Note: The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa has suffered extensive damage caused by Hurricane Irma and is closed until further notice.

Located on the Dutch side, but near the French border, this resort breathes casual elegance around every corner. The modern lobby welcomes guests immediately and a complimentary welcome bag for kids (filled with a coloring book, water bottle and other goodies) really kicks a family vacation off right. The large suites and condos are ideal for families seeking space and the fully equipped kitchens provide the comforts of home.

The infinity pool, breathtaking Caribbean Sea views and the kids’ club will ensure the whole family is having fun in the sun. And the three onsite healthy, but delicious restaurants will keep everyone’s stomachs full, too. Families will not want to miss Wednesday’s Pirate Night, as it is the premier family-friendly event of the week. Kids will love the themed night filled with pirates, dancers, a beach bonfire and a dive-in movie.

But The Westin Dawn Beach doesn’t forget parents either, who will love taking time to relax at the Hibiscus Spa or playing some games at the casino. The entire family will find relaxation, fun and excitement at The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa.

The guestrooms, suites and condo accommodations are spacious and ideal for large families. A mini-fridge, Wi-Fi and bathtubs are available, along with connecting rooms. Cribs and rollaway beds are also available upon request.

Note: Rooms are based on single or double occupancy and a per-person fee is required for extra adults who may be added to a guestroom; for anyone under 18 years old, there is no extra charge.

Guestrooms
A king or two double beds are featured in the guestrooms, along with a private balcony or patio that overlooks the garden, pool or ocean.

Studio Suites
The studio suites feature a separate living space with a sleeper sofa and kitchenette that includes a refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.

One-Bedroom Suites
The one-bedroom suites feature a large bedroom and separate living space but no kitchenette; however, a mini-fridge can be brought in for a fee. The one-bedroom suites also feature a picture-perfect wraparound balcony, which includes a dining table and chairs along with several additional chairs.

Two-Bedroom Suites
The two-bedroom suites are ideal for families and feature a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher; a large living space with a large dining table and sleeper sofa; and a furnished balcony. Each bedroom features its own bathroom, as well.

Three-Bedroom Condos
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom oceanfront condos are also perfect for larger families and feature a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and washer and dryer. The large living room features a large dining table and sleeper sofa and a furnished balcony or patio. The first floor condos open right out to the oceanfront lawn and the beach is only steps away.

Pool
Families will love this resort pool as it is the largest, fresh water infinity pool on all of St. Maarten. A zero-entry, shallow end of the pool, which is about six inches deep, allows for younger kids to splash around. Lounge chairs surround the pool area, too. The pool closes around 9 p.m. each evening.

Beach
The Westin is situated directly on Dawn Beach, which is a public beach; however, because large cliffs are located on either end of the hotel property, the beach essentially deters the public from wandering in front of the Westin. Guests will find lounge chairs, cabanas and umbrellas on the beach and snorkeling gear can be rented for the day. There are no lifeguards at the beach or the pool, but full food and beverage service are provided.

Kids' Club
The supervised kids' club allows kids age 4 to 12 to be both indoors and outdoors where can they can enjoy arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, water activities, movies in the ballroom on a rainy day and excursions off the property if parents wish. Some of the offsite excursions include a glass bottom boat tour or an adventure to the Butterfly Farm. Snacks and lunch are included in the fee, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Full-day (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), half-day (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 5 p.m.) and night sessions (6:30 to 10 p.m.) are available to parents for a fee. Any additional children from the same family who attend the kids' club are permitted at a discounted rate. Field trips or excursions are an additional charge. The kids' club is closed on Sunday.

Pirate Night
Pirate Night on Wednesday is THE family event of the week that takes place at Ocean Restaurant. The Caribbean buffet starts a 6 p.m. and the fun continues into the night. Kids will love the fire dancers, live music, limbo contest, face painting and of course, the pirates. Parents will love the complimentary rum punch.

At 8:30 p.m. families can head to the pool and beach areas for a bonfire and S'mores on the beach, plus a family-friendly dive-in movie at the pool, complete with popcorn.

Recreation
Families will love the beach volleyball court and several grassy areas that can be used for soccer or lawn games like cornhole.

The Westin Dawn Beach Resort promotes healthy eating for parents and children. So while chicken fingers can be found on the menu, fun healthy options like a veggie platter and smoothies are also available.

Ocean
This oceanfront, Caribbean restaurant serves breakfast (brunch on Sundays), lunch and dinner in a casual setting with both indoor and outdoor seating.

A kids' menu (which also doubles as a coloring and activities book) for ages 4 to 12 offers healthy and kid-friendly options for meals. Kids can choose from blueberry and banana pancakes, oatmeal with apples, chicken and vegetable kebabs, fish tacos, chicken fingers and fruit smoothies.

Ocean is located near the pool and beach; however, shoes and shirts are required for dining, and no wet swimwear is allowed. Pirate night takes place at Ocean on Wednesday nights (see Family Activities).

Aura
This elegant oceanfront steakhouse restaurant is open for dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Children over 12 years old are welcome and dress is smart casual. Reservations are required and Aura is closed on Wednesdays.

Liquid Deli
The poolside cafÃÆ'© has limited tables with umbrellas, but pool and beach side service is also available. The menu includes items like salads, sandwiches and smoothies. There is no dress code at the deli and bathing suits are welcome.

In-Room Dining
Room service is available 24 hours a day and there is a limited menu from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.

All About the Extras
Resort Fee
The $20=per-day resort fee includes beach and pool towels, Wi-Fi and parking.

Babysitting
For children under 4 years old who may not be permitted at the kids' club, the concierge can provide parents with reliable in-room babysitting services.

Shops
Guests will find several shops and boutiques in the lobby area. Clothing, sundries and souvenirs are all available.

Fitness Center
Cardio and weight machines can be found in the fitness center, along with towels, earbuds for music and other lending gear like sneakers or socks. Each morning, the guided Westin Run (or walk) takes place from about 6 to 8 a.m. and is anywhere from 3 to 5 miles long.

Welcome Gifts
Every child receives a Westin Kids' Club backpack filled with goodies like a coloring book, crayons and water bottle.

Environmentally Friendly
The Westin Dawn Beach is entirely self-sustaining. More than 2,000 solar panels rest on the roof of the resort and provide full electricity, and a water treatment system allows them to preserve their own water, as well.

The Art of Smart Timing
St. Maarten's high season runs from January through April, but The Westin Dawn Beach is full of guests year-round, as it hosts many conventions and large corporate groups. Hurricane season runs from June through November.

Getting There
The Princess Juliana International Airport is about a 35-minute drive to The Westin Dawn Beach. The resort is also located close to the French border.

Getting Around
If you plan to explore the entire island, renting a car would be smart when staying at The Westin Dawn Beach. But if you plan to stay at the resort the majority of your stay, a rental car is not needed and taxis will suit your family just fine for excursions or a day trip away from the resort. The concierge desk can assist you with taxi service.

For Mom and Dad
Hibiscus Spa
Parents can sneak away and get some relaxation in with a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure or body wrap. Or if you want to bring your teen, a specialty teen facial is available.

Dinner for Two
Ask the concierge if a romantic dinner for two can be set up under a cabana on the beach.

Casino
A medium-size casino with slot machines and a few table games can be found in the lobby.