Press Play First!
Did you watch the video above? Did you fall in LOVE? If you didn’t, please go back and watch the video again. Make sure the sound is turned up! For 4 nights straight, that was the heavenly view that I woke up too.
The Holland House Beach Hotel is a St. Maarten landmark, with a unique location right on the stunning Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg, the island’s capital. The hotel sits in the middle of Great Bay, a 1000-yard white sand beach entering the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Great Bay is also known for its boardwalk alongside Philipsburg. This chic boutique hotel and welcoming staff focused on the needs of each guest make it very easy for the Holland House to become a favorite for leisure and business travelers.
Holland House is a bit hidden and located in a usually quieter section of Great Bay Beach. This allows you to go out and experience the nightlife without the sense of dealing with the club atmosphere that has a strong presence on the island.
Upon arrival, I was greeted at the front desk with a smiling & knowledgeable host that made checking in a breeze. Besides being clean, the lobby was a vibrant and open space. You could look through the lobby, through the hotels’ beautiful restaurant and see the beach with euphoric blue waters. See behind me?!
Time to head up to my room!
ROOM
When I entered my room, I was greeted with a stunning view of the beach and ocean. The luxurious white Simmons World-class Beautyrest bedding and serene visual of the ocean gave me a much-needed peace of mind I’ve never experienced before at a boutique hotel. I felt like I was in tropical heaven. Each room has a personal refrigerator and safe at no additional charge. My room was the Standard, Beach View room but honestly, there was nothing standard about it. It was very spacious, with a flat-screen tv and a king-size bed but you can also opt in to have two full-size beds. Whatever you choose, you will definitely feel well-rested every night.
OTHER ROOM OPTIONS
Standard, City View
Junior Suite
Executive Suite City View
Executive Suite Beach View
Royal Suite
EXCURSIONS
The Holland House front desk works with the following activity agencies so you will never run out of things to do.
- – Kool Jazz (snorkeling) with Eagle Tours
- – Tijon – Create your own perfume with tijon.com
- – Rhino Safari Excursions with RhinoSXM.com
- – Lambada Sunset Sail, Edge St. Barts and Lambada Anguilla / Prickly Pear with Aqua Mania Adventures
The excursions I chose to experience were provided by Eagle Tours and Aqua Mania Adventures. I went on full-day boat tours with each company. With Eagle Tour we sailed around the island, visiting Tintamarre where we swam with the turtles and we also saw a few stingrays. With Aqua Mania Adventures, we went on two amazing full-day adventures in Aguilla and St. Barts. With so many awesome options to choose from, you can choose the one that best fits your taste or just go wild and try them all out.
FOOD
Why eat anywhere else, when you have what is considered one of the best restaurants on the island located right inside your hotel. Ocean Lounge combines the freshest ingredients, fine wines and one of the best ocean views on the island. We had the pleasure of eating at the lounge, located on the same floor as the lobby.
In the morning we enjoyed their signature breakfast by the Ocean Lounge. It costs $23 per person unless it is included in your reservation rate.
We also had the opportunity to review some of the items on the lunch and dinner menu and after that night you could not keep me away. I dined at the restaurant at least once a day and at night I relaxed in the lounge and enjoyed the sound of the ocean.
Everything that we chose off of the menu came out made with fresh ingredients. A huge thank you to our host Rose Atlas, for making our dining experience perfect. Two of my favorite dishes were the Vegetarian Flatbread (red onions, mushrooms, jalapenos and arugula) and this delicious Grilled Seafood dish (grilled salmon, shrimp, scallops and tuna covered with a curry sauce and served with grilled vegetables and sweet potato puree). OMG! You must give them a try!
A few other delicious things that we had from the menu were the Tuna tataki – slightly seared Tuna sprinkled with sesame seeds, sweet candied ginger wasabi, wakame and soy sauce.
Veggie Burger – tomatoes, pickles, arugula and guacamole, served with a side of sweet potato fries. This veggie burger was one of the best veggie burgers I’ve ever had. It looked just like beef, which made me question it a few times as soon as it was brought out. It was not, lol. This burger is definitely made with vegetables so you don’t feel overly full and stuffed after eating it. Just full of satisfaction!
Now for the sweet stuff, desert! YES! Ice cream always tastes better in paradise.
AT THE HOTEL
- – Welcome drinks when you check-in
- – Free bottles of water daily per room
- – Beach chairs are free for hotel guests, or $25 – incl 10% service charge with 4 drinks (beer, sodas and water).
- – Beach attendants are available to bring you lunch, cold drinks or anything else you need.
- – Upgraded hi-speed internet
- – Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker and hot water pitcher in room
- – PAYA Organics products in the bathroom (restocked every day)
- – The airport is only 20/25 minutes away. Your ride will cost between $10 – $20 in a local taxi depending on the time you leave. This option is great if you choose not to rent a car.
EXPLORING
Guests have the choice to directly walk out onto the gorgeous beach, located directly across the street. Or use the other exit that leads right into the centermost bustling duty-free shopping district. You can buy just about anything you need in the district, grab something to eat or just go explore and snap some cute pictures on the boardwalk. Two casinos, many restaurants and bars can also be found just a few steps away from the hotel.
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel with ocean views, great food and amenities, Holland House Beach Hotel is the perfect hotel for you! Tell them that The Cultured Collective sent you! Now, I’m off to daydream about that flatbread a little more, Mmmmmmmmm!
BOOK NOW and SAVE 35%: Free breakfast, high-speed wifi, welcome cocktail and get the beach package. 3 nights minimum needed.
Naomi is a stylish, adventurous traveler. She’s a bit of a daredevil that loves excursions. Those that know her, call her a shoe connoisseur. She is also obsessed with music and has a playlist for just about any mood. She’s a foodie that loves a good vegetarian/vegan spot. Want to know where she is headed next… stay tuned to find out!
