FAQs

Question

DO YOU NEED A PASSPORT FOR ST. MAARTEN / ST. MARTIN ?

Answer

Like any foreign country, a passport book is required to enter St. Maarten for adults, children and babies. You will also need a passport book to visit the sister islands of St. Barth's and Anguilla. If you do not yet have a passport, it is recommended to start the application process immediately at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html Passports MUST be valid for up to 6 Months AFTER your date of arrival. CHECK YOUR EXPIRATION DATE!! Which is on or about February 1, 2026 or after.

Question

WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO FOR THE WEDDING ?

Answer

Princess Juliana Airport SXM. There are nonstop flights daily from JFK, CLT, ATL, MIA, and EWR. PHL has limited nonstop from PHL. The hotel is a short 5 minutes from the airport. Taxi or rental cars are the best options to get to the resort. Taxi's cost about $10 per couple each way and will be readily available. A shuttle can be available for larger groups arriving at the same time and will be $21 per person round trip. Let me know today if you would like to arrange a group shuttle. If you are interested in a rental car, if you book early I can help you with your reservation. An example for price range- $100-$200 for a small car Aug 2-7, 2025. I believe you can also rent a car for a day from the resort. Tricia will be managing all room bookings, and can also book your air as a package; or you can book your own air separately. Travel Protection is a must this time of year!

Question

WHAT ARE SXM AIRPORT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ?

Answer

A Passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the arrival date. An ED-Card (Embarkation and Disembarkations Card ie. Entry/Exit) Complete online (entry.sx) or on the plane. You will need your travel documents, contact information, accomodation and flight information to fill out the form. All travelers must have a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodations. A Health declaration form, is to be completed 72-24 hours in advance. Immigration form: normally handed out on the plane, but travelers can also complete it online for faster entry at www.entry.sx.

Question

IS IT WORTH RENTING A CAR IN ST. MAARTEN / ST. MARTIN ?

Answer

To avoid high cost and dependence on taxis, most people are advised to rent a car on St. Maarten. Car rentals start at about $28/day. Popular places are best accessed by rental car and include the foodie destination on the French side of Grand Case. In addition to Simpson Bay and the city of Philipsburg. The island is very easy and safe to drive around, and you can drive with a valid US License. Bonus: They drive on the right side of the street!

Question

RESORT ALL-INCULSIVE RESTURANTS AND BARS ?

Answer

Free Wifi available in all rooms and common areas. Alcohol included: International and domestic beers, wine and spirits, frozen drinks and soft drinks are available in all bars including the Oasis Swim up Bar. Soft drinks and bottle water are refreshed daily in you rooms. Food Included: Restaurants & bars: Ocean Terrace: Fresh buffet service, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner The Palms Beach Grill Restaurant & Bar: Grill specialties for lunch, for dinner the Lava Rock where guests can cook on individual hot rocks. La Fontana: Alfresco restaurant with an a la carte dinner menu featuring Italian specialties. The Village Tavern: Pub-style food and entertainment. Jing’s Kitchen: Asian fare for dinner on select evenings.  24/7 Room Service

Question

WHAT DO I WEAR FOR THE WEDDING ?

Answer

Island Casual Resort Wear: Men: Linen or Khaki Long Pants. Button down/ Polo/ Hawaiian/ collard shirts/ short sleeves. IE: Guayabera or Tommy Bahama shirts. A great website is: https://www.weddingtropics.com/ Women: Flowy dresses or dressy separates like a nice top and skirt. Think sundresses. General: Light colors, Light weight breathable fabrics (cotton/linen), no ties! Shoes: Nice flip flops, Sandals or beach footwear are acceptable. (including Hey Dudes, etc). No Tuxedo, sport coats or suit jackets! No shirts no service! NOTE: Some hotel restaurants may require Island Casual Resort wear so it's wise for men to bring more than one pair of long pants.

Question

WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN AUGUST ?

