36 / 56
The Oyster Bay Beach Resort occupies an exceptional location on
what is an already-unique Caribbean island. The St. Maarten/St.
Martin landmass, as veterans of the vacation world know, is split
roughly in half between two European countries, with the Netherlands
flag flying on the southern portion, and the French to the north.
Oyster Bay’s address is Dutch, but the property is literally around
the corner from the French border. “There is no impediment to traveling
between the two countries,” explains Ricardo Perez, the resort’s general
manager. “So we’re in a great position because both sides of the
island, with their distinct cultures, are close.”
In addition to the culturally rewarding atmosphere, the geographic
setting is sublime. “The resort is on a peninsula surrounded on one side
by the Atlantic Ocean and Dawn Beach, and on the other side by
Oyster Pond and its three marinas,” says Perez. “The oceanfront units
that are close to the crashing waves compete with the sedate and trop-
ical views of the marina, as well as the units with views of the surround-
ing hills dotted with beautiful homes.”
There’s only one road that accesses the property’s 4 acres (1.6
hectares), and a gatehouse that is staffed around the clock, seven days
a week, marks the resort’s entrance. “We’re also on the more quiet side
of St. Maarten, where traffic is scarce anyway,” adds Perez.
To Infinity …
With the quiet, tropical vibe, the views, and the proximity to another coun-
try, it’d make sense to presume Oyster Bay’s physical location is its chief
highlight. But Anne Marie Brooks, assistant general manager, notes that
the resort also has a full package of amenities. “There’s no doubt that
34
RESORTDEVELOPER.COM
vacation industry review
JULY – SEPTEMBER 2016
OYSTER BAY
BEACH RESORT
By J.B. Bissell
Caribbean
Gem Gets
Per
p
etual
Polishing