The 17 Best Resorts in St. Martin and St. Maarten

About St. Martin and St. Maarten

It has a bit of a split personality – it’s the smallest island in the world to be ruled by two different countries.

The northern side is St. Martin (also spelled “Saint Martin”). It’s French – an overseas collectivity of France.

The southern part is St. Maarten (also known as “Saint Maarten” and “Sint Maarten”). It’s Dutch and one of the countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is found on the island’s Dutch side. You fly into this airport from the U.S., Canada or Europe, no matter whether you’re staying on the French side of the island or the Dutch.

There’s no physical border dividing the two sides – there’s no customs or passport check when driving from one side of the island to the other. You’re free to explore both sides and come and go as you please.

And as it’s a small island (only about 37 square miles in size), you can drive around the whole island in under two hours (traffic allowing).

Where to stay in St. Martin: French or Dutch side?

When planning your St. Martin vacation, one of the first things to consider is whether to stay on the French side or the Dutch half.

You might even want to split your stay between the two countries.

French side

French St. Martin is known for its top culinary scene and chic beach clubs. You’ll find mainly smaller boutique hotels in St. Martin.

It’s not quite St. Tropez though (or as high-end as St. Barts).

The narrow roads are often pot-holed, with cows occasionally causing traffic jams (cute!), and the twisted beams and torn roofs of many buildings (remains of the 2017 hurricane) still litter the landscape.

Dutch side

With the airport, cruise port and yacht harbors, Dutch Sint Maarten is busier and more commercially developed than the French side.

Resorts are larger, and there are more options for all-inclusive packages at Dutch-side resorts too. For the most part, they’re also a bit less expensive than St. Martin hotels on the French side.

Best area to stay in St. Martin (French side)

When you’re looking at the best part of St. Martin to stay, the decision often boils down to Grand Case or Orient Bay. These are the two main resort areas on the French side.

If you’re torn between the two, remember they’re only a 10- to 15-minute drive apart. Plus, taxis are readily available if you don’t have a rental car.

Grand Case

Grand Case is located on the Caribbean side of the island.

It offers a more sheltered experience from the wind and has calmer sea waters for swimming. Also, the sun lingers longer here, as Grand Case faces west, giving you that extra golden hour as the day winds down.

Orient Bay

On the flip side, Orient Bay on the Atlantic coast wakes up to a lively beach scene.

It’s the top choice for windsurfers and kitesurfers, with its breezy wave action and beach clubs galore.

The boutique hotels in Orient Bay are mostly lined up behind the long stretch of Orient Beach. They’re walking distance from a variety of dining options at La Place du Village.

Best area to stay in St. Maarten (Dutch side)

On the Dutch side of the island, many of the St. Maarten hotels and resorts are clustered around beaches and bays in the southwest (Simpson Bay and Cupecoy), close to the pretty Dutch capital of Philipsburg.

There are also a few resorts in St. Maarten in the Oyster Bay area, about a 15- to 20-minute drive from Philipsburg.

Most Sint Maarten and Saint Martin resorts have suites with kitchens

One thing that makes the accommodations in St. Martin and Saint Maarten especially attractive is that most of the hotels (even the smallest) have kitchens or kitchenettes – so you can be self-sufficient if you don’t feel like eating out all the time.

It’s worth stopping at one of the island’s large Carrefour or U super markets to stock up on a few supplies for breakfast, light meals and/or nibblies.

The French wine and cheese selections are truly fabulous, and you’ll also find delicious yogurt, paté and other goodies not readily available in North American groceries.

Costs for many of these delicacies are relatively low too, as a lot of products are duty-free on the island.

Best St. Martin resorts (French side)

Carved into a lush hillside overlooking Grand Case Bay, this gorgeous 24-room boutique hotel definitely makes the cut for the best resorts on St. Martin!

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious yet cozy studio, loft style accommodation or a one-bedroom suite, L’Esplanade has it.

Featuring full kitchens, they’re decorated with hand-crafted Brazilian woodwork, Balinese furniture and subtle artwork inspired by the surrounding tropical landscape.

Esthetics aren’t the only thing L’Esplanade stands out for.

You’ll also find a beautiful outdoor pool nestled in the bougainvillea-filled gardens, a small spa and a yoga center designed to make your holiday as relaxing as possible.

It’s hard to believe that you can have all this – and be just a 5- to 15-minute walk away from the beach (depending on what part of Grand Case Beach you choose) and just a short stroll from Restaurant Row.

2) Le Petit Hotel

This three-story Mediterranean-style villa is a jewel box of a boutique hotel.

Located at the south end of Grand Case Beach, Le Petit Hotel is just steps away from the ocean – and a beautiful place to spend your holiday.

