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Mary's Boon Beach Plantation

117 Simpson Bay Rd.

Simpson Bay Beach , Sint Maarten http://www.marysboon.com/

599 545-7000

The gingerbread-trimmed Mary's Boon Beach Plantation, on the island's Dutch side, has 28 rooms painted in bright Caribbean colors, with cathedral ceilings and carved Balinese beds. Ask for a garden studio, which opens onto coconut-laden palm trees and flowering hibiscus. One caveat: the hotel is close to the airport. Instead of complaining, join the fun by grabbing a piña colada, climbing the plane-viewing platform, and cheering as the jets touch down.