How far is the Royal Islander Resort from the airport?
Royal Islander Club is located about 1 mile (1.6 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport, making the transfer quick and convenient — less than a five-minute taxi ride.

Does the resort provide airport transfers?

The resorts do not offer airport shuttle service. Taxis are readily available outside the airport, and the front desk team can help arrange return transportation.

How much is a taxi from the airport?
Typical fares are $10–15 USD for 1–2 guests, plus $6 per additional guest. One bag is included per fare; additional luggage runs about $2 per bag. Fares are paid directly to the driver in cash — most taxi drivers don’t accept credit cards — and are subject to change without notice.

How far from the beach are you?

La Plage has direct access to Maho Bay Beach, with the sand just steps from your suite. La Terrasse is located across the street from La Plage.

Where is St. Maarten / St. Martin located?
St. Maarten / St. Martin is part of the Leeward Islands in the northern Caribbean, about 144 miles east of Puerto Rico. The main airport is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM).

Is this one country or two?
The island is shared by two nations: Dutch St. Maarten in the south and French St. Martin in the north, offering a blend of European charm and Caribbean warmth.

Do I need a passport to travel to St. Maarten?
Yes, a valid passport is required for all air travel to and from St. Maarten. Check the official tourism website (www.st-maarten.com/requirements.htm) for the latest entry and exit requirements before you travel.

Which airlines fly into St. Maarten?
American Airlines, Delta, United, and JetBlue all serve Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) with direct and connecting flights from numerous U.S. and international cities. Grand Case Airport (SFG) on the French side offers convenient connections to neighboring islands.

What day trips are available from St. Maarten?
Popular options include St. Barths (10-minute flight or 45-minute ferry), Anguilla (20-minute ferry from Marigot), and Saba (about a one-hour ferry ride, popular with divers). A valid passport is required for all international excursions. The Concierge Desk can assist with bookings.

What languages are spoken on the island?
Dutch and French are the official languages, but English is widely spoken throughout the island.

What’s the dress code like?
The island has a casually elegant atmosphere. Resort wear is fine for most settings, though some fine dining restaurants and casinos may request more formal attire.

What currency should I bring?
The U.S. Dollar is widely accepted. The official currencies are the Antillean Guilder (ANG) on the Dutch side and the Euro (EUR) on the French side.

What’s the weather like?
Warm and tropical, moderated by gentle trade winds, with average temperatures from the mid-70s to high-80s °F (mid-20s to low-30s °C). Short tropical showers can occur, so daily sunscreen is recommended.

Are businesses open every day?
Hours vary by area. Many shops in Marigot close for a midday break, and most businesses are closed on Sunday.

What voltage/plugs are used?
The Dutch side uses 110V/60Hz (U.S. standard); the French side uses 220V/60Hz (European standard). A converter or adapter may be needed depending on where you’re staying.

Will my cell phone work on the island?
Most major carriers offer international roaming. Check with your provider before travel for available plans.

What if I have a medical emergency?
The island has two modern hospitals: St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) in Cay Hill on the Dutch side, and Hospital Louis-Constant Fleming near Marigot on the French side. Both can coordinate air ambulance transfers to major international medical centers for critical or specialized cases.

Where can I get prescriptions or medications?
Pharmacies are easily accessible island-wide. There’s one in Maho Village a short walk from the resort, and pharmacies in Marigot are marked with green-cross signage. Local inventory may be more limited than large North American chains, so bring an adequate supply of personal or prescription medications.

Where’s the best shopping?
Maho Village, right by the resort, has boutiques, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops with duty-free savings. Front Street in Philipsburg offers a larger duty-free shopping district known for jewelry, watches, leather goods, designer fashion, electronics, perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco, and spirits. Marigot, on the French side, offers designer boutiques, artisan shops, and French cafés.

Where can I buy groceries?
Maho Express, located at the entrance of the Royal Islander Club, offers groceries, beverages, and familiar brands.

What currency do stores use for pricing?
Boutiques generally accept U.S. dollars directly. Grocery stores typically price in Antillean Guilders (ANG) or Euros (EUR) — just tell the cashier you’d like to pay in U.S. dollars and the exchange rate will be applied at checkout.

Where are the resorts located?
The resorts are located in the heart of Maho Village, the entertainment hub of St. Maarten. You’ll find a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, and duty-free shopping options just steps away from our resorts, along with a grocery store and casino across the street.

Can I rent a car?
Yes, Dollar/Thrifty Car Rental has a desk in the resort lobby.

Is there public transportation?
Yes, a public bus stops directly outside the resort entrance. The fare is $2.00 per person one way (exact change required), with routes to Philipsburg, Marigot, Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, and Grand Case.

If I stay at La Terrasse, can I use the pool at La Plage?
Guests at La Terrasse do not have access to the pool facilities at La Plage. La Terrasse has its own pool. However, complimentary loungers and umbrellas are available at Maho Beach for all registered guests at La Terrasse, just in front of La Plage.

Do you have a spa?
Guests at Royal Islander Club La Terrasse and La Plage have access to the spa at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. For a full treatment list, rates, and booking, click here.

Do you have a gym?
Guests at Royal Islander Club La Terrasse and La Plage have access to the fitness facilities at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino.

Do you have covered parking?
Yes. Covered parking is available at the Maho Village parking garage, just steps from the resort. Guests at RIC pay a discounted rate of $8 USD per day.

Do you have meal plans or all-inclusive options?
No, meals are not included in your stay and there are no food packages or meal plans. Tortuga Restaurant, on the property, is independently operated and available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Plenty of other restaurants, bars, and a grocery store are just steps away in Maho Village.