Dawn Beach Hotel. This is an unpretentious, sprawling, cottage complex in a tropical setting. The rooms, equipped with kitchenettes and king size beds with, of course, beachside views, are recommended. Only guests are entitled to use the beach chairs and watersports equipment. TEL (599) 5-22929. FAX (599) 5-24421.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
Phillipsburg. Justly famous for its many boutiques and duty-free shops that line Front Street, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, which is normally packed with cars, locals and visiting shoppers from the daily cruise ships. Hectic but fun.
ACCESS TO BEACH:
Free parking is available provided your vehicle can navigate the somewhat challenging roller-coaster ride over, around and finally down the hills that will eventually lead you to the beach.
QUALITY OF BEACH:
A reef-protected beach, this Caribbean showpiece boasts a wonderful sandy point and clear blue waters which - take note - can become quite choppy when the wind is up.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Dawn Beach, aptly named for its beautiful sunrises, sits on the Atlantic side of the Island. Many of those 'who know' consider the (just) offshore and highly accessible reefs the highlight of the island's undersea viewing treaures for snorkelers and divers.
