Why Honeymoon in Simpson Bay
Location is everything here. You are minutes from the airport, which means more beach time on arrival day and an easy departure. Several of the island's best Dutch side beaches are a short drive or even a walk away, each with a different character.
The lagoon adds a second waterfront. Simpson Bay Lagoon is one of the largest inland lagoons in the Caribbean and is shared with the French side. Its shores hold marinas, superyachts, waterfront bars and restaurants, so even dinner comes with a view of the water.
There is also more going on at night than anywhere else on the island. Live music, casinos and late bars cluster around Simpson Bay and Maho. You do not have to join in every night, but it is good to know the choice is there. For couples who like a lively base with a beach at each end, it works very well.
When to Go
December through April is peak season, with dry, breezy days in the low 80s Fahrenheit and calm evenings for eating outdoors by the lagoon. This is when the restaurants and bars are busiest, so book ahead for holidays and February.
May and June are a smart choice for a honeymoon. The sea is warm and usually calm, prices fall and the crowds ease. July is hot but generally pleasant.
August through October is peak hurricane season. Simpson Bay stays more active than much of the island during these months, though some hotels close for maintenance in September. Book flexible rates and travel insurance if you choose these months.
Early March brings the Heineken Regatta, when the lagoon and bays fill with racing boats and the parties run late. It is a fun time to visit if you like a crowd. Avoid it if you want quiet beaches.
Where to Stay
Lodging falls into a few clear zones.
Maho sits at the western end of the runway, with a cluster of resorts, shops and casinos. Sonesta Ocean Point, a kid-free all-inclusive resort on the rocky point beside Maho Beach, is a popular honeymoon choice for couples who want ocean views and no planning.
Simpson Bay Beach is a long, quiet stretch of sand to the east of the runway, lined with condo-style resorts and small hotels. It is calmer than Maho yet still close to restaurants.
Cupecoy and the Lowlands, near the French border, have upscale condos and villas on the cliffs with big sunset views and a more residential feel.
Wherever you book, ask about airport noise. Rooms directly under the flight path hear every landing. Lagoon-facing rooms often come with lovely sunsets but may face marina traffic. A sea-view room on Simpson Bay Beach is often a good middle ground. As a rough guide, expect about $200 to $350 a night at condo-style hotels in high season and $400 to $800 at the upscale and kid-free resorts.
Romantic Things to Do
Start with the beaches. Mullet Bay has clear, turquoise water and a gentle slope that makes it one of the best swimming beaches on the Dutch side. Cupecoy, farther west, is a series of small coves under sandstone cliffs, at its best at low tide and at sunset.
Maho is worth a stop for the spectacle. Grab a drink at one of the beach bars, check the posted arrival times and watch heavy jets pass just overhead before touching down. Keep well away from the fence during takeoffs.
On the water, book a sunset cruise on the lagoon or rent a small boat for a few hours. Kayaks and paddleboards are easy to find too.
In the evening, walk the waterfront restaurants along Airport Road and the marinas. Choose a deck table for dinner, then try your luck at a casino or catch live music before heading home.
Getting There and Around
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is right in the middle of Simpson Bay, with nonstop flights from several East Coast and Florida cities. Most hotels in the area are 5 to 15 minutes from the terminal by taxi.
Taxis are plentiful and use fixed zone rates rather than meters, so confirm the fare before you get in. Many resorts arrange pickups.
A rental car is useful for exploring the rest of the island, including Philipsburg, Dawn Beach and the French side. Traffic is often heavy on the main road through Simpson Bay, especially at rush hour and when the drawbridge opens for yachts. The lagoon causeway helps if you are heading toward Philipsburg.
For island hopping, boats to Anguilla leave from near the airport and from Marigot on the French side. Ferries to St. Barts and Saba depart from Philipsburg and nearby marinas. Bring passports for any of these trips.
Food and Drink
Simpson Bay has the densest collection of restaurants on the Dutch side. Many face the lagoon or the sea. Menus cover a lot of ground: grilled local fish, steak houses, sushi, Italian, Indian and Caribbean kitchens, plus plenty of casual beach bars.
For something local, look for barbecue stands and food trucks serving ribs, chicken, johnnycakes and fried fish. Lunch at a beach bar on Mullet Bay or Simpson Bay Beach is usually relaxed and affordable.
Try guavaberry liqueur, the island's signature spirit, often served in a colada or simply on ice. Local beers, rum punch and well-made cocktails are easy to come by at sunset.
Prices are higher than at home for most things, since nearly everything is imported. Many restaurants add a service charge, so check the bill before tipping. Reservations help on weekends and in high season, especially for lagoon-front tables at sunset.
Honeymoon Tips
Plan your arrival for daylight if you can. Traffic and unfamiliar roads are easier to handle before dark. You will also catch your first sunset from the hotel.
Respect the jet blast warnings at Maho. They are not a joke. Hold on to your hats, phones and each other well away from the fence.
Keep valuables out of sight in rental cars. Beach parking areas see break-ins. After a late night out, take a taxi back rather than walking along the main road.
Check how many cruise ships are in port before visiting Philipsburg. On a busy day, stay on the west end and save town for a quieter morning.
Book at least one day on the French side. Grand Case dinners, Orient Bay beach clubs and Pinel Island give your trip a second personality without changing hotels.
If you want a splurge, charter a small boat for a private afternoon at Tintamarre or a lagoon sunset cruise. It is easy to arrange and feels very different from a big group sail.