The phrase all inclusive in St Maarten used to confuse even seasoned Caribbean travelers. On this small, split Dutch and French island, classic package resorts have always been the exception rather than the rule.
Going into 2026, that is still largely true, but the landscape is shifting. A handful of properties now deliver true all inclusive stays, some with new tiered options and adult only enclaves, while many others stick to European plan or bed and breakfast models.
For travelers planning next year’s vacation, understanding what is actually available in 2026 matters more than ever for setting expectations and budgeting correctly.
The Reality of All Inclusive in St Maarten Today
Compared with destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or Cancun, St Maarten’s all inclusive footprint remains small.
The island continues to trade on its reputation for independent restaurants, beach bars and rental cars that invite exploration. That culture means most hotels still sell rooms only rates and leave dining and entertainment up to guests once they arrive.
As of early 2026, the core of the island’s true all inclusive market sits firmly on the Dutch side around Maho Bay and Little Bay. Here, large self contained resorts package nearly all meals, snacks, drinks, activities and entertainment into a single nightly rate.
They appeal to travelers who would rather avoid daily decisions and surprise bills and who are comfortable spending most of their holiday inside a single resort bubble.
At the same time, the island has seen a trend toward flexibility rather than pure one size fits all packages. Several resorts now offer both all inclusive and room only rates, or even tiered inclusions.
This approach reflects changing traveler behavior. Many guests value the convenience of having basics covered, yet still want latitude to dine off property or pay extra for premium experiences when the mood strikes.
For 2026, anyone considering St Maarten should approach the term all inclusive with attention to detail. Inclusions vary significantly from one property to another.
Some operate on a classic Caribbean model that truly bundles almost everything, while others combine base inclusions with a growing list of add ons that can surprise the unprepared.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort: The Island’s All Ages Flagship
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa remains St Maarten’s largest all inclusive property and the anchor of the island’s package vacation scene.
Set on a ten acre oceanfront stretch overlooking famed Maho Bay and just minutes from Princess Juliana International Airport, the 420 room complex is designed as a self contained destination for families, couples and groups.
The resort’s all inclusive program covers buffet and à la carte meals across multiple restaurants, a pizzeria and café, plus a wide range of international and domestic beverages.
Guests can expect a typical Caribbean resort rhythm of daytime poolside activities, games and fitness classes, followed by evening entertainment from live music to themed shows.
The signature Oasis pool, swim up bar, water slides and a separate kids pool with a small aqua park anchor the social scene and reflect the resort’s high energy, family friendly focus.
Key facilities include the Beach House Kids Club for ages three to twelve, a Teen Zone for older children, the Serenity Spa, a fitness center and quick access to Casino Royale across the street.
The resort’s location in the heart of Maho Village also adds nightlife and shopping to the overall all inclusive experience, though purchases outside the resort obviously fall beyond the package.
Looking ahead to 2026, Sonesta Maho Beach continues to refine the balance between value and segmentation. Its standard all inclusive rate is aimed at mainstream travelers who want a predictable, largely cashless holiday.
At the same time, the property has carved out premium spaces and services for guests willing to pay more for privacy, upgraded beverages and quieter spaces away from the main pool and entertainment hub.
Adults Only at Sonesta: Ocean Point and the Ultimate Club
For adults wanting an all inclusive experience on St Maarten without the noise and energy of a family resort, the key option remains the adults only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort.
Marketed as a resort within a resort, Ocean Point sits adjacent to Sonesta Maho Beach but operates as a separate, suite only enclave that is fully all inclusive and restricted to guests 18 and older.
Ocean Point’s package includes dining at its signature Azul restaurant and other on site venues, premium drinks, multiple pools and sweeping clifftop views over Maho Bay.
Guests also enjoy access to many of the facilities at the neighboring Maho Beach property, which broadens the restaurant and entertainment options while keeping sleeping areas and pools adults only.
The design, decor and service ethos skew more upscale and quieter than the main resort, targeting couples, honeymooners and friends’ getaways.
Within Sonesta Maho Beach itself, the Ultimate Adults Only Club concept has emerged to bridge the gap between the family resort environment and an adults only retreat.
Located on the upper floors of the main resort, these dedicated rooms and suites come with priority check in and access to specific adult focused amenities and services.
The aim is to give couples and adult groups the energy and convenience of a family resort while also offering higher floors, refined touches and dedicated adult oriented spaces.
Taken together, Sonesta Maho Beach, Sonesta Ocean Point and the Ultimate Adults Only Club form a three tiered ecosystem of all inclusive options.
By 2026, this cluster effectively defines the island’s most complete all inclusive offering, spanning family, mixed age and adults only segments in a single, walkable neighborhood near the airport and nightlife.
Divi Little Bay: Hybrid All Inclusive With New Tiers
On the southern shore near Philipsburg, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort has long operated a flexible model that allows guests to choose between traditional room only stays and optional all inclusive packages.
In 2025 the company announced expanded and tiered all inclusive options at Divi Little Bay and the adjacent Oceans at Divi Little Bay, signaling that this hybrid approach will drive offerings in 2026.
