The Caribbean offers some of the best vacation spots closer to the East coast, and one of my favorite destinations is St. Maarten (SXM), where sunshine dreams and sunset moonbeams greet you each day and evening, and beach vacations reign supreme.
I’ll be honest, I am almost afraid to share this idyllic SXM resort property as it is a gem, as its offerings are both big and little, and I know you will share the same sentiment that it offers an unsurpassed setting in a very unique spot!
Sometimes there are resorts that get a lot of touts, and often they are really are not what the crowd is preaching, but I am going to share an SXM resort that sits on and is surrounded by idyllic property creating unsurpassed surroundings and ambiance.
The SXM Resort Surrounded by Stunning Bays
While St. Maarten is a popular destination, you’ve got to know where to stay and why to stay there.
SXM beach vacations are a premium experience, as there are 30 different beaches in St. Maarten to choose to bask in the sun at.
IF you have been staring at the photograph above, you probably already know that this article will share Divi Little Bay Beach resort, as it exemplifies an epic destination resort with everything you need right at your fingertips!
Both the French Side and the Dutch side offer a truly great getaway, I have to say, that even if I return again, I am choosing this resort for multiple reasons I am about to share with you!
*My trip was hosted, opinions are mine.
You can use the table of contents to move through this article on what I consider to be the best SXM resort or just read straight through.
Do make sure to visit some of my other articles on things to do in St. Maarten so you capture the full essence of the area.
Visually Stunning Ambiance Sets You Into Vacation Mode
Let’s face it, we don’t all live where the sun shines as much as we would love to see it.
I’ll share the fact that I live in Pittsburgh (not by choice!) and the fact is, we have more gloomy days than days filled with sun and this takes its toll on both my mental health and my moods!
Sunshine just has a way of bringing you into vacation mode, and even more so when the beach is just steps away!
We toured both the French and the Dutch side, to gain an appreciation of each and after all of that, I will state without hesitation that this resort is unchallenged with its gratifying landscape and pristine beachfront area. 🎤
Within walking distance from the entrance to your villa, your eyes will meet Big Bay, Little Bay, Philipsburg, mountains, and beaches.
A stunning multi-visual feast for your vacation-deprived soul, that has been spinning on empty, until you arrived at this stellar SXM resort!
Above you can see a view from my villa, which is looking out towards Philipsburg and Big Bay where the cruise ships arrive.
In case you haven’t already figured it out, Divi Little Bay beach resort is on the Dutch side and Philipsburg is a stone’s throw away!
Additionally, you’ll want to know that Philipsburg is where you will find the best Gelato on the island and you will find a lot of fun flavors, so if you are a foodie, this is a must!
However, if you are staying at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, you can find the yummy gelato here, as they are the only place that carries it on the whole island!
You see, there are small and large pleasures that are the gifts of a truly good vacation and you will find many more here!
Why Would I Stay at this SXM Resort?
Whether you are traveling on a budget, or just flat out don’t care, the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort gets big nods for all travelers.
Advantages to choosing this truly idyllic setting and resort?
- take advantage of the all-inclusive package which means you can dine and eat at the restaurants, bars, and on the beach, and you’ve already chosen your budget.
- For those that prefer to cook, you have easy access to stores (onsite or close by via taxi), and your units are fully stocked with everything you need to cook.
- Do you like to go dine out and eat in? You’ll love the proximity to the French Side where your gastronomy-loving version of you can go wild enjoying delicious French food!
- Want to check the island out, and feel the vibe? Divi Little Bay Beach Resort offers on-premises car rental, as well as taxis, and private drivers!
- What are SXM beach vacations without some booze? They aren’t vacations, so you’ll find 3 bars on the resort property
- Are you a poolside mermaid? The SXM resort has 3 fabulous pools all of which have insanely gorgeous views of Little Bay!
- the food range onsite is insanely pleasing: from basic sandwiches at the poolside eateries to very upscale, exclusive experiences at the Pure Ocean restaurant.
- Do you crave nightly entertainment, the resort will fill you up with bands, and fun!
- Sunrise and sunset have great vantage points here
- Water sports enthusiasts will love the fact that all the fun is literally right at your feet
- Beach gear from towels to the chairs is provided
- Snorkeling and Scuba are here
- NO matter what villa you are in, you are steps away from the beach.
