309: a Dolce Beach Residence apartment that shines after lunch
Apartment 309 is for people who like their holidays slow. Three floors above the sand, it belongs to Dolce Beach Residence, a beachfront address laid along Simpson Bay’s shoreline on the Dutch side, and its best hours come once the morning rush to the beach is over and the sun swings round towards the water.
The balcony in the afternoon
From two o’clock onwards, light floods the sea-view balcony. It is the place for a paperback and a cold drink, a card game between friends, or simply watching sailboats tack across the bay. At this height you catch the trade wind and still hear children laughing on the beach below.
Inside: two king bedrooms for four
The apartment sleeps four in two separate bedrooms, and both of them have a king-size bed. Having two bathrooms, plus a guest toilet, keeps things smooth when everyone comes back salty and sandy at the same time. In the fully equipped kitchen you can put together a proper lunch before retreating for a siesta, or prepare the evening’s grilled fish while the others lay the table.
Pool time and gym time
Down at beach level, the shared pool of the residence is a good alternative when the sea is a little choppy. The shared gym offers both a covered room and a workout spot outside with the sea in sight, useful if one of you insists on training even on holiday. Whatever comes up, the lobby staff are there to help from arrival to departure.
Concierge requests
Getting picked up by taxi at the airport, hiring a car, joining a sailing or snorkelling trip, reserving somewhere nice for dinner: send your wishes to the concierge and they will be taken care of.
Out and about
Everything in Simpson Bay is within strolling distance, including beach bars, marinas, food shops and restaurants. Princess Juliana Airport lies around ten minutes’ drive away. For another beach, try Maho, Mullet Bay or Cupecoy; for a change of pace, drive to Philipsburg or cross to Marigot on the French side.
Worth noting
Arrivals start at 4 pm, and departures happen by 11 am. Everything for the beds and the bathroom is supplied, and so is the Wi-Fi.
