In Maho Village, actually within walking distance of the terminal at Princess Juliana International Airport, the all-inclusive Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is one of St. Maarten’s top choices for families; it’s the largest all-inclusive on the island, offering contemporary rooms and plenty of activities. The resort was refurbished after Hurricane Irma and reopened in February 2019. Airplane noise can be an issue (the resort is almost directly on the edge of the airport runway, which attracts tourists to the area to watch the jets land), the food and service get mixed reviews, and the beach is on the small side; but the property boasts the island’s largest casino, a freeform swimming pool with a swim-up bar, a good on-site nightclub, a strong fitness center, separate kids and teens clubs with quality facilities, a mini water park for kids, a good spa with treatments such as the signature Lavendar and Vanilla Massage and the Guavaberry and Sugar Body Scrub, and strong on-site dining variety (five restaurants plus a pizzeria and five bars). The Palms Grill allows guests to cook on personal lava stones at their tables. Rooms come with private balconies or terraces (balconies now have upscale clear glass railings), flat-screen TVs, stocked mini-fridges (Premier rooms have international brand liquor and beer), and “smartglass” bathrooms with switchable tint for privacy. Activities include airplane spotting on Maho Beach, BBQ beach parties under the stars, golf at Mullet Bay Golf Course designed by Joseph Lee right next door, beach volleyball (on a good court), dance classes, aerobics and fitness classes, live entertainment, mini golf, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunset dinner cruises, ATV tours, and day trips to the nearby islands of Anguilla, Saba, and St. Barts (don’t forget your passport!). Off-site shops, bars, and restaurants are within walking distance.
Departure COVID-19 antigen tests are available on-site at a cost of $65 USD per person. Test results are available within 24 hours.