- Onsite groceries and souvenir shop
Perhaps the best point to share is that this sprawling resort destination in St. Maarten is that it is large enough to have its villas spread apart, yet close enough to not be too far apart.
Honestly, this is a brilliantly designed SXM all-inclusive or not all-inclusive resort, whichever you deem it!
Can I see inside your room?
We spent just about NO time in our room, except to sleep after fun, fabulous days on the beach and around the area.
Our kitchen was stocked to the 9’s and 10’s but I never cooked!
The couches were comfortable, the rooms were clean, and the refrigerator kept our beverages cold for nighttime when we enjoyed perfect cocktails and the moon-kissed Big Bay by night!
Again, maybe one of those odd little pleasures was the fact that we had a washer and dryer, making it possible to pack lighter, then wash, dry, and repeat!
Fabulously Perfect SXM Beach Vacations Begin Here
Now that you have seen the setting, allow me to share a few other reasons you will just enjoy yourself at the resort, that defines every letter of the word VACATION!
Beach service matters, and if you have spent time at any of the Jersey Shore beaches, you will take away a new meaning and appreciation for being able to drink on the beach.
Food and beverages were served basically on-demand, by using our Flag and ordering!
Rather than having to stop, seek food, and then return, we just did a “Flag Up” and food order and kept on swimming, walking, and hanging in the sun! SXM beach vacations are the best!
What makes this vacation next level however is not just the beach service, or any other amenities, but rather the backdrop: water, mountains, and beach, depending on which angle you are gazing at it from.
SXM Beach Vacations: Which Pool Will You Choose?
For those that want time in the water in the Caribbean, it’s literally spilling onto you all over the Little Bay area.
3 Pools At The Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
- a pool with a waterfall
- a pool with a swim-up bar
- the infinity pool
The setting is off the charts at this pool, check out the mountainside views and the serene Little Bay, where you can eat and drink and lounge poolside. ↓
Of course, there is the fabulous infinity pool that absolutely completes the idyllic serene setting.
Shhh! The HotSpot Secret You’ll Find Right On The Resort Property!
They say there’s a sucker born every minute, and you’ll join the leagues if you are reading this and don’t take advantage of this tip!
Anyone that has cruised on into port and taken part in the snorkeling and diving trips that cruise ships offer once you are at St. Maarten as a port of call has paid a pretty penny to do such.
If you have read my article on the Divi Little Bay Exclusives for their guests know what I am about to share!
The ‘hot spot’ for both diving and snorkeling is right here at the base of the Fort above!
You’ll experience everything from a toilet to a helicopter below!
Yes, we tested it out and LOVED it.
My tip to the cruisers is to forego the ‘cruise’ offered snorkeling and support the locals, by grabbing a cab, and coming over to this SXM resort to snorkel and you will pay less and enjoy it more!
Don’t be a cruise ship sucker with those over-priced offers, do it yourself and you will feel like you gave yourself an adventure. Just watch the time and be back to the ship before it departs!
We actually spent time on the beach with a family that did just that and they could not stop hailing the praises of the resort we were all at!
Rent A Car To Visit more of SXM
While you will love your time at this St. Maarten resort (on the Dutch side) I would be remiss if I did not recommend getting off the property to see what else the island of Saint Maarten offers.
You don’t have to leave the beach, but I want you to because you will learn that where you are is the best!
Rental cars are available for the day by heading to the Divi Resort front office!
You will definitely want to stay here, but venture out to eat on the French side where you can fill your tummy with amazing French eats and delicacies.
Plus, there are fabulous views of Marigot Bay (from the top of Fort Louis), which you just must-see.
Your Truly Idyllic SXM experience awaits
Enjoy the sunset from your lanais looking at Philipsburg over Big Bay.
Or hang at the Infinity pool and watch the sun disappear after a full day of play via the little bay!
When you start dreaming of your next getaway, consider St. Maarten.
Whether you want to enjoy a beach experience or just need a relaxing, non-eventful vacation, St. Maarten has that.
From impeccable beach service to varied eateries, perfectly situated villas loaded with amenities, and close proximity to the French side and Philipsburg, you will definitely want to put this SXM resort on your radar when you are planning an escape to St. Maarten.
~Dana XO
Leave a Reply