George Boyle
St. Maarten, a petite island in the Caribbean, is a unique honeymoon destination with a blend of two cultures. The island is divided into two parts: the northern side, Saint-Martin, is French-speaking, and the southern side, Sint Maarten, is Dutch-speaking. The island offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to charming boutique hotels, catering to couples with different preferences and budgets. The best time to visit is from January to March, when the weather is less humid and the average daily temperature is around 79 degrees. St. Maarten has something for everyone, from stunning red-and-white sand beaches to old stone historic forts, excellent food, and exciting excursions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Caribbean |
| Size | 36-37 square miles |
| Language | Dutch, English, French |
| Currency | Euro (EUR), Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) |
| Flight time from Miami | 3 hours |
| Weather | Tropical, hot and sunny year-round. Best time to visit: January to March |
| Resorts | Sonesta Ocean Point, Sonesta Maho Beach, Princess Heights, Oyster Bay Resort, Secrets Resorts, Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm |
| Activities | Visit Maho beach, SXM Music Festival, St. Maarten Carnival, Zip-lining, Snorkelling, Kayaking to Pinel Island |
| Food | LaPignet, Good Morning, Tacos Shop, Captains Rib Shack, Jax Steakhouse, La Sucriere Bakery, Orange Fever, Chez Leandra, Oceans 82, Talk of The Town, Gutside, Tropican |
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What You'll Learn
Best resorts and hotels
St. Maarten is a popular honeymoon destination, known for its stunning beaches, intriguing culture, and range of accommodations. The island offers everything from luxury resorts to charming boutique hotels, catering to couples with different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best resorts and hotels for a romantic honeymoon in St. Maarten:
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort
The Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is an adults-only, luxurious resort located on the Dutch side of the island. It offers intimate luxury, with personalised butler services, romantic dinners, couples' spa treatments, and private excursions. The resort's Rooftop and Sunset Butler Suites provide breathtaking views, and the Serenity Spa offers a relaxing experience for couples.
Princess Heights
Princess Heights is a highly recommended resort for honeymooners, offering a romantic and intimate experience. The staff is warm and helpful, going above and beyond to satisfy their guests. The resort provides easy access to nearby restaurants and shops, making it a convenient choice for couples looking to explore the local culture and cuisine.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort
The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort boasts the island's largest casino and a beautiful beach. It is located on the Dutch side of the island, known for its vibrant casinos and European charm. The resort offers a range of activities, including plane-watching at the nearby Maho Beach, where tourists can get up close to jumbo jets.
Oyster Bay Resort
Oyster Bay Resort is a lovely place with friendly and helpful staff. They maintain the rooms and grounds immaculately. The resort is well-located, with many restaurants and shops within walking distance, making it a convenient choice for couples looking to explore the local area.
Secrets Resorts
Secrets Resorts in St. Martin offers special honeymoon packages, including romantic dinners and excursions. While some guests have found it isolated from the rest of the island, it can be a good option for those seeking a quiet and intimate getaway.
When planning your honeymoon in St. Maarten, consider the best time to visit, which is typically from January to March, with milder temperatures and less humidity. The most popular travel period is from mid-December to mid-April, but it can be harder to find deals during this time.
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Planning tips
St. Maarten, the smallest island owned by two nations, is a unique honeymoon destination. With its blend of Dutch and French Caribbean culture, it offers a range of experiences, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels, stunning beaches, and excellent food.
When to go
The most popular time to visit St. Maarten is from mid-December to mid-April, when the weather is less humid and the westerly trade winds bring a pleasant breeze. However, this is also the most expensive time to visit, and you may struggle to find a deal. For a mix of good weather, fewer crowds, and better deals on hotels, consider visiting between mid-April and June. The hurricane season runs from July to November, and many hotels will be closed during this period.
How to get there
St. Maarten is easily accessible, with flights from Miami taking under three hours, and flights from New York taking around three hours. However, direct flights may be sparse or unavailable, so you may need to factor in a layover. The small airport can also mean lengthy customs lines, so be prepared for potential travel delays.
What to do when you arrive
St. Maarten offers a range of activities for honeymooners, from relaxing on the red-and-white sand beaches to exploring the island's natural beauty and historic forts. Foodies will love the selection of haute cuisine in Marigot and Grand Case, with its French flair and Creole influences. For a unique bucket list activity, visit Maho Beach by the airport and get up close and personal with a jumbo jet. If you're looking for a romantic dinner, La Sucriere Bakery in Grand Case is a great choice, with amazing food and outdoor seating. For a more casual lunch, try the Lolos in Grand Case, or the roadside restaurant "Gutside" between Grand Case and Marigot.
Where to stay
For a luxurious and intimate experience, the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort on the Dutch side of the island is highly recommended. This adults-only resort offers rooftop or sunset butler suites, with personalised butler service, a couples' massage at the Serenity Spa, and a private romantic dinner. The Secrets St. Martin also offers special honeymoon packages, including the Suite Love Honeymoon Package, which includes a special welcome amenity and champagne upon arrival.
What to pack
Don't forget to pack a mixture of clothing for warm weather, and also some comfortable shoes for exploring the island. It's also a good idea to bring a book, just in case of travel delays or long waits at the airport.
