Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten

[legalfee]

We for the past 15-20 years have been going to St Thomas but are considering Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten next year. Any suggestions on accommodations, restaurants, places to see, etc...?

 

[CanuckTravlr]

I suspect the lack of response to your question so far is because it is way too broad, with very few details of what you seek in a vacation. What research have you already done? It's easier to comment on things that you are considering than to try and do a huge travelogue and hope our assumptions are right. None of us are full-time travel agents.

Here is a start. The island has two main parts.

The French side is an actual overseas part of France and operates in Euros, but also widely accepts US dollars. The French side has a bit more of a "European" feel to it, IMO. French is the primary language, but most residents also understand English, especially in the normal tourist areas.

The Dutch side is an independent country that is part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. It mostly operates in English and in US dollars, even though it has a (non-euro) local currency. The Dutch side is more "developed".

There are no border controls between the French and Dutch sides, so you are free to wander the island at will. It's a small island so relatively easy to get around and visit most of the 37 beaches. Traffic congestion does happen, particularly on the Dutch side near the airport. Due to the number and variety of dining options, AI is generally not recommended and there are very few AI resorts on the island. A rental car is highly recommended. "Public" transportation is limited.

So, what are you seeking? What does a vacation look like for you? How long will you be spending on the island? Who are "you" (i.e. how many in your party, ages, interests, etc.)? Do a little research and then come back and you will likely get some answers from several of us here that are regular visitors to the island.

 

[Tia]

Wonder if TripAdvisor for the island would be helpful , I know the USVI one there is very helpful . Are you going to try and exchange there?

 

[stmartinfan]

I've never been to St.Thomas so can’t provide any comparisons but have vacationed on SXM more than 20 times, so we obviously enjoy the island.

Canuck Travlr gave you a good overview. If you’re planning to exchange for a timeshare, you'd likely be staying on the Dutch side. We own at Divi Little Bay, and love the beach and facilities there. But there are other timeshares on different parts of the island that have their fans as well. We have also rented VRBOs to stay on the French side for a week along with our week at Divi.

What we like best about the island:
great beaches around the island so you can easily explore and enjoy different settings. The beautiful blue water of the Caribbean, lovely sand beaches, and beach bars that range from casual to gourmet. In addition to Divi, we usually visit Orient, Friars and Mullet beaches.

amazing food, especially on the French side in Grand Case and Orient Village, but also many excellent choices on the Dutch side, too. Food comes in by plane from France, the US and many other locations and the quality is top notch. It's not a place where you should do all inclusive…too many excellent places to try if you enjoy fine dining. I can share some favorites if you let me know what kind of dining you like.

friendly people, especially at restaurants and resorts when you've visited a couple of times. But in general, there's a friendly vibe around the island.

What we don't like:
Over development in some parts of the Dutch side. Politicians seem more interested in lining their pockets than protecting the environment and the beauty for the future.

Traffic can be frustrating, especially on days with multiple big cruise ships in port. You’re probably best with a rental car but some people find a taxi driver they like and use that person or others use the local minibuses that run around the island. Way too many scooters driven by guys with a death wish can make driving stressful sometimes. But it’s easy to navigate thr island because it’s pretty small and you can easily go across the island for a beach day or restaurant.

Things to do besides beaches:
Small boat excursions to the neighboring island of Anguilla, also known for its amazing beaches or for going around SXM with snorkeling. Not great snorkeling but there are a few places to visit. There are also some sunset cruises.

Ferries to nearby islands of Saba, St. Barts and Anguilla. I've not personally done this but many people do.

Rhino riders excursion, a fun outing where you go as a group and drive a small “boat” that's like a jet ski enclosed in an inner tube. Fun way to see all the huge yachts wintering in the lagoon.

Parrotville, an aviary space filled with all kinds of exotic birds that are eager to land on your hand to enjoy the cup of food you're given

Shopping especially if you’re interested in fine jewelry. Also shops with higher end brand clothing and some stores on the French side with unique items. But there's also a market with some crafts people in Marigot, the capitol of the French side on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Bridge opening. Several times in the morning and afternoon the drawbridge opens that allows many yachts to enter or exit the lagoon. You can have breakfast or a drink at casual yacht club bar right beside the passage way and watch the action—it’s a tight fit for many of the big yachts. (There's a video on line you can probably find where one of the boats actually knocked off the bridge control booth, with the operator managing to barely jump in time.)

Enjoy sand gravity. That's the feeling you get when you relax and just enjoy the island, sit on the beach, and decide you really don't need to do all the things on your list!

