Sint Maarten: The Caribbean Island That Has Far More Than Maho Beach
Destination: Sint Maarten – Dutch & French sides Travel Consultant: Kelly Aspire Travel
Holiday Type: Educational / familiarisation trip
Accommodation: Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa & Sonesta Ocean Point Resort
Trip Focus: Resort inspections, destination discovery, local experiences, beaches, food and culture Dates: 21st to 27th September 2026
Welcome to Sint Maarten
We’ve arrived in Sint Maarten.
And within minutes, it was obvious this was going to be a very different kind of Caribbean experience.
A beachfront hotel. Warm Caribbean air. Turquoise water. Palm trees. And that unmistakable feeling that you've arrived somewhere completely different.
The temperature was sitting around 88°F, the sea was stretching endlessly into the distance and there were four nights and five days ahead to discover as much of the island as possible.
And that was exactly the plan.
This wasn't about simply sitting beside a pool.
It was about finding out what Sint Maarten is really like.
The hotels. The beaches. The food. The local people. The hidden gems. The French side.
The Dutch side. The experiences you might not find by simply searching for the island's
most famous attractions.
And, of course, Maho Beach.
Because when most people think of Sint Maarten, they think of planes.
But there is so much more to this island.
Staying at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort
Our first base was Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, sitting directly on Maho Beach.
And the location is quite something.
This is the island's famous “Airplane Beach”, where aircraft descend incredibly low over the beach before landing at Princess Juliana International Airport.
But the resort itself is far more than its famous location.
With around 420 rooms, it is a vibrant all-inclusive resort with a huge range of facilities and activities, making it particularly appealing for families and travellers who want plenty happening around them.
There are restaurants, cafés and bars, an on-site casino, shops, car hire and a tour desk, meaning a lot of what you need is right there.
There is also a kids' club and teen zone, alongside babysitting options, while the shared Serenity Spa provides a quieter escape with a sauna, steam room, treatment rooms, fitness classes and wellness programmes.
And then there is Pelicans Nest.
Pelicans Nest: a new side to Sonesta Maho
One of the exciting additions to Sonesta Maho is Pelicans Nest.
Located on Level 4, it has been designed as an outdoor activity space where guests can simply turn up and get involved.
There is an 18-hole putting green, rock climbing wall, spider tubes and an outdoor gym, alongside a walking and jogging track which opens from 7am.
It gives the resort another dimension.
Rather than simply moving between the pool, beach and restaurants, there are plenty of opportunities to get active too.
And importantly, there is no complicated booking system.
You simply turn up and enjoy it.
There are even more developments coming, with ziplining, a FlowRider and outdoor cinema planned.
For families in particular, this is the kind of addition that can make a resort feel much more versatile.
But the real luxury is upstairs
For this trip, I stayed in the Ultimate Adults-Only Club on Level 10.
And this felt like a completely different experience from the main resort.
Private access, an elevated level of service, a dedicated club lounge, exclusive pool and access to Cloud 9 Sky Bar create a much more premium experience.
The views from up here are spectacular.
Ocean stretching ahead.
Cruise ships in the distance.
Aircraft arriving over Maho.
And sunsets that seem to get more dramatic every evening.
It is a great example of how choosing the right room category can completely change your experience of an all-inclusive resort.
And then there is Sonesta Ocean Point
Next door is Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, an adults-only resort perched beautifully on the cliffside.
With just 130 suites, the atmosphere is considerably more intimate.
Every balcony faces outward towards the Caribbean, and the resort includes butler service.
That means everything from unpacking and packing to reservations, pre-arrival drinks and in-room dining can be taken care of.
It is a very different proposition from Sonesta Maho.
More intimate.
More private.
More elevated.
And yet guests at Ocean Point have complimentary access to Sonesta Maho too.
So you essentially get two completely different resort experiences within one stay.
That combination is one of the things I particularly liked.
You can have the intimacy and service of Ocean Point, then wander next door for the restaurants, beach, activities and energy of Maho.
The food is part of the experience
One thing that really stood out across the Sonesta properties was the dining.
At Sonesta Ocean Point, restaurants have their own distinct atmosphere and personality.
