The Divi chain specializes in big, bustling, family-friendly resorts of somewhat generic tropical charm in often-smashing beach locales. This, Divi's flagship resort/timeshare, fits the bill. A sprawl of stucco buildings topped by terra-cotta roofs, the resort is set on a slender peninsula sandwiched between two azure bays. The eye-catching locale was not lost on the island's Dutch rulers, who built a vacation home here for Queen Juliana and her family in 1955. (That exposed location atop a narrow thread of volcanic rock also leaves it vulnerable to hurricanes.) Today, the royal vacation home is a 225-room hotel with water views coming and going, and everything you need—including a shopping promenade and an art gallery—on the premises.

Each big, sunny room has tile floors and its own private balcony or patio. Fully equipped kitchens in suites and studios help save money on dining out (you can even arrange grocery delivery before you arrive)—the only units that lack full kitchens are the beachfront doubles—and three pools and a roster of water sports keep families happy. The plushest rooms are the luxury Casita one-bedrooms, with granite kitchen countertops, flat-screen televisions, and top-end thermostatic showers. Ask about the range of meal plans, including an all-inclusive option. The peninsula also contains the ruins of Fort Amsterdam, the island stronghold constructed by the Dutch in 1631—you can stroll up to it on a cobblestone path from the Divi shopping promenade. Oh, and did we mention that Divi is just 10 minutes from the airport?