 

[stmartinfan]

If you're on Facebook, there are several groups for SXM fans, like SXM or Bust! that can be helpful. The biggest one, Jeff Berger's St. Maarten page, is one you should read with some skepticism. He has a website, too, and a bunch of sponsors, so he quickly eliminates any negative comments about them from his Facebook page and bans people who dare to question his viewpoint. He's also aggressive in selling the travel insurance he gets a commission from.

 

[Greg G]

In the past I have also found that https://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/forums/1/1/st-maarten-st-martin.html provides great information from experienced St Martin/Maarten travelers.

 

[legalfee]

Thanks for all the info everyone! Tia as far as exchange unfortunately I can't get much for my Limetree studio. We normally rent it out for maintenance fees if we cannot use it. I priced out Divi for Saturday to Saturday and it came out to about 3k which isn't bad. We have been to XSM only on a cruise stop but it seemed nice.

 

[claraj]

Dawn Beach Club has been on my radar since the Interval International Getaways there seems very reasonable. Has anyone stayed there?

 

[Tia]

Thanks for all the info everyone! Tia as far as exchange unfortunately I can't get much for my Limetree studio. We normally rent it out for maintenance fees if we cannot use it. I priced out Divi for Saturday to Saturday and it came out to about 3k which isn't bad. We have been to XSM only on a cruise stop but it seemed nice.

Look forward to reading your vacation comparison if you take the trip. Used to want to try what your looking into, happy still with STT now days.
An owner at Bluebeards Castle is very happy with his exchanges he gets for a Studio in Cancun at one of the Royals in the winter season. Years ago we did Cancun Royal Sands, very nice, but prefer the smaller island that STT is over all.

 

[ScoopKona]

St. Martin is my favorite Caribbean island -- by far. As long as it isn't hurricane season, at least.

Prices and wages are better than most of the Caribbean. The people who live there have it better than most of that region. So the "same [excrement], different island" gag T-shirt doesn't really apply there.

The grocery store sells French and Dutch delicacies for the same price you'd pay in Paris or Amsterdam. Last time I was there, my favorite champagne was being sold for $25/bottle. Can't ever find it in the US. Local markets have great food and spices.

The only real problem is getting there. It's an expensive flight and a "white knuckle" landing. Be sure to take the ferry to Anguilla and pay someone to drive you to Shoal Bay Beach.

 

[Krteczech]

We spent 10 Christmas and New Year vacations on St Maarten. There is no better place in Caribbean as far as our experiences go. You’ll never get bored there as long as you enjoy beautiful beaches and great food. There is also several hiking trails taking you to great vistas, or you can fly to Saba, St Barth or take a ferry to Anguilla. We always bring groceries and condiments home from there.

 

[ScoopKona]

There's a ferry to St. Bart. Takes 90 minutes. I'd definitely do that over flying. That landing is INSANE.

 

[gln60]

St. Martin is my favorite Caribbean island -- by far. As long as it isn't hurricane season, at least.

Prices and wages are better than most of the Caribbean. The people who live there have it better than most of that region. So the "same [excrement], different island" gag T-shirt doesn't really apply there.

The grocery store sells French and Dutch delicacies for the same price you'd pay in Paris or Amsterdam. Last time I was there, my favorite champagne was being sold for $25/bottle. Can't ever find it in the US. Local markets have great food and spices.

The only real problem is getting there. It's an expensive flight and a "white knuckle" landing. Be sure to take the ferry to Anguilla and pay someone to drive you to Shoal Bay Beach.

We were staying at the Villas at Simpson Bay years ago…we took a catamaran cruise from Simpson Bay over to beautiful Rendezvous Bay Anguilla where a bus was waiting for our group and took us over to gorgeous Shoal Bay for a few hours of sun and fun…Shoal Bay imo,one of the most stunning beaches you will ever see.

 

[4reisjes]

Dawn Beach Club has been on my radar since the Interval International Getaways there seems very reasonable. Has anyone stayed there?

We stayer next door, Oyster Bay Beach resort. From what we saw, Dawn Beach club is beautiful.
However, the beach is useless, too much Sargassus, seaweed. ( look it up). This smells like rotten eggs….you do not want to swim in this, nor sit on the -small beach.
It gets dark very early, so you either eat in the resort, in the wonderful restaurant Bg Fish ( do not eat at Oyster Bay resort, expensive and awful), or go out in the dark on the hilly un illuminated roads….
There is a reason the getaway is reasonable….

 

[gln60]

St. Martin is my favorite Caribbean island -- by far. As long as it isn't hurricane season, at least.

Prices and wages are better than most of the Caribbean. The people who live there have it better than most of that region. So the "same [excrement], different island" gag T-shirt doesn't really apply there.

The grocery store sells French and Dutch delicacies for the same price you'd pay in Paris or Amsterdam. Last time I was there, my favorite champagne was being sold for $25/bottle. Can't ever find it in the US. Local markets have great food and spices.

