I just wanted to tell you about our experience at the Divi the last 2 nights of our stay.

We stayed in a one-bedroom in a refurbished unit. We were not happy with our unit. First, the kitchen is stuffed into a tiny square that looks like it used to be the shower. The microwave burnt up when we tried to pop popcorn in it. We had no dishwasher soap, dish soap or coffee filters, or paper towels. We have never stayed in a place that did not provide these. Also, from the bedroom to the master bathroom, the air-conditioner unit dripped water from the ceiling constantly. We had to use a mop to enter and exit the bathroom. Our unit was in the only building that does not have an ocean view. We only saw the building in front of us. What a disappointment. When we called maintenance and the front desk about the problems, it took them five calls and a day to replace the microwave. Also a day to bring dishwasher soap and dish soap. We were told they do not provide coffee filters or paper towels? We thought that was strange. The air-conditioning unit never did get fixed. The positive aspects of the resort: right on the beach, good snorkeling.

We also had to wait all day to check in, store our luggage, and when we did return to check in, they were so busy that we had to haul our own luggage up a hill (no driving allowed, so we had to walk and drag our stuff) and up three flights of stairs. We were not happy about that! The suite was decorated nicely, however, and I loved the whirlpool bath, big enough for two people. Downside was there was random hot water, so you never knew when you would have it for a bath or not. My son and his girlfriend did not like it there, because they had been spoiled with walking to all the hot nightclubs at the Royal Islander and there was nothing going on those nights at the Divi.

Best Things Nearby:
The whole island is nearby, but really close is the beach and shopping paradise Philipsburg.

Best Things About the Resort:
The fantastic views over Great and Little Bays. Very good service.

Resort Experience:
Arriving at Princess Juliana Airport by Boeing 747 from Amsterdam. Simply another world, leaving in the rain, arriving in sunshine. We picked up our rental car and went to Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. The check-in was fast and friendly, they even drove us to the apartment.

We had an one-bedroom APARTMENT. Although it could have some renovation works, it didn’t disturb us. Everything is there--a small kitchen with microwave. The bathroom has a bath and separate shower. The beds are good, as well as the bed in the living room. And important: air-conditioning. Cleaning twice a week and everyday clean towels, even on Sunday--never seen before!

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort is situated on a peninsula, so there's water on almost all sides. It has its own beautiful beach, perfect for snorkelling! There are three fresh-water swimming pools, perfect for relaxing. The resort even gives you beach towels. Nice views over Great Bay and Philipsburg. A better place for a resort you will hardly find.

The island of Saint Maarten has many beautiful beaches with clear blue water. It is also very good for tax-free shopping: clothing, jewelry, shoes. The whole island has numerous restaurants with reasonable prices. There is plenty for a 14-day holiday.

THE BEST
Best places: Philipsburg, Marigot
Best beach for swimming: Baie de l’Embouchure
Best waves: Guana Bay
Best snorkelling: Little Bay
Best resort: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Good

Best Things Nearby:
This resort is on the Dutch side, and I mostly stayed at the resort and didn't go out, but when I did, the French side was great for shopping and dining.

Best Things About the Resort:
I had a huge one-bedroom with a Jacuzzi in the bathroom. The only problem I had was at night, when I turned off the air-conditioning and it leaked onto my clothes (not good!). I called the front desk, and someone came to fix it right away, but it never really got fixed, so I left the air-conditioner running with the patio doors open. I had a balcony overlooking the ocean side, which is better than the bay-side view. The view was amazing (see photos). There are three pools, one by the bar which is always packed, one of the other side of the resort, and the hidden Infinity pool, which is where I spent all my time, as it was breathtaking and quiet. I used the spa for a massage, which was wonderful. I ate most of meals at the bigger of the three restaurants, which also had live entertainment most nights (one of the main reasons I picked this resort). There is a small grocery store which I went to everyday and there is a duty-free shop on-site. There were many activities on-site which I did not partake in. Unfortunately, the cruise ships stop by for a day or two, so you should schedule off-site activities for these days. The staff was great, setting up taxis for me. I was originally going to rent a car but found taxis better, as driving seem a bit crazy, and I drive in New York City all the time and the traffic on St. Maarten seemed a little scary. There was an Internet café where you could check your email - it was done sometimes, but I just went and sunbathed for awhile, and they were backed up.

Resort Experience:
I had taxis take me to restaurants on the Dutch side, and the French side, and every time, the taxi drivers offered to come back at an appointed hour to come get me, which was great. The staff and the taxi drivers recommended great restaurants. I was not too impressed with the Dutch restaurants, but then, I do not eat seafood. I had planned to spend a whole day shopping on the French side, but there really weren't enough shops to spend 8 hours shopping. Overall, the experience was great. I would give this 4.5 stars out of 5 - this resort is actually better than the one I own in Arizona.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

Best Things Nearby:
Town of Philipsburg
Beach at resort
Casinos

Best Things About the Resort:


Resort Experience:
Eat at Cheri's near the airport. They have freshly made pasta, live entertainment, and open air dining. The resort has wonderful dining as well with friendly waiters and pleasant surroundings.

• Unit Type: Studio
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Not Available
• Service: Very Good

We had a one bedroom deluxe apartment syle. The accommodations overlooked the beach, so we could watch the kids play if we did not want to go to the beach ourselves!