White Sands Retreat - Beachside at Beacon Hill (post Irma repairs done)

We stayed in Dec of 2014 and were lucky enough to find this great little spot. It was steps to what felt like our own private beach, the house was great and felt like home and had great entertainment and restaurants just a walk away! Also very happy we ended up on dutch side. We will be back to St. Maarten!

We stayed at Bowie place for 3 weeks in December 2014 and had a fabulous time. Gary, the owner was very easy to deal with when booking and was very helpful answering any questions we had. Located in a quiet residential area of Beacon Hill steps from the calm beach at the far end on Simpson Bay beach. The rental had all the amenities we could ask for and was spotless. Bbq, washer, oven, microwave and all utensils were provided. There was nothing we looked for that this place didn't have. The beds were comfortable and beach chairs, coolers, noodles, were provided as well. If you are new to St Maarten an extensive guest reference book is provided. The close proximity to the airport runway was fun watching the jets taking off and landing. The noise was not problematic as the jets stopped by 9:00pm and didn't start until 9:00am the next morning. There are ample fans to keep you cool and we did not need the A/C at all. Ash the groundskeeper was was a superb host and was more than accommodating but respected our privacy at the same time. The neighbours are very friendly and we felt right at home and very safe. Although Maho is within walking distance a car is recommended at night or if you want to venture away from Beacon Hill. We spent early mornings on the porch after a short walk to Maho or down the long beach. Our "beach days" cost next to nothing as everything was provided. A picnic lunch also was a cost savings. At night we either BBQ'd or went out to dinner. We didn't feel like hotel guests rather like someone let us use their vacation property which was perfect. Home away from home. We will definitely be back.

Whites Sands, Simpson Bay, St, Martin.

This was our second stay at this 2 bedroom cottage. When vacationing at places in the Caribbean in January over the last years, we always say "we should come back here again". The fact that we came back to White Sands says it all.

100 steps to a very uncrowded beach to see the cruise ships pass by to Phillipsburg while watching the sunrise over the hills is a daily and repeatable memory. Walking onto the sand and seeing the yacht A and other luxury ships anchored offshore while the pelicans dive 50 feet away is a thrill. Want a snack and a bucket of beer at mid-day? Stroll 10 minutes down the beach to Karacters for tapas and Caribs.

The cottage has everything you need if you prefer to do some or most of your own cooking. And there are at least 50 restaurants within 5 or 10 minutes. The new grocery store 10 minutes away is wonderful and fully stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. The cottage is airy, clean, bright and well furnished.

People from all over the world seek out the experience of sitting at the Sunset Bar and Grill to watch the 747 from Paris land at the airport, coming in so low you can count the rivets on the wings. You can just walk to the Sunset, have dinner or a drink, see the cruise ships pass by to another island destination, wave goodby to the last flight out of the airport and watch the beauty of the tropical sunset.

When we left this year, again we said "we should come back here".

We will.

For two weeks.

Mike and Frank from Maine