Combining Dutch culture, world-class beaches, and vibrant entertainment, St Maarten, the Dutch side of the island of St Martin, offers a truly unique experience. Here you’ll find one of the most cosmopolitan destinations in the Caribbean, with unmatched entertainment and dining options. St Maarten luxury villas take your stay one step further with panoramic ocean views, lush tropical gardens, and sophisticated designs that mirror the island’s international character.
The island of St Martin was first split by the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, but it was only in 2010 that the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved. At that time, Sint Maarten became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands with internal autonomy. This history explains why today’s Dutch side has developed its own identity, distinct from the French side, while still sharing the same island spirit.
Today, St Maarten is known for its cultural diversity and the remarkable range of experiences packed into one island. From lively marinas to casinos, duty-free shopping, and world-class cuisine, Sint Maarten offers a steady stream of fun activities for travelers of all ages, day or night.
Our curated collection of St Maarten luxury villas reflects this cosmopolitan character. Guests can choose from contemporary estates overlooking turquoise waters, beachfront retreats steps from the sand, or hillside sanctuaries with panoramic views. Wherever you stay, each villa combines privacy, comfort, and authentic island sophistication.
Rental Escapes offers a curated collection of St Maarten luxury villas designed for every style of Caribbean stay, from beachfront retreats and marina-front residences to expansive hillside estates with panoramic ocean views. Your Villa Specialist will help match you with the right property, while your Concierge coordinates every detail of your stay, from airport transfers and private chefs to yacht charters, beach club reservations, and personalized island experiences.
The Dutch side of St Martin offers a faster-paced and more cosmopolitan Caribbean experience than many neighboring islands, including the French side of St Martin itself. Travelers staying in St Maarten luxury villas often choose the Dutch side for its combination of nightlife, marinas, beach clubs, shopping, casinos, and easy island-wide accessibility.
While the French side feels quieter and more culinary-driven, Sint Maarten brings together a broader mix of entertainment and activity. You can spend the afternoon at a laid-back beach bar in Simpson Bay, charter a yacht from the marina, enjoy sunset cocktails overlooking Mullet Bay, then continue into the evening with waterfront dining, casinos, or nightlife around Maho and Philipsburg.
The Dutch side also tends to feel more connected and convenient logistically. Princess Juliana International Airport places many villas within a short drive of arrival, while major beaches, marinas, and dining districts remain close together. This makes Sint Maarten especially appealing for travelers who want to experience multiple sides of the island without spending much of the trip in transit.
At the same time, staying on the Dutch side never limits access to the French side itself. Grand Case, Orient Bay, and Saint Martin’s celebrated beach clubs and restaurants remain easily accessible, allowing guests to experience both atmospheres throughout the same stay.
One of the advantages of staying in St Maarten luxury villas is how easily the island supports highly personalized experiences. Your Concierge can coordinate nearly every part of the trip before arrival, from airport transfers and grocery pre-stocking to rental cars, private drivers, and customized itineraries built around your group’s interests.
Boating naturally becomes a major part of the experience here. Your Concierge can arrange private yacht charters, catamaran cruises, snorkeling excursions, fishing trips, sunset sails, and full-day island-hopping adventures throughout the Caribbean. Many guests spend the day relaxing in Anguilla, exploring beach clubs in St Barts, or cruising along the coastline before returning to their villa by evening.
The island’s dining and nightlife scene also lends itself especially well to concierge planning. Restaurant reservations, beach club bookings, nightlife recommendations, casino evenings, and curated dining itineraries across both the Dutch and French sides can all be arranged privately based on the style of trip you want to have.
For quieter days at the villa, your Concierge can coordinate private chef service, cocktail setup, in-villa massages, wellness treatments, childcare, and relaxed outdoor dining experiences centered entirely around the property itself. Whether the trip revolves around exploration, nightlife, boating, or simply slowing down beside the pool, the experience can be tailored around your pace from start to finish.