Dinner at Portofino was a particular highlight, while La Fontana brings an Italian-inspired experience right onto the bay.
And what I loved was the approach to all-inclusive dining.
At La Fontana, reservations weren't required during the quieter period we experienced, and there wasn't a restriction limiting guests to one visit per stay.
It felt much more like being able to enjoy proper restaurant experiences throughout your holiday rather than simply eating because food happens to be included.
The setting helped too.
Al fresco dining.
The Caribbean breeze.
The bay stretching out below.
A sunset aperitivo.
This is exactly the kind of all-inclusive experience that makes a holiday feel special.
Maho Beach: the planes really are part of the magic
Let's talk about the obvious one.
Maho Beach.
Yes, the planes really do fly that low.
And yes, it is quite a spectacle.
People gather along the beach and fence line waiting for aircraft to arrive, cameras ready and excitement building as they appear overhead.
It has become one of the island's most famous experiences.
But there is an important point here.
The famous jet blast can be extremely powerful and dangerous.
Watching aircraft arrive from a safe position is one thing.
Standing directly behind departing aircraft is another.
During the trip, we saw just how much force those engines can create, including someone being knocked backwards by the blast.
So my advice is simple:
Enjoy the spectacle, but don't put yourself in danger for a photograph.
The excitement is still there from a safe distance.
And if you're particularly interested in seeing the larger aircraft, checking the airport's arrival information before visiting can help you time your visit.
Sunrise at Maho
One of my favourite moments was actually the complete opposite of the chaos.
Sunrise.
Early in the morning, Maho Beach becomes incredibly peaceful.
No crowds.
No aircraft.
Just the sound of the waves, the first light appearing across the horizon and those soft pink and golden tones spreading across the sky.
It was a reminder that Maho isn't simply about planes.
It is also a beautiful Caribbean beach.
But don't stay at the resort
One of the biggest things I discovered on this trip was just how much there is beyond Maho.
We completed a full island tour, covering an incredible amount of ground and experiencing completely different sides of Sint Maarten.
And this is where the destination really started to come alive.
Mullet Bay Beach
First up was Mullet Bay Beach.
Soft white sand.
Turquoise water.
A laid-back atmosphere.
And that classic Caribbean postcard feeling.
It is exactly the kind of beach you imagine when you picture a Caribbean escape.
If you're staying in the Maho area, it should absolutely be on the list.
Cupecoy Beach & Marina
Then there is Cupecoy, where dramatic limestone cliffs meet golden sand.
The cliffs create small, intimate coves and the water can be beautifully clear, making it a lovely spot for swimming and snorkelling.
Nearby, the marina brings a completely different atmosphere.
Waterfront restaurants.
Stylish bars.
Luxury yachts.
Sunset cocktails.
And opportunities to arrange boat trips and private charters.
It is a particularly good combination of natural beauty and laid-back luxury.
Baie Rouge: the quieter side of Sint Maarten
If you're looking for somewhere a little more peaceful, Baie Rouge is one of the hidden gems.
Located on the west coast, it has red-tinged sand, turquoise water and considerably fewer crowds than some of the island's better-known beaches.
There are no long queues or busy resort atmosphere.
Just sunshine, gentle waves and space to relax.
Sometimes those quieter discoveries are the ones that stay with you.
Orient Bay
Then there is Orient Bay.
This is where the island feels much more energetic.
Beach bars.
Cafés.
Boutiques.
Water sports.
Kayaking.
Paddleboarding.
And a lively atmosphere that makes you want to stay for the day.
It is also worth knowing that part of the beach is clothing optional, so it isn't necessarily the beach I'd recommend for every traveller.
But the atmosphere is relaxed and respectful, and the main beach area has a wonderful Caribbean energy.
Marigot: French-Caribbean charm
Cross over to the French side and the atmosphere changes again.
Marigot is the French capital of the island and brings a completely different character.
Cobbled streets.
Colourful markets.
Waterfront cafés.
French-style restaurants.
Boutiques.
And that effortless French-Caribbean feel.
Fort St Louis provides sweeping views across the bay, while the daily market is a great place to experience local life.
