Seed Consultants

2025 Trip

January 19 - 25, 2025 · St. Maarten, Netherlands

About St. Maarten


A fact so charming, it has to be mentioned first: The island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest land mass in the world shared by two different nations. Only 37 square miles are governed by France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Sint Maarten provides visitors the opportunity to enjoy three distinct cultures. There is the delightfulness and soberness of the Dutch on one side, the savoir-faire of the French on the other, and the blending of both with exotic native heritage.


Add dozens of beaches and lagoons, a mountain range, luxury hotels, elegant villas, and over 300 restaurants, you will understand why St. Martin is the most visited of the Leeward Islands. All the great chefs vie to compete in this gourmet capital of the Caribbean, creating cuisines equal to the best of Paris or New York. Shopping on the island is duty free and casinos, discos, and night clubs stay open until dawn. Jumbo jets from around the world land here and charters allow visits to the smaller Leeward Islands.


As hard to believe as it may be, St. Maarten and St. Martin have thirty-seven beaches on its thirty-seven square miles! Whatever your lifestyle or vacation style, there will certainly be a beach suited to the ambiance you desire. 

About the Resort

Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten is a duo of stunning oceanfront, all-inclusive properties that includes the family friendly Sonesta Maho Beach, Casino & Spa and the luxurious, all-suite, adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort. Each of the 130 luxurious suites at the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort face the ocean and feature a chic contemporary design.  With a white sandy beach, beach cabanas, and snorkeling, this property is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Indulge in a hot stone massage, body wrap, and a facial at the Serenity Spa. Be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the 9 restaurants which feature a wide variety of cuisines and ocean views. Several bars, multiple pools, state-of-the-art fitness center, and nightly entertainment are available for guests to enjoy. This award-winning resort is just minutes from beaches, nightlife, shopping, golf and Casino Royale – the largest gaming emporium and theater on the island.

Flights

REGISTRATION SITE, TRAVEL FORMS AND AIR ITINERARIES: Upon receipt of your registration, an air itinerary will be sent to you via e-mail for you to review and approve. Once you have approved your airline reservations, any changes made will incur change penalties and may result in additional airfare charges for which you will be billed. If you have any questions about flights, please call your SCI Coordinator, Ted McFeeters, at 1-913-438-2600 x118.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION: Passports are required for all passengers for travel to St. Maarten. Please carry it on you and not in your checked luggage.

All travelers: Please be advised the name on your airline ticket must be exactly the same as the name on your passport. If these names do not match, you will likely be denied boarding by the airline.

AIRLINE TICKETS: Hard copies of your airline itineraries will be sent to you via 2-day Federal Express approximately one week prior to your departure.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE: Airline travel regulations vary regarding the number of pieces of luggage you may check and the cost per bag. Please check with your carrier for current luggage policies. All carriers charge for any bag that weighs over 50 pounds. Luggage fees are at your own expense. In addition, only one carry-on bag is allowed per passenger, plus a personal item such as a purse, camera bag or laptop. Carry-on bags must fit under a seat or in an overhead compartment.

SECURITY AND PACKING GUIDELINES: Airport security measures differ from one airport to another around the world. However, some general guidelines should be followed. Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure, allow ample time to clear security screening at your airport and expect to encounter more than one security checkpoint at all airports. Airlines are requiring you present yourself at your departure gate 45 minutes prior to departure. In addition, some airlines are refusing to accept checked luggage less than one hour prior to scheduled flight time. Do NOT pack any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage or they will be confiscated by security. Items such as pocket knives, tweezers, disposable razors, metal nail files, etc. must be packed in your checked luggage. All liquids and gels in your carry-on must be less than 3 oz. (100 ml) and fit in one plastic, zip-top bag.

LUGGAGE TAGS: You will receive special SCI luggage tags for your luggage with your final trip documents. Be sure to fill out the tags and attach them to your luggage. These will expedite handling of your bags throughout the trip.