Sint Maarten invites travelers to embrace the island's dynamic rhythm, where days flow from sunlit mornings by your private pool to evenings exploring world-class restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Staying in St Maarten luxury villas transforms that experience into something truly unforgettable.
The island’s Dutch side offers several distinct areas for St Maarten luxury villas, each with its own atmosphere: Simpson Bay pulses with vibrant nightlife and easy access to a bustling marina; Cupecoy offers serene beaches and proximity to upscale dining; Dawn Beach and nearby Oyster Pond provide quieter oceanfront settings ideal for snorkeling and panoramic views; Guana Bay feels more secluded and residential; Indigo Bay features modern luxury with stunning Caribbean Sea views; Pelican Key offers elevated villas with panoramic ocean vistas and privacy; and Philipsburg blends historic charm with vibrant boardwalks and shopping nearby.
No matter where you stay, you can expect St Maarten luxury villas that offer unparalleled comfort, modern amenities, and breathtaking views. You can also expect personalized service from your Rental Escapes Concierge, ensuring a tailored St Maarten experience with curated excursions, chef services, and seamless transportation.
With sprawling stays and expansive ocean views, these St Maarten luxury villa rentals provide perfect stays in some of the island’s best locations:
La Villa Salee: Located beside Philipsburg, La Villa Salee offers a contemporary escape with stunning ocean and mountain views. It also offers a large pool area, a chef’s kitchen, and 6 well-appointed bedrooms.
Villa Tara: Built directly above the Caribbean Sea in Beacon Hill, Villa Tara delivers dramatic cliffside living with panoramic ocean views and seamless indoor-outdoor design. Pocket doors allow the villa to open fully to the surrounding sea views and trade winds, while multiple terraces, oceanview bedrooms, and a private pool create a highly immersive waterfront experience near Maho and Simpson Bay.
Beach Secrets: Located just beside Maho Beach, Beach Secrets offers a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently located. It also includes sprawling ocean views, especially from the private pool.
With stays just beside the sand and surf, these St Maarten beachfront rentals are located on some of the most privileged locations on the island:
Amalia: Overlooking Guana Bay Beach, Villa Amalia offers one of the best stays on the island. While there is a wealth of amenities here, from the full gym to the billiard room, it is the staff, including chef, that is consistently cited as the standout feature in reviews.
Aqua Dream: Set on a picturesque enclave of Indigo Bay, Aqua Dream is a beautiful open plan villa that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Gaze out onto the endless blue from the infinity pool, work out in the private gym, or sunbathe along the terrace. This villa has it all.
Villa Nautilus: Steps away from Dawn Beach, Villa Nautilus offers stunning views, a gourmet kitchen, and a private pool. It’s one of the premier stays at the Coral Beach Club.
As one of St Maarten’s most dynamic places to stay, Simpson Bay offers travelers laid-back luxury, just steps from the island’s best nightlife and dining. As a result, these Simpson Bay villas stand out as some of the island’s best:
Vittoria: Sitting beachfront on Simpson Bay, the Italianate-influenced Vittoria offers a Mediterranean-inspired stay. Features like wrought iron gates and ornate balustrades give it a sophisticated flair, while the unbeatable location makes it a consistent guest favorite.
Villa Alma: Located on Beacon Hill near Maho Beach, Villa Alma features a large pool area and four spacious bedrooms. It also features an ideal location that ensures added privacy, while being just a five-minute drive from Maho.
The Great Escape: Set directly on Simpson Bay Beach, The Great Escape combines beachfront access with expansive panoramic views across the Caribbean Sea. The wraparound terrace, beachfront location, and spacious open layout make it especially appealing for travelers wanting relaxed beach living within easy reach of restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.
