I have ben going to SXM since 1990 when I bought my first timeshare at Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa on the Dutch side. This Secrets is in the cove called Anse Marcel. I have visited the two previous resorts that owned this property and it was never an all-inclusive before. The beach there is known as one of the most calm and shallow beaches of the 37 beaches on the island. They used to have a heli-port there where you could rent helicopter sightseeing rides of the island. That has been gone since Hurricane Luis in 1993. Hurricane Irma in 2017 was a category five storm that devastated SXM. The French side has taken longer to recover, longer in restoring infrastructure and buildings than the Dutch side, as the French government in Paris chose to implement many tough new building codes ,and as Saint Martin is an actual part of the country of France there have been more strikes and public protests of many of the new rules by the populous there. It is engrained in French traditions of protest against government. Anse Marcel's secluded location has always been both a blessing and a curse. If you want seclusion fine, but it is a ways away from clubs and night life and all the other activities of Grand Case, Orient, Marigot on the French side; and Maho , Simpson Bay and Philipsburg areas on the Dutch side. So unless you rent a car or pay for taxis you are totally limited to what this Secrets has on site. IMHO SXM is the wrong island for all-inclusives. There are a few family-oriented ones now on the Dutch side, but SXM is the culinary capitol of the Caribbean so you really miss all the culinary delights of SXM's nearly 300 restaurants if you are locked into expensive all-inclusive meals in one place, even if they have a couple of restaurants on site. And as good as they are, the good restaurants at Secrets are NOT the best in SXM, and certainly not for the price you are paying to eat each meal there. And the facilities at this Secrets are not better or more complete than at the finer resorts in SXM , and not at the premium prices you pay to stay at Secrets (Secrets does have the largest single swimming pool on the island). I wish them and their guests well, but as you pointed out, it isn't up to the standards of other Secrets you have been to and recommended. They have work to do. And my advice to anyone thinking of coming to SXM, you will get more varied experiences staying in other fine resorts, touring the entire island , enjoying all the activities , and enjoying a culinary trip around the world if you dont lock yourself into an all-inclusive on SXM. . FYI, I am a Worldwide Award winning photojournalist that has traveled the world, and I am also a Professor of Photography at a state university in the USA. Cheers and thanks for your video
Thanks for watching and your comments. Great insight and information. We returned to SXM on a port visit last week. We went to Maho Beach (just to get some video of the planes landing) and then walked around Phillipsburgh. Next time we will explore a bit more of the island.
Love your video... my wife and I love secrets as well. As a couple we love Maroma UT wirh seaweed being an issue in that area, we have been trying to find a place at that level, but w/o seaweed. Have you found anything close?
Great video good information this place was completely destroyed in a massive hurricane in 2017 with 160 mph winds and a very high storm surge.We stayed at Simpson Bay and would come here for lunch and stay at the beach it was much more beautiful before. The new owners are trying to get it back together but it will never be what it once was.
Yes I know. We were to St Maarten before and not long after. Very devastating. Now that Secrets is owned by Hyatt, hopefully the property will improve. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for sharing. We're heading there for a week in March; looking forward to a quiet and relaxing getaway. We'll be renting a car so we can get around the island for various activities.
I would say so. There is no border between the French and Dutch side but the roads on the Dutch side aren’t as well maintained and can be very windy and hilly.
Our favorite that we have been to is Secrets Playa Mujeres. We love that you can use the Dreams resort next door. We hear Secrets Akumal is amazing but haven’t been there yet.
Was extremely disappointed with this Secrets. The rooms we were given were musty and moldy. Visible black mold on the ceiling. The staff acted like it was normal. The fourth room they took us to was acceptable. I wanted to leave! Service was ehh. Nothing like other Secrets we've been to. They are supposed to undergo a major renovation very soon. Probably should have taken their time and did it right the first time. Would NOT go back. 11:32
@ftbeat You were not even staying there. Why bring up " broken water main" that occurred to someone else or their trip. I just did not like, at all, the video.
