There’s a new name in St. Maarten’s hotel scene. JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa has quickly established an identity as one of the island’s most luxurious accommodations.
Formerly the Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, JW Marriott St. Martin opened last year after an impressive renovation. Although the resort’s physical environment remains the same, travelers familiar with its former appearance will notice many appealing changes as soon as they arrive. For example, large casinos are gone. In its place is a beautiful lobby and bar area that visually showcases the hotel’s new contemporary design. This design is based on a calm, neutral color palette and features stylish art and furniture.
Credit: 2025 JW Marriott St. Martin Beach Resort & Spa
A chic atmosphere pervades the entire 200-key property. During a recent visit, I was captivated by the size, design, and amenities of the 646-square-foot deluxe guest room, which features a large sofa bed, work desk, and large bathroom. But my favorite part was the amazing terrace with plunge pool, where I spent quite a bit of time admiring the inspiring Caribbean views.
On-site dining
JW Marriott St. Martin is an excellent hotel offering fine cuisine. I have enjoyed multiple meals at Carambola. There, you’ll find an extensive menu that includes seafood-focused dishes and flavors from around the world (don’t miss the delicious 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 fine Mediterranean cuisine and wine list) and Opal Lobby Lounge. There’s also Breeze, a beachfront bar serving light snacks and tropical cocktails. It’s a relaxing spot where you can enjoy ceviche and tacos while sipping on specialty drinks.
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Credit: 2025 JW Marriott St. Martin Beach Resort & Spa
Travelers seeking a more immersive gourmet experience may visit the JW Culinary School, an on-site facility equipped with a professional kitchen and work surface. I attended a mixology class where two mixologists taught me how to make blueberry mojitos, margaritas with a twist, and smoked old fashioneds.
Attendees chatted and bonded while we learned the ropes of bartending. I’m not much of a bartender, but this lively gathering ended up being one of my favorite experiences at the hotel.
Relaxation and wellness options at the resort
It’s easy to find a quiet place to relax at the resort. When we weren’t lounging on our private terraces, we spent blissful moments on our striped cabana’s expansive pool deck. Wi-Fi and power outlets made it easy to work and socialize outside, and I got excited about the occasional sunbathing iguana nearby. A live steel pan player added the perfect soundtrack to my paradisiacal poolside afternoon.
Credit: 2025 JW Marriott St. Martin Beach Resort & Spa
Another must-see spot for relaxation is the Hibiscus Spa, which features 16 treatment rooms. My massage, provided by a talented therapist named Odalys, was restorative and refreshing. The spa menu offers a wide range of other treatments, including Himalayan salt stone massages and collagen mask facials. Other notable wellness-themed options at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center, yoga and aerobics classes, and pickleball courts.
JW Marriott St. Martin is ideally located for sightseeing. Although it is on the Dutch side of the island, it is close to the border with Saint-Martin (on the French side), making it easy to visit and explore both areas. To get an overview, we took a day tour organized by the hotel through Artemia, a local company that provides tours, ground transportation, etc.
The JW Marriott St. Martin offers a variety of amenities that are sure to satisfy different types of travelers. And its fresh, upscale atmosphere is a welcome addition to the island’s hospitality offerings.
