
Guavaberry Emporium
Savor the iconic Guavaberry rum and local flavors at this vibrant St. Maarten emporium on the Philipsburg boardwalk.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Guavaberry Emporium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Savor the iconic Guavaberry rum and local flavors at this vibrant St. Maarten emporium on the Philipsburg boardwalk.
"Taste the famous Guavaberry Rhum at the historic Guavaberry Emporium."

🎯 Taste Before You Buy
Sample the Guavaberry rum and other offerings before committing to a purchase.
💰 Price Check Nearby
Compare prices for hot sauces and rum with local grocery stores off the main strip.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Guavaberry Rum Tasting
Guavaberry Emporium
Sample the iconic island spirit and discover unique flavors. A true taste of St. Maarten!

Philipsburg Boardwalk
Front Street, Philipsburg
Stroll along the vibrant boardwalk, enjoy beach views, and browse local shops.

Island Hot Sauces
Guavaberry Emporium
Explore a variety of local hot sauces, perfect for bringing a taste of the Caribbean home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Rum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Taste Before You Buy
Sample the Guavaberry rum and other offerings before committing to a purchase.
💰 Price Check Nearby
Compare prices for hot sauces and rum with local grocery stores off the main strip.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and ocean views along Front Street.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Look for the barrels and pirate outside for fun photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Taste Before You Buy
Sample the Guavaberry rum and other offerings before committing to a purchase.
💰 Price Check Nearby
Compare prices for hot sauces and rum with local grocery stores off the main strip.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and ocean views along Front Street.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Look for the barrels and pirate outside for fun photo opportunities.
🍹 Try a Colada
Don't miss the delicious Guavaberry coladas offered for sale.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the unique experience of tasting the famous Guavaberry rum and the friendly staff who share insights into its production. The colorful storefront and boardwalk location are also highlights. However, some reviewers caution that prices can be higher than at local grocery stores, suggesting it might be a 'tourist trap' for some items.
"I would not recommend going to this store for any purchases as I found that there were other area stores with substantially cheaper prices.
We stopped by here to get some of the island hot sauces. I thought the store was a bit overpriced and would later find that it was very much a tourist trap type store for the boats that dock in the area. I found the same boxes in the local grocery store just off this block for over $10 cheaper that featured in this store. Everything in the store looks good for visual purposes, but otherwise this was my first and last time here."
A.A. McDaniel Hamilton
"Tasted a sample and wasn’t sold. But after trying the rum punch offered for sale I was hooked! It’s in the cruise ship area of downtown, so it wasn’t open unless ships are in. Well worth the trip and brought home several bottles! The coladas are great as well!"
B Crabtree
"Looking for a new drink experience? Visit the Guavaberry emporium.There are lots of different drink options to choose from and you can even try a guavaberry cocktail in the store. You can buy plain bottles, decorative ones or bottles in a different shape. You can even buy a matching t-shirt. The store is nicely decorated and quite colorful, which is rather attractive. It is located on a main road and you can't miss it. Just look for the barrels and pirate. The staff was very helpful and taught us all about the Guavaberry. We bought a bottle of mango BBQ sauce and a bottle of guavaberry rum which we will share with the family back home on July 4th. All guavaberries are collected on the island."
Irida Sangemino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Guavaberry Emporium is located on Front Street in Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten. It's easily accessible if you're arriving by cruise ship, as it's in the main shopping and port area. Taxis are readily available from the cruise port or other parts of the island. If you're staying on the island, it's a popular spot to visit while exploring Philipsburg's boardwalk and shops.
Yes, the Guavaberry Emporium is conveniently located in the cruise ship area of downtown Philipsburg, making it a popular stop for cruise passengers.
Many visitors enjoy walking along the Philipsburg boardwalk, which runs parallel to Front Street. This allows you to easily access the Guavaberry Emporium, other shops, and Great Bay Beach.
Parking can be challenging in downtown Philipsburg, especially on cruise ship days. If you're not arriving by cruise ship, consider using a taxi or public transport. Some paid parking lots are available, but they can fill up quickly.
Absolutely! The Guavaberry Emporium is situated right on Front Street, which runs alongside Great Bay Beach. It's a very short and easy walk from the beach to the store.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter the Guavaberry Emporium. You can browse and sample their products freely.
The Emporium's hours can vary, especially depending on cruise ship schedules. It's generally open during business hours, but it's best to check locally or if ships are in port.
There is no entry fee to visit the Guavaberry Emporium. It's a retail establishment where you can sample and purchase goods.
The store tends to be open when cruise ships are in port, as it caters to tourists. It's advisable to confirm hours if you're visiting on a day without scheduled arrivals.
