St. Maarten Flavors Welcomes International Influencers to Experience the Island’s Culinary Scene

June 29, 2026 - PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – As part of its ongoing efforts to position Sint Maarten as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, St. Maarten Flavors recently welcomed a group of influential content creators and media personalities from the United States and Canada for an immersive culinary and cultural experience across the destination.

The visit formed part of a broader initiative to showcase the diverse restaurants, culinary experiences, and cultural attractions featured through the newly expanded St. Maarten Flavors platform, which now promotes the island’s food and beverage sector year-round.

Over several days, the visiting influencers explored a wide variety of culinary experiences that highlighted the unique blend of cultures and flavors that define Sint Maarten. Their itinerary combined dining experiences, hands-on culinary activities, heritage and cultural encounters, and opportunities to discover both the Dutch and French sides of the island.

A highlight of the visit was participation in a cooking experience at the Creole Culinary Classroom, where guests learned to prepare local dishes using traditional ingredients. Additional cultural experiences included visits to local heritage sites, steel pan workshops, art and mural tours in Philipsburg, and nature-focused excursions that showcased the island beyond its beaches.

Throughout their stay, the influencers dined at a variety of participating restaurants and culinary establishments, experiencing everything from waterfront dining and rooftop cocktails to fine dining, international cuisine, local specialties, wine tastings, and casual island favorites. Among the restaurants and venues featured were Pure Ocean, Lazy Lizard, Big Fish, The Boon, Balls & Wine, Tortuga, Paper Moon, Aziana, Mr. Chow, Pardon My French, Mix, Zeebest, Big Bastards, Double Dutch Café, and several other culinary and cultural attractions that form part of the St. Maarten Flavors network.

The hosted experiences provided the influencers with authentic stories and content that will be shared with audiences across North America, helping to further position Sint Maarten as a destination where food, culture, and hospitality come together in unforgettable ways.

“St. Maarten Flavors is about much more than a single event or promotional month,” said Michele Korteweg on behalf of the initiative. “Through the platform, visitors and residents can discover restaurants, signature dishes, culinary experiences, and food-related events throughout the year. Hosting these influencers allowed us to showcase the incredible diversity of experiences available and the passionate people behind them.”

The influencer visits come as St. Maarten Flavors continues to expand its year-round presence through its online platform, which features participating restaurants, signature dishes, culinary experiences, and food-related events from across the destination.

Visitors planning a trip to the island, as well as residents looking for inspiration for their next dining experience, can explore participating businesses and discover new culinary adventures at StMaartenFlavors.com.

Follow @StMaartenFlavors on Instagram and Facebook to experience Sint Maarten through the eyes (and taste buds) of our visiting and local influencers and discover why the island continues to earn its reputation as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.

About St. Maarten Flavors

St. Maarten Flavors is a year-round culinary platform developed through a partnership between the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) and the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. The initiative celebrates the island’s diverse culinary offerings by connecting residents and visitors with restaurants, signature dishes, culinary experiences, and food-focused events throughout the year.