Good Life: Travel: Caribbean Dispatch: The Westin St. Maarten, Dawn Beach Resort & Spa

The newest, sleekest Resort on the island– from luxurious rooms and a massive infinity pool, to the crowd-free Dawn Beach

WHY: This spa/resort is the newest, sleekest on the island, with luxurious rooms and a massive infinity pool, all on crowd-free Dawn Beach.

WHAT ELSE: Take a 15-minute cab ride to Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side, to score duty-free Euro-goods. On the French side, hit the waterside BBQ shacks in funky little Grand Case by day; return in the evening for fine cuisine at L’Escapade (escapaderestaurant.com).

HOW MUCH/HOW FAST: Rooms start at $380; starwoodhotels.com. US Airways and United offer limited four-hour direct flights.