Choose the right island
The Caribbean is home to over 7,000 islands, islets and cays, each revealing a different facet of the infinitely varied region. Choosing the right one can make or break your post-cruise stay.
Sint Maarten, located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, ranks highly on seasoned travellers’ wish lists for good reason. At just 34 square miles, it’s one of the smallest islands in the world to be shared by two countries, giving visitors the chance to experience two distinct cultural contexts within a 30-minute drive of one another.
The Dutch side in the south, home to the island’s main international airport, is the natural starting point for post-cruise stays. With powdery white sand beaches, sizzling nightlife and some of the best duty-free shopping in the Caribbean, it has no shortage of ways to keep you entertained.
The French side, meanwhile, has an unmistakable je ne sais quoi, from yacht-lined harbours to some of the finest food on the island. The town of Grand Case is often called the culinary capital of the Caribbean, its open-air restaurants blending Gallic gastronomy with Creole flair.
Beyond its cultural appeal, the island’s natural beauty is just as beguiling. Dozens of beaches beckon, from Maho Beach, where guests gather to watch planes fly hair-raisingly low overhead, to Cupecoy Bay, with its collection of secluded coves and dramatic limestone cliffs.
For underwater explorers, Mullet Bay reveals a glimpse of the biodiversity below. Divers and snorkellers regularly encounter spotted eagle rays, hawksbill turtles and angelfish, among the hundreds of species recorded.
Inland, you’ll discover lush interiors equally worth exploring. The Flying Dutchman, billed as the world’s steepest zipline, offers sweeping 360-degree views across the island, while hiking trails lead to natural pools perfect for a refreshing dip and historic forts dating back centuries.
Sint Maarten also has the advantage of warm weather for much of the year, with between eight and 10 hours of sunshine daily. December through April, when we experience months of gloom in the UK, is particularly attractive, thanks to events like Carnival and the Heineken Regatta.
On a practical note, Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) has direct flights from several major cruise hubs, including Bridgetown in Barbados, San Juan in Puerto Rico and both Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Choose the right hotel
Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten deserves a place on your shortlist. Its two resorts offer an elevated take on island life, and we mean that quite literally. Set above Maho Beach, they give you an enviable vantage point to take in the action.
They’re also well positioned for exploring, situated five minutes from Princess Juliana International Airport and moments from nightlife, shopping and the island’s largest casino, while still feeling like a private bolthole. Best of all, their pristine beaches are naturally sheltered from high winds and seasonal sargassum.
Which of the sister resorts you choose comes down to your specific travel style…
Best for families and groups…
The island’s largest family-friendly resort, which spans 10 oceanfront acres, is also one of its most impressive. As well as 420 modern rooms with custom-made furnishings and balconies or terraces, you’ll find diverse dining, pools with swim-up bars and plenty to keep all ages entertained, all on an all-inclusive basis.
That includes entertainment ranging from live music and dance classes to a kids’ club welcoming children aged three to 12, plus a teen zone for those aged 13 and over.
Add direct beach access and proximity to postcard-perfect spots like Mullet Bay, renowned for its white sand and excellent snorkelling, and you have a resort well-suited to multi-gen escapes.
Best for solos and couples…
This adults-only resort-within-a-resort takes Caribbean luxury up another level, with all-suite accommodation including penthouses and options with private swim-out pools. Throughout, expect sleek, airy layouts, carefully curated artwork and Greek marble bathrooms.
The very top categories even come with butler service, though all guests can enjoy 24-hour room service.
If you can drag yourself away from your seriously swish suite, you’ll find a strong lineup of dining options, including the signature Azul Restaurant, as well as the Italian venue Portofino and the health-conscious Bluefin Restaurant + Bar.
Plus, if you’re ever in the mood for something livelier, full, complimentary access to Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and all its dining venues and pools is yours.
Take to the skies
Guests in both resorts will have access to a very special new addition debuting in June 2026: Pelican’s Nest Sky Deck. Located atop Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, this 59,000-square-foot rooftop playground will combine panoramic island views with activities for all ages.
Highlights include:
- An 18-hole mini golf course
- A three-storey rock climbing wall
- Sports simulators (launching July 2026)
- A bar with 360-degree views
- A running track with integrated fitness stations
- A kids’ play area
- An open-air stage and events plaza
- Lawn games and interactive experiences
To be among the first to experience Pelican’s Nest Sky Deck, guests can book through Dial-A-Flight, Odyssey Travels, their travel agent or directly with the resort. Direct booking options include stay-and-air bundles, flexible cancellation policies and a pay-over-time programme.
Claim your spot at Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten
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