Sun & Sand at Sonesta Ocean Point

A summer getaway in St. Martin (or Sint Maarten if you’re staying on the Dutch side) can drum up images of true island paradise. Sprawling hills coupled with the azure waters of over 30 different beaches—it’s hard to be disappointed no matter where you decide to stay. But for those of you looking for the ultimate St. Martin vacation—as in one of the few adults-only, all-inclusive experiences available—look no further than Sonesta Ocean Point.

Just minutes from the notorious Princess Juliana International Airport, Sonesta Ocean Point is the adjacent sister property to the family-friendly Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. The property deems itself as a “resort within a resort” due to this very notion, however the expansion was aimed at appealing to a much higher-end and upscale clientele.

Truly designed with luxury in mind, Sonesta Ocean Point boasts two private pools, an exclusive fine-dining restaurant and 129 rooms in total, all oceanfront suites, and some even including butler service and a personal swim-out pool. The limitless all-inclusive package also includes 24-hour room service, nightly turndown, a stocked mini-bar and of course, unlimited food and premium drinks.

While guests of Sonesta Ocean Point are granted free reign to roam around and use the facilities of the neighboring Sonesta Maho property, access to Sonesta Ocean Point is exclusive to those staying at the resort—so you can rest assured that your time lounging by the pool will remain undisturbed.

During our recent stay, we were greeted upon check-in with cold, ginger-scented towels and a glass of champagne—the standard welcoming for all guests. Electronic bracelets took the place of room keys, a modern and highly-appreciated touch I had yet to encounter at any other resort. Most of our days were spent between Maho Beach, watching the planes fly in and out, and relaxing at either The Point Pool, which overlooks Maho Beach, and The Edge Pool, which hangs cliffside off the property and is surrounded by a private, man-made beach.

Azul is the only restaurant exclusive to Sonesta Ocean Point guests, although there are several other dining options to be enjoyed on the Sonesta Maho side, including The Point, Palms Grill, Ocean Terrace Restaurant and Pizzeria Napoli—the perfect place to stop off for a mid-afternoon snack we found out. Azul, however, is where we ate almost every meal, not only because the food was just that good but it had views to match. It was built off the edge of a cliff, offering up sights of the sparkling teal water and an impressive Mediterranean menu to follow.

If a trip to St. Martin wasn’t on your radar before, we highly recommend giving it a go. And if you have the time, set sail and spend the day in Anguilla or jet over to St. Barths for a distinctly French feel—both of which can be arranged by the concierge or online.