The water main break was experienced by my client who stayed there. I spoke with the hotel general manager several times during the week, so this is not some Trip Advisor rumor. I visited the resort to see if his complaints were valid and they were. I love Secrets resorts and have stayed at many. This Secrets is not up to their standards. Have you stayed there? I would love to hear your opinion on this Secrest vs other Secrets resorts you have been to.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino This review is not a good review, if I could give the Sonesta Resort a ZERO I would. First impressions are essential to making a good impression on your customers. In January 2023 we prepaid (in Full) for our entire all inclusive resort stay at the Sonesta Resort. Yet, when we arrived on May 21, 2023 for our 6 nights 7 days stay. The hotel's reservation clerk said we still owed half the cost and she could not check us into the hotel unless we paid the other half. This is despite showing her the email from the hotel showing we had a zero balance due. She said without proof from our credit card company showing the payments there was no way she could check us into a room. I looked up my credit card statements and provided the Hotel with proof of full payment - (showing everything was indeed paid in full). However, the hotel still charged my credit card (which was on file in their computer) for $1849, saying that they were required to do so until they can review their records - showing payments) Needless to say I am feeling like they are scamming me and this was just the first day of our vacation. The Hotel said that they would reverse the charges once they can verify my full payment (in their records) so giving them a copy of my email showing zero balance, which I received from the hotel, and along with copies of both my credit cards statements showing payments (half payments on each credit card) is not sufficient proof of payment - because it may not match their accounting records. This incident has ruined my vacation on day one of seven - I had been waiting to enjoy relaxing, renewing and refreshing my heart and mind - my mom was on Hospice for 3 years and died April 13, 2023. This Hotel incident on day one of our trip did nothing but add to my pain and suffering 💔 😢. And our Hotel room was not as I expected. It has old an dingy decor. Best thing so far was that there was a full large bottle of rum and gin in the room, which I definitely needed a drink after the reservation check-in fiasco. We should have gone back to The Club Barbados Resort Hotel, in Barbados - The Club Barbados was definitely best all inclusive resort ever! The Sonesta is not a place that I would recommend even to my enemies. I am still waiting for the Sonesta Hotel to reverse the charges, or show me proof that they intend to reverse the charges made to my credit card. I provided 3 documents confirming that complete payments was made in full prior to our arrival. They didn't even apologize for our inconvenience. They did nothing to ease the embarrassment and frustration - not even a fruit basket! I assume that an apology is delayed because my bank statements and emails must match their accounting records before they can apologize to us. Well my husband spoke with the Resort's manager today, who offered no empathy for the way we were treated upon arrival. The manager only shifted the blame to us, saying it was our fault for using a 3rd party to book our reservations. However, I double checked both my credit cards statements and they both showed payments were made directly to the Sonesta Resort- no third party was used. But, it shouldn't matter if it was a 3rd party or not. Because, if that was the case why didn't they check with the 3rd party prior to refusing to check us in unless we paid an additional $1839. Just treated unfairly from the first day and still have 2 more days to go. I can't wait to leave this place 😩. I came to relax and grieve my mom's death and this Resort has done nothing to make it easier. Front desk staff is horrible 😢 spa staff is great.
I’m so sorry that you are dealing with this. My advice is to use a good travel agent in the future that can advocate for you in situations like this and has the contacts and resources to escalate things. Also, there are many resorts that I will not book for clients. My deepest condolences on your loss.
There are no resort on the island of StMartin good for our economy ! We have so many good Caribean and French restaurants on the island, the all inclusive Hollidays is a tourist trap. Just book a nice AirBnb next time you will enjoy more the island and a far more best service !
![15 Absolute MUST DO Activities in St. Maarten - [As Recommended by a Local]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/H_km4kbvRmE/mqdefault.jpg)
Love your walkthrough and advice , soothing voice too
Thank you for the kind words!
Going to Saan Martin in may on the liberty of the seas. Wife and I like quiet places. This seems good for a day pass.
My understanding is that there have been improvements, and this is certainly quieter than many other places on the island. Have a great time!
