~Featuring a Nature Reserve and Conservation area~
Indigo Bay, St. Maarten:--- –Vie L’Ven Resort & Residences has presented a comprehensive eco tourism and sustainability plan for Indigo Bay, developed together with global environmental consultancy Mac & Field and a team of independent scientists. The plan is built on a voluntarily commissioned Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and is intended to guide the long-term protection, restoration and responsible enjoyment of Indigo Bay’s land and marine environment by guests and the people of St. Maarten.
Planned as a 280-room resort with branded residences, Vie L’Ven states that its goal is to be a good neighbor in Indigo Bay and a long-term partner for St. Maarten. The eco tourism plan sets out concrete measures for conservation, low-impact design and environmental education, covering both the shoreline and the hillsides surrounding the property.
This initiative follows the completion of the EIA on October 27th, 2025, underscoring the property's commitment to a sustainable and responsible coastal development. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, Vie L’Ven appointed internationally recognized environmental consultancy Mac & Field, with headquarters in Amsterdam and Bonaire, to conduct the study and guide the resort’s sustainable development approach.
To further strengthen its environmental stewardship, the resort will spearhead an Environmental Monitoring Committee that will support conservation initiatives, eco-tourism opportunities, and advise on marine and coastal preservation practices in partnership with local experts.
Vie L’Ven intends to join the internationally recognized Green Globe program, further demonstrating a commitment to sustainable operation and management across all aspects of the resort. Through this certification, the property will implement Green Globe standards from the very start, guiding its energy, water, waste, and community engagement initiatives.
In collaboration with the commissioned environmental scientists and specialists, Vie L’Ven will embrace Beach Nourishment policies aligned with local regulations, including procedures to manage breakwaters, docks, and “no-go” zones to protect marine habitats. Guests will have designated access points for watersports, snorkeling, and shipwreck exploration, with specific guidelines to ensure safe and respectful interaction with coral and marine life. These efforts are supported by broader sustainability initiatives across the property, including the use of best-in-class water and greywater treatment systems.
At the heart of the eco-tourism plan is Vie L’Ven’s Nature Reserve and Conservation area, a protected wildlife zone designed as an immersive experience for guests. Within the open-air habitat, nature trails and viewing areas will allow visitors to connect with the environment while preserving the integrity of native habitats. Vie L’Ven also plans to introduce educational programming centered on local flora, fauna, and sustainable tourism practices, including interactive sessions for both adults and children. Interpretive signage throughout the reserve will highlight local wildlife, their ecological significance, and ways to engage responsibly with the natural environment.
Residents and visitors will also be invited to participate in Vie L’Ven’s hands-on conservation efforts, such as beach cleanups and marine monitoring programs, designed to deepen understanding of St. Maarten’s rich biodiversity. Guided snorkeling tours, coral restoration activities and sea turtle nesting observations will give guests the opportunity to engage directly with the natural world. Vie L’Ven will also establish designated protected zones, intended to safeguard coral colonies and other ecologically sensitive areas through local best practices of protection, such as surface buoys to mark sensitive habitat.
These efforts are supported by broader sustainability initiatives across the property, including the use of recyclable materials, energy-efficient appliances, alternative energy sources, and a no-plastics policy that extends across all operations. The resort will also prioritize sourcing local produce and products, supporting St. Maarten’s economy.
In addition to these measures, the development of a 280-room resort and residences at Indigo Bay is expected to generate a wide range of opportunities for St. Maarten residents and businesses. From construction and maintenance to hospitality services, transportation, tours and cultural experiences, the project will rely on local talent and suppliers wherever possible. Vie L’Ven intends to deepen cooperation with local contractors, farmers, fishers, artists and entrepreneurs so that the economic benefits linked to the resort are broadly shared within the community.
Vie L’Ven Resort & Residences is working closely with the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), local partners, and the community to ensure the successful implementation of the EIA’s recommendations and long-term protection of Indigo Bay’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
PHILIPSBURG:--- ACU Credit Union will host the final workshop in its well-received 2025 AI education series this Tuesday, offering members and non-members a hands-on look at how artificial intelligence can transform personal and business finance in the Caribbean.
POINTE BLANCHE:--- The upcoming inaugural calls of MSC Grandiosa, Celebrity Xcel, and Marella Discovery 2 in the first week of December mark another significant moment for Port St. Maarten, emphatically confirming the island’s position as one of the most popular and strategically essential destinations in the Caribbean. 
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, November 29th, 160 guests boarded the navy ship HNLMS Groningen for the annual Naval Relations Day of the Navy Ship in Curaçao. The Ministry of Defence in the Caribbean and the Caribbean Coast Guard offered a glimpse into the operational world of the station ship at sea. It provided an opportunity for dialogue among the government, businesses, the Ministry of Defence, and the Coast Guard.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament and Vice Chair of the Justice Committee, Lyndon C. J. Lewis, expresses deep concern regarding the recent series of robberies and violent incidents that have occurred across St. Maarten in recent weeks. MP Lewis urges the Minister of Justice, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Police Force of St. Maarten to take all necessary measures to combat these crimes and safeguard the community effectively.
