simpson Bay and lands just beyond the edge of Maho Beach, where travelers gather along the sand to watch the aircraft pass overhead. Within minutes of leaving the airport, the island reveals what has been attracting visitors for decades: white sand beaches, casual beach bars pouring rum cocktails, and restaurants where French techniques and Caribbean ingredients meet.
start April 7thIt will make it easier for travelers from across the United States to reach the island. Southwest Airlines is launching new daily nonstop service between Orlando International Airport and Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten.Adds one of the Caribbean’s most unique destinations to the airline’s international network.
route sign Southwest’s first new international destination for 2021 and beyondIt provides a direct connection to Central Florida and an island long known for its beach culture, culinary depth, and unusual geography. Saint Maarten has a nickname you’ll hear throughout the Caribbean. “One island, two heartbeats”
Orlando’s New Gateway
Southwest operates One daily round-trip flight between Orlando and St. Maarten starting April 7. Two days later, the airline plans to expand its schedule with additional peak service, including: Weekend flights between St. Maarten and Baltimore/Washington International Airport.
The Orlando route is a particularly important link due to the airport’s large domestic network. New non-stop connections allow travelers to Over 45 cities across the United States Reach St. Maarten in just one connection via Orlando.
Southwest has steadily expanded its presence throughout the Caribbean over the past decade, adding destinations including Aruba, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and the Bahamas. St. Maarten represents the natural next step for that network. The island has long served as a regional hub and gateway to neighboring islands in the northeastern Caribbean.
For travelers, the new flights offer a simple route to an island that offers two different cultures in one land.
One island, two countries
St. Maarten is an unusual place even by Caribbean standards. The island is divided into two areas: Sint Maartenthe constituent countries of the Netherlands in the southern half; st martinFrench overseas group in the north.
There are no notable border crossings. These are small monuments along the road markings where one country becomes another and travelers move freely between the two.
The Dutch side has the island’s cruise port, along with a casino, shopping street and airport in Philipsburg. The French side favors outdoor cafes, small marinas and long, secluded stretches of sand.
Driving around the island will show you how quickly the atmosphere can change. In Phillipsburg, the boardwalk passes jewelry stores and waterfront bars. Grand Case, 20 minutes north, offers another side to the island. A small restaurant serving grilled lobster, sea bream, duck confit and fresh pastries.
This mix of cultures helps explain why Saint-Martin has an unusually high reputation for Caribbean cuisine.
The culinary capital of the Caribbean
Travelers often arrive expecting the beach and leave talking about the restaurant.
village grand caseOn the French side, it has gained a reputation as the culinary capital of the island. Along the waterfront road you will find small restaurants known locally as “Rolos”. The grill here carries the aroma of ribs, lobster and garlic shrimp into the evening air.
A short walk away you will find several classic French-Caribbean restaurants serving the town’s dining scene. Tables fill up quickly at places like: pressAt , chefs prepare dishes such as foie gras, seafood risotto and roast lamb.
Across the island Orient Bay Offering another collection of beachfront dining options. Restaurants such as Contiki Beach and Cocoa Beach Club Enjoy seafood, cocktails and rosé close to the water. (Same goes for T-Punch.)
The Netherlands often serves meals that blend Caribbean flavors with international influences. Simpson Bay and Maho’s menu features a sushi bar, Italian trattoria and Caribbean seafood kitchen all sharing the same road.
It’s a rare Caribbean destination where travelers can spend one evening at a French bistro and the next at a rum bar serving grilled mahi mahi and plantains.
beach bar culture
The beaches of St. Maarten have a different kind of rhythm to those on other islands. Instead of wide, secluded resort districts, many beaches combine sand, music, and outdoor bars.
to Maho Beachthe island’s most famous sandy beach, travelers sit at beach bars like these and watch planes land. Sunset Bar & GrillThis is where drinks arrive in plastic cups and cameras come out every time a plane passes overhead.
Just a short drive away, Mullet Bay Beach It offers a wider white sand beach and calm waters. Local vendors set up umbrellas and beach bars serve cold beers and rum cocktails throughout the afternoon.
On the French side, Orient Bay Beach It stretches for nearly a mile and is lined with beach clubs where loungers and umbrellas fill the shoreline. Waiters carry trays of drinks and seafood platters across the sand, while small sailboats move slowly across the horizon.
Further north, you’ll find quieter beaches such as: Anse Marcel and happy bay It piques the interest of travelers looking for a quieter part of the island.
Each beach has a slightly different vibe, and the small size of the island makes it easy to visit several places in one day.
Why new flights matter
For many travelers, getting to St. Maarten previously meant connecting through larger hubs like Miami or New York. The new Southwest route through Orlando provides another convenient gateway, especially for travelers traveling to the southern and central United States.
Orlando Airport serves dozens of domestic cities, making connections easy for travelers from the Midwest, Southeast, and parts of the West Coast.
The route also reflects St. Maarten’s growing tourism momentum since its reopening. Princess Juliana International AirportExtensive rebuilding was completed following hurricane damage early last decade.
Now the airport welcomes visitors with an expanded arrivals area and updated facilities while maintaining the dramatic approach that has made it famous among aviation enthusiasts.
For Southwest, the route continues the airline’s strategy of connecting major U.S. cities with warm-weather destinations throughout the Caribbean.
Explore beyond St. Maarten
Another reason the island remains an important destination has to do with its location.
St. Maarten serves as a gateway to several nearby islands, including: Anguilla, st barthand Sabah. Ferries and short-haul regional flights can connect travelers to these smaller destinations in minutes.
Ferries run regularly from the ports of Marigot or Simpson Bay to Anguilla’s white sand beaches. Small aircraft depart daily from St. Barths, famous for its hilltop villas and harbor filled with sailing yachts.
Many travelers spend a few days in St. Maarten before continuing to nearby islands, planning multi-Caribbean island tours via the island’s airport connections.
Southwest’s new routes will make it easier for travelers across the U.S. to plan their travel itineraries.
place to stay
St. Maarten has a variety of hotels, from beachfront resorts to boutique hotels overlooking the sea.
On the Dutch side, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort Offering an adults-only, all-inclusive experience on the edge of Maho Beach. This accommodation includes: Azul Restaurant, sunset loungeYou can directly see the aircraft arriving at the airport.
near, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa It offers a larger resort setting with several restaurants including: Jing’s Kitchen and The Palms GrillIt features a lively casino and beachfront pool deck.
On the French side, Grand Case Beach Club It remains one of the island’s classic boutique hotels. Hotels include: sunset cafeThis is where diners can view the island of Anguilla across the calm waters.
Another option is La Samanna, a Belmond HotelIt is located in Baie Longue on the French side. The resort features cliffside villas, a long white sand beach, and dining options including: sea urchin and seashore.
Each hotel reflects the island’s diverse personality, from vibrant beach resorts to quiet boutique retreats.
A new way to a classic Caribbean island
For decades, St. Maarten has been attracting travelers looking for something a little different in the Caribbean. The island combines Dutch and French culture, lively beach bars and some of the region’s best restaurants.
now, Southwest Airlines to begin daily nonstop service from Orlando starting April 7Traveling to the islands becomes easier for travelers across the United States.
Reach the island quickly by flying from Princess Juliana International Airport. There are white sand beaches, rum cocktails in the waves, and restaurants serving traditional French cuisine and Caribbean seafood menus.
Two countries, one island, and now a new route directly to Florida.
New Southwest Airlines flight prices
On Google Flights, I found April round-trip fares for Orlando-Saint Maarten flights starting at around $445.
