**The night I published this, St Martin was hit by Hurricane Irma. The devastation is widespread and my heart aches for their losses.
After looking at numerous hotels and loads of research on where to stay on St Martin, we booked a two bedroom ocean view suite at the Royal Palm Beach Resort by Diamond Resorts in Simpson Bay on the Dutch side of the island.
We lucked out location wise, we couldn’t have picked a better spot! Right across from restaurants and bars, short walk to more restaurants and bars in Cole Bay and the supermarket. Plus only $12USD to the airport in a cab and a short trip to Maho where all the night life is! Right outside is a gorgeous sandy bay with crystal clear water.
The staff at the resort were so welcoming and warm. I’d love to say it was just the Caribbean culture but there was more to it than that. They all seemed genuinely happy to be there and to make our stay as pleasurable as possible. Right from check in you receive a welcome pack with all the information around the hotel and tour and surrounding areas. This happens again at check out when you receive your welcome gift, a voucher to create a Diamond Resorts Royal Palms Beach hard cover, personalised photo book with all your memories on their website which is shipped to you – wonderful touch.
There are daily activities – aqua aerobics, karaoke, bingo, fish for a prize and a whole range of other things that I should have taken advantage of.
We were upgraded from the ground to the fourth floor, with sweeping views across the resort grounds and Simpson Bay. There’s a huge pool, a stunning beach and cabanas galore to relax under. Our suite had a huge kitchen and living area, two big bathroom and of course two large bedrooms, one opening up to the gorgeous balcony and view. There was plenty of space for the two of us and many more.
The staff recognise you from the beginning and always say hello and offer advice. Whenever we spent time on the beach they would come and say hello, happy to have a chat if we desired. They would share their local tips and then head off again.
I even saw Jervis (security) facetime with one of the guests! He later explained that they come every year (sounds like many of them do) and that was their daughter who usually comes with them. Watch out for Ava, who is the best masseuse there on the beach – she hums her lovely Caribbean tunes while massaging away as you lie under the cabana on the lounge chair – absolute bliss!
It is a wonderful spot to base yourself for a Caribbean holiday on the wonderful island of St Martin.
