August 24, 2004 -- The smallest island in the world to be shared by two sovereign nations, St. Maarten/St. Martin offers close to 40 powder-white beaches, over 400 gourmet restaurants, duty-free shopping, casinos and nightclubs. It's close proximity to St. Barts, Anguilla, and Saba provides easy access to daytrips. Right now, you can find discounts on rooms through the fall.
For a Dutch treat, The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino (800/223-0757; www.mahobeach.com), one of St. Maarten's premiere leisure and nightlife resorts, invites travelers to save as much as 35% off published rates this fall/winter on four- and six-night stays. The booking deadline is September 30.
The 10-acre, 534-room beachfront property is located on the island's southwest shore and features a casino, theatre, nightclub, two outdoor pools and beach, three restaurants, 40 boutiques, tennis courts, a full-service spa and fitness center, and convention and meeting spaces.
Four-night rates (with the 4th night free) start at just $142.50 per room, per night, based on double occupancy -- a 25% savings. Six-night rates (with the 6th night free) start at just $127 per room per night, based on double occupancy -- a savings of 35%.
This offer is valid for travel through January 14, 2005 (December 22, 2004 and January 3, 2005 are blacked out, however). Taxes and charges of 21% tax are additional.
For a frolic on the French side, Caribbean Discounts (877/322-7364; www.caribbeandiscounts.com) has five- and seven-night fall specials at St. Martin's 5-star Princess Port De Plaisance Resort. This resort features a 70-slip yacht club, two restaurants, casino, and a state-of-the-art spa & health club. The property also has two pools with bars, tennis courts, fine boutiques, a grocery store, car rental and a variety of water sports. Rates for a junior suite start at $399 for five nights and $499 for seven nights. Rates for a two-bedroom suite are a super low price of $599 for five nights and $699 for seven nights. Taxes and charges are an additional 20%.
Liberty Travel (888/271-1584; www.libertytravel.com), a Caribbean vacation specialist, also has a number of guaranteed lowest price St. Martin specials this fall.
Their St. Martin packages include roundtrip midweek airfare to St. Martin, airport transfers, five nights' accommodation at the Grand Case Beach Club (5th night free), hotel tax & service charges, and a choice of three extras (for example, you can choose from beach umbrellas and cabanas, motorized watersports, car rental, tennis and more).
Prices start at $559 from Boston, $589 from Miami, $619 from JFK, and $689 from Chicago, all valid for travel September 1 to October 31, 2004. Rates for accommodation-only start at $285 for five nights per person before taxes, based on dual occupancy.
Or for a shorter stay at a higher level, their packages at Le Meridien L'Habitation start at $519 from Boston and $575 from JFK. This package includes roundtrip midweek airfare to St. Martin, airport transfers, hotel tax & service charges, three nights' accommodation and three extras such as French language lessons, French cooking classes, yoga, free wine with dinner or even free lunch for the kids. Valid for travel October 10 to December 14, 2004. Accommodation only specials at Le Meridien L'Habitation for three nights start from $239 per person plus tax.
These Liberty Travel offers end on September 10, 2004. Air-inclusive package prices do not include applicable taxes, charges and government imposed fees of up to $163 per person.
Do you have tip for enjoying a getaway to this Caribbean island? Tell us on our Message Boards. It's a great (& free) way to connect with fellow travelers.
