Built on a desirable peninsula about a 10-minute drive east of the airport, this hotel sits on a sandy beach that's rocky in part. It originated as a simple guesthouse in 1955, and it soon became famous as the vacation home of the Netherlands' Queen Juliana, Prince Bernhard, and Queen Beatrix. After several massive enlargements and modifications, it was severely damaged during the hurricanes of the early 1990s, and then it was rebuilt in 1997 as the flagship of the Divi chain (though it feels as if the hotel has never really found itself--it keeps changing its image and marketing strategies). Its new design evokes a European seaside village, with pastel stucco walls and terra-cotta roofs, with some Dutch colonial touches. In the upper reaches of the property are the ruins of Fort Amsterdam, once Dutch St. Maarten's most prized military stronghold and today a decorative historical site. Gardens are carefully landscaped, and Divi has improved the nearby beach after it had suffered massive erosion.

This hotel development is larger than its 210 units imply, since there are also time-share units; it feels like a large residential apartment complex that's enhanced with hotel-style amenities and services. Accommodations are airy, accented with ceramic tiles and pastel colors; most units have kitchens. Bathrooms tend to be small and compact, but have adequate shelf space and a tub-and-shower combination.

Amenities: 1 restaurant, 1 bar; 2 pools; 2 tennis courts; water sports; laundry