With so many islands to choose from in the Caribbean, we wondered as we were boarding the plane – what made Sint Maarten so special? All that was revealed upon arrival at the Sonesta Resorts in Sint Maarten. There are no clear physical borders, other than one sign separating the Dutch side of the island from the French side of the island. However, launching a business, purchasing property, or being employed falls under the jurisdiction of that respective country. Speaking of properties, real estate prices are skyrocketing on both sides of the island, as it has become a very large tourist destination.
The laws on both sides of Sint Maarten couldn’t be more different. The French side of the island is known for their exquisite food and more stable lifestyle, under the more strict French law. Meanwhile, the Dutch side of the island provides the same liberties you’d find in Denmark, where there’s the nightlife, casino, and more. There are three Sonesta Resorts in Sint Maarten, all located on the Dutch side of the island and are the only 5-star luxury resorts on that side.
View from the airplane as we landed in Sint Maarten
We were greeted with their famous saying, “welcome to paradise” and their ‘blue azul‘ drink upon our arrival. The concoction matched the color of the ocean.
We bypassed Marigot on the French side of the island and hiked to the top of Fort Louis.
Picture of KLM airline landing at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort and Casino
The Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is Sint Maarten’s premier, adults-only, all-inclusive resort. Delivering a new level of sophistication and style, the elegant destination resort is situated on a white-sand beach overlooking the Great Bay. Amenities include three swimming pools, four restaurants, four bars and the Golden Casino.
They untied knots from our back following our flight with their amazing massages.
We enjoyed our beach-side views from the Sonesta Great Beach Bay Resort.
The pool and beach are connected at the Sonesta Great Bay Resort.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino
Immediately next to the airport, resides the family-friendly Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, with their all-inclusive meals, drinks, Kids Club and scheduled activities. It offers exciting nightlife, a variety of accommodations and first-rate amenities. The property is located just a few minutes from the airport, in the center of Maho Village. It features a large pool area with a swim-up bar, cascading waterfalls, a kids pool, five restaurants and five bars, access to the Casino Royale, oceanfront wedding gazebo, over 24,000 square feet of meeting space and more.
Shot of the Maho Beach Resort from their top floor.
The beauty of the Sonesta Resorts in Sint Maarten is their breathtaking sights.
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and Casino
We kept our curtains open to wake up from the sunrise instead of the morning wake-up call.
Of the three Sonesta Resorts in Sint Maarten, we stayed at the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort during our Sint Maarten trip, which sits on the westernmost point of the island, adjacent to the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. The all-suite Sonesta Ocean Point features three pools including the Edge Pool with private zero entry cliff side beach, The Point Pool, and a Swim Out pool. Amenities also include the Sunset Lounge Bar, Martin’s Bar, and Azul Rooftop Bar, resort boutique, intimate gazebos, private cabanas, and a dedicated open-air wellness area. Apart from the exclusive amenities at Sonesta Ocean Point, guests gain full access to all services and facilities at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino.
A view from the Sunset Lounge
Rooms facing the beach and airport at the Sonesta resorts.
Across the Sunset Lounge stands Azul Restaurant. It’s the romantic hotspot on the property with great food.
We opened our balcony to a gorgeous set-up.
Standing in front of the airport, looking at the Sonesta Maho and Ocean Point Resorts.
Guests may dine without reservations at any of their restaurants. The Ocean Terrace is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a wide variety of buffet items. The Palms Grill offers a casual, al fresco dining with Caribbean grill specialties. Also, the Point is opened for dinner and offers an intimate atmosphere with a stunning ocean view.
Freshly caught fish at the Ocean Terrace restaurant.
The Ascot Pub & Sports Bar offers HDTV screens with international channels playing all major sporting events. Located across the Casino Royale in the Maho Village. Close by is Jing’s Kitchen offering a gourmet Chinese buffet and a la carte in a contemporary chic environment.
Tanning is not an issue at the Sonesta Resorts in Sint Maarten.
Personal favorites are their fresh vegetables with halibut.
Entertainment
Casino Royale, the largest on the island, is located across the street from Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort is walking distance to a promenade of shops, bars, restaurants and the Casino Royale. For club-goers, the Tantra Nightclub is the place to be, with theme nights during the week; featuring the latest music and guest DJs. Resort guests enjoy free admission and a complimentary drink before midnight.
For spa enthusiasts, luxuriate in the Maho Serenity Spa with an assortment of indulgent experiences. The spa features Sothys and Pevonia treatments including a variety of massages, body wraps, body scrubs, manicure, pedicure, and facials.
One of the best perks about Sonesta is the close distance to the airport. We also enjoyed watching airplanes fly overhead from the Maho and Ocean Point Resort.