I have ben going to SXM since 1990 when I bought my first timeshare at Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa on the Dutch side. This Secrets is in the cove called Anse Marcel. I have visited the two previous resorts that owned this property and it was never an all-inclusive before. The beach there is known as one of the most calm and shallow beaches of the 37 beaches on the island. They used to have a heli-port there where you could rent helicopter sightseeing rides of the island. That has been gone since Hurricane Luis in 1993. Hurricane Irma in 2017 was a category five storm that devastated SXM. The French side has taken longer to recover, longer in restoring infrastructure and buildings than the Dutch side, as the French government in Paris chose to implement many tough new building codes ,and as Saint Martin is an actual part of the country of France there have been more strikes and public protests of many of the new rules by the populous there. It is engrained in French traditions of protest against government. Anse Marcel's secluded location has always been both a blessing and a curse. If you want seclusion fine, but it is a ways away from clubs and night life and all the other activities of Grand Case, Orient, Marigot on the French side; and Maho , Simpson Bay and Philipsburg areas on the Dutch side. So unless you rent a car or pay for taxis you are totally limited to what this Secrets has on site. IMHO SXM is the wrong island for all-inclusives. There are a few family-oriented ones now on the Dutch side, but SXM is the culinary capitol of the Caribbean so you really miss all the culinary delights of SXM's nearly 300 restaurants if you are locked into expensive all-inclusive meals in one place, even if they have a couple of restaurants on site. And as good as they are, the good restaurants at Secrets are NOT the best in SXM, and certainly not for the price you are paying to eat each meal there. And the facilities at this Secrets are not better or more complete than at the finer resorts in SXM , and not at the premium prices you pay to stay at Secrets (Secrets does have the largest single swimming pool on the island). I wish them and their guests well, but as you pointed out, it isn't up to the standards of other Secrets you have been to and recommended. They have work to do. And my advice to anyone thinking of coming to SXM, you will get more varied experiences staying in other fine resorts, touring the entire island , enjoying all the activities , and enjoying a culinary trip around the world if you dont lock yourself into an all-inclusive on SXM. . FYI, I am a Worldwide Award winning photojournalist that has traveled the world, and I am also a Professor of Photography at a state university in the USA. Cheers and thanks for your video
Thanks for watching and your comments. Great insight and information. We returned to SXM on a port visit last week. We went to Maho Beach (just to get some video of the planes landing) and then walked around Phillipsburgh. Next time we will explore a bit more of the island.
Where would u suggest someone to stay? Looking for mostly adult, good food (in the area), not casino’s necessarily, luxury really,
Awesome information!
I was there in December and was trying to learn more, about the area.
Love your video... my wife and I love secrets as well. As a couple we love Maroma UT wirh seaweed being an issue in that area, we have been trying to find a place at that level, but w/o seaweed. Have you found anything close?
Great video good information this place was completely destroyed in a massive hurricane in 2017 with 160 mph winds and a very high storm surge.We stayed at Simpson Bay and would come here for lunch and stay at the beach it was much more beautiful before. The new owners are trying to get it back together but it will never be what it once was.
Yes I know. We were to St Maarten before and not long after. Very devastating. Now that Secrets is owned by Hyatt, hopefully the property will improve. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for sharing. We're heading there for a week in March; looking forward to a quiet and relaxing getaway. We'll be renting a car so we can get around the island for various activities.
Very nice. Enjoy. Please let us know how it was and how the French side of the island is doing? Have a great time!
Which Secrets is the best in your opinion in the Caribbean we usual stay,at Valentin imperial Maya in Mayan Riviera Mexico
Tough decision. for a quiet getaway we love Secrets Playa Mujeres. They all have slightly different vibes.
We are going to sint maarten in 2 weeks. Is it safe to drive around with a rent a car??
I would say so. There is no border between the French and Dutch side but the roads on the Dutch side aren’t as well maintained and can be very windy and hilly.
What Secrets location in Mexico is your favorite one
Our favorite that we have been to is Secrets Playa Mujeres. We love that you can use the Dreams resort next door. We hear Secrets Akumal is amazing but haven’t been there yet.
Secrets Maroma exceptional and often appears on lists of the best all inclusives in the world
Secrets Moxche
we are not apart of the virgin islands ... we are dutch caribbean
Not familiar with virgin islands
Is this us or British
The island is actually half Dutch and half French. Technically it is considered one of the Leeward Islands although it’s close to the Virgin Islands.
Was extremely disappointed with this Secrets. The rooms we were given were musty and moldy. Visible black mold on the ceiling. The staff acted like it was normal. The fourth room they took us to was acceptable. I wanted to leave! Service was ehh. Nothing like other Secrets we've been to. They are supposed to undergo a major renovation very soon. Probably should have taken their time and did it right the first time. Would NOT go back. 11:32
Looks very quiet and basic. Not my taste. I guess it's nice if you want seclusion and to be away from everything
I agree. It definitely did not have the typical Secrets vibe.