Each of the 10 light-filled suites are kitted out with full modern kitchens.

Upper rooms are 477 sq. ft. studios with Brazilian hardwood ceilings, slate floors and private sea-front balconies. Or book a main floor suite, and you can walk right out onto the sandy beach from your terrace.

A complimentary continental breakfast is included in your stay (you take a tray to your room).

There’s no restaurant. But you won’t miss this, as you can simply stroll along the beach to several beach clubs or, in the evenings, into Grand Case for a tasty meal at one of the fine restaurants there.

You’re also welcome to use the pool at sister hotel, L’Esplanade (#1 above) at the other end of Grand Case.

Bottom line? Among the top St. Martin hotels on the beach, Le Petit Hotel is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

We absolutely adore it – and expect you will too.

3) Belmond La Samanna

Ooh la la! The Belmond La Samanna is the height of hotel sophistication.

A true 5-star hotel in St. Martin, it’s lured the rich and famous like Oprah Winfrey, Jackie O, Salma Hayek, Anderson Cooper and Kevin Kline.

Its 83 rooms and suites are housed in a collection of two-story white-washed cottages that are adorned with shutters, arches and terracotta tile roofs.

Named after flowers, they feature travertine floors, soothing blue and coral colors and a touch of glamor. Some suites even have private pools.

The beach – fine, sugar-white and powdery – is the hotel’s greatest asset.

It’s the kind of chichi place where beach attendants lay out your thick pink beach towel on your cushioned white cane lounger, set up your umbrella just so and hang a dapper bag with ice and bottled water on the umbrella stand.

And, sorry! You have no excuses not to keep up with your exercise routine at this luxurious hotel while away.

You can flex your muscles in the gym, yoga center and infinity pool, or play a friendly match on one of three tennis courts.

Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the hotel’s 15,000-bottle wine cellar. Maybe choose a bottle of their finest to enjoy over an intimate white-tablecloth dinner at L’Oursin, or a refreshing white to accompany a light lunch?

4) Esmeralda Resort

Sprawled across acres of lawn and coconut groves at Orient Bay, this 4-star resort is as relaxing as they come.

Its 50 rooms are scattered among 14 Caribbean-style cottages, with the resort’s road meandering around them.

Our room was a 500 sq. ft. standard room with a terracotta tile floor, soaring plantation-style ceiling, very comfortable king-size bed, spacious bathroom with a tub/shower combo and a small kitchenette area with a microwave and mini-fridge.

Larger suites have 4-poster king beds and separate living rooms.

Each cottage has its own swimming pool with pool loungers (but no umbrellas, as the area is quite windy).

The resort’s fine dining French restaurant, L’Astrolabe, is superb – their weekly lobster night is renowned island-wide.

The glorious white sands of Orient Beach are a 5-minute walk through the property, and then you’re at the tony Coco Beach Club.

But for complimentary beach chairs (a welcome Esmeralda perk), you need to walk to the next beach club, KKO (also very good) or neighboring beach clubs.

Bonus: Esmeralda’s room rates are considerably less than other top Orient Beach accommodations (like #6 and #7 below).

For all the details, see our review of Esmeralda Resort.

Esmeralda, St. Martin: Check rates and availability

5) Grand Case Beach Club

Grand Case Beach Club is a strong contender for the best resort in St. Martin for families (as well as couples) who want easy beach access.

The resort’s beach club offers complimentary SUP boards, snorkeling gear and floating mats for guests to use.

Unfortunately, it was too windy during our stay for us to take out the SUP boards. Consolation? A prime lounging spot for two in a cabana on the resort’s rocky promontory jutting out into the sea.

All rooms come with full kitchens and large balconies (most with up-close ocean views).

For sundowners while watching technicolor sunsets, the aptly named Sunset Café is perfect. Actually, with its beachy vibe and perch over Petite Plage and the water, the restaurant/bar is ideal for anytime casual drinks and food.

This lovely 4-star luxury hotel in St. Martin is the cat’s meow.

With blonde wood furnishings and floors and Caribbean boho-chic décor, its 56 suites are polished and fresh (completely renovated in 2019) – and it doesn’t hurt that each one has a private balcony.

Standard junior suites are a generous 516 sq. ft. in size. Top floor suites are particularly airy in feel with soaring white vaulted ceilings.

Most are equipped with a clever kitchen too. Complete with a two-burner cooktop, microwave, fridge and sink, it’s hidden behind cupboard doors.

For more space, go for a 710 sq. ft. executive suite on the top floor, with a full kitchen outside on a covered terrace.

Located in a prime spot on Orient Beach, La Playa lays claim to its own outdoor pool, beach club and restaurant too.

