More flights, new resort openings, and a redesigned international airport are putting St. Maarten on the map. Princess Juliana International Airport, which was just named Caribbean Airport of the Year, recently completed a full terminal rebuild, streamlining travel and offering more direct flights from hubs like Miami, NYC and Charlotte.
In fact, St. Maarten welcomed over 600,000 visitors in the first half of 2024 alone, according to Tourism Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, a clear sign that the island is re-emerging as one of the Caribbean’s most in-demand destinations.
But beyond the numbers, what makes St. Maarten so captivating is its culture: the only island in the world shared by France and the Netherlands, with 37 beaches, vibrant local music, a thriving culinary scene, and a unique sense of openness and acceptance. This renewed energy is also driving a wave of investment and high-end hospitality, from the return of Belmond to designer Naeem Khan’s emerging fashion and lifestyle development, and now, the island’s most ambitious resort and residential project to date.
With this rising demand, I’m excited to share the soon-to-be, most ambitious project on the island yet-: Vie L’Ven Luxury Resort & Residences a landmark development that blends world-class design, hospitality, and culinary excellence in one of St. Maarten’s most idyllic locations, Indigo Bay. Slated to open in the high season of 2027/2028, the 280-room resort and residential property will be part of Leading Hotels of the World, the very first in St. Maarten. A collaboration by Altree Developments, Studio Munge, and HKS Architects (known for iconic properties like Nobu Toronto and The Ritz Carlton & Residences South Beach), Vie L’Ven offers a refined take on second-home living, with a limited collection of residences available for purchase, as well as rental opportunities for those vacationing to the island.
Beyond ownership, the property will offer an unparalleled lifestyle featuring a beach club, a dedicated Les Clefs d'Or concierge team, three expansive pools including an adults-only offering, on-site water sports, a pet sanctuary, children’s playroom and childcare services,, a nature reserve, the largest destination spa in all of the Caribbean at 30,000 square feet and a state of the art gym with the latest in physical fitness innovation.
Vie L’Ven wil also be home to three distinct dining venues, ranging from gourmet international cuisine and a wine + tapas bar both curated by three-Michelin-star Chef Alain Ducasse- his first restaurant in the Caribbean. With St. Maarten’s natural beauty, favorable warm climate, and growing appeal among international investors, Vie L’Ven is poised to become a landmark destination for those looking to capitalize on the region’s real estate boom.
With St. Maarten’s appeal as a premier destination for international investors, Vie L’Ven is set to become a landmark property in the region’s real estate boom. The project’s exclusive amenities, Michelin dining experience, and unparalleled location make it one to watch this season.
