Have vacationed on both Dutch, French side and neighboring islands...great times if planned well. Personally prefer villas but resorts are nice as well. Only resort i've experienced on the island is the Westin (Dutch side i believe).
There's a gentleman that assisted us on a number of occasions. He runs AirStMaarten, cool brotha...look up Terrence Rey. I have his card but traveling at the moment. Should be simple to find online.