Tradewinds Apartments — Budget-Friendly Simpson Bay Beach Living
No-frills apartment rentals on St. Maarten's most walkable beach road.
Why Go
Simpson Bay Road at number 23 puts Tradewinds Apartments near the quieter northern end of Simpson Bay Beach, where the sand is just as white and the water just as calm but the beach bar density thins out. For travelers who measure value in proximity to sand rather than lobby chandeliers, this address delivers.
The Experience
Tradewinds offers straightforward apartment-style accommodation on Simpson Bay Road — the strip that runs parallel to over a mile of west-facing beach. The apartments give you what hotels in this price range often don't: kitchen facilities for self-catering, which on an island where restaurant bills add up fast, becomes a genuine financial advantage. Sky Supermarket operates nearby for groceries, and Secret Seafood House provides a local-favorite dining option when you don't feel like cooking. The Simpson Bay Road location means you're within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and the marina without needing a rental car for daily activities. Payless Car Rental sits nearby for days when you want to explore beyond the bay. The northern end of Simpson Bay Beach tends to be less crowded than the stretch near the marina, giving Tradewinds guests a relatively peaceful beach experience. Trade winds — the building's namesake — blow consistently along this coast, keeping temperatures comfortable and providing natural ventilation.
What to Try
Walk the full length of Simpson Bay Beach in the early morning when the sand is nearly empty. Shop at Sky Supermarket for local provisions and cook Caribbean meals in your apartment kitchen. Rent a car for a day trip to the French side's beaches and Grand Case restaurants.
Insider Tip
The northern section of Simpson Bay Road catches the strongest trade winds, which means the mosquito situation is noticeably better than sheltered areas. Leave a window cracked at night and you'll get natural AC along with fewer bugs — the wind does double duty.
The Practical Stuff
Located at 23 Simpson Bay Road, Dutch side. Budget-friendly apartment-style rooms with kitchen facilities. Walking distance to Simpson Bay Beach, supermarket, and restaurants. Car rental available nearby. Airport approximately 5 minutes by car. Self-catering friendly.
Pair It With
- Secret Seafood House — Nearby local seafood restaurant for fresh catch without the tourist markup
- Sky Supermarket Guide — Walking-distance grocery store for stocking your apartment kitchen