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Best time to visit
St. Maarten has a tropical climate, with hot and sunny weather all year round. The average temperature from June to October is 84°F, which is also the most humid time of the year. From January to March, the average daily temperature is a more comfortable 79°F.
The best time to visit St. Maarten is generally considered to be from December to May, when the weather is pleasant and rain showers are less likely. Within this period, the months of May and June and the period between November and mid-December are particularly good times to visit, as hotels advertise their best rates. The St. Maarten Carnival in April/May, featuring parades, music, and dance, and the SXM Music Festival in March are also great times to visit.
Summer and early fall are not recommended for a vacation, as many hotels close during this off-season, and there is a chance of hurricanes. The period from mid-December to April should also be avoided if possible, as this is when the island tends to attract wealthy vacationers, and prices may be higher.
St. Maarten is easily accessible, with flights from Miami taking under three hours. The small airport can, however, result in lengthy customs lines, especially depending on the time of year and the size of planes landing.
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Activities and excursions
St. Maarten is a small island with plenty of activities and excursions for couples to enjoy. The island is divided into two sides: the northern French-speaking Saint-Martin and the southern Dutch-speaking Sint Maarten. This unique blend of cultures offers a range of experiences for honeymooners, from exploring historic forts to relaxing on secluded beaches.
For those seeking luxury and pampering, St. Maarten has five-star hotels and resorts offering honeymoon packages with romantic dinners, couples' spa treatments, and private excursions. The Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, for example, provides luxurious accommodations, personalised butler services, and exclusive cocktail receptions. The Royal Islander Club Resort, located on Maho Bay, offers oceanfront suites, spa packages, a casino, and a golf course.
If you're looking for a more intimate and quiet experience, there are also guesthouses, private residences, and timeshares available. The Grand Case Beach Club, tucked along a quiet shoreline in St. Martin, offers a peaceful escape. Princess Heights is another excellent choice for a romantic getaway, known for its warm and helpful staff.
The island also boasts stunning natural beauty, with red-and-white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. Orient Beach, with its bright white sands and gourmet cuisine, is a popular spot for couples to enjoy cocktails during the day and candlelit dinners at sunset. For a unique experience, head to the south end of the beach for a clothing-optional adventure!
For shopping and dining, Maho Village is a lively destination with the largest casino and theatre on the island. It's also a great place for romantic dining and dancing the night away. The mile-long boardwalk and shopping hub of Philipsburg Island offer souvenir shops, ice cream parlours, and fashion boutiques.
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Loterie Farm, a tropical nature preserve with 54 hectares of protected beauty. You can relax in the Jungle Pool, embark on a forest canopy tour, or hike the quiet trails. St. Maarten is also known for its excellent snorkelling and scuba diving spots, such as Point Blanche and Big Momma.
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Food and drink
St. Maarten is a foodie's paradise, with a terrific array of international cuisines infused with elements of 120 nationalities. From French and Dutch to African and Latin American, the island is a melting pot of flavours.
For haute cuisine with French flair and a hint of Creole flavour, head to Marigot and Grand Case. Grand Case, in particular, is known for its excellent French and Caribbean cuisine, and there are also several wonderful restaurants in Orient Bay, including LaPignet and the Good Morning cafe. For inexpensive tacos with a French twist, try the Tacos Shop, located next to Good Morning. If you're craving steak, Jax Steakhouse is a great choice, known for its exceptional service.
For a casual bite or a quick drink, there are plenty of food trucks to choose from, including local favourites like Captain D's BBQ, Cindy's Roti Shack, and The Original Fat Boy Jimmy. Vegetarians and vegans won't want to miss Ras Bushman's Ital Shack, which specialises in vegetarian patties and porridge. And for a chilled brew with a view, visit the Caribbean Brewing Company's beer garden, overlooking Great Bay.
If you're looking for a romantic dinner as part of your honeymoon package, many resorts offer this option. The all-inclusive Sonesta Ocean Pointe Resort features upscale dining at its signature Azul Restaurant, while the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort offers a delicious buffet.
For a unique dining experience, consider a boat tour to the uninhabited island of Tintamarre, or a trip to the natural pool for a swim and a snorkel—just watch out for urchins! If you're feeling adventurous, take a sail to the nearby deserted islands of Prickly Pear Cay, or kayak to Pinel Island for lobster at one of the beachfront restaurants.
And don't forget to sample some of St. Martin's traditional Guavaberry liquor, made with rum, cane sugar, and wild guavaberries. Cheers to your honeymoon!
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Frequently asked questions
There are several honeymoon resorts in St. Maarten, including Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, Oyster Bay Resort, and Princess Heights.
St. Maarten offers a range of activities for honeymooners, such as:
- Visiting Maho beach by the airport to see jumbo jets up close.
- Exploring the old stone historic forts.
- Enjoying the red-and-white sand beaches.
- Taking a day trip to Pinel Island and enjoying its beaches and hiking trails.
- Experiencing the local cuisine, with popular restaurants including LaPignet, Tacos Shop, and Oceans 82.
The most popular time to visit St. Maarten is from mid-December to mid-April when the weather is less humid and there are westerly trade winds. However, it may be harder to find deals during this period. For a mix of good weather, fewer crowds, and hotel deals, consider visiting from mid-April to June.
