Henry Lynch opens Mona Lysa Lounge, a new multi-purpose event venue aiming to reignite nightlife and visitor energy in Philipsburg

Local businessman Henry Lynch has officially opened Mona Lysa Lounge, St. Maarten’s newest event and entertainment venue, described by its owner as a “multi-purpose hidden oasis in the heart of Philipsburg,” created to serve both locals and visitors while helping drive renewed nightlife and stay-over tourism in the town center.

Lynch said the project was not the original intent when he first pursued the property.

“Truthfully the acquisition of the property was for a completely different purpose,” Lynch explained. He said the closing process took more than two years, and during that period “several things changed.” As those changes unfolded, Lynch decided to renovate the existing building and pivot toward a concept that could be brought to market quickly.

“During one of the many changes I decided to renovate the existing building and rent or operate a restaurant since it was the lowest capital investment and fastest to bring to market,” he said. “The timing definitely might be God as he redirected me several times to what stands there today.”

A name rooted in community history

The Mona Lysa name is also tied to Philipsburg’s past. Lynch said he chose to preserve the identity of the original establishment that once occupied the space, based on the history and memories connected to it.

“Based on solicited information Mona Lisa was a bar, pool hall, game area many many moons ago operated by a lady who’s real name is Louisa Jeffery but every referred to her as Mona Lisa,” Lynch said. “I do not know why she chose the name for her bar & restaurant, but based on the historic impact on the community I figured it would be a disjustice to rename the place as countless memories were already made there.”

To signal a new era while maintaining continuity, Lynch modernized the name and concept.

“In order to modernize it a bit to signify a new era of memories I added the ‘y’ and changed bar & Restaurant to lounge and it went from Mona Lisa bar & restaurant. to Mona-Lysa Lounge,” he said.

Built for locals and visitors, old memories and new ones

Lynch said Mona Lysa Lounge is designed to welcome a broad audience, not just one crowd segment.

“The lounge is built for everyone that wants to relive old memories and those that want to make new ones both locals and visitors,” he said.

While the lounge aims to offer a fresh venue experience, Lynch also framed it as part of a larger goal tied to the town’s revival.

“Without any intent I wanted to do something nice that would spark the rebirth of stay over tourism and nightlife in Philipsburg since it is centrally located,” he said.

Amenities designed for events, comfort, and atmosphere

Mona Lysa Lounge positions itself as a versatile venue with both indoor and outdoor options, designed for private functions, entertainment nights, and social gatherings.

Indoors, the venue features a 1,600 square foot event space with a built-in stage, bar, full kitchen, and restrooms. Outdoors, guests can access a 320 square foot back patio overlooking an 800 square foot lawn area outfitted with umbrellas and lounge chairs. A separate 400 square foot brick patio located directly off the kitchen is intended to support food service and distribution to outdoor guests.

Lynch said one of the venue’s standout elements is its poolside setup.

“The highlight of the venue is the dip pool corner off by 6 expandable cabanas, a shower and restrooms,” he said.

He also pointed to a feature that consistently draws curiosity from guests.

“The most asked question is ‘what’s in that little house?’ That’s a replica of a traditional SXM house that is now used for storage but will soon be home to Philipsburg most interactire tour for cruise and stay over passengers,” Lynch said.

Service standards and the first-year goal

Lynch said the lounge is aiming for a service culture that is consistent and welcoming.

“We want to become and remain professional yet friendly in serving our guests both local and visitors,” he said.

As for what success looks like in the first year, Lynch said the goal is straightforward: brand recognition, repeat visits, and meaningful events.

“Success in 12 months is Mona Lysa becoming a household name and the place of choice for events and just creating memories,” he said.

Setbacks shaped the final concept

Lynch acknowledged that bringing Mona Lysa Lounge to life involved challenges, but he said those setbacks contributed to the final result.

“The challenges are too numerous to mention but I will admit the setbacks are what lead to the dynamic venue you see today,” he said. “I am determined to reignite life and tourism into philipsburg so challenges wont stop that.”

The reaction he wants from first-time guests

For Lynch, the target reaction after a first visit is a mix of surprise and enthusiasm, followed by a return.

“‘Damn I didn't expect that, we have to be back’” he said. “Our service should keep them coming back. Mona Lysa is built by us for us.”

The venue has two entrances, one on Backstreet the other on Cannegieter Street just perpeindicular to GEBE.