Apartment 104: first light, first swim
Some people come to Simpson Bay for the nightlife. Guests in apartment 104 tend to come for the mornings. Down on level one of Dolce Beach Residence, a beachfront address set squarely on Simpson Bay’s sand, this apartment is a few strides from the water, and at seven in the morning the water is flat, clear and almost empty. You can be in it before the kettle has cooled.
The daily route: bed, balcony, sea
From the balcony you watch the bay wake up: a paddleboarder, a fishing boat heading out, the light sliding across the water. On the first level everything feels close, the rustle of palms, the voices from the beach, the smell of salt. It is a view you live in rather than look at.
Inside the apartment
A proper one-bedroom for two guests. The bedroom is its own room, with a king-size bed and a door you can close on the afternoon heat. The living area leads to a kitchen with an oven and everything needed to cook, so a late breakfast of eggs, papaya and toast is never a problem. There is one bathroom plus a separate guest toilet.
Downstairs, a few steps away
Rinsing off the salt is quick, since the shared pool has been laid out right on the beach. Early risers who like to train can head to the shared gym, with its air-conditioned room inside and a workout corner open to the sea breeze. Downstairs, the lobby staff say hello on day one and stay on hand for every question after that.
A concierge who knows the island
Ask them to book a snorkelling morning, have a taxi waiting at the airport, reserve a rental car or find you a table for dinner. They are happy to plan ahead or sort things out on the day.
Out and about
From the front door you can stroll to marinas, grocery stores, beach bars and a long row of places to eat. Princess Juliana airport is a ten-minute car ride, and Maho Beach is just along the coast. For a morning swim somewhere different, try the coves at Mullet Bay or Cupecoy. Philipsburg makes an easy outing, and so does Marigot across the border.
The fine print
Keys from 4 pm, and departure by 11 am. Towels, bed linen and Wi-Fi are provided.
