Why St. Maarten Will Steal Your Heart
Photography: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
St. Maarten has always been one of my favorite places. Powdery sand beaches, warm turquoise water, superb gastronomy and both a “Dutch” side and “French” side create quite the tropical cocktail. Just 37 square miles with an inviting European ambiance along with a laid back Caribbean vibe, the idyllic isle offers a fantastic beachy escape. Many prefer to stay on the Dutch side, which has more amenities, activities and lively nightlife - to the more relaxed French side, which has its own charms. Adding to the island’s allure - English is spoken everywhere, the dollar is accepted currency and direct flights touch down in paradise.
JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa Opens
Photography: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
The luxurious JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa that opened in Spring 2024, features an array of top amenities and is set right on Dawn beach. Located on the Dutch side and just a short 30-minute drive from Princess Juliana Airport, it’s tucked away from the crowds and easily accessible by taxi to off site activities and the buzzy nightlife. The resort is serene and peaceful; it’s ideal for a romantic, friends, or single getaway, a celebration, or for anyone who wants to kick back in style in a Caribbean oasis.
The Lobby
The Grand lobby has a handsome lounge area and trendy JW Bar. The retreat also features indoor and outdoor event spaces, JW Market, a culinary school where guests can learn how to bring the island cooking home and a lush courtyard garden.
Rooms and Suites
Photography: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
Stylish rooms and suites are comfortable and spacious. Many have oceanfront terraces with chaises that are perfect for morning coffee and evening cocktails along with glorious sea views.
Photography: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
Some come with private plunge pools and bathrooms with free- standing tubs that call out for soaks. Interior décor is contemporary chic using soothing neutral tones, natural wood finishes, handcrafted local accents, soft cove lighting and large floor to ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in.
Photography: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
Aqua Aficionados
Photography: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
I loved lolling on an oceanfront lounger, inhaling the fresh sea air, feeling the cool breeze upon my face and listening to birdsong. The resort provides a great immersion in nature and its healing power. Cozy cabanas either waterfront or by the sizeable infinity pool offer comfort and privacy with tasty bites like lobster rolls and fish tacos plus beverage service, including hand crafted cocktails from beachfront Breeze café.
Photography: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
Dining
Photography: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
Liguria Restaurant, which features coastal Mediterranean cuisine, was closed when I visited, but received high praise for their fine dining offerings from guests, especially braised short ribs over wild mushroom risotto.
Photography: Maxine Albert
All day dining at Carambola is a happy event whatever time you go. The inviting eatery with outside veranda, features a breakfast buffet with everything you could want or an a la carte option including a selection of freshly squeezed health juice combos paired with ocean views. I relished creamy avocado accompanying my made to order omelette and a revitalizing green juice with ginger to start my day.
Photography: Maxine Albert
For dinner, chef uses local, seasonal ingredients and the freshest seafood to create impressive cuisine. Some of the delectable dishes, perfectly spiced, include; miso glazed sea bass, lobster pasta, shrimp scampi, streak au poivre, seared tuna and the freshest tastiest salads accompanied by excellent wine and tropical libations.
Photography: Maxine Albert
And watching the sun’s rays cast a golden glow on the water during the magic hour was breathtaking. The staff, here, and throughout the hotel are so warm and friendly as well as totally professional. They make you feel like you’re part of the resort family. I miss those big, happy smiles and sweet greetings. A convivial spirit is part of the culture here – no surprise St Maaten is called “ the Friendly Island.”
Hibiscus Spa
Hibiscus Spa, the largest on the island, spanning over 10,000 square feet with 14 treatment rooms, features a full menu of therapies, using premium Valmont and Redflower products. These include: massages, facials, body treatments, scrubs, Ayurvedic offerings, beauty services, fitness counseling, men’s services and a romance journey. After choosing a card that represented my intention, an excellent massage using Himalayan salt stones, reflexology, and aromatic rose flower oil transported me to a very relaxed state. I actually felt something in my heart that was consistent with my intention.
Photography: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
Activities
In addition to daily complimentary sunrise yoga, water aerobics and use of pickleball courts, Caribbean Concierge Services at the hotel, can arrange a host of off site activities.
These include: island tours, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, boating, fishing, horse back riding, hiking, duty free shopping in Philipsburg, the capital - and the adventure packed guided Rhino Tour where I drove my own small boat through the lagoon and snorkeled.
Island Hopping Hub
St. Maarten’s unique proximity to so many other island destinations make it a perfect base for island hopping by ferry or with inter-island airline Winair. Many visitors take advantage of this great perk where you can literally be in Saba, Anguilla, St. Barths, St. Kitts, even St. Eustatius in minutes.
Sunset Cruise
Photography: Maxine Albert
A sunset cruise leaving from the marina in Simpson Bay arranged by Aqua Mania Adventures is a great way to see the beautiful island. The “Bubbly Sunset Sail” aboard a luxe 65-foot catamaran cruises the picturesque coast during St. Maarten’s stunning sunset as guests sip Prosecco, savor snacks and have a blast.
Fun in Simpson Bay
Post sail, I headed to “ Nowhere Special ” waterfront restaurant and lounge in happening Simpson Bay, the area with a diverse array of fun night spots. With scrumptious local offerings like coconut shrimp, mahi mahi, and creole chicken paired with rum in every flavor and transforming to a dance party after dinner with band and DJS – what could be more fun?
The French Side
Grand Case
Photography: Maxine Albert
A 15-minute drive from the resort takes you to Grand Case, known as the island’s culinary mecca. This charming town on the French side with colonial architecture has one narrow mile long main street, called ‘Restaurant Row’ lined with bars and restaurants fronting the beach. Ladies, you will love the fashionable boutiques here like La Boutique d’Anaise and La Giraffe Rouge. Leave plenty of time to shop.
Orient Bay
Photography: Maxine Albert
Close by, Orient Bay draws visitors to Orient Beach, one of the largest and busiest on the island, by day. Evenings, the action is at lively Orient Village Square with numerous eateries and local crafts on display. I dined at Le Piment on tantalizing Escargot, mouth watering duck and Bordeaux wine while a talented singer/guitarist at the bandstand crooned favorites from Leonard Cohen, Neil Diamond to the Blues. The couple at the next table who live in Florida told me that, “ ever since first discovering this gem of an island, they visit regularly with friends they initially introduced to St. Maarten. Now it’s their favorite getaway.” It’s easy to see why.