bbfg,

Regardless of where you stay there will be pluses and minuses to almost all choices. And yes, Simpson Bay Resort does have its own beach. I think the trade offs are part of the process.

The reason so many opt for the Simpson Bay Resort is obviously because of its convenience to so many things many of us want/need to make our vacations more enjoyable. But these are some of the reasons people will say the same thing about the Dawn Beach area.

If I were in your case and really didn't have a true preference, I think I'd still opt for Simpson Bay Resort and the convenience, knowing the drive to the 'other' side is a lot easier in daylight. But we're of an age when a lot of nighttime driving in areas we're not totally familiar with really matters.

In the end, either is nice and both are good choices. I doubt you'll be disappointed either way. Good luck on your choice.