There’s no Caribbean airport quite like Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten, where the planes soar low over Maho Beach, thrilling travelers with one of the most photographed landings in the world. But in 2025, it’s not just the approach that’s making headlines — a $100 million renovation has officially been completed, turning this beloved Caribbean hub into one of the most modern, efficient gateways in the region.
If you’re planning a luxury escape to Anguilla, a hiking adventure in Saba, or a glamorous getaway to St. Barts, St. Maarten’s airport upgrade is making Caribbean island hopping easier than ever.
A World-Class Airport Experience in the Caribbean
Following the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) underwent years of rebuilding. In late 2024, the final phase of the long-awaited upgrade was completed, introducing a sleek new terminal, faster immigration and customs, more efficient baggage handling, jet bridges, and modern lounges that rival major international airports.
For travelers, that means shorter wait times, more seamless inter-island connections, and a smoother overall journey through one of the Caribbean’s busiest air hubs.
Why St. Maarten is the Best Island-Hopping Hub in the Caribbean
Looking to island hop in the Caribbean? St. Maarten is the best jumping-off point for visiting nearby islands. Thanks to its central location in the northeastern Caribbean and improved facilities at SXM, travelers can now easily explore a range of destinations. The airline Winair has the monopoly on regional flights out of SXM, and the airline flies to 17 other island destinations throughout the Caribbean.
Here are four islands just a short hop away:
Anguilla (via seven-minute flight or 25-minute ferry): Known for its white-sand beaches, five-star resorts like Belmont Cap Juluca or the luxurious boutique Quintessence, and laid-back beach bar vibes.
Saba (12-minute flight): A hiking paradise with volcanic peaks, hiking trails, and the shortest commercial runway in the world.
St. Barts (15-minute flight or 45-minute ferry): A French-Caribbean glitzy jewel with couture shopping, fine dining, and ritzy beach clubs.
St. Eustatius (Statia) (20-minute flight): Quiet, historical, and ideal for scuba diving, this Dutch island is an under-the-radar destination for travelers seeking a slow-paced, culturally rich destination.
How to Use Points and Miles for Caribbean Island Hopping
If you’re savvy with travel rewards, flying into St. Maarten with points is a great way to unlock a Caribbean vacation. SXM is served by major U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines.
You can book award flights using Advantage Miles, Skymiles, MileagePlus, or TrueBlue points from cities like Miami, New York, Atlanta, and Newark. European travelers can take advantage of Air France/KLM Flying Blue miles for SXM access via Paris or Amsterdam.
While inter-island flights typically don’t qualify for miles, Winair does accept Flying Blue points, as well as Chase Sapphire points.
Multi-Island Caribbean Itineraries Made Easy
The beauty of Caribbean island hopping from St. Maarten is that you don’t need to choose just one destination. With the airport’s new efficiency and improved regional air and ferry service, a three- to five-island trip is not only possible — it’s practical.
Here’s a sample seven-day itinerary:
Day 1-2: Arrive in St. Maarten. Check into The Morgan and relax at Maho Beach.
Day 3-4: Ferry to Anguilla for pristine beaches and a chic stay at Quintessence Hotel.
Day 5: Ferry back to Anguilla and take a short flight to Saba for a hiking day trip. Overnight at Hotel Juliana’s.
Day 6-7: Jet to St. Barts for chic Saint-Tropez vibes in the Caribbean.
With Caribbean travel as popular as ever in 2025, St. Maarten is stepping into a role as both a destination and a regional connection hub. Why choose one island when you can experience four?