Located on the stunning 2.5-mile stretch of Simpson Bay Beach, Cocovaa offers a prime location for those seeking a balance of relaxation and adventure in St. Maarten. Just a stone’s throw from Maho Beach, the island’s iconic plane-spotting spot, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes with easy access to St. Maarten’s top attractions.

Cocovaa is positioned far enough from the hustle and bustle of the high-rise hotels to give you that peaceful, uncrowded escape, yet still close enough to pop into town for dinner or take advantage of the island’s endless activities. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the white sand beaches or explore all that St. Maarten has to offer, Cocovaa’s location provides the best of both worlds!

Location and How To Get There 

Cocovaa is conveniently located on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, just a quick 5-minute drive from the airport. In fact, you can even see the runway from the hotel! With multiple daily flights arriving from the U.S. and Europe (most through Amsterdam or Paris), it’s super accessible. The island has two airports, one on the Dutch side (*SXM*) and one on the French side, Grand Case-Espérance Airport (SFG),  but SXM is the closest to Cocovaa and offers way more flight options. There are also plenty of connections from other Caribbean islands arriving into SXM.

Once you land, getting to the hotel is a breeze—just a short 5-10 minute drive. You can either grab a taxi from the arrivals area (they’re everywhere as soon as you walk out) or rent a car, which gives you the freedom to explore the whole island at your own pace. If you don’t have a car rental pre-booked, don’t worry! There are plenty of car rental reps at arrivals. We decided last minute to book a rental and ended up going with Paradise Car Rentals, who gave us a great deal. They even drove us to their location to pick up the car—it was quick, easy, and affordable for the time we were there.

Check In Process 

Cocovaa offers a super convenient, hands-off check-in process. A few days before my arrival, I received an email with all the check-in details. While check-in officially starts at 4 pm, the reception closes at 3 pm, so chances are you’ll need to grab your keys from the handy lockbox outside your room. If you’re hoping for early check-in, they do offer it—you can try emailing them ahead of time or stop by reception when you arrive to check availability.

The lockbox system worked flawlessly for me. The email included a code that opens the box, and inside were the keys to my suite – it couldn’t have been easier.

Check-out was just as simple: before 11 am, all you have to do is pop your keys back into the lockbox on your way out. Super straightforward and hassle-free.

Rooms 

I had the pleasure of staying in the Emerald Suite, a cozy one-bedroom suite on the first floor with stunning views overlooking the bay. The hotel itself is boutique-sized, with only eight rooms, a mix of one and two-bedroom suites, all offering incredible beachfront views.

Our suite was well-equipped with a mini fridge stocked with a couple of beers and waters, a microwave, coffee maker, and kettle (with plenty of coffee supplies). There was also a desk with maps, tourist guides, and a handy folder that included useful info like the WhatsApp number for staff, emergency contacts, and local restaurant recommendations. The room had a comfortable setup—a sofa, a large king-size bed, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall with satellite channels and streaming apps like Netflix and Prime.

In the wardrobe, I found a couple of cozy robes (I’m a sucker for hotel robes), an ironing board and iron, and a safe for valuables.

But the real star of the show? The outside area. With two large loungers and a view that’s nothing short of spectacular, it’s hard to describe the beauty of the water—some of the bluest I’ve ever seen. The beach below is wonderfully quiet and crowd-free. Honestly, I could have spent my entire time lounging on the balcony, just watching the waves roll in. There’s something about waking up to the sound of the ocean that instantly puts you at ease. If only I could bottle that feeling and bring it home!

Food and Drink 

Right next door to Cocovaa is their affiliated restaurant, D’s Beach Bar and Grill. Having visited their sister spot on Water Island in the US Virgin Islands, I knew I was in for some great food and drinks. They have a variety of themed nights throughout the week, including Taco Tuesday, where you can get $5 margaritas, tacos, and discounted nachos. They also have a daily happy hour with reduced prices on frozen and specialty cocktails—honestly, the best-priced drinks I found on the whole island. Definitely don’t miss out on that!

The cocktail menu is pretty extensive, the service is always friendly, and the food comes out quickly. What I loved most was the beach in front of D’s—it’s far removed from the crowded beaches closer to town, and more often than not, I found myself with the beach practically to myself! Even if you’re not staying at Cocovaa, I believe you can still use the loungers and umbrellas at no extra charge, which is a nice perk considering most beach clubs on the island charge for them.

They also offer live music on the weekends and a fun movie night on the beach every week. It’s such a unique experience and definitely worth checking out!

Facilities 

Just outside the rooms on the beach, you’ll find a volleyball court—perfect for groups of friends or family looking for some fun. It’s conveniently located right by the restaurant, so you can easily grab some food and drinks after a game.

The beach also has kayaks and paddle boards available for guests to use, along with plenty of loungers, umbrellas, and picnic benches. It’s all set up for you to make the most of your stay and enjoy the beautiful beachfront setting.

Activities 

Cocovaa boasts an unbeatable beachfront location, letting you enjoy the sand and sea without the crowds, while still being close to all the island’s activities. For example, we took a few water excursions that departed from Simpson Bay Marina, just a quick 15-minute drive away. There’s also a ferry to Anguilla that leaves near the SXM airport, making it easy to explore nearby destinations.

If you need help planning your activities or excursions, the option is there to visit reception during their hours or send them an email ahead of time.

For those into plane spotting or looking for that iconic plane photo, Maho Bay is only two minutes away. Just a heads-up: the jet blasts can be pretty intense, so it’s best to stay at a safe distance. For a safer and more relaxed experience, consider grabbing a drink or a bite at the nearby Sunset Bar and Grill, which has prime spots right by the water for watching the planes.

Service 

The pre-arrival information sent via email was very thorough, and the staff were quick to respond to any questions I had before I even arrived on the island. Although we didn’t interact with the staff in person, they were always just a message away. For instance, when the power went out one day, I reached out, and a staff member assured me it would be back on in a few hours, which is a common occurrence in this part of the island.

While we didn’t receive regular housekeeping during our stay, we did get an email on our third day asking when we’d like our room refreshed. Unfortunately, we were out on an excursion and didn’t see the email until the night before our departure.

Closing Remarks 

Cocovaa offers a fantastic location and serves as an excellent base for exploring everything St. Maarten has to offer. With its boutique charm and stunning views of the crystal-clear waters from every room, it’s a perfect spot to start your adventures. The bar next door has an extensive cocktail menu and great happy hour deals, making it a top choice for unwinding after a day of exploring.

The experience at Cocovaa feels more like staying in an Airbnb or vacation rental than a traditional hotel. It offers a relaxed, hands-off approach, giving you the freedom to enjoy your stay on your own terms. I’d recommend renting a car during your visit, as taxis can be pricey and many attractions aren’t within walking distance. Having a car lets you explore the island at your own pace and fully enjoy all that St. Maarten has to offer.

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You can find out more about my stay on my “St Martin/Maarten” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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