Answer

Hot, sunny weather. Average temperature in St. Maarten / St. Martin is between 80˚ to 89˚ Expect abundant sunshine throughout out the day. And, moderate rainfall with short showers late afternoons. Water temperature is pleasantly warm, ocean water around 84˚.

Question

CAN YOU DRINK TAP WATER ON ST MAARTEN ?

Answer

On Dutch side St Maarten, it is not advised to drink tapwater as is the case with many countries around the equator. Our hotel will provide bottled water daily in the mini fridge in room. Filtered water is used in all bars and restaurants for ice and water and is safe to drink. Running water in the rooms and public areas are provided by the islands water company and it suitable for washing or brushing your teeth. You can also use the bottled water to brush your teeth if you are more comfortable.

Question

DO I NEED A CONVERTER FOR MY ELECTRONICS ?

Answer

The dutch side of the island (where the hotel is located) used the same electrical system as the US / 110Volts, No converter or adapters are necessary.

Question

TSA- Liquid rules

Answer

Carry on luggage- liquids including; aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are limited to fit in 1 Quart sized ziplock bag, with individual containers no larger than 3.4oz or less each. Containers larger than 3.4oz each, must be in your checked baggage.

Question

TSA- Traveling with Prescription medicines

Answer

It is important to travel with prescription medication in the original unexpired bottles, with the prescription labels present.

Question

RECOMMENDATION- bring these items

Answer

A Tumbler (yeti, stanley, etc) for larger drinks that are great for keeping drinks cold, or your coffee hot longer. We suggest bringing a 16oz or larger tumbler, the bartenders will fill them. Packable Pool Floats Snorkle Masks $1 bills for tipping, I normally suggest bringing $50per adult Plenty of Sunblock- it is very expensive at the resort store- bring a travel size in your carry-on luggage. Full size (3.4oz or larger) must go in checked luggage.

Question

RESORT BEACHES, ACTIVITES AND INCLUSIONS ?

Answer

See Things To Do TAB: for a full list of options and links -Maho Beach and Sunset bar, watch the Jets arrive and get blown away when they depart. This area of the beach can be accessed by a few minute walking path from our resort which is on Maho beach. -37 stunning beaches on the island, all of which are public. Mullet Beach is a 10 minute walk near the golf course, and offers a bar/resturant, and rental chairs and umbrellas. -Ocean water is often described as crystal clear and calm, making it great for swimming, snorkeling and floating.

Question

WHAT CURRENCY IS ACCEPTED IN ST. MAARTEN / ST. MARTIN ?

Answer

The American Dollar is excepted everywhere on the island, on St. Barth's and Anguilla. The EU is also excepted everywhere on the French side of the island. NOTE: IF you take the ferry to Anguilla, they only take cash in EU currency. The NAF Netherlands Antilles florin is excepted everywhere on the Dutch side if the island. Credit Cards are widely accepted, but watch out for card companies that charge foreign transaction fees, you can call your credit card company to find out. If they do not charge these fees, it will typically give you the best exchange rate. Typically cards like airline credit cards, Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture and more do not charge these additional fees.

Question

WHAT LANGUAGE DO THEY SPEAK IN ST MAARTEN ?

Answer

On St Maarten / St Martin, English is the standard language because of historical reasons. On the French side, French is ubiquitous too. Also, Spanish is heard a lot. Some people speak Dutch on the Dutch side, but it is predominantly the legal language only.

Question

ARE CHILDREN INVITED ?

Answer

Yes, this is an all-inclusive family resort with a dedicated childrens pool with water slides, kids club and daily activities. There is also a TEEN zone for 13 and over packed with the latest entertainment and games. including pool tables, air hockey, PlayStation, Xbox and board games. It is your choice if you want to have an adult vacation or family vacation.

Question

IS ST. MAARTEN GOOD FOR FAMILIES ?

Answer

St Maarten / St Martin is an excellent location to visit with your entire family! Either make use of family plans at our hotels or resorts. See our dedicated what to do with kids on St Maarten page for the best beaches and activities for our junior visitors!

