Behind the Scenes of Sonesta St. Maarten All-Inclusive Resorts' New Game-Changing Luxury Hotel

Rendering of a Junior Suite at Ocean Point at Maho

Travel Agent just returned from St. Maarten, where we were treated to a private tour of the construction site that will eventually be home to what we think will be a game-changing hotel for Sonesta St. Maarten All-Inclusive Resorts.

The Sonesta St Maarten All-Inclusive Resorts, which includes Sonesta Great Bay Resort and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, both four-star all-inclusive resorts, is looking to up its game by adding a luxury, five-star, all-inclusive resort just next door to Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and just minutes from the airport. 

Although the official name is still under discussion, Eliska Hesova, director of business development for Sonesta St. Maarten All-Inclusive Resorts, says “Ocean Point at Maho” is the leading candidate.

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“We just felt like there was a market for this,” says Hesova. “We looked at resorts like Sandals and Dreams and what they were doing, and just knew that the luxury all-inclusives are something that people are really going for now. And we have the location for it.”

The adults-only hotel is expected to have a soft opening in October. Hesova says she would like to see the hotel ready in time for the 21st Annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, which kicks off October 6 in St. Maarten.

And it looks as though she doesn't have to hold her breath too much as the work already appears to be way ahead of schedule. Just two weeks after the groundwork began, the rooms have already been completely gutted.

There will be around 130 rooms and suites. They will be housed in Sonesta Maho Beach’s original Ocean Terrace, which was built in the ‘70s. Although the shell of the structure will remain, the rest of the building is being completely transformed. The entire project is expected to cost about $25 million, says Hesova. 

The lowest category here is going to be the Junior Suites. On the first floor, there will be 25 swim-out Junior Suites while Sunset Suites located on the second, third and fourth floors will have a terrace with plunge pools. The best rooms, however, will be the Luxury Rooftop Suites. There will be about 15-20 of these. These luxurious rooms will have  all the amenities that clients have come to expect in a luxury resort. And from the sound of it, the rooftop is the place to be. Hesova says that's where there will be a new swanky bar and restaurant with lounge chairs, snacks, a swimming pool and stunning views of the ocean.

Hesova says private/concierge service will be available for all room categories. Rooms will range from roughly $350 per person, per night for the lowest category and $700 per person, per night for the Luxury Rooftop Suites.

There will be two dining options: the main restaurant and the rooftop bar. Both will be a la carte dining, but clients staying at Ocean Point at Maho are allowed to enjoy the amenities of next door’s Sonest Maho Beach Resort, which offers a breakfast buffet. Agents should note, however, that guests staying at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort are not, however, allowed to use the amenities at Ocean Point at Maho.

Hesova also noted that there are still discussions ongoing on how to handle transfers to and from the airport and luxury vehicles are strongly being considered. 

Visit www.sonesta.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for more updates on this story.