Sizzling St. Maarten

Ever wanted to buy one, get one free in the travel department? Well, pack your bags because that's exactly what you get with a trip to the island of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin: 2 countries on 1 island! It's like the ultimate BOGO deal! This is the smallest island in the world where two countries have decided to share like good neighbors. Nestled in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles in the northeastern Caribbean, this little slice of paradise is split between the Netherlands (Sint Maarten) and France (Saint-Martin).

With sunny weather throughout the year, stunning vistas, and delicious culinary choices that satisfy every craving, a St. Maarten adventure is unmatched. Marvel at the series of lush green hills whose peaks offer panoramic views of the valleys, sea, and nearby islands. The island is bordered by both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, providing it with a captivating shoreline. These beautiful surroundings make St. Maarten a tranquil island paradise.

"Where should we stay for this trip?" you wonder. Well, buckle up for a vacation so fabulous, even your Instagram will be jealous! Welcome to the Dawn Beach Club Resort, perched on the white sand beach of Oyster Pond. This beachfront utopia is your golden ticket to sun-soaked relaxation with views of the Atlantic Ocean that might just make you forget your own name. Just a hop, skip, and a short drive away, you can dive into the fun at Grand Case or Orient Bay, where beach shenanigans, snorkeling escapades, adrenaline-pumping water sports, and dining experiences so divine they'll make your taste buds do the cha-cha await you!

The most remarkable feature of this resort is that every unit is a 3-bedroom luxury Presidential Suite! We were thrilled to enter our expansive 1800 square-foot villa, which included a beautifully decorated living room, dining room, kitchen and full-sized laundry room. Each of the three bedrooms boasted a king-size bed, and a long balcony provided stunning ocean views from both the living room and our master bedroom. 

Surprisingly, the Dawn Beach Club reception and pool areas are about as exciting as watching paint dry, and there's no restaurant to be found. But who cares? Guests get to waltz over to the fancy JW Marriott Beach Resort and Spa next door and enjoy their top-notch amenities. It's like scoring a free upgrade!

As we stepped into the JW Marriott lobby, we were warmly welcomed with a delightful tropical cocktail that set the perfect tone for our adventure. With excitement, we wandered past the upscale lobby bar, our eyes dancing over the captivating displays in the various shop windows. Stepping outside, we were absolutely thrilled by the breathtaking sight of the expansive oceanfront pool, complete with an inviting swim-up bar.

At the JW Marriott, you can feast at not one, but two restaurants right on the premises. And let's not forget the poolside cafe, where we spent countless afternoons gobbling up burgers and spicy chicken sandwiches and sipping on delicious island cocktails, all while grooving to local live music. Who knew paradise had such a great playlist?

In short, we absolutely loved our stay at the Dawn Beach Club and can't wait to return!

St. Maarten offers endless activities and sights, but even if you just kick back and relax at the resort, you'll have an amazing vacation!