Luxury Hotels & Resorts in St Martin St Maarten 2023

Photo courtesy Belmond  La Samanna 

Looking for somewhere luxurious to stay in the Caribbean? Contributor Sue Kelly shares this list of the top luxury hotels and resorts in St Martin St Maarten

Updated Dec 17, 2022 / Commissions may be earned from our affiliate partner links

After your unforgettable arrival at the Princess Juliana International Airport in St Maarten, you’ll be eager to get to your vacation destination.

The small landmass of St Martin / St Maarten permits a quick commute to your place of choice, so you’ll be relaxing and sipping beverages on the beach, in no time. Whether you choose to stay on the French side of St Martin or the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, your options are endless.

How do you define luxury? The best hotels and resorts in St Martin / St Maarten invite you to select your preferred ‘lap of luxury’ – from lavish opulence to comfortable amenities, you’ll find your unique sweet spot here. 

The following list of luxury hotels and resorts in St Martin / St Maarten are among the very best SXM has to offer.

Top Luxury Hotels & Resorts in St Martin St Maarten

Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa

Escape the everyday by staying at this lavish resort complex in Dutch St Maarten. Located along the southeast windward side of the island, you’ll be cooled by the prevailing Caribbean breezes and awe-struck by the cerulean blue skies and aquamarine waters. 

The resort boasts a massive infinity pool centrally set amidst 310 hotel rooms and 15 suites. Expect signature Westin touches as heavenly bed mattresses and pillows, luxurious décor, full-service Hibiscus Spa, plus a fitness centre, four restaurants and two lounges. It is just a short walk to the popular Mr Busby’s Beach Bar. The wood-and-brick lobby has a Vegas-meets-ski-lodge feel which is attached to a small casino.

Plan your stay so you can enjoy the Sunday champagne brunch complete with a bounteous spread of fresh fruits, seafood, salads, made-to-order omelettes, dessert and free-flowing champagne.

And if you’re hoping to create the perfect family vacation, you’ll be greeted with a welcome bag for kids filled with a water bottle, colouring book and other goodies and information about the Kids’ Club. You won’t want to miss Wednesday’s Pirate Night, the premier family friendly event of the week. Kids will love the pirate-themed dancers, a beach bonfire and a dive-in movie – cool!

The entire family will find excitement, relaxation and fun at the Westin Dawn Beach resort and Spa.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Check out Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa for the latest reviews and rates.

Belmond La Samanna

The wonderful world of Belmond La Samanna is a one-of-a-kind resort from the same people who brought you the exquisite Belmond Hotel in Venice, Italy. Just 12 minutes from the airport and cushioned along the white sandy Bai Longue Beach on the west side of the island, it is one of the top resorts in the French West Indies.

Splurging at the romantic Belmond La Samanna is the quintessential way to celebrate a special  occasion. This is true whether it’s in an opulent three- or four-bedroom villa with over 4,600 sq ft of living space, wraparound terrace and infinity pool overlooking the expansive Caribbean Sea, or even a plush ocean view hotel room measuring a more modest (but still spacious!) 400-420 sq ft). Here, you define what luxury means to you. You’ll be inspired by the cherished art adorning the walls, including works by Roland Richardson who poetically transformed the glorious light and vibrant colours of SXM into extraordinary masterpieces.

Belmond provides the perfect antidote to everyday life, inviting your senses and sensibilities to come alive: sparkling chandeliers, crisp white cabanas, silky sand, floral oils of a couples’ massage, exhilarating water sports, and restaurants for every mood and appetite, along with exotic cocktails and wines. To celebrate an important event be sure to indulge in a bottle of Grand Cru from the Belmond’s acclaimed cellar.

It’s no wonder that this luxury St Martin hotel is rated number one. It has it all, including French and English nannies who creatively care for children from four to 12 years of age. The Belmond La Samanna Resort is generational – mark your important times by selecting this unforgettable island experience.

For further details of what is undoubtedly one of the best resorts in St Martin, visit the Belmond La Samanna’s website.

Grand Case Beach Club

At the north end of the beautiful crescent bay of Grand Case is nestled one of the first resorts in St Martin, the Grand Case Beach Club. This serene oasis has evolved over the decades and now offers 75 luxurious units: one-room suites, one and two-bedroom apartments and multi-level units, all with self-catering kitchens. With oceanfront or garden views, there is a price-range for everyone.

A distinctive feature of Grand Case Beach Club is the little peninsula that separates Grand Case Beach from Petite Beach. Also known as The Rock, this promontory is home to an expansive swimming pool, fitness centre, open pavilion and an intriguing boardwalk that skirts along the perimeter, joining the two ocean fronts. 

