Last year, we rented a villa on Beacon Hill and to be honest, I wasn't that keen on St Maarten as a regular destination until we found our way (with help from this forum) to Cupecoy beach. My wife and I loved it and I'm sure you can guess why.

Now, we find ourselves in need of a break but funds are short. We've just seen an ad for a week at Sonesta Maho, all-inclusive, at a really good price. So, I'm looking for some advice/opinions on the place.

First, how is it for food/drinks, since it is all-inclusive?

Second, and most importantly, how easy is it to get to Cupecoy from there? Since we're keeping costs down, I don't want to have to rent a car, so is Cupecoy within walking distance.

Lastly, and not unrelated to the previous question, where is Cupecoy right now? Last year, the beach had moved way over to the West, right underneath the new holiday homes where all us maked people were spoiling the view for the owners/renters. Has the beach shifted again?

Hey, thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer.

I've never done Sonesta Maho because we have a timeshare at RI but I am familiar with the location. Cupecoy is not within walkable distance from the Sonesta Maho. I have heard that the AI there is pretty good.

I can't help you with the beach part but I do know that some people who frequent here like Elaine could probably help you with the current sitution of where the best beach areas are.

But if you would be interested in someplace closer to Cupecoy, send me a PM. Otherwise, I think that if the price is tolerable at the Sonesta, you should jump on it.

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Life is not a child's game of follow the Leader. Instead, life is more about finding one's own purpose in life....your life's plan, and then making a positive difference on earth.

I am assuming you saw the prices n the Toronto papers on the weekend - a real good deal.

We stayed at Sonesta Maho a couple of times and would recommend it as an excellent value.

I would agree I wouldn't want to walk to Cupecoy from Maho

That's exactly right. Pajo. It looks like a good deal. I just wonder how "all-inclusive" their all-inclusive package is. How far along is Sonesta? Is it right at the end by the mini-roundabout? Or is it furher West, in where the BaddaBing and other Casinos are.

From memory, and thinking about it, Cupecoy is quite a hike from there. OK by car but probably too far to walk.

John, PMing you.

the Sonesta is a good hotel, and the food is good also, its not a Ritz, but I'd say a nice 3-4 star hotel and I have stayed there many times over the years, if you have a good deal for there and don't mind all inclusive I'd jump on it .... you can get the local small bus to Cupecoy or if you do lots of walking its walkable, not for me , but I know of people who do it .......the sand at Cupecoy changes daily , but usually one of the 3 beaches there will be good for laying out, ............ if I had the time off and a good deal was offered at the Sonesta to be in St Martin I be gone !! good luck you guys

i would say that Sonesta is your best deal, cupecoy beach is not that far away, about 1, 1&1/2 mile away from Sonesta. beach is in the best shape I have seen in some time, but only for what I can see from mullet bay. If you meant the nude beach well past sapphire, I have no clue.

If the deal is really good, go for it. I don't recommend AI because there are too many wonderful restaurants in SXM! If you're not a 'foodie' then go for the deal! The area is fun at night without driving. Go for it!


Contessa

We've not been to the Cupecoy you are talking about in a few weeks as we've had guests. The Cuepcoy right in front of our place is the only piece of beach I can see that has any sand. I've heard the beach in front of Shore Point is back. But that will probably change. Hope to get over there for a swim in the next day or two.

AS THEY say if the price is right go for it. Who cares what someone else recommends. Your the one who knows your own wallet and if the price is right its not like your gonna be married to this place. Your always free to go somewhere else for dinner and pass on the ai if your of a mindto. Sonesta grounds is pretty and the areas the best if your not into renting a car and driving around at night. Theres plenty of hot spots to party within an easy walk or you can make your own party at your home base for free. Go for it.

SONESTA MAHO Stayed there 4-5 years a go,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, what a dump. I'll just let everyone know I'm a balcony freak. 30% of my vacation is spent on the balcony. I expect a little privacy. Stepping out on the balcony was like stepping out to an old New York tenement. I honestly could spit on 7 different balconies from my corner balcony. The railing was woven plastic, one bump or kick and the whole thing would have just crashed to the ground. Balcony was 5 feet long by 3 feet deep.

Only good thing it was across the street from the Royal Casino.