Indigo Bay, St Maarten
Indigo Bay is the newest master-planned community on the Dutch side of St Maarten — a gated hillside development of roughly 140 to 150 acres, wrapped around its own sheltered bay a short drive west of Philipsburg. Before the master plan, this stretch of coast was known as Cay Bay; today it is the island's most ambitious residential project: contemporary villas, custom home sites and, arriving next, resort-branded residences.
If you have seen a photo of red-roofed villas above a horseshoe of turquoise water on Sint Maarten, it was probably taken here.
A master plan, not a subdivision
Most Dutch-side neighbourhoods grew street by street. Indigo Bay was designed as one piece by its master developer, Cay Bay Development NV: gated entry and a single plan that keeps the hillside low-density and green — gardens, ponds and open recreation space are part of the layout rather than leftovers. The result feels closer to a resort community than to a typical neighbourhood.
The beach
The beach is the argument. A sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay with about 600 feet of soft sand, calm water on most days, and swimming and snorkeling right off the beach — without the cruise-day crowds of the famous west-side beaches. A beachfront restaurant and bar sits on the sand, and residents walk down in a few minutes. The bay itself stays quiet.
What's being built at Indigo Bay
The headline project is The Setai St. Maarten — the five-star resort-and-residences development formerly marketed as Vie L'Ven, now a partnership of The Setai Hotels and Altree Developments. Construction is underway, with completion expected in 2028: a 205-key hotel, private residences, a destination spa and a beach club, in what the brand announces as its first Caribbean property. Pre-construction residences are already being marketed. Further branded-residence plans for the bay have been announced as well.
For buyers, the read is simple: the community's amenity level and profile are rising, and early owners are positioned ahead of that curve.
Villas, home sites and prices
Indigo Bay currently offers two ways in: completed contemporary villas — typically hillside, with pool and sea view — and custom home sites where you build within the community's plan. Resort-branded residences add a third, lock-and-leave option, with pre-construction sales already running.
As a rough orientation from what local brokers currently list: buildable lots from around $500,000, villas from under $800,000 for a two-bedroom up to several million for large new builds. Pricing moves with the project pipeline — ask us for the current picture before you anchor on a number you found on a portal.
Who Indigo Bay suits
Buyers who want new construction and beach access inside a managed community; families who want gated calm near Philipsburg; and buyers who want exposure to the Dutch side's master-planned pipeline. It is not the choice for walk-to-restaurants living — Simpson Bay and Cupecoy do that better.
Frequently asked
Where is Indigo Bay in St Maarten?
On the south coast of the Dutch side, between Cole Bay and Philipsburg — a short drive from both Philipsburg and Princess Juliana Airport.
Is Indigo Bay gated?
Yes. Indigo Bay is a gated community developed under a single master plan.
Can foreigners buy in Indigo Bay?
Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers on the Dutch side of St Maarten; transfers run through a notary. Our buying guide walks the process end to end.
What is being built at Indigo Bay?
The Setai St. Maarten resort-and-residences project (formerly Vie L'Ven), under construction with completion expected in 2028 — see "What's being built" above.