There’s no end to adrenalin-rush opportunities on St. Maarten, the Netherlands side to this Caribbean island that is situated about 300 kilometres east of Puerto Rico. (The northern French side is known as Saint Martin, the Dutch is Sint Maarten, though both answer to SXM.) The cardio boost is especially true in St. Maarten, revered for its energetic vibe.

You can do the Flying Dutchman, the steepest zip line in the world, immerse in a thrilling plane-spotting experience with planes approaching over world famous Maho Beach as they land at St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana airport, or seek fortunes at the casino.

But, if you’re like a growing number of travellers, you might be looking for the kind of lo-fi (that’s lingo for low fidelity) holiday that focuses on things like skin therapy, grounding and Zen. Enter the two St. Maarten’s all-inclusive Sonesta Resorts—the family-centric Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino and Spa and the luxury, adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort—which have enhanced the wellness component of a stay in rejuvenating mind and body offerings.

Wellness and Warm Welcome

The beauty of the luxury all-inclusive resorts’ natural setting is foregrounded in Sonesta Resorts’ wellness programs at their Serenity Spa. Imagine a Bamboo Fusion Massage that deeply works muscles using gently warmed bamboo sticks. Then imagine this treatment in a private gazebo, with a cooling sea breeze wafting over you and a natural ocean soundtrack, not canned music, setting the rhythm. Instead of driving through traffic to get to a fitness class, stroll through inviting pathways past rippling fountains to your yoga or Pilates class in the midst of a Zen garden. And when you’re working out at the gym, the view looks onto Maho Bay.

Through the resort company’s SunFit Body + Lifestyle offerings try meditation sessions or a dance class. Fill your days with island-inspired therapies at the 232-square-metre Serenity Spa, featuring Pevonia and Dermalogica treatments. (Guests can download the Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten app to see the daily activities schedule, SunFit Body + Lifestyle classes, nightly entertainment, and additional features at both properties.)

Sonesta’s two all-inclusive resorts are located next to each other. The 420-room Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino and Spa is family-friendly and is the largest all-inclusive resort in St. Maarten. Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is the spectacular 130-suite “resort within a resort” adults-only luxury all-inclusive. It offers an array of white-glove touches such as 24-hour room service, and personalized concierge and butler service in the top category suites. Guests of Sonesta Ocean Point have access to all amenities, activities and dining options at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort (via a key wristband).

In terms of location, you can’t do much better than Sonesta Resorts. The properties overlook one of the most beautiful fine white- sand beaches on the island and are set among intimate coves and bays.

Don’t Miss Excursions

The concierges at Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten assist guests in lining up excursions outside the resort. Island hop to other fabled Caribbean islands such as Saba, St. Barts, and Anguilla. Inquire about guided catamaran tours with stops at the protected nature reserve on Tintamarre Island and Creole Rock. Enjoy sunset snorkelling or island history tours. Additionally, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is located within walking distance from nightly entertainment and fun at Casino Royale. sonestastmaarten.com/tours-excursions

Sip. Breathe. Repeat.

Sonesta’s wellness packages carve a haven of quiet and mindfulness into the day with an assortment of amenities and activities. With the Welcome to Well-being package (a minimum five-night stay is needed), enjoy an assortment of healing herbal teas to boost mood and aid in stress, insomnia, and detoxification; a 25-minute neck and back massage (appointment required); a 15% discount on additional spa treatments; and a spa amenity to take home. Classes that are part of the SunFit program include yoga, HITT, Soca-cise and Pilates. And you’ll begin each day sipping a vitality drink delivered to your room. Pull back the curtains, see the ocean, and savour this lovely start to your day.

Travel Planner

For more information on the Sonesta Well-being Package visit sonestastmaarten.com/wellbe