Eat, stay, and play in one place at these three prime properties on the island’s Dutch side
Planning a vacation can seem like work, from budgeting for meals to planning activities and finding the right accommodations. All- inclusives take a lot of the legwork out of travel preparations, and bring everything you need under one roof. On the Dutch half of the island known as St. Martin/Sint Maarten, Sonesta dominates the all-inclusive game, with two of its properties located in the busy Maho area, and one just outside the lively capital of Philipsburg.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino
Watching a giant passenger jet drop in and pass just over beach- goers’ heads at Maho Beach is a can’t-miss experience, and at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, you can watch the planes come and go at Princess Juliana International Airport day in and day out. The hotel overlooks Maho Beach, and offers fantastic sunset views over the ocean. Rooms on the eighth floor and above also have the perfect vantage point of the busy runway. Families and budget-conscious travelers will find everything they’re looking for at this 3.5 star all-inclusive in Dutch St. Maarten, from five onsite restaurants and bars to tennis courts, a pool with cascading waterfalls and swim-up bar, kids club, casino, nightclub, and more.
Sonesta Maho Beach is a family-friendly property with something for everyone, from a kid’s club to an on-site casino. West-facing rooms enjoy spectacular sunsets and up-close views of landing airplanes. Photo: Yotam Sandak/Sonesta Maho Beach
Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort
If you like to keep busy on vacation, the adults-only Sonesta Great Bay is a good choice. Explore and play in surrounding waters with PWC tours, scuba diving, boat charters, snorkel trips, kayaks, boogie boards, and more. Guests can watch cruise ships come and go in the nearby bustling Dutch capital of Philipsburg while relaxing at the resort’s two pools. A short walk finds you in the port city, where duty free shopping reigns. Escape the heat with some down time at the onsite spa, or browse Great Bay’s mini shops. Il Pescatore, the resort’s seafood restaurant, earns high marks from guests.
On the western end of the beach, within walking distance of Philipsburg, the adult-oriented Sonesta Great Bay overlooks its namesake bay, which is ideal for a wide range of water sports. Photo: Sonesta Great Bay
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort
Every last detail at this brand new, five-star property exudes luxury. All rooms face popular Maho Beach; rooms on the lowest level are swim-out, offering direct access to a pool, while rooftop suites offer the kind of sweeping ocean views that extra altitude affords. Service is top-notch, from welcoming eucalyptus-scented cool towels on arrival to a poolside sunscreen butler to mitigate the hot Caribbean sun’s effects on your skin. If you can tear yourself away from the comforts of this resort, check out Sonesta’s Great Bay and Maho properties, where Ocean Point guests are afforded full access. Ocean Point is an adults-only resort, so leave the little ones behind and enjoy true peace and solitude.
The latest addition to St. Maarten’s all-inclusive scene is the upscale Sonesta Ocean Point. This five star property offers exclusives such as private butlers and VIP concierge services. Photo: Yotam Sandak/Sonesta Ocean Point
