Event And Travel Details
What to Expect
We're headed to St Maarten (the Dutch side of the island) in the Virgin Islands.
Room rates are locked at for $315 per night (for 2 people) at the all inclusive resort Sonesta Maho Beach and includes taxes and resort fees. This is for a "Superior" king or double room. Or if you're feeling fancy, there's also the Oasis Pool View Rooms with a pool and partial ocean view for $435. If you're interested in having a 3rd person in your room, add per night: $145 per adult age 13+, children 6-12 are $45, and children 5 and under are free. If you want your room to yourself, single occupancy is $280 a night for the Superior room.
Rooms are blocked from October 22 to October 28, 2025.
Please reserve your room before July 31, 2025 using this link and code 102425.
When you reserve, you'll pay for One (1) Night as a deposit and the final payment is due sixty (60) days prior to arrival.
If you wish to stay before or after the blocked days, or pick a different room type call the toll-free number 1-800-223-0757, to connect to the Resort's Sint Maarten office.
Activities
About the Island
For those that CAN go, St. Maarten/St. Martin is an island in the Virgin Islands that's part Dutch and part French, so you'll need to get your passport updated. You'll fly into Maho Beach (SXM). There is an online entry form to fill out before you fly and every traveler will need to fill out before you get to the airport to leave for the island. To fill it out, you'll need your passport number, your flight and hotel details, contact information and employment information (presumably to ensure you're not seeking a work visa.)
The island itself is very cool - the capital on the Dutch side is Phillipsburg, which is basically where the resort is located. There are casinos, beach bars and "nightlife". On the French side, the pace is a little slower, and the capital, Marigot, is known for exceptional cuisine - either traditional French or French-Caribbean fusion. There's an open-air market Wednesday thru Saturday, and the town itself has architecture that's not changed since the 19th century and epitomizes the French influence. Additionally, Anguilla and St. Bart's are easy ferry rides away and have some of the most spectacularly pristine beaches you'll ever see.
More about the resort: There's an Oceans resort next door that's adults-only, but its a bit more expensive and if you decide to book there it'll be outside of our block and you'll still have access to all the amenities at the Maho Beach resort right next door. Both resorts are all inclusive which means the room rate includes all your meals and adult beverages as well as a pool-side and beach-side service, and non-motorized water sport equipment, including snorkel gear. At Maho Beach, there's a kids club for kids 3-12, and water slides, and they even can provide babysitting for a cost. There is also a teen zone for teens 13+ with a pool table, air hockey, foosball, PlayStation, Xbox and board games. There are "fun" guest activities all day long (games, live music, DJ/club and karaoke at night) and there's a casino across the street. They offer daily yoga, and other exercise classes thru the fitness center, and they have a pickleball court. Wanna pamper? There's also a spa onsite. Rental cars are available thru Dollar/Thrifty at the resort (for $35-45/day) if you want to get out and explore the island on your own, or you can take one of the tours that the resort offers (extra) for snorkeling trips, scuba excursions, or other adventures.
We're headed to St Maarten (the Dutch side of the island) in the Virgin Islands.
Room rates are locked at for $315 per night (for 2 people) at the all inclusive resort Sonesta Maho Beach and includes taxes and resort fees. This is for a "Superior" king or double room. Or if you're feeling fancy, there's also the Oasis Pool View Rooms with a pool and partial ocean view for $435. If you're interested in having a 3rd person in your room, add per night: $145 per adult age 13+, children 6-12 are $45, and children 5 and under are free. If you want your room to yourself, single occupancy is $280 a night for the Superior room.
Rooms are blocked from October 22 to October 28, 2025.
Please reserve your room before July 31, 2025 using this link and code 102425.
When you reserve, you'll pay for One (1) Night as a deposit and the final payment is due sixty (60) days prior to arrival.
If you wish to stay before or after the blocked days, or pick a different room type call the toll-free number 1-800-223-0757, to connect to the Resort's Sint Maarten office.
Activities
- Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - Guest Arrival
- Thursday, October 23, 2025 10am. We are chartering a bus ride into Marigot (The capital of the French side of the island) for the morning/lunch. (see more about Marigot below). Dress however you're comfortable walking around and doing your own thing.
- Friday, October 24, 2025 at 6pm. Wedding Reception Dinner, Cocktails and Cake. Dress: "beach cocktail" No swimwear, but no need to go formal - somewhere in between.
- Saturday, October 25, 2025 8:15am. We've chartered a private day sail aboard the 65 foot Lambada catamaran to Anguilla (BVI) to snorkel and site-see some of the most pristine beaches and turquoise waters you will ever see.. plus booze, snacks and lunch. Dress: Swimsuits! (bring your passport, a hotel towel, a hat, and sunscreen) Snorkel equipment provided.
- Then Sunday-whenever you depart, you're welcome to join a small contingent that will be doing a scuba drive (Let Chris know if you need to refresh or update your license), or feel free to explore the island on your own, chill at the resort pool or beach, book an excursion thru the hotel, go the casino, or book some spa time at the resort.
About the Island
For those that CAN go, St. Maarten/St. Martin is an island in the Virgin Islands that's part Dutch and part French, so you'll need to get your passport updated. You'll fly into Maho Beach (SXM). There is an online entry form to fill out before you fly and every traveler will need to fill out before you get to the airport to leave for the island. To fill it out, you'll need your passport number, your flight and hotel details, contact information and employment information (presumably to ensure you're not seeking a work visa.)
The island itself is very cool - the capital on the Dutch side is Phillipsburg, which is basically where the resort is located. There are casinos, beach bars and "nightlife". On the French side, the pace is a little slower, and the capital, Marigot, is known for exceptional cuisine - either traditional French or French-Caribbean fusion. There's an open-air market Wednesday thru Saturday, and the town itself has architecture that's not changed since the 19th century and epitomizes the French influence. Additionally, Anguilla and St. Bart's are easy ferry rides away and have some of the most spectacularly pristine beaches you'll ever see.
More about the resort: There's an Oceans resort next door that's adults-only, but its a bit more expensive and if you decide to book there it'll be outside of our block and you'll still have access to all the amenities at the Maho Beach resort right next door. Both resorts are all inclusive which means the room rate includes all your meals and adult beverages as well as a pool-side and beach-side service, and non-motorized water sport equipment, including snorkel gear. At Maho Beach, there's a kids club for kids 3-12, and water slides, and they even can provide babysitting for a cost. There is also a teen zone for teens 13+ with a pool table, air hockey, foosball, PlayStation, Xbox and board games. There are "fun" guest activities all day long (games, live music, DJ/club and karaoke at night) and there's a casino across the street. They offer daily yoga, and other exercise classes thru the fitness center, and they have a pickleball court. Wanna pamper? There's also a spa onsite. Rental cars are available thru Dollar/Thrifty at the resort (for $35-45/day) if you want to get out and explore the island on your own, or you can take one of the tours that the resort offers (extra) for snorkeling trips, scuba excursions, or other adventures.