Visitors from the U.S., Canada, the EU, and many other countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. You’ll need a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation (such as your villa booking). Always check the latest requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
Most travelers arrive by air at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side, with direct flights from major North American and European cities. The airport is also famous for Maho Beach, where planes land right over the sand. Cruise ships dock in Philipsburg, the capital, and private yachts use Simpson Bay Lagoon and surrounding marinas. Your Concierge can help arrange airport transfers, rental cars, and other transportation needs.
The easiest way to get around is by rental car, giving you flexibility to explore both the Dutch and French sides. Roads are well-connected and driving is on the right. Taxis are available but have fixed (and sometimes high) rates. Public buses run between towns but are less convenient for villa guests. Your Concierge can also arrange private drivers, transfers, or boat charters if you prefer not to drive.
Peak season runs from December to April, with dry, sunny weather perfect for the beach. May–June are quieter with better rates, while July–November is hurricane season, with September being the highest risk. For a lively atmosphere, April’s Carnival on the Dutch side is a highlight.
Yes, St Maarten is generally safe, especially in popular villa and beach areas. Petty crime can occur, so lock your villa, avoid leaving valuables in cars, and use common sense at night. Many luxury villas include added security features, and your Concierge and staff can provide extra peace of mind.
The Dutch side (St. Maarten) is known for nightlife, shopping, casinos, and a lively beach scene. The French side (Saint Martin) feels quieter and more laid-back, with markets, chic boutiques, and gourmet dining. Staying in St Maarten luxury villas gives you easy access to both worlds in minutes.
Yes. While the official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (NAƒ), U.S. dollars are widely accepted. ATMs dispense both dollars and guilders, and credit cards are common.
Still deciding? Read our complete guide to where to stay in Sint Maarten, which compares the island's top villa neighborhoods and helps you choose the right area for your trip.
Many St Maarten luxury villas include daily housekeeping. Your Concierge can also arrange private chefs, butlers, childcare, or drivers to create a fully serviced stay tailored to your group.
Yes. Families enjoy calm-water beaches like Mullet Bay and Simpson Bay, along with kid-friendly dining and activities. Many villas feature pools, large terraces, and multiple bedrooms, making them ideal for families traveling together.
On the Dutch side, the standard voltage is 110V with U.S.-style outlets, so visitors from North America won’t need adapters. Some villas may also have 220V European plugs, so check ahead if you’re bringing electronics.
Yes. A 10–15% service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but if not, a 15–20% tip is standard. For villa staff, drivers, and guides, tipping is always appreciated and can be arranged through your Concierge.
• Relax on Dutch-side beaches like Maho, Mullet Bay, and Simpson Bay
• Explore French-side beaches and villages just across the border
• Go sailing or take a boat charter around Simpson Bay Lagoon and nearby islets
• Try snorkeling and diving at Creole Rock and Little Bay
• Visit historic Fort Amsterdam or shop duty-free in Philipsburg
• Experience nightlife, casinos, and fine dining in Simpson Bay, Philipsburg, and Maho Village
• Take a day trip by ferry to nearby islands like Anguilla or St. Barts
St Maarten is known as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.” On the Dutch side, you’ll find everything from beach grills to fine dining, blending Creole, Dutch, French, and international flavors. Both sides share a love of fresh seafood and island spices, making it easy to enjoy both casual and gourmet meals.
Temperatures stay warm year-round, averaging 77–88°F (25–31°C). The dry season is December–April, while September–November brings the most rain and highest hurricane risk. Breezes keep the climate comfortable. Spring and summer are warm with light showers; fall is wettest; winter is the driest and most popular for villa stays.
If you are dreaming of a Caribbean escape, Rental Escapes can make your St Maarten villa stay a seamless luxury experience.
Our collection features the best St Maarten luxury villas, from beachfront retreats and hillside hideaways to spacious family-friendly homes.
Your personal Villa Specialist will match you with the right property for your group, while your dedicated Concierge will arrange every detail of your stay, from private chefs to island excursions, so your St Maarten vacation is effortless and unforgettable.
Contact Rental Escapes today and let us help you plan your perfect villa getaway in St Maarten.
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