Divi Little Bay Beach & Racquet Club

It's a nice resort but a word of caution, don't buy a timeshare anywhere in St Martin. Rent or Exchange in. BTW as far as my review is concerned, it's accurate but they didn't ask all of the questions that they should have.

First thing to understand are that Timeshare Owners own nothing, your status is that of a long term lessee (a tenant), look at the contract. The owner of the resort (usually a numbered company) owns the land, buildings and is recognized by the government. Timeshare "Owners" have No legal rights to speak of, no voting rights on resort issues, no right to audit books. The real owners also take pains to not let other tenants network and organize, supply a members section on their web site etc.

We have an 80 year lease for 1week at Belair Beach, we are sent a newsletter once a year, it's most important function is to present a list of expenses (unsupported by any detail) which they claim justifies their ridiculous maintenance fees. We bought in 1995 with a yearly fee of $305.00, today it has risen to $932.00 (add the $50 tax to it and your near a cool $1,000), an average yearly increase of 8.5% compounded. It's actually higher if I included the occasional special assessment. They charge those fees because they can get them (you have no recourse) and also they inhibit your ability to sell (they claim they have resale programs but they are typically shams) Consequently, as maintenance has climbed, purchase value of the week has dropped (it's an inverse relationship). The week we bought for $14,000 in 1995, I can get for $1,200 - $2,000 from a number of sources, people who own a mid-summer week are at $500 - $1,000. So your left with a decision, pay this years maintenance or walk and start taking advantage of deals around the world. Every time I'm called an owner at the resort, I get annoyed.

Just got back from St. Maarten have been going there for 18 years and this was the first time I stayed at Divi. Would I do it again, only as a last resort. The parking is awful, so far away and my unit was all the way at the top of the hill with no view. Also, have many friends that work late and want to come over for a drink, big problem. They do not allow any guest thru the gates after 10:30.

We just returned from our annual family holiday trip to St Martin. We stayed at Divi Little Bay for the entire time. The resort just sparkles. It has been renovated, and everything looks so nice, neat and clean. It is a large resort, however you do get to know just about everyone and if feels nice and cozy. This resort sits on the most beautiful location in St Martin of all of the resorts I have seen (and I have been around the island for years and know it very well). Every room has a great view of the water, and there is always a nice breeze. We stayed in the newly renovated beach side condo's. Our only complaint is that it is really HOT at that location of the resort, the sun sits and beams down on the walls and the heat really builds up. The other side sits in more shade and is much cooler. The waves sound wonderful and put me to sleep at night. The pools were in fine condition, as were the bars and the entire resort. We have a car the entire time on the island (it is not expensive) and that is the only way I would go to St Martin, as the Island has so much to do and so many different areas that are just a stones throw away (Marigot, Rouge Beach, Cupecoy, Marigot, Marigot Harbour, Grand Case, Bay Orient, etc). Divi is quite a bit of fun and they had (2) parties during the week, with crab races, dancing and raffles. My son played quite a bit of beach volleyball and soccer. The sea was very rough this winter and we could not do much ocean swimming even in Little Bay which is typcially very calm. We did go to Friar's bay, which is never rough, and of course Bay Orient which is a destination in and of itself. There are things that are not perfect at Divi, in the service areas that are being addressed. I am not sure the Island(s) will ever hold up to the service we get in 4 star hotels in the US and Mexico, so you do need to take that into consideration. If you want to go to a fantastic island, explore and have a great time, DIVI is a fantastic place to stay.

We just got in last night (Nov. 8/09) and I have to say that this is a super resort...It has been thoroughly renovated throughout. We had one of the newer two story units on the beach (room 1025). Great location...and just a few steps out your door to the beach. I would recommend a unit on the 2nd floor as we got quite a few bites from sand flies...perhaps due to being on the first floor right on the beach. Plus the water was amazing...We swan every day! I thought the location of the resort was great...as it was just minutes from Philipsburg. The resort's beach is very private and November was the perfect time to go because there weren't a lot of people fighting for a chair on the beach. You have to go to Serafina's french bakery in Marigot...as it has amazing croissants and french pastries. There is also an outdoor market there where the locals display their goods and the prices are quite reasonable. Also, take the time and go to the italian restaurant called Spiga in Grand Case...Excellent food! Try the carpaccio...and osso bucco...plus the gnocchi was amazing! Do not miss out on this restaurant!!! The restaurants at the resort are nothing to rave about but they serve a very simple and small breakfast buffet for $14.95 including your coffee and juice which is cheaper than going a la carte. There's a great little coffee shop with a small grocery store on site so I would pick up my morning coffee there. The weather was perfect even though the weather.com kept showing rain for the week...We were in St. Lucia in April and St. Maarten has more to offer...We're so glad that Westjet is flying there now! For Canadians...wait and buy your Grey Goose or Belvedere vodka in St. Maarten as the prices are very good...The newly renovated airport is quite a nice change for the Caribbean and has some nice duty free shops...The other islands in the Caribbean could take a few lessons from St. Maarten...