Is Maho an actual village or is it the Sonesta resort? I can't tell if there are separate bars and restaurants in Maho or is everything part of the resort?

Maho is actually the name of an area, like Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, etc. There are several stores, restaurants, and hotels in the area known as Maho. Sonesto Resort is a hotel that is in Maho.

It is a hotel and timeshares, but there are many independently owned jewelry stores, gift stores, perfume store, restaurants, etc. Safe place to be in the evening and have some fun!

Maho is a little town (village) that is about 400 yards long that sits along the main road that circles the island.

To be more accurate, Maho is the name of a beach from which the area around it, including hotels, restaurants and retail stores takes its name. Just like Mullet, Cupecoy and others. In the old days, beaches were the landmarks that we went by since there was so little else around.

Some but not entirely. Orange Grove, Almond Grove, Cul de Sac, etc. Maho Reef is what Maho is named after, the legal name by the Kadaster is Cinnamon Grove not Maho.

As stated, Maho is a very safe, busy area of the island near the airport. It encompasses Maho Beach, the Sonesta Maho Hotel, Sonesta Ocean Point Hotel, Royal Islander timeshare, La Terrasse timeshare, and several stores and restaurants including Bamboo, Bajatsu, Le Moulin Foo, La Rosa II, Pizza Pasta, Sunset Bar and Grill, etc. You can read my recent trip report which was posted January 5 for some more specifics on the Maho area and restaurant reviews.

Thanks for the responses, this is very helpful.