Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2024 28 A L L - I N C L U S I V E W E L L N E S S T here's no end to adrenalin-rush oppor- tunities on St. Maarten, the Netherlands side to this Caribbean island that is sit- uated about 300 kilometres east of Puerto Rico. (The northern French side is known as Saint Martin, the Dutch is Sint Maarten, though both answer to SXM.) The cardio boost is especially true in St. Maarten, revered for its energetic vibe. You can do the Flying Dutchman, the steepest zip line in the world, immerse in a thrilling plane-spotting experience with planes approaching over world famous Maho Beach as they land at St. Maarten's Princess Juliana airport, or seek fortunes at the casino. But, if you're like a growing number of trav- ellers, you might be looking for the kind of lo-fi (that's lingo for low fidelity) holiday that focuses on things like skin therapy, grounding and Zen. Enter the two St. Maarten's all-inclu- sive Sonesta Resorts—the family-centric Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino and Spa and the luxury, adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort—which have enhanced the well- ness component of a stay in rejuvenating mind and body offerings. WELLNESS AND WARM WELCOME The beauty of the luxury all-inclusive resorts' natural setting is foregrounded in Sonesta Resorts' wellness programs at their Serenity Spa. Imagine a Bamboo Fusion Massage that deeply works muscles using gently warmed bamboo sticks. Then imagine this treatment in a private gazebo, with a cooling sea breeze wafting over you and a natural ocean sound- track, not canned music, setting the rhythm. Instead of driving through traffic to get to a fit- ness class, stroll through inviting pathways past rippling fountains to your yoga or Pilates class in the midst of a Zen garden. And when you're working out at the gym, the view looks onto Maho Bay. Through the resort company's SunFit Body + Lifestyle offerings try meditation sessions or a dance class. Fill your days with island- inspired therapies at the 232-square-metre Head to Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten READY FOR AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING REFRESH (BEAUTIFUL BEACH AND BAYS INCLUDED)? BY KAREN BURSHTEIN DON'T MISS EXCURSIONS The concierges at Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten assist guests in lining up excursions outside the resort. Island hop to other fabled Caribbean islands such as Saba, St. Barts, and Anguilla. Inquire about guided catamaran tours with stops at the protected nature reserve on Tintamarre Island and Creole Rock. Enjoy sunset snorkelling or island history tours. Additionally, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is located within walking dis- tance from nightly entertainment and fun at Casino Royale. sonestast- maarten.com/tours-excursions PHOTOS: SONESTA RESORTS ST. MAARTEN

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