Guana Bay Villas, St Maarten

Guana Bay is the Dutch side's wild east coast, hillside villas with sweeping Atlantic and St. Barth views above a dramatic, locals' surf beach, quiet and completely off the resort strip.

Guana Bay lies on the rugged Atlantic-facing east coast of Sint Maarten, just over the ridge from Philipsburg. Villas here climb the hillside above Guana Bay Beach, a long, untamed stretch of sand with real surf, no facilities and few crowds, the kind of beach islanders keep for themselves, and the elevation buys exceptional ocean views, looking out toward St. Barth and the morning sunrise.

It is the opposite of the busy south-west: peaceful, residential and private, with little passing traffic. Philipsburg's Front Street, restaurants and cruise port are roughly a 10-minute drive over the hill, Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond are nearby, and the airport is about 26 minutes away. Grand Case and Orient Bay on the French side are around 22 and 23 minutes respectively.

Guana Bay suits travelers who prioritise privacy, big sunrise sea views and a true sense of escape over walking-distance dining and nightlife, with Philipsburg close enough for a supply run or a night out. See the Guana Bay villas Coral Villas manages below.