Fancy fresh sushi for lunch? The cool beach bar under a tented canopy is the place.

7) Orient Beach Hotel

Epic views of kite and wind surfers flying across the water. The soothing sound of waves rolling up onto the beach. Brilliant sunrises. And brand new, oh-so-smart digs.

There’s lots to love about the Orient Beach Hotel!

Set back behind sea grape plants, it comprises a row of attached three-story cottages, each containing seven rooms, all facing the Orient Bay beach.

All studio-style rooms (517 sq. ft.) have a small kitchenette (complete with a microwave, mini-fridge and ceramic stovetop), living room area and private patio or terrace.

In a palette of royal blue and earth tones, they’re contemporary, fun and inviting. The screen of branches between the bedroom and kitchenette area is both whimsical and clever.

The quietest units are on the top floor and at each end of the second floor, as there’s no one above you. (On lower floor rooms, you can hear a little noise from the floor above.) Upper floor rooms also have the most expansive beach views.

On the other hand, ground floor units have space on their walk-out terraces for larger chaise loungers – and you can walk directly out to the beach.

8) Le Temps des Cerises Beach Hotel

This little St. Martin boutique hotel, right on Grand Case Beach, has only eight picture-perfect rooms.

With plank floors, shabby-chic furnishings and white clapboard walls, the rooms feel like they belong to fancy beach cottages.

Some rooms offer incredible views of the golden sand and turquoise sea just feet away from their glass-walled balconies.

If you love music and a hip party scene, this won’t bother you. Perhaps bring ear plugs if you want an afternoon nap or to go to bed early.

9) Le Martin Boutique Hotel

St. Martin just got a new hotel in 2023 with the opening of Le Martin Boutique Hotel.

It’s located in the tranquil Cul de Sac area, opposite Pinel Island and its excellent beaches. And, by all accounts, it’s a little gem!

It only has six rooms. Four have terraces to look out at the sea. The other two rooms have garden views. All rooms come with big glass doors, so there’s lots of natural light.

Breakfast is on the house. You’ve got your usual cappuccinos and juice, but also some tasty extras like homemade nutella for your baked goodies, homemade fruit smoothies and fancy egg dishes with avocado or salmon.

While the hotel isn’t beachfront, you’re a stone’s throw from the sea.

Borrow a kayak or grab some snorkeling gear (both free to use) and paddle or swim out to Pinel Island. Or take a little water taxi to Pinel Island from the ferry pier, located a short walk away.

Best hotels in St. Maarten (Dutch side)

10) Sonesta Ocean Point Resort

Stylish. Sensual. Sophisticated. That sums up the new Sonesta Ocean Point Resort.

One of the few 5-star resorts in St. Maarten, the adult-only Sonesta Ocean Point is an all-inclusive resort with 130 suites, complete with custom-designed furniture and artwork.

Lather up with Molton Brown bath products in your Greek marble bathroom, and soak up the stunning sea views from the white wicker chairs on your balcony.

We especially like the swim-out suites which have direct access to a beautiful meandering pool.

You can sip your morning coffee (brewed in your Nespresso coffee maker) on your deck with your toes in the water, then slip right into the pool for a pre-breakfast swim.

The top swim-out suites come with butler service too.

Add to that 24-hour room service, three exclusive à la carte restaurants and access to additional restaurants and facilities at neighboring Sonesta Maho Beach Resort (see #11 below), and you have the ideal escape for a honeymoon or romantic long weekend away.

11) Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa

With some 420 rooms and suites, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Spa is the big sister to the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort (#10 above) – and the largest on the list of St. Maarten all-inclusive resorts.

Luckily for families, this one is family-friendly. There’s even a kids’ club that runs daily activities for little ones, plus a pool with an aqua park featuring three animal-themed water slides.

Rooms are clean and chic. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a quiet room. From some, you can hear the thump-thump of loud late-night music from clubs across the street.

What’s nifty: The wristbands that serve as your room key are convenient – no hunting in your pants pockets or beach bag for that dang key card!

12) The Morgan Resort & Spa

It’s flashy, new and one of the best places to stay in St. Maarten close to Philipsburg.

This modern hotel has 124 rooms with sleek interiors – floor-to-ceiling windows, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, iHome docking stations and spa-like showers.

Cool curved pool chairs under large umbrellas and palm trees around the large swimming pool are comfy spots to kick back while listening to the chilled pool music.

(Mind you, the strips of artificial turf in front of the balconies of the main-floor pool-facing rooms are a bit of a surprise – detracting somewhat from the “wow” of the pool itself. Real gardens and plants would go better in our humble view.)