The stunning Sunset Café and Bar is also located on The Rock, offering one of the most picturesque views along the coast. Enjoy elegant open air dining or the cozy ambience of indoor eating; the updated menu will satisfy the most fastidious guest. In the evening the restaurant is transformed into an elegant candle-lit French bistro where you can relish succulent steak and seafood while enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the island of Anguilla.

The close proximity to the village of Grand Case invites you to take the short one km walk to a plethora of restaurants and attractions or simply relax along the idyllic silky beaches, where the murmurs of ocean breezes seductively beckons you to return again, to this luxury SXM hotel.

To learn more, visit the resort’s website at Grand Case Beach Club.

Secrets St Martin Resort and Spa  

You’ll be whispering when sharing your love story at the only St Martin all-inclusive resort – because this hidden gem is SXM confidential. Located 35 minutes from the airport, you’ll be in awe of the panoramic views as you descend the rolling mountains to the tranquil cove of Anse Marcel along the top northeast shores of SXM.

The adult-only Secrets Resort offers 258 elegantly appointed suites, most accessible at ground level, and with décor that exudes European culture fused with a Caribbean flair. The luxurious amenities include 24-hour room service, daily refreshed mini-bar, twice daily maid service, and gorgeous white crisp linens. Many suites provide a large private furnished terrace with direct access to a swim-out pool – how indulgent is that!

But wait … there’s more: three other pools, three restaurants, a lounge, five beach and swim-up bars, a fitness centre, spa, plus a ballroom and theatre. Enjoy a salsa class, pool-volleyball, a paddleboat ride or book a catamaran for an enjoyable cruise. And be sure to toast the converging beautiful clear waters of Anse Marcel, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Discover the language of love as romance radiates at  what is one of the top luxury all-inclusive resorts in St Martin.

For more information, visit the Secrets of St Martin Resort and Spa website.

Sonesta Ocean Point Resort

Location. Location. Location. In less than five minutes from the Princess Juliana Airport you’ll be  indulging in your heart’s desire at this adult-only limitless all-inclusive resort in the centre of Maho. The shopping district, casinos, restaurants and nightlife are just footsteps away from this desirable SXM resort – including the famous Sunset Bar and Grill.

The Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is a 5-star, 130 all-suite resort set in a secluded locale, atop a cliff with breathtaking views of Maho Bay. The expansive promontory deck extends over the Caribbean Sea offering warm sunrises and romantic sunsets to bookend your days. 

Apart from the lavish amenities at Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, guests have full access to all services and facilities at its sister resort Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa. This includes five additional restaurants and bars, Serenity Spa with sauna and steam room, tour desk, sports courts, Casino Royale, live entertainment with three weekly Vegas-style production shows in the theater venue, and more than 24,000 sq ft of meeting and conference facilities.

A unique feature of Sonesta Ocean Point is the crescent-shaped swimming pool that imitates a little lake; the long inner side is like a shoreline, allowing bathers to walk gently into the water. There are two additional pools, five bars, and two restaurants including the signature Azul Restaurant.

Services include: 24-hour room service, state-of-the-art fitness center, open-air wellbeing area and private cabanas. And if you wish to splurge on a higher level of luxury opt for a personalized concierge and butler service for an extra measure of comfort and convenience, which all culminates in one of the most uniquely designed resorts in Sint Maarten and the entire Caribbean.

The Sonesta is like a resort within a resort. You’ll be impressed with the tight security at both resorts – privacy and peace of mind are pillars of Sonesta’s customer service.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: To learn more, visit Sonesta Ocean Point Resort.

Oyster Bay Beach Resort

Unlock the mysteries of this island paradise by exploring the inimitable eastern coast of SXM at the ‘pearl of the Caribbean’: the Oyster Bay Beach Resort. Located in St Maarten just south of the friendly French / Dutch divide, you’ll find adventure, serenity, and pure luxury. The resort is magnificently perched on a breathtaking coral reef, which forms a peninsula separating Dawn Beach and the Atlantic Ocean from Oyster Bay.

The newly renovated resort features 181 rooms, 24 condos, and 38 marina slips. Create your unique stay by choosing one of four options:

• Mainsail Penthouse – one- and two-bedroom apartments that sleep up to eight people, – lavishly decorated in a wash of pastel turquoise and aqua, including marble floors, heated jacuzzi, rooftop terrace with a pool, BBQ, and a second kitchen
• One- and two-bedroom suites complete with living room and kitchen
• Studios with kitchenettes
• Courtyard accommodation overlooking the lush gardens or water view, with sitting area, kitchenette and a loft

The completion of the Oyster Bay Marina is a great boon to the area, providing slips, piers and the harbor master house—ready to assist your sailing pleasures to the islands of Anguilla, St Barts, Saba or why not take a leisurely cruise around the entire Caribbean island.

