In September 2017, hurricane Irma swept through the Caribbean, eventually making landfall in the United States. A category 5 hurricane, Irma was recorded as the strongest storm on record to exist in the open Atlantic region. It caused widespread and catastropic damage to all in its path, including the island of St. Maarten. An estimated 90% of all structures on the island were seriously damaged or completely destroyed.
Since the storm, there has been significant progress in rebuilding this beautiful island. In May 2019, I had the pleasure of traveling to one of the most prestigious resorts in St. Maarten, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort. This resort is very special to us because we visited in 2017, a week before Irma hit, and they showed us an amazing time. After Irma’s destruction, Sonesta Ocean Point resort underwent top to bottom renovations, reopening its doors December 15, 2018, only a couple of months after the storm. We knew we had to get back down to the resort and feature their reopening.
Sint Maarten / Saint-Martin
First, a bit about the island. St Maarten is located in the Caribbean Sea and is made up of two separate countries. The northern side belongs to the French and is called Saint-Martin and the southern side belongs to the Dutch and is called Sint Maarten. You can cross over the borders between each country simply by walking or driving across. You don’t need a passport, as there are no check points.
The Dutch side is known for it’s nightlife, jewelry, casinos, and beaches while the French side is known for its shopping, nude (and non-nude) beaches, clothes and delicious French and Indian cuisine. At just 37 square miles, the island is inhabited by about 94,000 people, with 48,000 on the Dutch side and 46,000 on the French side. There are approximately 104 different nationalities that inhabit the island so you truly get a mix of culture when visiting. I heard everything from English, to Spanish, to French to Creole being spoken throughout the island. In addition to the culture, the island offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean alongside some of the most amazing food as well.
The Resort
While parts of the island on both the French and Dutch side are still rebuilding and recovering, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort has renovated and reopened its doors. The resort offers an adults-only, unlimited, all-inclusive luxurious vacation experience. It’s set alongside Maho Bay and offers spectacular views of the bay and beach below. Located a few minutes from the airport, getting to the resort after landing is a breeze. Upon arrival I was greeted with the drink of the day which happened to be champagne, very refreshing after a long flight.
Overlooking Maho Bay and Beach
So what does luxury look like at Sonesta Ocean Point Resort? Well for starters, the resort itself offers 130 suites, including swim out suites, butler suites and gorgeous penthouses. Rooms range from a Junior King Suite to the Luxury Butler Penthouse and each suite comes with a private balcony or terrace with a table and chairs and an ocean view. The beautiful hues of blue from the ocean views are truly breathtaking.
The fridge and mini-bar is refreshed daily with soft drinks, bottled water, beer, and liquor. You know, the important things! The rooms boast Italian Modena porcelain floors and Greek marble in the bathrooms. The showers come equipped with both rain and hand-held shower heads. There’s free and FAST wifi in the rooms and common areas and a cool electronic writstband room key.
In addition to large closets, full length mirrors, luxury bathrobes and slippers, the huge electronic safe, each room also comes equipped with umbrellas! An umbrella might seem trivial, but you’ll be eternally grateful in the event that it rains and you remember that you didn’t pack an umbrella.
Limitless, all inclusive also gives you access to full breakfast, lunch, dinner each day at one of the resorts exclusive restaurants, plus access to the other five restaurants at neighboring Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. The resort also offers 24 hour room service which is great if you need a midnight snack or you get in from the club at 4am.
Sonesta Ocean Point also offers spa treatments at the Serenity Point, an outdoor wellness cabana. You can also check out the Serenity Spa, a chic location at the adjacent Sonesta Maho Beach Resort where you can relax and pamper yourself while you’re on vacation. They offer manicures and pedicures, suana’s and steam rooms as well as a variety of facials, body wraps, body treatments and massages. Stop by and try one of their signature treatments, such as the lavender and vanilla massage or the guavaberry and sugar body scrub. Trust me, you won’t be sorry!
Want to get in a good workout while you’re here? The resort also boasts a huge, state of the fitness facility featuring new exercise equipment. They also offer personal training and coaching classes upon request through the concierge.
Maho Beach in Front of Sonesta Ocean Point Resort
Service
I wanted to highlight service because, as an avid traveler, what counts as “service” can vary greatly from country to country, regardless of the price point. Even within the same country, different establishments can offer varying levels of service. I can say without a doubt that the level of service at Sonesta Ocean Point was truly worth the 5 star designation the resort received. From the moment we arrived, the staff was very friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, or wanted.