Just booked a trip there in September..
Yea do your homework..!
Not a Virgin Island
Yea scroll up in the comments. Your homework assignment is to read them. Hahaha
Really bad video.
Please explain. It’s an honest video with our personal review after having visited dozens of resorts.
@ftbeat You were not even staying there. Why bring up " broken water main" that occurred to someone else or their trip. I just did not like, at all, the video.
The water main break was experienced by my client who stayed there. I spoke with the hotel general manager several times during the week, so this is not some Trip Advisor rumor. I visited the resort to see if his complaints were valid and they were. I love Secrets resorts and have stayed at many. This Secrets is not up to their standards. Have you stayed there? I would love to hear your opinion on this Secrest vs other Secrets resorts you have been to.
@ftbeat I was there when it was a RIU. I am going in 8 days, and I hope they are ready for me. Love the location.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino
This review is not a good review, if I could give the Sonesta Resort a
ZERO I would. First impressions are essential to making a good impression on your customers.
In January 2023 we prepaid (in Full) for our entire all inclusive resort stay at the Sonesta Resort. Yet, when we arrived on May 21, 2023 for our 6 nights 7 days stay. The hotel's reservation clerk said we still owed half the cost and she could not check us into the hotel unless we paid the other half. This is despite showing her the email from the hotel showing we had a zero balance due. She said without proof from our credit card company showing the payments there was no way she could check us into a room. I looked up my credit card statements and provided the Hotel with proof of full payment - (showing everything was indeed paid in full). However, the hotel still charged my credit card (which was on file in their computer) for $1849, saying that they were required to do so until they can review their records - showing payments) Needless to say I am feeling like they are scamming me and this was just the first day of our vacation. The Hotel said that they would reverse the charges once they can verify my full payment (in their records) so giving them a copy of my email showing zero balance,
which I received from the hotel, and along with copies of both my credit cards statements showing payments (half payments on each credit card) is not sufficient proof of payment - because it may not match their accounting records. This incident has ruined my vacation on day one of seven - I had been waiting to enjoy relaxing, renewing and refreshing my heart and mind - my mom was on Hospice for 3 years and died April 13, 2023. This Hotel incident on day one of our trip did nothing but add to my pain and suffering 💔 😢. And our Hotel room was not as I expected. It has old an dingy decor. Best thing so far was that there was a full large bottle of rum and gin in the room, which I definitely needed a drink after the reservation check-in fiasco. We should have gone back to The Club Barbados Resort Hotel, in Barbados - The Club Barbados was definitely best all inclusive resort ever!
The Sonesta is not a place that I would recommend even to my enemies. I am still waiting for the Sonesta Hotel to reverse the charges, or show me proof that they intend to reverse the charges made to my credit card. I provided 3 documents confirming that complete payments was made in full prior to our arrival. They didn't even apologize for our inconvenience. They did nothing to ease the embarrassment and frustration - not even a fruit basket! I assume that an apology is delayed because my bank statements and emails must match their accounting records before they can apologize to us.
Well my husband spoke with the Resort's manager today, who offered no empathy for the way we were treated upon arrival. The manager only shifted the blame to us, saying it was our fault for using a 3rd party to book our reservations. However, I double checked both my credit cards statements and they both showed payments were made directly to the Sonesta Resort- no third party was used. But, it shouldn't matter if it was a 3rd party or not. Because, if that was the case why didn't they check with the 3rd party prior to refusing to check us in unless we paid an additional $1839.
Just treated unfairly from the first day and still have 2 more days to go. I can't wait to leave this place 😩. I came to relax and grieve my mom's death and this Resort has done nothing to make it easier. Front desk staff is horrible 😢 spa staff is great.
I’m so sorry that you are dealing with this. My advice is to use a good travel agent in the future that can advocate for you in situations like this and has the contacts and resources to escalate things. Also, there are many resorts that I will not book for clients. My deepest condolences on your loss.
There are no resort on the island of StMartin good for our economy ! We have so many good Caribean and French restaurants on the island, the all inclusive Hollidays is a tourist trap. Just book a nice AirBnb next time you will enjoy more the island and a far more best service !