Aside from the stunning architecture, the resort is conveniently located right next to the Princess Juliana Airport and Maho Beach — two popular tourist attractions in St. Maarten. It’s close to the cruise port too.

A favorite St. Maarten resort for time-share owners as well as hotel guests, Oyster Bay Beach Resort is perched at the edge of a coral reef overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Oyster Pond on the other.

Its 180 studios and suites are clustered in several attractive and well-maintained aqua-colored buildings.

Studio rooms (318 to 416 sq. ft. in size), located in the courtyard, are closest to the pool and the resort’s main amenities.

Beautifully decorated in blue and white colors, they have spacious bathrooms with travertine marble floors, small kitchenettes and ocean-view balconies.

For more space, opt for a one- or two-bedroom suite. Featuring full kitchens (with dishwashers, not common in many St. Martin accommodations) and king-size beds, the one-bedroom suites offer 770 sq. ft. to spread out in.

Most units offer either views of the Atlantic surf (gobsmacking!) or Oyster Pond.

The marina at Oyster Pond was unfortunately destroyed by the 2017 hurricane and hasn’t been rebuilt. So while you see wood pilings sticking up out of the water rather than yachts at anchor, the Oyster Pond views are still pretty.

A major plus is the resort’s infinity pool. Guests love to hang over the edge and watch the Atlantic waves crash against the rocks below.

Unique and spectacular, it was rated by Travel + Leisure as one of the top five pools in the Caribbean.

Oyster Bay Beach Resort is also just a 2-minute walk from Dawn Beach, so you’re never far from a swim in the Caribbean.

When it comes to 5-star hotels in St. Maarten (Dutch side), Coral Beach Club pretty well ticks all the boxes.

Operated by Oyster Bay Beach Resort (#13 above) and located on the same property, it offers 24 condominium-style villas and townhouses with Italian gourmet kitchens and washers/dryers.

The villas are drop-dead dreamy.

Flooded with natural light, they overlook the Atlantic Ocean and have two, three or four bedrooms each.

We love the fully retractable floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall glass doors that you can push back, so the outside becomes an extension of your living room.

Luxurious amenities include pre-stocked wine fridges (you pay for the wines though).

As for the two-level townhouses with views of Oyster Pond, they each have travertine floors and two ensuite bathrooms with designer glass sinks.

15) Oceans at Divi Little Bay

Wake up and head down to Little Bay Beach, which is at your doorstep. Also be sure to do the short hike up to Fort Amsterdam, a colonial stone fort located at the end of Divi Little Bay.

If you aren’t planning on leaving the hotel much, you might want to go for their all-inclusive plan.

16) Holland House Beach Hotel

If you’re wondering where to stay in St. Maarten that’s right on a beach and has easy access to plenty of shops and restaurants, take a look at Holland House Beach Hotel.

Directly on Great Bay Beach, the 55-room Holland House Beach Hotel is smack-dab in downtown Philipsburg, sandwiched between a vibrant boardwalk in front and bustling Front Street behind.

While outside is a hive of activity, with streams of people strolling around, guestrooms inside are all soundproof (we couldn’t hear a peep).

Half the rooms face the boardwalk and beach and the other half have views of Front Street. The bathroom is open to the bedroom, but you can close a partition for privacy.

Some rooms have recently been renovated – ask for one of these.

The breezy Ocean Lounge gets high marks for its ocean views and bar snacks.

As for the white sand beach in front, well, it’s popular! Guests get the use of free cushioned beach chairs, shaded by umbrellas, along with an outside shower to rinse off the salt water.

17) Simpson Bay Resort

Here’s a family-friendly resort in Sint Maarten that’s close to the beach and not far from Philipsburg.

All have an island feel – and with the different room configurations, you can choose whether to bring the kids along or sneak off for a quiet long weekend away together!

Spend the day on the sheltered beach along Simpson Bay (calm for swimming) or splashing about in the six swimming pools.

Six restaurants and bars, a gym, casino, tennis courts and spa round out the resort’s amenities.

Now you know the best places to stay in St. Martin and St. Maarten

What’s peachy is that the accommodation options are so varied.

From adults-only lodgings, intimate beach hotels and luxury villas to easyish-on-the-wallet condos, you’ll find something to suit your style.

You can’t make a wrong choice – whether you choose to stay in one of the St. Martin French-side hotels or one of the St. Maarten Dutch-side resorts. But you can pick the side that’s best for you.

Because we like small boutique hotels, French cuisine and less “action,” the French side suited us really well (although there’s lots of buzz and beach partying on the French side too for those who love this).

Some visitors split their stay between both sides.

Why not stay in Grand Case or Orient Bay on the French side and then also a Sint Maarten hotel on the Dutch side? This way, you get the best of both worlds!

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