Located within sight of the cruise ships anchored in Philipsburg, 6 kilometers southeast of Simpson Bay and Juliana Airport, this is a strong competitor on the island, going up against Sonesta Maho Beach Resort with comparable rooms (fewer of them, which translates into more solitude), and one of the island's top beaches, a sprawling golden swath of sand worthy of a magazine cover.
Sonesta Maho’s sophisticated style and casino are at odds with Divi’s breezy island air and overflowing roster of activities, especially watersports. A complete facelift is set to unveil an even greater welcome mat once complete by the end of 2008.
Dominating a scenic and historic promontory in the shadow of historic 17th ramparts (Fort Amsterdam), this red-roofed hotel provides optimum privacy and perfect bay views. Guests must pass through a gated entrance to reach the breezy open-air reception area flanked by colorful hibiscus and tall palms. The staff is as green as the palm trees, a refreshing sight to some, but if issues surface guests may be surprised.
Dining is better than it looks. There are three restaurants to choose from. The main dining room is air-conditioned and looks out at the beach. The regionally flavored fare
features lots of fresh seafood. Service is island-friendly, and prices are high.
A bright cafe proffers animated island style and casual dining at all meals while light entrees are always available poolside. Toucan Cafe offers an outdoor terrace, expansive buffet smorgasbords, and live music to enlighten the already bright atmosphere. Beach and pool bars keep plenty of cold drinks and snacks on hand.
Many rates include meal packages, which are especially favored by European guests, and one cafe offers high speed Internet access. Entertainment sparks up each night at the garden bar.
In frivolous European fashion, the morning, afternoon and evening antics by the pool create boisterous camaraderie amid the guests. The too-early aqua-aerobics classes require those with poolside lodgings to insert earplugs the night before or risk being jarred out of bed at 7 am by ABBA's greatest hits.
Three freshwater pools supplement the spectacular beach, and watersports, a gym, lighted tennis courts and a game room give active guests plenty to look forward to. Indulgence by the Sea is the aptly chosen moniker for the deluxe spa, which specializes in aromatherapy massage and beauty treatments and offers a complimentary foot soaking 
and light massage with each booking.
A complete watersports center keeps the active on the go with a variety of wet diversions at an additional cost. Glass-bottomed boat tours are the newest in a slew of active pursuits for eager guests.
For the business-minded, there is a meeting room for up to 60 people. A number of shops, a duty-free liquor store and tour agencies are on the premises. There is also an overpriced Internet corner and a rental car counter. Parking is free. Pets are not allowed.
The hotel comprises 124 one- and two-bedroom time-share apartments, but just 97 hotel rooms. Set in handsome two-story wings, the spacious accommodations supply alternating style, with the apartments displaying bold contemporary resort flair, although most hotel rooms are fresh from a modern update that would have city slickers envious.
Catalogue rattan and bamboo appointments and washed-out pastel fabrics in the hotel rooms are a distant memory with new tile floors, plush bedding, high-tech lighting and stereos, and attractive hardwood furnishings now in place.
The apartments show evocative island 
style (often based on the owner’s interest), with thoughtful regional art on the walls, coordinated island-print fabrics, drapes and spreads, and quality rattan and hardwood appointments atop tiled floors.
All units have phones, TVs, refrigerators, ceiling fans and air conditioning, good storage space with safes, and nicely furnished terraces or balconies, many with excellent sea views.
The apartments furnish DVD and CD players. The renovated rooms boast the same with the addition of iPod docking stations. Wireless high speed Internet access exists in the timeshare buildings one through ten.
The average combination baths have hair dryers and scented toiletries. Suites add kitchenettes and flat-screen TVs. Room service is normally not an option here.
This hotel lacks the Sonesta Maho's service standards and breadth of facilities, but here, castaways can plant themselves in a hammock with a book and never feel guilty. This address is apt to appease families best, and the ownership of most units provides a better standard of upkeep and increased value for one-time visitors.