The resort occupies a scenic private peninsula between Little Bay and Great Bay, with a sweep of beach, pools and hilltop views.
The classic Signature All Inclusive package covers access to five on site restaurants, a swim up bar and a program of themed dinners along with standard bar offerings.
It is designed for travelers who want the simplicity of having meals and most drinks included, without requiring the most premium labels or exclusive spaces.
The newer Premium All Inclusive tier, by contrast, layers additional venues and upgrades on top of the base package.
Guests on this higher tier gain access to features such as the Mix at Oceans rooftop lounge, which offers panoramic views, elevated cocktails, curated wine tastings and special themed events.
Premium guests also enjoy unlimited access to Ft. Amsterdam Café, which functions as an all day European style café with coffee, smoothies, pastries, sandwiches and gelato that go beyond typical buffet offerings.
For 2026, this tiered system means travelers considering Divi Little Bay will need to pay close attention to which all inclusive level they select.
The basic package will suit many families and couples who plan to spend much of their time by the pools and on the beach, while perhaps still heading into Philipsburg or elsewhere for a few meals or nights out.
The Premium tier is aimed at those who plan to spend nearly all waking hours on property and who place a high value on quieter lounges, elevated drinks and specialty food outlets that feel more like city hotel amenities than traditional buffet lines.
What “All Inclusive” Actually Covers in 2026
In practice, the phrase all inclusive in St Maarten does not guarantee an identical experience from one resort to the next.
For 2026, travelers can reasonably expect that a true all inclusive rate at properties such as the Sonesta resorts or Divi Little Bay will include three daily meals, ample snacks, a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, non motorized water sports where available, organized activities, fitness facilities and evening entertainment.
However, premium brand liquors, bottled wines, certain specialty coffees and some à la carte dishes may incur surcharges, particularly at rooftop lounges or fine dining venues attached to higher category rooms or tiers.
Room service is another area where inclusions vary. Some suites at adult oriented properties offer 24 hour room service as part of the package, while standard rooms at all ages resorts may either charge a tray fee or limit room service to certain categories of guest.
Spa treatments, motorized water sports, outside excursions and private dinners are almost always treated as extras, even at the most comprehensive all inclusive properties on the island.
Resort credit promotions can help offset these costs, but travelers should assume that any activity run by an external operator or requiring specialist staff will not fall under the standard nightly rate.
Minibars provide another point of difference. Some all inclusive plans include a daily restock of soft drinks and bottled water only, while higher category rooms or club floors may add beer, wine or spirits to the in room offering.
As resorts use tiered packages more aggressively, distinctions between standard and premium inclusions are likely to become more pronounced through 2026.
Comparing St Maarten With Bigger All Inclusive Destinations
Travelers who are accustomed to the massive, purpose built all inclusive zones in Mexico or the Dominican Republic will find a different rhythm in St Maarten.
The island simply does not have miles of continuously developed hotel strips composed solely of package resorts. Instead, its all inclusive properties are interwoven with independent hotels, timeshares, villas and locally run beach bars and restaurants.
This structure affects both atmosphere and pricing. Per night rates at St Maarten’s all inclusive resorts often run higher than mass market options in larger destinations, reflecting both the island’s smaller scale and its higher operating costs.
In exchange, guests gain easier access to off property experiences, from driving over to the French side for a leisurely lunch to hopping on a ferry to neighboring islands for a day trip.
Another difference lies in the number of choices. While a traveler could spend a week in Punta Cana visiting a different all inclusive each day, St Maarten’s list of true, full scale all inclusive resorts is short.
The upside is that it is easier to research each property in depth and match it to a particular travel style. The downside is that travelers with very specific preferences, such as ultra luxury wellness oriented all inclusive stays or sprawling water park complexes, may find fewer options that match their wish list exactly.
By 2026, St Maarten seems committed to this middle path. The island is building out its all inclusive infrastructure slowly through upgrades and tiers rather than rapid new construction.
For visitors, that means the convenience of inclusive stays can coexist with the independent, cosmopolitan character that made St Maarten popular long before the all inclusive trend arrived.
How to Choose the Right All Inclusive for Your Trip
Given the small but varied set of options, the most important step in planning a 2026 all inclusive trip to St Maarten is aligning your choice of resort with your priorities.
Families with young children will likely gravitate toward Sonesta Maho Beach, where the kids club, teen zone, water slides and constant entertainment create an easy, low decision environment.
Parents can relax knowing that meals, snacks and activities are readily available without constant planning.
Couples and groups of friends, especially those seeking quiet pools, elevated dining and late starts, may favor Sonesta Ocean Point or an adults only tier like the Ultimate Adults Only Club at Maho Beach.
These settings dial down the noise and increase the sense of retreat while still allowing easy access to the livelier scene next door or down the hill in Maho Village.
Travelers who want a mix of resort comfort and local flavor often find Divi Little Bay’s model appealing. The ability to choose between Signature and Premium all inclusive tiers, or even to skip inclusions entirely and dine out around Philipsburg, offers more control over both budget and daily routine.