While not a formal tour, the staff at the Guavaberry Emporium are known for being helpful and will teach you about the Guavaberry and its uses.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
The main draw is the famous Guavaberry rum, available in various sizes and decorative bottles. You can also find island hot sauces, BBQ sauces, and related merchandise like t-shirts.
While the Guavaberry Emporium offers a unique experience and decorative bottles, some travelers note that the Guavaberry rum can be purchased at local grocery stores for a lower price.
Yes, the Emporium also sells a variety of island hot sauces and BBQ sauces, which make great edible souvenirs.
Absolutely! Sampling the Guavaberry rum and other offerings is encouraged, allowing you to find your favorite flavor before purchasing.
The decorative bottles are certainly eye-catching and make for a unique souvenir. Whether they are 'worth it' depends on your preference for aesthetics versus cost.
🍽️ 🍹 Food & Drink
Guavaberry rum is a traditional St. Maarten liqueur made from the island's native guavaberry fruit. It has a unique sweet and slightly tart flavor profile.
Yes, you can often try a Guavaberry cocktail, such as a Guavaberry colada, at the Emporium. It's a great way to experience the rum in a mixed drink.
Besides the straight Guavaberry rum, many visitors rave about the Guavaberry rum punch and the Guavaberry coladas.
While the focus is on alcoholic beverages, you might find some non-alcoholic local juices or sodas available, though this is less common. The main attraction is the rum.
The Guavaberry Emporium is primarily a shop and tasting room for Guavaberry products, not a full-service restaurant. However, some nearby establishments on the boardwalk offer food.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the Guavaberry Emporium, with its distinctive barrels and pirate decorations, makes for a fun photo opportunity. The colorful boardwalk and Great Bay Beach also offer great backdrops.
Generally, yes, you can take photos inside the Guavaberry Emporium, especially of the products and the colorful displays. Be mindful of other shoppers and staff.
There are usually no strict restrictions on photography for personal use, but it's always polite to ask if you plan to take extensive photos or film.
Late afternoon light can be beautiful along the boardwalk, offering a warm glow. However, the vibrant colors of the Emporium are great at any time.
Yes, the entire Philipsburg boardwalk and Great Bay Beach offer numerous photo opportunities, from beach scenes to street performers. There's also a beautiful garden across from the Emporium.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a non-cruise ship day for a more relaxed atmosphere. Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water. While the rum tasting is for adults, the general vibe of the boardwalk and the nearby beach make it a pleasant outing for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
While sampling the rum is a must-do experience, consider purchasing your main stock of souvenirs from these local markets to save money. Enjoy the atmosphere and the tasting at the Emporium, but do your bulk buying elsewhere if budget is a primary concern.
🍹 Cocktail Enthusiasts
Don't hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations or to learn more about the different flavor profiles. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover a distinctive Caribbean liqueur and find new inspiration for your home bar.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Guavaberry
Visitors can sample various flavors and strengths of the Guavaberry rum, often served neat or in cocktails like the popular Guavaberry colada. The staff are usually happy to share insights into the history and production of this distinctive liqueur, making the tasting experience both enjoyable and educational. It’s a chance to taste a true piece of St. Maarten's heritage.
Beyond the rum, the Emporium also offers a selection of island hot sauces and BBQ sauces, providing another way to bring the flavors of St. Maarten home. While the rum is the main attraction, these other local products are also worth exploring for those looking to diversify their culinary souvenirs.
Navigating Philipsburg's Charm
When visiting the Guavaberry Emporium, it's wise to be aware of cruise ship schedules. On days when large ships are docked, Philipsburg can become quite crowded with shoppers and tourists. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a day when there are fewer or no cruise ships in port. This allows for easier navigation of the shops and a more personal interaction with vendors.
While the Emporium is a popular stop, savvy shoppers might find similar products, like Guavaberry rum and local hot sauces, at slightly lower prices in local grocery stores located just a block or two away from the main tourist thoroughfare. This is a common tip from travelers looking to maximize their budget while still experiencing local flavors.
Beyond the Emporium: Local Gardens and Beaches
Of course, no visit to Philipsburg is complete without enjoying Great Bay Beach, which is directly accessible from the boardwalk. The beach offers soft sand, clear waters, and opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Many beach clubs along the boardwalk offer chair and umbrella rentals, often including Wi-Fi and drink packages, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the Caribbean sun.
For those interested in exploring further, the surrounding streets of Philipsburg offer a variety of duty-free shopping opportunities, from jewelry and electronics to local crafts and souvenirs. The blend of shopping, beach access, and unique local flavors makes the area around the Guavaberry Emporium a dynamic and engaging destination.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit