Key Takeaways

• Sonesta Hotels & Resorts offers four options in the Caribbean and Mexico, with properties in St. Maarten, Curaçao, and Puerto Vallarta.
• Sonesta all-inclusive options gives travel advisors flexible options for different client types, from families and multi-generational groups to couples, honeymooners, friend groups, and independent travelers.
• Each resort has a distinct selling point: plane-spotting and family-friendly amenities at Sonesta Maho Beach, adults-only luxury at Sonesta Ocean Point, oceanfront value at Costa Sur Resort Classico, and residential-style ease at Sonesta Hotels & Resorts Livingstone Curaçao.

When people think of a Caribbean vacation, there are a few destinations that come quickly to mind. Visions of the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Aruba, and the Bahamas flit through most mental catalogues easily. Or if they’re picturing a Mexican escape facing a body of sparkling blue waters, it’s typically Cancun or the Riviera Maya they think of. And in these mainstream destinations, travelers will lean on familiar brands that they follow from one to the other.

But for something different, a destination that may not be top of mind but exactly what you’re looking for, away from crowds and below the radar, travel advisors should be looking at the four all-inclusive properties by Sonesta Hotels & Resorts. With properties in St. Maarten, Curaçao, and Puerto Vallarta. For travel advisors, these resorts can be useful alternatives for clients who want recognizable hospitality, all-inclusive ease, and destinations that may feel less expected than the aforementioned.

Fast Facts on All-Inclusive Sonesta Hotels & Resorts

If the name sounds familiar, you’ve probably seen their properties in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Houston, where their biggest hotels are. It’s quietly one of the biggest hotel groups in the U.S.

But if you’ve been to St. Maarten in the past few decades, you’ve definitely seen their most famous property – the one where spectators watch in awe as passenger planes begin their descent directly overhead of sunbathers and land in what feels like arm’s reach of Maho Beach. To this day, social media posts about this phenomenon are uploaded every day by awestruck users.

However, this isn’t the only beachfront Sonesta worthy of attention. In the Caribbean and Mexico, there are a total of four all-inclusive experiences available through the brand. Here’s what you need to know about each of them, and who you should be recommending them to.

What to Know About Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa – St Maarten

As we’d mentioned, this fully updated resort on the Dutch side of this Caribbean island is already notorious for its beachfront plane-spotting. But what many may not know is that they also have a private man-made beach called The Palms Beach, that serves as an extension of the natural one that fills with spectators, keeping the resort space uncrowded for your own private viewing. Even more private is the large signature Oasis pool, with its swim-up bar and water slide for adults, plus a separate modern aqua park and pool with slides for younger children, who must be accompanied by adults in order to play.

Generally, this is one of their most accessible, one-size-fits-all properties. It’s the largest on the entire island and rich with a wide range of amenities for all ages. In addition to the kids pool, children ages 3–12 are welcome to spend their vacation at The Beach House Kids Club, where their play is fully supervised in a game area and playground. Teens have a Teen Zone with optimized gaming areas, air hockey, billiards, foosball, and more. Adults can take part in a comprehensive selection of activities that range from yoga to one-on-one classes, work out on their own in the gym, or kick back in the spa with a facial, body treatment, massage, or mani-pedi. Or they can elevate their stay with premium services by staying on the adults-only top floors, which come with access to an exclusive space with even more amenities.

Best for: Families and multi-generational vacationers looking for a wide selection of activities and novelty in a unique, centrally located area with easy airport access and all-inclusive value. Travelers who want to be in a destination resort, with facilities like a casino that make the property a touristic attraction in and of itself.

St. Maarten is good for: vacationers who want access to experience two European-Caribbean cultures—Dutch and French—in one destination. The Dutch side is more casual, informal, and offers nightlife, casinos, proximity to the airport and cruise ports, duty-free shopping, and a distinctive island experience.

What to Know About Sonesta Ocean Point Resort – St. Maarten

Located adjacent to Sonesta Beach Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, Ocean Point actually feels a world away. It’s positioned as the only adults-only all-inclusive resort on the Dutch side of the island, St. Maarten, and levels up the standard offer with exclusive restaurants, 24-hour room service, and access to the sister property. However, two of the three à la carte restaurants are strictly for the 130 rooms of Ocean Point guests, as are four exclusive bars and lounges, for premium service. However, it doesn’t get more luxurious than the resort butler service that comes with stays in their highest category suites, where they promise maximum service with minimum intrusion.

Out on the grounds, a 1,700-square-foot fitness facility with floor-to-ceiling windows that let you watch those planes land as you work out provide one way to find peace in your surroundings, while a zen garden and Serenity Point spa provide the very best ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the Caribbean – with a massage.

Best for: Couples and honeymooners looking for a romantic, modern boutique-style all-inclusive retreat and an adults-only environment without giving up the amenities of a larger property. Access to the casino, events, and restaurants at the sister resort and nightlife in the center of town make it an ideal mix while the upscale ambiance of Ocean Point creates a hidden oasis.

St. Maarten is good for: vacationers who want access to experience two European-Caribbean cultures—Dutch and French—in one destination. The Dutch side is more casual, informal, and offers nightlife, casinos, proximity to the airport and cruise ports, duty-free shopping, and a distinctive island experience.

What to Know About Costa Sur Resort Classico by Sonesta in Puerto Vallarta

Part of the Classico line that defines itself with alignment with heritage and refined interiors, this Puerto Vallarta, Mexico all-inclusive resort is the newest by the brand and was recently featured on Hotels ByDesign. It’s traditional intimate, with private beach access along Banderas Bay and Pacific views from every balcony of every brightly hued suite.

Two heated outdoor pools also offer bay views from the waterside year-round, and the just-renovated fitness center provides a different perspective with views from new equipment. A busy yoga schedule provides another way to find peace as does the on-site spa and a rare private swimming lagoon. Nearby are all the attractions of downtown Puerto Vallarta: the Romantic Zone, boardwalk, marina, art galleries, historic streets, and more. But right on site are three restaurants and a bar that complete an all-inclusive experience.

Best for: Couples, friend groups, and families with older children looking for a relaxed, intimate alternative to the mega-resort experience. Those seeking guaranteed oceanfront views in a casual setting at a tremendous value with plentiful and flexible room options.

Puerto Vallarta is good for: travelers who want to travel to Mexico’s Pacific Coast and experience a lively downtown, local beaches, and coastal Mexican culture with a different feel from Cancun and Riviera Maya.

What to Know About Sonesta Hotels & Resorts Livingstone Curacao

Residential ease is a large part of the appeal of this upscale but relaxed resort in Jan Thiel, where laundry service, light housekeeping upon request, and units with modern kitchens let guests experience what island life could truly be like. Popular beaches, restaurants, beach clubs, and supermarkets are just steps away, completing that feeling. This village-like complex is conveniently close to the capital of Willemstad and the beaches of Caracas Bay, too, which opens up possibilities for tours and adventures that invite destination immersion.

On-site, a big main pool, an adults-only pool, and a children’s pool are among the on-site amenities, and so is a 24-hour fitness center. The Mondi Jan Thiel Bar & Restaurant is an easy, one-size-fits-most dining option serving breakfast daily, then unfolding into an Italian-meets-Caribbean menu as the day goes on. Think handmade pastas with fresh seafood and tropical cocktails and a low-key vibe.

Best for: Families and couples seeking a laid-back, independent getaway with high value and no pressure. Light activities provide a relaxing environment for quality time and connection without distraction, and encourage folks to explore Curacao beyond the resort gates, including the dining scene as this property is uniquely EP.

Curacao is good for: clients who want colorful Caribbean culture, beaches, restaurants, and a vibrant Dutch vibe. A dependable pick for weather year-round at a better value than surrounding ABC islands; a great alternative in the fall to Aruba.

The Bottom Line

Sonesta Hotels & Resorts may not always be the first name clients mention when they ask for an all-inclusive Caribbean or Mexico vacation, but that is exactly what makes these properties worth knowing. With options in St. Maarten, Curaçao, and Puerto Vallarta, Sonesta gives travel advisors a flexible portfolio of resorts that feel distinctive, approachable, and easy to match to different traveler types. From family-friendly fun and adults-only romance to oceanfront value and residential-style island ease, these under-the-radar hotels can help advisors recommend something clients may not have considered—but will be glad they booked.