THE VILLAS AT SIMPSON BAY BEACH RESORT & MARINA
Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
Since my younger daughter was having fun at sleepaway camp, we thought it was the perfect time for my husband and I to take our oldest daughter away on a trip since she will be heading off to college a year and a half. Since we’d been to St. Martin two times before and always loved it, we knew it would be an amazing destination for our getaway. The Simpson Bay Beach Resort had everything we would need for our stay.
After a long day of flying from Boston (we had a delay and a long layover…yuck.), we finally felt the Caribbean sun on our face and could smell the salty air. Check-in was fast and informative and we couldn’t wait to head to our suite since we didn’t know what to expect. Our jaws dropped when we saw what our accommodations looked like.
Let me show you around our suite. We stayed in a
2 Bedroom Oceanfront Suite
The 1410 sq ft suite has a modern vibe created by the dark wood and black and gray accent colors. The main room had a living room area with a couch and 2 loveseats. The couch wasn’t very comfortable but we wouldn’t be using it much anyway. There was also a dining area which we didn’t use but it would be a nice place to sit and have a meal or play a board game on a rainy day.
The kitchen was small but had everything you would need to create a good meal. The full-size fridge would be great for long stays and it was nice to have a stove where we could make eggs every morning.
Now for my favorite spot…the balcony! The suite has a beautiful ocean view that also overlooks the pool. There were two cozy chairs with matching ottomans that were so comfortable to sit in. There was also a table with four chairs that was an amazing spot for my husband to do some work as well as for coffee and breakfast each morning.
Our view was unforgettable!
The bedroom had a luxurious king size bed, marble floors, and a nice dresser with ample drawers and closet space. My favorite things about the room is the slider that opened up to the balcony.
Our bathroom was large but had an odd setup. It had a water closet with both a toilet and a shower. Then it had a separate area with a double sink, drawers, and a bench.
The 2nd bedroom?
So where was our daughter going to sleep if there was just one bedroom? This is the exciting part. She had her own room attached to ours! There was an interior connecting door separating us so we felt completely safe and she felt great about having her own space. She had two queen beds in her room with a dresser, desk, tv, and plenty of closet space.
The best part was she had a small balcony of her own with a table and two chairs. She loved reading out on her balcony and we loved seeing her out there in her own space.
The room even had its own mini refrigerator so she could store drinks. She also had a microwave. It was like a little kitchen nook.
Her bathroom also had double sinks and a great shower.
Let me show you around the resort
We had the most gorgeous sunset views from our balcony so we loved having wine and cheese out there in the evening. I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to have our own cocktail hour.
Take a peek at the beach
Spend the day relaxing on the powder-white sands of Simpson Bay or stake your claim to a palm tree. The beach is sheltered and safe for swimming and snorkeling. Simpson Bay is a picture-perfect spot.
Check out this pool…
The pool has a few pools, but we spent most of our time in the main pool. It had stunning views of the water and the swim-up bar was a treat. They have happy hour each afternoon with buy-1-get-1 drink specials.
So, what did we do while we were there?
The resort is located on a great part of the island, however if you want to do a little exploring it’s best to rent a car. Here are some things we did:
Friar’s Beach
Has 2 fun beach bars that is the perfect place to enjoy some beers, go for a swim, and enjoy the views. We’ve been there twice and both times we felt like it was a hidden gem.
Kontiki Beach Restaurant
This is a perfect spot to spend the day on Orient Beach. It has a long beach that is great for walking. The restaurant is delicious and it has a fun beach bar. Just look at these swings!
There was even a live DJ` while we were there.
The restaurant has tons of chaise loungers and beach umbrellas that you can rent. They offer chair service so you don’t even have to leave your seat when you want to enjoy a refreshing cocktail.
Chartered a Boat for the Day
We were to various spots to snorkel, swim, and relax. The views were incredible and it was the best thing we did while we were there.
Pinel Island
A short ferry ride or a kayak trip will take you to the island. There are great spots to swim, eat, drink, and snorkel. It can get pretty crowded some days.
Loterie Farm
A nature sanctuary on 135 acres with hiking trails & zip lines, plus a bar/eatery & pool/lounge areas.
Marigot Market
Located in downtown Marigot, shop for local art, jewelry, food, and souvenirs at this beautiful outdoor market located right near the water.
Explored the island.
St. Martin is an easy island to drive on. The views as you’re driving are stunning and you can stop whenever you see something you want to explore.
What restaurants does the resort have?
We never had a bad meal at any of the restaurants and the staff was welcoming and kind. I love that there were lots of options at the resort because after a long day of exploring the island, it was nice to not have to drive anywhere from dinner.
Bovin
Bovin Steak House has raised the bar for fine dining in St. Maarten by offering a sophisticated food and drink menu that include many unique options to meat-lovers. Try their bone marrow for an appetizer.
La Patrona
A Mexican restaurant that with delicious food using authentic ingredients. It has both indoor and outdoor seating right on the water. They have a great selection of margaritas.
Replay Sports Bar
If you want a casual meal after a long day, this is the place. It has regular bar food as well as assorted snacks, sushi and pizzas.
Coco Beach Bar
Down by the shore, you can enjoy your favorites drinks and snacks from the Coco Beach Bar while enjoying a spectacular view of Simpson Bay.
Juliette’s Bistro
I would only recommend eating outside at this bistro because the inside has no ambiance. However, we had a delicious meal sitting outside. It is not on the water like most of the other restaurants. It is actually across the street.
Café Britt
Craving some coffee? Come to the lobby and enjoy the finest Costa Rican coffee at the Café Britt.
It has a wall of windows that overlooks the ocean. Have a seat and watch the sea turtles swimming.
What could you do in the area?
St. Maarten/Saint Martin have 37 fabulous beaches to choose from. You can also do:
`Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling + Beach Tour w/ Lunch, St. Maarten
The Best Catamaran Day Sail in St Maarten
3-Hour Guided ATV Tour Island Highlights Plus 1-Hour Relax by the Beach
Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour in St Maarten
The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour
Champagne Sunset Cruise in St Maarten
Electric Adventures Buggy Rental
3 Island Adventure with stop at Tintamarre to swim with Turtles
Where do you fly in to?
Fly in to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM).
CLICK HERE for a great flight.
Who would I recommend it to?
Anyone! It is romantic enough for a couple’s getaway, relaxing enough for a girl’s getaway, fun enough for a family trip, and safe enough for a solo trip.
Tips for Planning your Stay
Parking: There is ample complimentary on-site parking.
Check-in: 4:00 Check-out: 10:00
They are offering house cleaning services.
There is a 24-hour front desk.
Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 12 years old and younger stay free, per registered adult, when using existing bedding
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Pets? Pets are not allowed at this property.
Billy Folly Road #37, Sint Maarten
Netherlands Antilles
1-888-721-4407
Click HERE to get to their Website