Food
Sonesta Ocean Point offers three exclusive dining options. Azul Restaurant sits at the edge of a cliff overlooking Maho Bay, offering beautiful views of the blue water below. It’s truly a beauty at day, and even more-so at night when lit up at night. They offer a Mediterranean themed menu which consists of a variety of dishes from steaks and fish to vegetarian options as well. There’s also a wine selection available to accompany your meal. A reservation is required to eat here and can be made either at the front desk or the electronic reservation system in the lobby.
There is also the brand new Casa Blue Tapas Restaurant & Bar, located on top of the Azul Restaurant. This restaurant serves fusion tapas for lunch and dinner alongside cocktails and wine. For a truly romantic experience, you can visit the Candlelit Island Grill. This restaurant is for couples only and provides a private candlelit dinner under the stars. This space can also accommodate private functions and large groups.
Pools
Sometimes you wan’t to skip the beach and just lounge by the pool. The Resort has three pools where you can do just that. The first is the Edge Pool. This is a private, man-made beach that sits cliffside on Maho Bay. The pool has beautiful loungers, umbrellas, and beach chairs to relax beside the pool. The Point Pool is located on an upper deck overlooking Maho Beach. Here you’ll find music, beach chairs, umbrellas and a bar to serve up whatever you need. There are also hammocks beside the pool in the event you want to truly relax like you’re in the Caribbean.
The Point Pool
Oasis Pool at Sonesta Maho Resort
Lastly, there is the semi-private swim out pool. This pool is connected to the swim-out suites and is accessible to swim-out suite guests. If that’s not enough, guests also have access to the pool at neighboring Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. The large oasis pool has a large water slide and a swim up bar.
Swim Up Bar at Oasis Pool at Sonesta Maho Resort
Beaches
St Maarten has an amazing 37 beaches to explore and enjoy. Some are lined with restaurants and vendors, while others have nothing at all but nature. There are also nude beaches on the french side of the island at Orient Bay if that’s your thing. ALL of the beaches are public, though some may be harder to get to than others. Sonesta Ocean Point Resort has a beach right at it’s front door. The resort is also just a short 10 minute walk to the famous Maho Beach, which is famous for being located behind the airport runway where the planes fly right over the beach. Where ever you decide to go, the staff at the resort can help you find your way there and back.
Maho Beach
Entertainment
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort just rolled out a new entertainment program whose aim is to create a sense of community and a connection to the islands diverse culture. They offer activities and programs both day and night that consist of live performances, musicians, artists, SunFit Body and Lifestyle sessions, production shows, special events programs and tailored activities.
Naomi and I had the pleasure of experiencing barbecue under the stars. This event began about 6pm before sunset and carried on late into the night. All sorts of meats, fruits, vegetables, and desserts are served outside alongside the beach. They also erected a stage outdoors where they featured live music and cultural dance performances while you dined. Servers are also on staff to bring you drinks from the bar or whatever else you need. What makes the performances truly unique is that the island is made up of over 100 different nationalities so the performances will encompass elements from these cultures.
Excursions & Things To Do
Though St Maarten is only 37 square miles, there is a LOT to do. From day tours, sailing, snorkeling, dinner cruises to amazing culinary experiences, there are activities for whatever you desire. Given it’s central location in the Caribbean, you can also take excursions to the nearby islands of St. Barths, Anguilla and more. I would personally suggest checking out the water sports at Orient Bay with Fly Addiction Parasail, The Eco Friendly Catamaran Island Tour with Eagle Tours, and a trip to Anguilla with Aqua Mania Adventures.
Casino Royale / Casino Royale Theatre
Located in Maho Village across from the resort, Casino Royal, the largest casino on Sint Maarten. It’s a massive casino with over 400 slots and 22 gaming tables. Here you’ll find table games including craps, blackjack, roulette, and poker (three card,let it ride, and texas hold’em). The casino now offers a sportsbook self-service kiosk where you can place bets for any sport, including NBA, MLB, NFL, and European Soccer leagues. The casino also hosts the largest theater in the region where you can find Vegas-style shows. The productions range from live music and vocal performances to spectacular acrobatic performances.
Final Thoughts
I truly enjoyed my time at Sonesta Ocean Point Resort. The facilities are beautiful, the service is top notch and the food is delicious. The staff truly make you feel not only pampered, but also like family so I am beyond thrilled to see them back up and running after Irma. Though the island isn’t back to 100% yet after the storm, there is still much to see and do and if you’re looking for an all inclusive luxurious place to experience it, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is the place to do it.
You can visit Sonesta Ocean Point Resort online and follow them on Instagram at @oceanpointresort.
Geron is an avid traveler, entreprenuer and mens style aficionado. He love’s mac and cheese, getting discounts, his momma, and a good whiskey, not particularly in that order. It’s alleged he lives in Miami, but no one really knows anymore.
Follow him on instagram at @geronp