And from Marigot, you can also take a boat to Anguilla, which is around 30 minutes away.
For anyone staying longer, it is an easy way to add another island experience to your holiday.
Private boat charters can also be arranged, including trips to secluded beaches and villas.
Rotary Lookout Point
Some of the best experiences in Sint Maarten don't cost anything at all.
At Rotary Lookout Point, high on the north-east coast, the view opens across the surrounding islands.
Saint Barthélemy sits around 14 miles away.
Anguilla stretches across the horizon.
Saba rises dramatically in the distance.
And St Eustatius can also be seen on a clear day.
It is one of those places where you could quite happily stand for a while and simply take it all in.
Discovering the real island
One of my favourite parts of the trip was stepping away from the obvious tourist attractions and meeting the people who make Sint Maarten what it is.
One such experience was visiting the Colombier Guavaberry Store.
This isn't a mass-produced tourist shop.
It is a family business where the Maccow family grow, produce, distil, bottle, label and sell their products themselves.
Mr Maccow personally showed us around, explaining the history and production process.
And despite not normally being someone who drinks spirits, I tried several.
What made the experience special wasn't simply tasting the products.
It was the connection.
The history.
The fact that this was something made locally, by a family, with genuine pride in what they produce.
That is the kind of experience you don't necessarily find by simply staying inside a resort.
Spring Garden: heritage brought back to life
Another extraordinary experience was visiting Spring Garden in Colombier ahead of its official opening on 15 October 2026.
The site has been restored by sisters Ghyslaine Richardson and Helene Hanson, returning to the land, traditions and stories of their family.
The experience includes a heritage trail, traditional food, guavaberry, journey cakes and cassava bread, alongside stories of the community and the people who lived there.
There is something incredibly powerful about experiencing heritage when it is personal.
This isn't history presented behind glass.
It is family history.
Land.
Recipes.
Stories.
Traditions passed down through generations.
And it provides a completely different understanding of Sint Maarten.
Parotte Ville: meet the locals
Then there was Parotte Ville Bird Park.
And these birds don't simply sit behind glass waiting to be looked at.
They come to you.
Sun conures, brown-throated conures, ring-neck parakeets, black-headed caiques and macaws can land on your hand, arm or shoulder while you feed them.
It is incredibly interactive.
You don't simply observe the birds.
You meet them.
For families, couples or anyone who loves wildlife, it is a completely different kind of experience.
A little bit of Sint Maarten's soul
The trip also took us to the Harts Carnival Museum, where I had the opportunity to learn more about Lil Hart, known as the First Lady of Mas.
Her story is one of challenging the traditional idea that carnival was exclusively for men.
She created costumes for women and helped open the door for generations of female carnival participants.
Her son has continued her legacy through the museum, turning her dream into something that celebrates her contribution and keeps her story alive.
It was one of those visits that reminded me that travel isn't simply about beaches.
It is about people.
Stories.
Culture.
And understanding somewhere through the people who call it home.
Nectar: a taste of the island
Another local discovery was Nectar, founded by Nalia in Cole Bay.
Everything is made with a strong focus on natural, vegan, cruelty-free and eco-friendly ingredients.
From sun care and after-sun products to body oils, soaps, facial products and plant-based insect repellent, the range is inspired by the island itself.
What I particularly loved was hearing how the business started in Nalia's kitchen before growing into a local brand.
It is another example of the kind of small, independent businesses that give a destination its character.
Philipsburg: the cruise port is only the beginning
Philipsburg is where many visitors first experience Sint Maarten.
It is colourful, lively and busy, with cruise ships arriving into port, duty-free shopping, Front Street and the boardwalk alongside Great Bay Beach.
It is absolutely worth visiting.
But I would make one distinction:
Don't mistake the cruise port for the whole island.
Philipsburg is the introduction.
The real destination is what lies beyond it.
The French side.
The beaches.
The mountains.
The small businesses.
The viewpoints.
The local stories.
The hidden coves.
The restaurants.
The people.
If you visit Sint Maarten on a cruise, enjoy it.
But then come back.
Stay longer.
