We took advantage of our newest supplier, Resort for a Day, and pre-reserved back-to-back day passes at two of the Caribbean’s loveliest seaside resorts.
Only 15 minutes and a $12.00 cab ride from the dock, we arrived at the gates of the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort and Casino where we spent a lovely day away from the crowds.
We were greeted at the check-in by Kerisha Williams, the lovely Front Office Manager who provided an overview of the property and then recommended we stop in for breakfast which was still being served.
Sonesta Great Bay (and her sister Sonesta Maho Beach, which is where the airplanes glide in 10 feet over the beach!) are all-inclusives, and although we are on a day pass, we are quite as welcome as all their overnight guests.
We started in the casino, but the machines were a little dated and were having trouble reading the vouchers, so we opted to enjoy the day under the sun.
There was a great beach with huts and cabanas for rent, and beachside bar service – perfect place to snorkel or just soak in the rays while devouring a good book. There are even first floor rooms with their own beachside cabanas – not too bad!
What a great place to reset your internal clock!
We had no problem finding a couple of lounges poolside, and thoroughly enjoyed the infinity pool, with its own swim-up bar and a great view of our ship on the other side of the bay, and then basked in the whirlpool for a super-relaxing soak! There is a lovely spa on prem, but we didn’t want to spend more time inside, so we had to pass.
What resonates most in Sint Maarten is the overwhelming warmth of the locals. Everyone from the bar staff to the towel hut were incredibly friendly and truly made us feel welcome.
We didn’t take them up on breakfast but we did indulge in the lovely buffet – a mix of traditional American lunch fare (burgers, dogs, barbecue chicken and the like), and Caribbean fare, including friend conch and plantains, fresh fish, and several soup and salad options. While we had virgin pinas poolside, alcohol was also included, making this a fantastic value for a tour that avoids crowds, shopping and buses -hat a treat! The fresh fruit punch was right out of the vineyards and to die for! Best of all, we dined on a balcony overlooking the bay with the breeze our your hair and the lull of tin drums somewhere off in the distance hauntingly chanting O Come All Ye Faithful.
If you are looking for a totally laid-back resort where your toughest decision for the day is limited to whether to start beach-side or at the pool, and need a place to decompress with a great cocktail and a good book – the Sonesta in Sint Maarten is a fabulous choice!
