Why Do People Like St. Maarten / St. Martin?
The dual-nation island of St. Maarten / St. Martin has been a popular Caribbean destination for many decades. Ever since the island was discovered as a vacation destination by New York’s elite in the 1960s its popularity has continued to grow. Many visitors have become loyal returning guests, visiting every year or even multiple times per year.
With dozens of Caribbean destinations competing for travelers’ attention, what continues to attract people to St. Maarten / St. Martin? This was a question researched on several occasions by the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA).
Research conducted by SHTA over multiple years found that the island’s appeal goes far beyond its beaches alone. Workshops with tourism professionals and interviews with frequent visitors identified key factors that make St. Maarten / St. Martin unique within the Caribbean and internationally.
1. A Unique Dual-Nation Identity: Two Cultures in One Island
One of the most distinctive characteristics of St. Maarten / St. Martin is its binational identity. The island’s Dutch and French sides create a cosmopolitan atmosphere that attracts visitors from many nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Beyond its unmistakable Caribbean look and feel, the influence of different cultures has added to the island’s liveliness, variety, and personality. This unique combination of Caribbean traditions and European influences gives St. Maarten / St. Martin an identity unlike many other Caribbean destinations.
2. A Diverse Culinary Scene and International Food Culture
The island’s multicultural character has also created what research described as a “cornucopia of food and beverages.”
Different communities have contributed to an exceptionally diverse culinary landscape, complementing traditional Caribbean favorites such as Johnny Cakes, fresh fish dishes, and rum-based creations.
With no import duties, St. Maarten / St. Martin also developed a broad selection of beverages, from creative cocktails and extensive wine lists to craft beer combinations. This has helped create an international dining scene with an impressive variety of cuisines and menu options.
3. A Cosmopolitan Destination With a Village Feel
Although St. Maarten / St. Martin has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, visitors often describe the island as having a small-town and informal feel.
Many returning guests know their favorite bartenders, restaurants, beaches, and local hosts. This personal connection is strengthened by the tradition of many restaurant and bar owners being present themselves to welcome guests.
The result is a unique contrast: the island offers international experiences while still feeling like a “global village” where visitors can build familiar connections.
4. Decades of Hospitality Experience
St. Maarten / St. Martin was one of the first Caribbean destinations to be developed for tourism. This long history has created a deep level of hospitality expertise among local businesses.
Over decades, hoteliers, restaurant owners, and tourism professionals have developed a strong understanding of what visitors value. They continue to innovate and adapt their services to meet changing traveler expectations.
The island’s hospitality culture focuses on providing service levels that meet or exceed what guests are accustomed to at home.
5. A Compact Island With Endless Activities
The island’s relatively small size is another feature that makes St. Maarten / St. Martin stand out.
Its compact nature allows visitors to experience a wide range of activities on land, under the water, and offshore – all within short travel distances. The island offers opportunities ranging from sailing and snorkeling and diving to ziplining, hiking, and cultural excursions.
Because almost everything on the island is accessible within an hour, visitors can enjoy what many describe as a “1,000 things to do” experience without spending much time traveling between activities.
6. A Gateway for Caribbean Island Hopping
Geography is another important advantage of St. Maarten / St. Martin.
Well connected to international hubs and in addition to its varied landscapes and beaches, the island serves as a natural gateway for exploring nearby Caribbean islands. Visitors can easily take day trips by ferry or plane to destinations such as Anguilla, Saba, Statia, and St. Kitts & Nevis.
Many of these islands are visible from St. Maarten / St. Martin, creating a natural curiosity and encouraging visitors to experience Caribbean island hopping.
What Travelers Say About St. Maarten / St. Martin
A second research effort conducted among 10,000 travelers confirmed many of the same conclusions. 81% of the over 8000 participants completing the survey in full stated to want to come back to the island soon. In this research, the island’s famous beaches also became a significant factor, alongside its broader lifestyle and experiences.
The SHTA “Future Travelers Sentiments” survey (July 2020) was designed to understand what motivates travelers to return and which factors influence their decision to visit St. Maarten.
Respondents were asked about their interest in a variety of experiences, including:
• Beaches
• Shopping
• Nightlife
• Casinos
• Eco-tourism
• Culture
• Nautical tours
• Land-based activities
• Island visits
Beaches, Nature, and Outdoor Experiences
The survey showed that beaches and nature experiences remain among the strongest attractions for frequent visitors.
Travelers are drawn to relaxation, sunshine, sea, and outdoor leisure activities, matching the island’s reputation as a destination offering a “1,000 things to do.”
When respondents ranked reasons for visiting St. Maarten / St. Martin, beaches were one of the core attributes measured alongside:
• People
• Food
• Culture
• Activities
• Shopping
Other highly valued experiences included boat trips, snorkeling, watersports, excursions, nature experiences, shopping, and nightlife.
The Appeal of Two Cultures in One Destination
The island’s binational and cosmopolitan character appeared again in traveler research.
Visitors valued the combination of two cultures in one destination, where Caribbean traditions blend with European influences to create a distinct identity. The “French/Dutch uniqueness” factor was specifically identified as one of the reasons travelers choose St. Maarten / St. Martin.
Friendly People and a Welcoming Atmosphere
The research also confirmed the importance of the island’s “village feel.”
Visitors strongly value the friendliness of local residents, the welcoming atmosphere, and the feeling of being comfortable and familiar on the island.
“Friendliness of the people” was identified as one of the main reasons respondents considered visiting St. Maarten.
Food and Culinary Experiences
Finally, the island’s culinary offer remains a major attraction.
Travelers appreciate the variety and quality of restaurants available across St. Maarten / St. Martin. The survey highlighted restaurants and culinary experiences as one of the key reasons people choose the island as a Caribbean destination.
Back to VISIT St Maarten / St Martin Main Page