This is especially attractive for returning visitors who already know their favorite off property restaurants and beach clubs.
Practical considerations matter, too. Guests who are sensitive to aircraft noise should research the proximity of Maho area resorts to the airport and read recent guest feedback.
Those who prioritize easy walking access to town, shopping and cruise port activities may see Divi Little Bay’s location near Philipsburg as a better fit.
In all cases, carefully comparing what each resort includes in its 2026 packages against your personal must haves will help avoid disappointment.
The Takeaway
St Maarten in 2026 remains an outlier in the Caribbean all inclusive universe. Its compact size, shared Dutch and French identity and strong independent dining scene have kept the island from turning entirely toward walled off resort enclaves.
Instead, a handful of sizeable all inclusive properties provide convenience for those who want it, while coexisting with a broader tourism ecosystem that encourages exploration and local interaction.
For travelers, this hybrid reality demands a bit more homework. Labels alone are not enough. Understanding the differences between Sonesta’s family focused Maho Beach resort, its adults only Ocean Point enclave, the evolving Ultimate Adults Only Club concept and Divi Little Bay’s tiered all inclusive options is essential.
Each offers a distinct way to experience the island, and each defines all inclusive slightly differently.
Looking ahead through 2026, the trend points toward more segmentation rather than a flood of new all inclusive openings. Resorts are refining packages, creating new tiers and adding premium lounges and experiences rather than building entirely new complexes.
That should give visitors more choice within a small set of properties, but it also reinforces the need to read the fine print before booking.
For those willing to do that work, St Maarten’s version of all inclusive can deliver an appealing balance. You can enjoy the predictability of prepaid meals, drinks and core entertainment, yet still step outside the resort to discover beach bars, French bistros and small coves that remain free of crowds.
In an era when many Caribbean destinations feel increasingly standardized, that combination may be exactly what makes an all inclusive holiday in St Maarten stand out.
FAQ
Q1: How many true all inclusive resorts does St Maarten have in 2026?
St Maarten has a small cluster of true all inclusive properties, centered on Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, the adults only Sonesta Ocean Point and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort with its tiered all inclusive options. Several other hotels may offer meal plans or partial inclusions, but the island does not have a large number of classic, fully packaged resorts.
Q2: Are the all inclusive resorts in St Maarten adults only?
No. Sonesta Maho Beach Resort is a family oriented, all ages property, although it has an adults only club floor. Sonesta Ocean Point is adults only, and Divi Little Bay generally welcomes both couples and families. Travelers should check age policies carefully when booking.
Q3: Do St Maarten’s all inclusive resorts include premium drinks?
Standard all inclusive packages typically include a solid range of local and some international brands, along with beer and wine. Premium spirits, specialty cocktails and curated wine lists may be reserved for higher room categories or premium all inclusive tiers and can come with surcharges if not specifically included.
Q4: Is room service part of the all inclusive plan?
Room service policies vary by resort and room type. Some adults only suites offer 24 hour room service as part of the package, while family resorts may limit room service to certain hours, certain categories or charge a service fee. It is important to confirm these details before arrival if in room dining is a priority.
Q5: Can I still explore local restaurants if I book all inclusive?
Yes. Even at fully all inclusive resorts, guests are free to dine off property whenever they wish, though those meals are not included in the package. Many visitors combine the convenience of resort dining with a few evenings out in Maho Village, Philipsburg or on the French side to sample the island’s broader culinary scene.
Q6: Are water sports and excursions included?
Non motorized water sports such as kayaks or paddleboards may be included at some resorts, but motorized activities, boat trips and island excursions are almost always charged separately. Many all inclusive packages offer on site tour desks to help guests book these extras.
Q7: How does noise from the airport affect Maho area all inclusive resorts?
Resorts around Maho Bay sit very close to Princess Juliana International Airport, which is part of their appeal for plane spotting. Guests sensitive to aircraft noise should be aware that takeoffs and landings can be loud at times, though operations generally lessen overnight. Reading recent guest feedback can help set expectations.
Q8: Is tipping expected at all inclusive resorts in St Maarten?
Most all inclusive packages include service charges, but many guests still choose to offer small additional tips for bartenders, servers and housekeeping staff in recognition of good service. Tipping is not mandatory yet is appreciated and common practice among North American visitors.
Q9: Are vegetarian or gluten free diets accommodated on all inclusive plans?
Major all inclusive resorts in St Maarten increasingly cater to dietary needs with labeled buffet items and à la carte menu options for vegetarians, vegans and guests avoiding gluten. Travelers with strict medical requirements should contact the resort in advance to confirm what can be provided.
Q10: Is an all inclusive stay in St Maarten good value compared with paying as you go?
Value depends on personal habits. Travelers who enjoy multiple daily drinks, prefer on site entertainment and like the ease of not signing checks at every meal usually find all inclusive worthwhile. Those who plan to rent a car, dine widely around the island and spend little time at the resort may be better served by a room only rate or a flexible meal plan rather than a full all inclusive package.