PHILIPSBURG:--- What should have been a dream honeymoon for a newlywed couple at the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in Sint Maarten has turned into a nightmare after a series of break-ins and robberies left them and other guests shaken, cashless, and frustrated with the resort's response.
On the night of November 30, seven guest rooms, including the honeymoon suite of an Ontario couple, were broken into. The thieves made off with valuables, including $850 USD in cash, credit cards, and personal identification such as an Ontario Driver's License and Health Card. While the couple’s passports and an emptied purse were later recovered by other guests, the emotional and financial toll has been devastating.
“We came here to celebrate our honeymoon, but instead, we’ve been left without cash, credit cards, and peace of mind,” the couple shared. “We’ve had to cancel all our plans for dinners and activities across the island because we have no access to money. It’s been so upsetting for what should have been a memorable and exciting week.”
Lack of Security and Accountability
The couple and other affected guests have raised serious concerns about the lack of security at the resort. Despite the break-ins, the resort’s response has been underwhelming. The general manager offered the couple a small food voucher and advised them to contact the resort’s legal department for any claims. Immediate assistance, such as financial support or enhanced security measures, has not been provided.
Adding to the frustration, the resort no longer has an on-site ATM, leaving the couple reliant on the resort to transport them to an off-site ATM—a service that has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, the police report, which is critical for filing claims and recovering losses, has been delayed. Promised first thing in the morning, then by 3 PM, the report has still not been delivered, leaving both the couple and the resort in limbo.
Silencing the Victims
In a shocking turn of events, the resort has reportedly sent security personnel to the couple’s room, instructing them to stop discussing the incident with other guests. “We’ve been talking to other guests to help ensure they stay safe and vigilant,” the couple explained. “But the resort doesn’t want people to know what happened.”
This attempt to suppress information has only added to the couple’s distress. “People have a right to know what’s happening so they can protect themselves,” they said.
A Call for Transparency and Action
The couple’s experience highlights a troubling lack of preparedness and accountability at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Guests expect not only a safe environment but also a swift and compassionate response when incidents occur. Instead, this couple and others have been left to navigate the aftermath of the robberies with minimal support.
As the couple continues to grapple with the fallout of the incident, they are urging the resort to take immediate action to improve security, provide adequate support to affected guests, and ensure transparency about the situation.
For now, what should have been a joyous honeymoon has been overshadowed by fear, frustration, and disappointment. The couple hopes their story will serve as a warning to others and a wake-up call to the resort to prioritize guest safety and well-being.