Coral Beach Club Villas & Marina

The Coral Beach Club is composed of beachy, whitewashed buildings set over a well-groomed four-acre property. It's popular with families, and it’s easy to see why -- units with private pools, kitchens, and multiple bedrooms are a great fit for intimate family vacations. These same features also draw a fair number of couples, plus the hotel’s out-of-the-way location is perfect for quiet, romantic getaways. Not that you’re likely to spot many other guests: The units are pretty self-contained, most guests skip the lackluster pool, and with no other real common areas -- even the lobby is more of an office than a gathering place -- there aren’t really any spaces here for designed for socializing with neighbors.

Rates at the Villas at Simpson Bay Resort & Marina are typically more affordable. Rooms here are a bit smaller and less chic than those at Coral Beach Club, but the location is more central and there are tons of on-site amenities, including several pools and restaurants. Le Petit Hotel is another option worth considering -- the ambience is similarly intimate, rooms have full kitchens, and the hotel is set in the charming town of Grand Case.

Coral Beach Club is located on the Dutch side of St. Martin, just below the border with the French side. The hotel is set just off hilly Oyster Pond Road, which is lined with a few other widely spaced hotels. There are a handful of restaurants within walking distance -- most of which are located at these other hotels -- but there’s not much else in the area aside from a small convenience store across the street. A car is a necessity for guests who want to explore the island.

The hotel property borders the white sands of Dawn Beach to the south, and Oyster Pond lagoon to the north. It’s less than a 15-minute walk from Oyster Pond marina, which offers trips to the neighboring island of St. Barths. Orient Beach is a 15-minute drive north, while the Dutch capital of Philipsburg is a 10-minute drive south. Princess Juliana International Airport can be reached in 30 minutes by car. 

Coral Beach Club offers accommodation in villas, condominiums, or two-story townhouses. Its roomy units are not over-the-top luxurious, but certainly attractive and modern. They range in size from one to four bedrooms, each includes large living areas with soft sofas and chairs, as well as dining tables. The decor varies somewhat from unit to unit, but neutral color schemes, frosted glass tables, travertine floors, and dark wood furniture are common features in most. Many bedrooms have bright accent colors, such as lime green or deep blue, which pop against the otherwise understated palette.

Units also feature full kitchens with stone or granite countertops, and the range of appliances includes ovens, dishwashers, blenders, and wine coolers, among others. All units have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. Other perks include washers and dryers, beach towels, and bathrobes.

Bathrooms are stocked with C.O. Bigelow bath products. Many bathrooms include clear glass sinks with decorative sand and rocks features. In most units, master bathrooms include Hansgrohe rain-shower systems and sleek Dornbracht faucets.

All villas feature terraces with private plunge pools, and either direct access to Dawn Beach or beach views. Townhouses and condos have furnished terraces or balconies which overlook the pleasant marina.

Features at the Coral Beach Club are on the smaller side, but their not without their appeal. The hotel offers a tiny outdoor pool near the townhouses, which is available for all guests to use. The pool features an infinity ledge with pretty views overlooking the marina. A small, no-frills fitness room has free weights, weight machines, and a few simple cardio machines.

The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Big Fish, focuses on freshly caught fish, along with burgers and wraps. Open for dinner only, the restaurant’s stylish interior features chandeliers and white furniture. The food generally receives positive reviews from diners.

The hotel offers direct access to Dawn Beach, a lovely stretch of white sand known for its beautiful sunrise views. Coral Beach Club shares Dawn Beach with several other resorts, including the Westin and Oyster Bay Resort, but the beach is still on the calmer side by St. Martin’s standards. The hotel provides lounge chairs and umbrellas on the beach for a fee.

Arriving guests without their own transportation receive a free airport pick-up. Free self-parking is offered on-site, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Concierge services are available in the reception area.