Review: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa in St. Maarten

There’s a new name in St. Maarten’s hotel scene — JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa, which has quickly forged an identity as one of the most luxurious accommodation options on the island.

Formerly the Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, the JW Marriott St. Maarten opened last year after an impressive property transformation. Though the resort remains in the same physical setting, any traveler familiar with its earlier incarnation will notice many attractive changes as soon as they arrive. Gone is the large casino, for example; in its place is a handsome lobby and bar area that serves as a visual introduction to the hotel’s new contemporary design, which is based on a calming, neutral color palette and features stylish art and furnishings.

The chic vibe extends throughout the 200-key property. On a recent visit, I was taken with the size, design and amenities of my 646-square-foot Deluxe Guestroom, which featured a large sofa bed, a work desk and a sizable bathroom. My favorite place, however, was my spectacular terrace with a plunge pool, where I spent quite a bit of time gazing at the inspiring Caribbean view.

On-Site Dining

JW Marriott St. Maarten excels with its sophisticated culinary offerings. I enjoyed multiple meals at Carambola, where the robust menu includes seafood-oriented dishes and international flavors (don’t miss the delectable conch fritters). Surrounded by lush landscaping and with both indoor and outdoor terrace seating, it was a memorable setting for everything from breakfast to dinner.

Other dining options include Liguria (closed during my stay, but worth checking out for its upscale Mediterranean menu and wine list) and Opal Lobby Lounge. There’s also Breeze, a beachfront bar that serves light bites and tropical cocktails; it’s a relaxing spot to dig into ceviche or tacos while sipping a signature libation.

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Travelers looking for more immersive foodie experiences might visit JW Culinary School, an on-site facility equipped with a professional kitchen and worktables. I joined a mixology class, during which two mixologists guided me in crafting a blueberry mojito, a margarita with a twist and a smoked old fashioned.

While we learned the tricks of the bartending trade, attendees chatted and bonded; I’m not much of a bartender, but this lively get-together ended up being one of my favorite experiences at the hotel.

Relaxation and Wellness Options at the Resort

It’s easy to find quiet places to relax at the resort. When I wasn’t lounging on my private terrace, I found bliss on the sprawling pool deck in a striped cabana; Wi-Fi and power outlets made it easy to catch up on work and social media alfresco, and I got a kick out of the sunbathing iguanas I occasionally spotted nearby. A live steelpan player added a perfect soundtrack to my paradisiacal poolside afternoons.

Another must-visit spot for relaxation-minded guests is the Hibiscus Spa, which offers 16 treatment rooms. My massage, provided by a talented therapist named Odalis, was restorative and refreshing. The spa menu offers a wide range of other treatments, as well, including a Himalayan salt stone massage and collagen mask facials. Other notable wellness-themed options at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center, yoga and aerobics classes and a pickleball court.

JW Marriott St. Maarten is also well-positioned for sightseeing. Though set on the Dutch side of the island, it is close to the border with St. Martin (the French side), which makes it easy to visit and explore both parts. To get a good overview, I took a day tour that the hotel organized through Artemia, a local company that offers tours, ground transportation and more.

With its array of amenities, JW Marriott St. Maarten is sure to satisfy a variety of traveler types, and its fresh, upscale ambiance is a welcome addition to the island’s hospitality offerings.