Question

NO WEDDING GIFTS PLEASE

Answer

Your presence on our special day is our present!!

Question

IS TIPPING ACCEPTED ?

Answer

Tipping is included in your room rate, however, Yes it is accepted for superior service and may tip at your own discretion. It is recommended to tip drivers, bell hops, concierge, baggage handlers, housekeepers, waitresses and bartenders. I normally recommend to bring about $50 in $1 bills per adult for tips.

Question

WHAT TIME IS IT ON ST MAARTEN / ST MARTIN ?

Answer

St Maarten / St Martin is in the Atlantic time zone (GMT-4). This means it has the same time zone as New York, Washington DC, Miami, Florida, Charleston, Georgia and Virginia.

Question

WHAT EXCURSIONS DOES ST. MAARTEN / ST. MARTIN OFFER ?

Answer

Many options are listed with links on our Things to do TAB. Including, Day trips to St. Barth's or Anguilla by Ferry. Boating, Snorkeling, Catamaran, Booze Cruise, Horseback riding, Swim with Turtles, ATV Tours, Jet Ski, Zipline, Parasailing, and Fishing, etc. Visiting beaches around the island such as Grand Case Bay, Great Bay Beach, Orient Beach, and Mullet Beach which is a short walk or drive from our resort. Mullet Beach is our favorite!!

Question

WHAT IS ST MAARTEN KNOWN FOR ?

Answer

St Maarten / St Martin is best known for its friendly variety of peoples and cuisines, its green hills hiking and last but not least its beautiful beaches. Its unique division with a Dutch Side and French side areas. Areas add to the cultural and culinary diversity and make St Maarten stick out in the Caribbean.

Question

IS SCUBA DIVING AVAILABLE ?

Answer

Yes our family expert John would love to arrange Scuba dive trips for anyone who is interested. Please reach out for his contact information. There are a number of shipwrecks that make for impressive dive sites around the island, though the Carib Cargo Wreck is perhaps the Islands best known. Home to Stingrays, Turtles and Lobsters.

Question

HOW LONG IS THE FERRY RIDE TO ST. BARTH'S OR ANGUILLA ?

Answer

45 minutes from Philipsburg to Gustavia St. Barths 25 minutes from Marigot to Anguilla

Question

CAN YOU CROSS FROM SINT MAARTEN TO SAINT MARTIN ?

Answer

Dutch side St Maarten and French side St Martin boast the longest open border in the world. Chances are you will not notice traveling over one of the four border crossings except for a friendly sign “Welcome to the Dutch / French side” ! Both sides accept US dollars.

Question

WHERE IS THE FAMOUS MAHO BEACH ?

Answer

Maho Beach is located in the Maho district, at the end / beginning of the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). See the world famous pictures of airplanes landing and departing. Our resort is located on the end of Maho Beach and will have great views.

Question

WHAT COUNTRY OWNS ST MAARTEN ?

Answer

St Maarten / St Martin is known as the Friendly Island and is very safe, both sides are semi-autonomous bodies within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the French Republic. Dutch side (St Maarten) autonomy is greater than the French side: whereas French side St Martin is a special community, Dutch side St Maarten has become an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands as of October 10th 2010; previously she formed part of the Netherlands Antilles. Though by means a referendum Dutch side St Maarten chose this type of constitution for now, both sides of the island stand free to expand their degrees of independence from their European counterparts at any time – or to the contrary, connect even further.

Question

ARE THERE BREWERY'S or DISTILLERIES ON ST. MAARTEN / ST. MARTIN ?

Answer

There is one brewery on St. Maarten, called SXM Beer. It is a 10 minute drive from the resort. Open daily except Sundays. Topper's Rhum Distillery is located in an 11 minute drive from our resort. Tours are $33/adult to learn how Rum is fermented, distilled and filtered with samples at the tasting bar.

Question

WHAT IS THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE IN ST. MARTEEN / ST. MARTIN ?

Answer

The legal drinking age in St. Maarten / St. Martin is 18 yrs old.