Perched high on a peninsula separating the marinas of Oyster Pond from the Atlantic Ocean, St. Maarten’s Oyster Bay Beach Resort is a short walk from the renowned Dawn Beach and boasts top-notch views of the ocean and nearby St. Barts; with a +4 TripValue, it’s one of the island’s very best bargains. The beach is on the small side and has suffered erosion, some rooms are more modern than others, the fitness center is fairly lackluster with limited equipment, and there’s no swim-up bar; but the property offers an alluring freeform infinity pool and hot tub overlooking the ocean (it’s one of the most striking swimming pools in the entire Caribbean), friendly overall service, a good on-site restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating (it’s the only on-site dining option, but the menu is extensive), an excellent selection of water sports, and an on-site spa with treatments such as the signature Citrus-C manicure and pedicure and the Mango Papaya Salt Glow. “Bodega by the Bay” offers coffee, espresso, croissants, and groceries overlooking the three marinas of Oyster Pond and the “Shipwreck Shop” stocks a good selection of souvenirs and beach ware. Rooms range from studios to two-bedroom suites and come with kitchens; most also have balconies with great views and some have washer/dryers. Activities include snorkeling the nearby reef, scuba diving excursions and exciting four- and six-hour snorkeling tours that depart from the on-site Oyster Bay Marina, and day trips to the nearby islands of Anguilla, Saba, and St. Barts (don’t forget your passport!). Mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV tours, deep sea fishing, and parasailing can also be arranged by the front desk.