Azure Hotel and Art Studio — Where Beach Life Meets Original Art
Eight rooms, direct beach access, and an on-site art studio by owners Michael and Fawnette.
Why Go
Azure Hotel and Art Studio redefines what a Caribbean hotel can be. With just eight rooms directly on one of Simpson Bay's most beautiful and uncrowded beaches, this family-owned boutique property offers something no chain hotel can replicate — intimacy, personality, and original art created on-site by owners Michael and Fawnette in their working studio. Every room is decorated with the couple's paintings, which are also available for purchase or commission. The result is accommodation that feels like staying in an art gallery with a private beach, where the owners know your name by check-in and treat you like a guest in their home rather than a booking number.
The Experience
Eight rooms is the key number. It means the beach out front never feels crowded, the service is genuinely personal, and the atmosphere remains intimate regardless of the season. The beach itself is one of Simpson Bay's quieter stretches — complimentary loungers and umbrellas are waiting for you on sand that most tourists drive past on their way to busier beaches. The art studio adds a dimension that no other hotel on St. Maarten offers: visit by appointment to watch Michael and Fawnette create, learn about their process, and potentially commission a piece that captures your Caribbean experience on canvas. The rooms, renovated in 2023, feature modern amenities and premium bedding, with some offering kitchenettes. The fast check-in and guaranteed free late checkout show that the owners think about the details that make a stay feel effortless.
What to Try
Book an appointment to visit the on-site art studio and meet the owners. Spend full days on the private-feeling beach with complimentary loungers. Walk to Simpson Bay Village for restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Rent a car from nearby Lux Car SXM for island exploration. Shop at Value Supermarket nearby if your room has a kitchenette. Consider commissioning an original artwork as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Insider Tip
Azure's eight-room format means it books out quickly in high season. Reserve as early as possible for December through April. The off-season months (May through November) offer lower rates, the same beautiful beach, and even more personal attention since the property is quieter. Ask about wedding or event packages — the beachfront setting is stunning for small ceremonies.
The Practical Stuff
Located at 6 Robert's Drive, Simpson Bay. Premium pricing at $$$. Eight rooms with direct beach access. On-site art studio (visits by appointment). Modern amenities, premium bedding, some kitchenettes. Free WiFi, air conditioning. Fast check-in, free late checkout. Best price guarantee. Near Lux Car SXM rental, Value Supermarket, and Simpson Bay Beach. Family-owned by artists Michael and Fawnette.
Pair It With
- Simpson Bay Beach Guide — Your private-feeling beach is right out the door
- Lux Car SXM / LCS CAR RENTAL — Car rental nearby for island exploration from the hotel