Sonesta Maho Beach Resort: The Ultimate St. Maarten Destination for Beach Lovers and Adventure Seekers
What factors influence your choice of tropical island getaway? Value for money? Warm local hospitality? Easy access to nearby islands for day trips?
As a seasoned traveler, I have specific criteria for selecting destinations. Checking off countries for bragging rights doesn't interest me—I prioritize quality time away from home. So, when invited to spend a week at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in St. Maarten, I researched the island and resort thoroughly before committing.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort: Premier St. Maarten Stay
Why Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and St. Maarten Captivated Me
1. Prime location on Maho Beach—one of the world's most unique beaches on St. Maarten's Dutch Caribbean side. Famous for its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport, it's where massive jets land dramatically close to sunbathers.
2. Short boat rides to St. Barts, Anguilla, and Saba—perfect for day excursions.
3. The world's smallest island shared by two nations (Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin), with seamless border crossing—no passport required.
4. Stunning beaches throughout.
Sonesta Resorts in St. Maarten
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, part of Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten (with two properties and a third launching soon), offers all-inclusive stays (alcohol included). Family-friendly amenities include a large pool with waterfalls, swim-up bar, five restaurants and bars, and a casino.
Though all-inclusive, I explored beyond. Walkable Maho Village features top restaurants, a grocery store, tour bookings, and car rentals—all available on-site for hassle-free planning.
The sister property, adults-only Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Casino & Spa (20 minutes away), is limitless all-inclusive. The upcoming Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, also adults-only and all-inclusive, overlooks Maho Beach with three pools, gazebos, and cabanas.
Hurricane Gonzalo disrupted my plans to visit Great Bay, but I'll return for Ocean Point's debut.
Top Things to Do in St. Maarten
Between beach lounging, plane-watching, dining, and poolside relaxation at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, I ventured out to experience the island.
Post-Hurricane Gonzalo, locals showed remarkable resilience and positivity amid widespread damage.
Island Driving Adventure
Renting a car from Hertz at the lobby, I discovered gems like Grand Case, Mullet Bay, Cupecoy Beach, and Pinel Island. Snorkeling at Happy Bay was rough due to post-storm seas.
Navigation tip: Despite one main road, getting lost happens. Use a detailed map with street names—GPS can fail.
Beach BBQ at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort
Friday nights feature a beach barbecue with live fire dancers and an outdoor buffet. Stroll back to your room easily. Follow with Saturday's poolside movie night.
Boat Tour with Coconut Reef Tours
Last-minute booking via the resort led to a stellar Sunday speedboat tour stopping at Tintamarre, Pinel Island, and Happy Bay (swapped for an Atlantic reef shark dive). Highlights: Swimming with turtles at Tintamarre and feeding iguanas at Pinel.
Highlights from my St. Maarten trip at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in the video below.
Plan Your St. Maarten Trip
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