LAPTOP COMPUTERS AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: Laptops, expensive jewelry and other electronic equipment are attractive to thieves. It is imperative you carry these items on your person and not in your checked luggage. Regretfully, SCI and MTI cannot assume responsibility for these items in your luggage. Additionally, most airlines do not replace these items if lost. Simply stated, do not give these items to bellmen, skycaps or anyone else. Your guest room is equipped with a safe. Please secure all money, passports, jewelry and other valuables in the safe.

PERSONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: If you would like to extend your visit in Sint Maarten, additional nights or changes to the program will be at your own expense.

Travel Tips

CLIMATE AND ATTIRE: Temperatures should range from the low 80's during the day to the mid 70's in the evening. The following dress information should be helpful:

  • Casual: Dress for comfort. Shorts and t-shirts are appropriate.
  • Resort Casual: Sport shirts and dress shorts or pants for men. Skirts, blouses, sundresses, or pants for ladies.

MEALS & BEVERAGES: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included for you daily at the resort. Room service is available 24 hours. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included for you until 2:00 AM.

HOSPITALITY DESK: During your stay at the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, the SCI Hospitality Desk will be available to help make your stay more enjoyable. Stop by for any assistance you may need during the program.

INTERNET & CELL PHONES: Complimentary high-speed internet is available throughout the hotel. Cell phone service in St. Maarten is dependent on your carrier. Please contact your carrier for international service plans.

GRATUITIES: Gratuities for all services and activities as outlined in the itinerary have been included for you by SCI. Gratuities for services you may receive on your own are at your discretion.

CURRENCY: The currency in St. Maarten is the Netherland Antillean Guilder (NAF), but US dollars are readily accepted. In addition, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted almost anywhere and American Express is accepted on a more limited basis. It is recommended your card have a security chip for your protection against fraud.

ELECTRIC CURRENT: You do NOT need to bring a converter and adapter plugs to operate your electrical appliances in St. Maarten due to the 110 volt current. Your room is equipped with a hair dryer.

PERSONAL INCIDENTAL ACCOUNTS: The Sonesta Ocean Point Resort will establish an incidental account for you for items of a personal nature such as gift purchases, spa appointments, internet, phone charges, laundry, etc. These items will be at your own expense and may be paid by you at check out by cash or credit card including American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diner’s Club and Discover Card. Do NOT use a debit card.

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAM: Items of a strictly personal nature, including but not limited to, laundry, medication, telephone calls, taxi, bus, optional tours and entertainment that you may elect to take on your own that are not listed in the itinerary will be at your own expense.

Package Inclusions

  • 7 Days, 6 nights accommodation in Junior Suites at the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort.
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks at your choice of restaurants on property.
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and teas at all the food and beverage outlets.
  • Private Welcome Party for SCI
  • Private Farewell Party for SCI
  • Round-Trip transportation to Orient Beach for one day
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfers on Program Dates
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in the public areas and guest rooms
  • Mini-Bar refreshments including bottled water, soft drinks, and beer.
  • 24-Hour Room Service
  • Fitness Center and Daily Activities
  • All Taxes, Fees and Gratuities at the Resort

Trip Cost (Excluding Air) at Sonesta Ocean Point Resort:

  • Single Occupancy: $3,621.00(1 Adult in a Room)
  • Double Occupancy: $4,852.00 (2 Adults sharing a Room)

Maximum capacity in a guest room is two regardless of age.

Air Costs:

  • Airfare is not included with the above trip costs but must be booked through MTI Events in order to attend the trip.
  • If an attendee wishes to check current airfare rates before registering and submitting the non-refundable deposit, they may call MTI Events at 913-438-2600 x 118. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST. Airfare rates are subject to change until ticketed.
  • After registration has been submitted and non-refundable deposit received, MTI Events will email the attendee with flight options and costs. There are no restrictions on fares or departure city.
  • Attendee is responsible for any costs associated with flight changes.
  • If you would like to use airline points to book airfare, the tickets must be booked directly with the airline. MTI has no control over frequent flier seat availability.

Payments:

  • $500 (per person) non-refundable deposit due after online registration and before air is booked.
  • Full trip payment is due by Friday, November 22, 2024 and is non-refundable.