And explore properly.
The people make the destination
One of the most memorable aspects of this trip was meeting the people behind the destination.
From the local families running traditional businesses to the tourism team, hotel teams and independent operators, there was a genuine warmth to the welcome.
We were fortunate to spend time with Klaudia Vinga from Vacation St. Maarten and the Sint Maarten Tourism Board, who helped us experience an enormous amount of the island.
This was an especially significant trip for Aspire Travel as we were the first UK travel agents to receive this kind of exclusive hosted access from the tourism board.
It gave us an opportunity to see Sint Maarten from a completely different perspective.
Not simply as a holiday brochure.
But as a destination.
The Aspire Travel Seal of Approval
After personally inspecting the resorts, experiencing the rooms, dining, facilities and service, both Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Sonesta Ocean Point Resort received our Aspire Travel Seal of Approval.
That matters because we don't want to recommend somewhere simply because the photographs look good.
We want to know:
What is the service like?
Who is it actually suitable for?
What is the difference between the room categories?
What can families do?
What does adults-only really feel like?
How good is the food?
What is the beach like?
What is there to do outside the resort?
And perhaps most importantly:
Would we send our own clients there?
After experiencing both properties first-hand, we absolutely would.
So, who is Sint Maarten for?
The answer is surprisingly broad.
Couples
Sonesta Ocean Point offers an adults-only, intimate and luxurious experience, while the island itself provides incredible restaurants, beaches, boat trips and sunset experiences.
Families
Sonesta Maho offers a huge range of facilities, children's activities, pools, dining and entertainment, alongside easy access to the beach.
Luxury travellers
Butler service, premium room categories, private access, beautiful dining and yacht experiences can elevate the trip considerably.
Cruise passengers
Sint Maarten makes a fantastic cruise stop — but there is enough here to justify returning for a much longer stay.
Adventure seekers
Snorkelling, water sports, boat trips and exploring the island by car add plenty of opportunities to get out and do something.
Travellers who want culture
The French side, local businesses, heritage experiences, carnival history and independent producers reveal a much deeper side of the destination.
And then there is the airport...
There is one final thing you simply cannot ignore.
Sint Maarten's airport is incredibly close to the resort area.
Our transfer from the hotel to the airport took around three minutes.
Yes.
Three minutes.
It is probably one of the shortest hotel-to-airport transfers you will ever experience.
And that means you can make the most of your final morning rather than spending hours sitting on a coach.
Would I go back?
Absolutely.
In fact, I think that is one of the clearest signs of a destination that works.
Four nights and five days gave me enough time to see an enormous amount.
But it wasn't enough to see everything.
I'd go back for the beaches.
I'd go back for the food.
I'd go back for the people.
I'd go back for the French side.
I'd go back for the boat trips.
I'd go back to explore more of the island.
And I'd happily go back simply to sit on a balcony at sunrise with a Caribbean breeze and nowhere I needed to be.
Sint Maarten is more than Maho Beach
That's probably the biggest thing I'd like you to take away from this diary.
Yes, Maho Beach is spectacular.
Yes, watching an aircraft come in over the beach is something you won't forget.
But if that's all you see, you've barely scratched the surface.
Sint Maarten is two cultures, two languages, incredible beaches, mountains, food, heritage, adventure and some genuinely wonderful people all packed into one island.
It can be luxurious.
It can be lively.
It can be peaceful.
It can be adventurous.
It can be completely relaxing.
And it can be whatever kind of Caribbean holiday you want it to be.
The trick is knowing where to stay, what to experience and which parts of the island are right for you.
That's where first-hand knowledge makes the difference.
Ready to discover Sint Maarten?
Whether you're dreaming of an adults-only luxury escape, a family all-inclusive, a Caribbean adventure or a longer island stay that lets you experience both sides of Sint Maarten, we can build the trip around you.
And because we've now experienced the resorts, explored the island and met the people behind it, we can give you advice that goes far beyond a hotel photograph.
Sint Maarten is waiting. 🇸🇽🌴✈️
Thinking about visiting? Speak to Aspire Travel and let us build your perfect Caribbean escape.
Comments