Simpson Bay is situated on the island of Saint Martin, centered around one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies. The border between the French and Dutch halves of the island runs through the lagoon's center. Historically a fishing community isolated after an 1819 hurricane, the area has transformed into a key transit hub. The opening of the Simpson Bay Causeway Bridge in 2013 significantly reduced travel time between Marigot and Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), which lies close to the lagoon's southern shore. This strategic location makes it a convenient base for travelers seeking proximity to the airport while enjoying the unique geography of the divided island.
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The border between French Saint-Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten runs across the lagoon. Hotels are primarily located along the lagoon's shores. The southern side is close to Princess Juliana International Airport, while the northern end connects via the 2013 Causeway Bridge to Marigot. Staying here offers easy access to both the airport and the French side, leveraging the new bridge to reduce transit times significantly.
Princess Juliana International Airport lies close to the lagoon's southern shore. The Simpson Bay Causeway Bridge, opened in 2013, connects the Marigot area with the northern end of the airport runway. This infrastructure considerably reduces the distance and time required to reach the airport compared to the previous route via the Lowlands, making it highly efficient for frequent flyers.
The lagoon, formed when a hurricane breached the natural isthmus in 1819, is connected to the Caribbean Sea via small channels in the northwest and southeast. It contains two small islands: Grand Ilet (French) to the north and Little Key (Dutch) to the south. Hotel guests can enjoy unique views of this bi-national water body, which serves as a scenic backdrop and a distinct geographical feature of the area.
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