If you are thinking of spending your holiday on the Caribbean island of St Maarten this year, you need to know the best area to stay.The island is divided into a French part in the north and a Dutch part in the south, which means you can enjoy two holidays in one! Dawn Beach , on the east coast, belongs to the Dutch region and has crystal clear waters, long stretches of sandy beaches and myriad restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Caribbean cuisine. Simpson Bay has the best nightlife in St Maarten , is the most lively tourist area, with a picturesque marina, palm-lined beaches and plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
The beautiful town of Philipsburg is the most important cruise port; therefore, the main streets abound with duty-free shops, restaurants and bars geared towards tourism. It is a historic town, with the ruins of an old Dutch fortress, and offers easy access to explore the eastern and northern coasts of St Maarten.If your idea of the perfect place to stay is that of a quiet location, with the best beaches on the island and still easy access to nightlife, bars and restaurants, choose Lowlands or Cupercoy .These two resorts are popular with families, couples and newlyweds who want to indulge in romantic walks on secluded beaches but also have easy access to services.
If you are interested in knowing where to stay on Sint Maarten you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Guadeloupe and where to stay in Antigua.
Best places to stay in St Maarten
Dawn Beach
Dawn Beach sits on the eastern shores of St Maarten, about 30 minutes drive from the airport.As it is a compact island, only 13 kilometres long and 16 kilometres wide, it is really easy to explore it by car.Days on Dawn Beach range from lying on the fine white sand, diving to see the tropical fish or drinking cocktails at the beach bars and restaurants. If you like to do something more energetic, you can venture inland to the farms of Loteries and zip-line, or spend an afternoon discovering wild animals at the St Maarten Zoo.
The most passionate and adventurous photographers can also climb the nearby peak of Pic Paradise, which offers incredible views of the island’s interior and coastline.
> > Hotels in Dawn Beach
Simpson Bay
Simpson Bay on the south west side of the island has plenty to do during the day and also at night.With green hills, long stretches of white sandy beach leading to crystal clear water, and a wide variety of bars, restaurants, clubs and casinos, there is no shortage of things to do. The main airport on the island is only 5 minutes away, and tourists often gather at Maho beach to watch the planes come ashore above their heads.There is a golf course nearby if you want to practice your swing during your stay, and a variety of shops and supermarkets where you can buy souvenirs.
If you want to spend a day reconnecting with nature, the Seaside Nature Park is not far away, and you can go horseback riding, hiking or diving there.As the island’s ferry port is in Simpson Bay too, you can hop on a boat and explore the neighbouring island of Anguilla during the day! If you choose Simpson Bay as your stay in St Maarten, you should know that it has most of the luxury 4 and 5 star accommodation on the island.But don’t worry, if you travel on a budget you will also find comfortable inns, apartments and suites that can fit your needs.
> > Hotels in Simpson Bay
Philipsburg
About 25 minutes from the airport, located on the Great Salt Pond, is the city of Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch part of St Maarten.The city’s main streets – Front Street and Back Street – are lined with duty-free shops, elegant boutiques, casinos and restaurants, and, because cruise ships stop here, it’s a lively place all year round. It has a fascinating history to explore, colorful Antillean architecture and the ruins of the old Dutch fort within walking distance, and there’s a lively boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants along the Great Bay beach.
Philipsburg is ideal for families, groups of friends and couples who love history, sun and shopping.
> > Hotels in Philipsburg
Lowlands
The resort of Lowlands, in the southwest of the island, is less than 10 minutes from Princess Juliana International Airport and the vibrant Simpson Bay.If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, but want to stay close to bars, restaurants, golf courses and nightlife, Lowlands is the place to stay.
You can choose from budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation and have easy access to some of St Maarten’s best beaches. With Cupecoy Beach, Mullet Bay and Maho Beach just minutes away, you’ll have plenty to choose from!There are great surfing, diving and snorkelling spots, and no shortage of beach bars where you can forget about it all and relax with a cocktail while the sun goes down.
> > Hotels in Lowlands
Cupecoy
Cupecoy is nestled along the southwestern coast of St Maarten, and offers visitors a quiet area to stay.The site is less than 10 minutes from the airport and ferry port, which means that no long transfers are required after your flight or boat trip.Cupecoy is home to Long Bay Beach, one of the quietest beaches on the island, if you want to relax and unwind from the crowds of tourists.
With a handful of bars and restaurants, turquoise waters and fine white sand coastline bordered by tree lines, it’s an ideal paradise for couples and newlyweds.Accommodation in Cupecoy ranges from low profile 3 star hotels, to luxury hotels and spa resorts near the beach.
