For years, St. Maarten’s accommodation scene predominantly featured casual beach properties, vacation rentals, and midrange all-inclusives. However, the recent opening of the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa in spring 2024 marks a significant shift in this trend. This luxury resort introduces an internationally recognized brand with exceptional service and contemporary design, filling a gap previously overlooked in the destination.
Though the Dutch side of the island retains its laid-back charm and vibrant nightlife, the addition of upscale properties like the JW Marriott signals a readiness to accommodate guests seeking elevated accommodations. This is coupled with a commitment to sustainability, reflecting a growing trend among the island’s offerings.
Situated on the site of the former Westin at Dawn Beach, which was abandoned following Hurricane Irma in 2017, the JW Marriott boasts 200 rooms and represents a broader initiative to attract discerning travelers looking for a premium Caribbean experience without sacrificing the island’s signature warmth.
Experiencing Luxury at the JW Marriott
Visitors to the JW Marriott are welcomed by a sense of ease characteristic of a large resort. The friendly and professional staff aim to create a relaxed atmosphere, embodying luxury without any pretentiousness. After a day spent exploring the island or taking a ferry ride to Anguilla, returning to the resort feels like a soothing retreat, complete with refreshing drinks, ocean breezes, and comfortable accommodations.
Guests will find sleek, modern rooms adorned with warm woods and neutral color palettes, featuring amenities such as deep soaking tubs and furnished balconies that overlook the ocean or gardens. For those desiring an added touch of luxury, Deluxe Guest rooms come with private plunge pools. Room rates start around $300 during the low season but can soar past $2,000 for premier oceanfront suites.
Dining options at the resort are equally impressive. One of the primary restaurants, Carambola, promotes itself as "flip-flop fine dining," a fitting description for its casual yet refined atmosphere. Standout dishes include seared scallops, conch fritters, and an exquisite glass of rosé enjoyed by the pool. Another option, the Mediterranean restaurant Liguria, emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the property’s JW Garden. In addition to these establishments, guests can indulge in offerings from the lobby bar, poolside cafes, and a grab-and-go market.
Comprehensive Amenities
The JW Marriott offers a full suite of amenities to enhance guest experiences. These include a large infinity pool, a 14-room spa, a fitness center, and pickleball courts, ensuring plenty of activities for visitors. A daily resort fee of $50 encompasses Wi-Fi, access to the spa’s steam room, water aerobics, yoga classes, and standard beach amenities.
Commitment to Sustainability
From an environmental perspective, JW Marriott is making strides in sustainability. The resort is equipped with a solar power system, generating up to one megawatt of energy from 2,600 solar panels while alleviating pressure on the local electricity grid. Additionally, a desalination plant produces 45,000 gallons of clean water daily by converting seawater. Although these initiatives may not be immediately visible to guests, they represent a broader plan among St. Maarten’s new developments to foster resilient and eco-conscious design.
The resort is conveniently located about a 30-minute drive from Princess Juliana Airport and offers easy access to both the Dutch and French sides of the island. For travelers interested in multi-island adventures, its proximity to a ferry terminal facilitates swift transfers to nearby destinations like St. Barts, Anguilla, Saba, Statia, and St. Kitts.
While the JW Marriott may not occupy the ultra-exclusive tier of Caribbean resorts, it serves as an appealing option for those seeking high-quality accommodations, dependable service, and a familiar level of comfort in a traditionally casual setting.