The upscale Oyster Pond community is ideally located for day-tripping. Downtown Philipsburg, the capital of duty free shopping is just 10 minutes south and 15 minutes north, is the famous Orient Beach. Set your sails for this luxury St Maarten resort.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Visit Oyster Bay Beach Resort 

Palm Court at Orient Beach Hotel

First the tides rushes in and plants a kiss on the shore, just steps from the Palm Court at Orient Beach. This hotel is like a hidden oasis, just off the beach in a secluded central part of Orient Bay. Located at the farthest point from the airport, Orient Beach is on the windward side of the island, so the hotel is blessed with cooling Caribbean trade winds and the tropical breeze provides ideal conditions for watersports such as wind surfing and kite surfing.

You’ll know you’re in paradise with the lively colour theme of citrus orange, yellow, and lime – from the jaunty umbrellas and lounge chairs around the fresh water pool, to the cozy décor of the cottages and hotel suites. The same colours are also used throughout the rooms and suites, all complete with kitchenettes and balconies. The meticulously maintained grounds are fenced and gated delivering a secure environment for your peace of mind.

After enjoying a complimentary a la carte tropical breakfast from the Ti Palm Café (open from 7:30am to 10:30 am), venture minutes away to the world famous Orient Beach with its over two kilometers of white soft coral sand. Affectionately known as St Tropez of the Caribbean … you’ll soon learn that the beach is just the beginning.

Learn more at https://palmcourthotel.com.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino and Spa

Located adjacent to its sister resort, the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino and Spais all about fulfilling the needs of children, adults and families. The unique proximity provides flexibility when young families and grandparents wish to vacation together.

As the largest and most engaging St Maarten all-inclusive family program, this brand new resort invites you to join Iggy Iguana, Penelope Pelican, Maarten Roots and the entire Beach House team as they welcome you to discover supervised activities created for the entire family.

The Beach House also consists of a shallow 1,400 sq ft pool featuring three aquatic animal-themed slides and a spacious pool deck with loungers and umbrellas creating the perfect environment for parents to share in quality time and fun under the warm Caribbean sun. There’s even a swim-up bar adjacent to the kids’ pool area, giving parents oversight and confidence. The Beach House Kids Club features 1,000 sq ft of indoor space and 2,500 sq ft of outdoor areas with a playground connected to the Aqua Park.

But don’t worry Mom and Dad, there are plenty of amenities within the resort and within walking distance, as the Casino Royale, the largest gaming emporium on the island, three weekly Vegas shows, and lots of shopping. And don’t forget to enjoy the well-known Sunset Bar and Grill overlooking the airport runway – t will take your breath away.     

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Learn more on their website at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino and Spa

Simpson Bay Resort and Marina

The value proposition of this all-encompassing resort complex is that you never have to leave the grounds. Yet it’s ideally located within walking distance to the shops, restaurants, and nightclubs in the village of Simpson Bay. Just 14 minutes from the airport, this St Maarten resort is located at the extreme eastern end of Simpson Bay – one of the most sumptuous beaches on the island.

The upgraded suites and villas offer several levels of premium options, all with fully equipped kitchens. Whether you are facing the ocean, garden or poolside, the elegant well-appointed accommodations will give new meaning to the term rest and relaxation.

The world-class amenities are impressive: six outdoor pools, a beautiful marina, an on-site casino, sheltered beaches, an outdoor adventure play area, top dining experiences, tennis court, gym, spa, shuttle service… and the largest on-site water sports facility on the island, Aqua Mania Adventures.

Be sure to bring your binoculars as the sheltered bay is home to dozens of luxury yachts, and at night, it sparkles with light As you make your descent to the world-famous airport, look to the far right, and the pale yellow edifices with ruby red roofs will be calling you to the sensuous sand, surf and sun of this luxurious SXM resort. 

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Learn more about Simpson Bay Resort and Marina

THE BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN ST MARTIN ST MAARTEN

Looking for something a little more intimate for your romantic beach vacation in St Martin / St Maarten?

Check out our list of the top boutique hotels in St Martin / St Maarten for inspiration and ideas. 

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Contributor Sue Kelly is a frequent visitor to the island paradise of St Martin and St Maarten. She’s also a radio host, educator and author of Still Sexy After Sixty (www.stillsexyafter60.com)