Where to stay in SXM as a Jewish Traveler ?

Whether you decide to travel for a romantic vacation with your partner, with your family, or with friends, finding the best accommodation can be challenging. You’ll need to decide whether you prefer to stay in a resort hotel, a villa, or an apartment—whichever is most suitable for your group and the duration of your vacation, especially if you plan to celebrate Shabbat in Sint Maarten. That’s why our team is here to help you choose the best accommodation for your stay as a Jewish traveler.

• 2.1 - In which side of the Island should I stay as a jewish traveler ? 

For Jewish travelers, the Dutch side of Sint Maarten (Sint Maarten) is the best choice. It offers more safety, a wider variety of activities, and the convenience of kosher items found in local supermarkets. Additionally, the Chabbad center is located on this side of the island, making it easy to access Jewish services and community events. The Dutch side is also home to the most popular resorts and accommodations, providing a range of options for a comfortable stay. Furthermore, English is more prevalent on the Dutch side, making it easier for jewish travelers from the USA to communicate with locals.

• 2.2 - Should I stay in a villa or in a resort hotel as a jewish traveler in SXM ? 

When deciding whether to stay in a villa or a hotel as a Jewish traveler in Sint Maarten, it depends on your needs and the type of vacation you’re seeking. If you’re traveling with family and plan to spend Shabbat on the island, a villa is the ideal choice. With a villa, we can offer a pre-stocking service for groceries, arrange a private chef for dinners at home, and make it easier to store and warm up the kosher catering food we’ll deliver to you. For couples seeking a more relaxed vacation and a shorter stay, we recommend a beachfront resort. In any case, our team is here to provide the best accommodation options for your group. Since our team is based in Sint Maarten, we are familiar with all the resorts we suggest, and we can personally visit the villas you’re considering to ensure they meet your needs.

• 2.3 - How to book the best accommodation as a jewish traveler in SXM ? 

Booking the best accommodation in Sint Maarten as a Jewish traveler is easy with the help of our team. Once you share your preferences, budget, and travel dates, we will send you a beautifully organized PDF with a selection of options that we have personally vetted and are perfect for your needs. From there, our team will guide you through the entire booking process, ensuring everything goes smoothly. We have direct contact with villa managers and hotel reservation departments to secure your booking and guarantee the easiest, safest experience. Whether you're looking for a villa, resort, or apartment, we’re here to make your stay as stress-free as possible.

• 2.4 - Why should I avoid booking or Airbnb ?

As a Jewish traveler, it’s important to be cautious when booking through platforms like Booking or Airbnb. First, with Booking.com, you risk being "walked." Even if your reservation is confirmed, it can still be canceled at the last minute, leaving you without accommodation. To avoid this, it’s much safer to book directly through the hotel’s reservation department, which guarantees the booking and reassures you of your stay. Additionally, as a kosher traveler, you need to ensure that the hotel will accommodate kosher food deliveries, store your food, and often warm it up when needed. Our reservation team works closely with hotels to make sure they are kosher-friendly and willing to meet your dietary needs.

When it comes to Airbnb, booking directly with the villa manager is the best option. Not only can you often secure a better price by avoiding Airbnb’s extra fees (we can usually offer a 10-20% discount), but you also ensure that the villa actually exists. We have direct communication with the villa managers, allowing us to confirm everything in advance. This ensures that we can prepare the kitchen for kashering, pre-store your food, and handle all other details to make your stay as smooth and comfortable as possible.