The only real problem is getting there. It's an expensive flight and a "white knuckle" landing. Be sure to take the ferry to Anguilla and pay someone to drive you to Shoal Bay Beach.

The landing isn’t too bad…but the takeoff when departing over a mountain in the distance can be interesting…pilots departed in what felt like a 45 degree angle….

 

[stmartinfan]

We've never stayed at Dawn Beach but have visited that beach in the past. While there are people who love the area, I think it's too isolated. Even though the distances aren't far, the roads aren't great for nighttime driving. The last hurricane took out some of the restaurants in the area, so that may change with time.

The sargassum seaweed issue tends to be a seasonal problem, and beaches on one side of the island get hit harder as it blows in from the south. This summer has been terrible in some areas. It appears it is getting worse as ocean temps are rising.

Yes, the landing and take off is always interesting. Once the wheels hit the ground, we can't wait for the pilot to hit the brakes! Sometimes it feels like they coast too far before they slow, because we know there's only so much distance they've got. For most take offs, the pilot drives to the far end of the runway, puts on the brakes and then revs the engine before popping the brakes off, giving them a running start down the runway. Most take offs are toward the direction of the nearby hills, so it does require a steep climb. I think they go that way because of typical winds.

 

[bucs0721]

Let me start by saying I've never been to SXM. But, I was doing some research and saw this on a message board. There's a link to a FB video in the thread

Jewel Store in lobby of Simpson Bay Resort robbed
Car crashed in and robbed store

Jewel Store in lobby of Simpson Bay Resort robbed

Car crashed in and robbed store , terrible sad 😢🙏

www.traveltalkonline.com

 

[CanuckTravlr]

Let me start by saying I've never been to SXM. But, I was doing some research and saw this on a message board. There's a link to a FB video in the thread

Jewel Store in lobby of Simpson Bay Resort robbed
Car crashed in and robbed store

Jewel Store in lobby of Simpson Bay Resort robbed

Car crashed in and robbed store , terrible sad 😢🙏

www.traveltalkonline.com

So you've never been to St Martin/Sint Maarten, but the one enlightenment you have to contribute is an isolated jewellery store robbery at the Simpson Bay Resort? Was there a point to this, such as suggesting the island is unsafe? Jewellery store robberies happen daily all over the world. Let's keep it in context.

 

[letsgobobby]

recovery from the hurricanes?

 

[CanuckTravlr]

recovery from the hurricanes?

Hurricane Irma was in September 2017, so almost eight years ago. The island has fully recovered. Some old favourites did not survive the double whammy of the hurricane and covid, but many new places have risen in their place. Fortunately or unfortunately, there is a lot of new development on the island.

 

[letsgobobby]

St Martin was one of our favorite stops on a 2 week cruise back in 2015. Along with St Lucia.

I especially liked the French side since I can speak French and being in France in the caribbean was a novel experience.

 

[gpj555]

I am going next month so thanks for all the information. Got 7 days at Royal Islander La Page. Near the airport. and 4 nights in lesser accomodations . Thanks for all the information!

 

[bucs0721]

So you've never been to St Martin/Sint Maarten, but the one enlightenment you have to contribute is an isolated jewellery store robbery at the Simpson Bay Resort? Was there a point to this, such as suggesting the island is unsafe? Jewellery store robberies happen daily all over the world. Let's keep it in context.

Huh? The point was to post a story about the resort I was reviewing as a place to travel to. I found it alarming that an auto drove through the lobby to smash into the jewelry store to rob it. But thanks for spreading the knowledge about jewelry store robberies occurring all over the world. First time I've heard that.
Geez, take a chill pill...

 

[stmartinfan]

Some of our favorite SXM restaurants:
Grand Case: Bistroit Caraibes, La Villa, Le Cottage—amazing fine dining. There are many more good choices too. Also the lolos, a group of small places all under the same roof that offer inexpensive bbq ribs, chicken and other local meals.

Maho area: Le Moulin Fou, La Rosa, Roma

Simpson Bay area: The Palms—a hidden gem, a small place alongside the road that’s easy to overlook but great food and friendly service. Yacht Club, for breakfast or afternoon drinks, to watch the boats go through the drawbridge. Reveil Matin, amazing breakfasts and lunch only. (No credit cards accepted.)

Philipsburg: Chesterfields, a long time place that’s popular with locals, too. If you go at lunch time, you'll see lots of the local government and business people. The French Touch, small lunch-only place in a shopping area off the main shopping street, good for a quiet break. The Greenhouse, casual place with better than average bar food. They have a second location in Simpson Bay area.

Marigot: lolos adjacent to the local market area for lunch after checking out the market stands. We like Rosemary's but there are several choices. Be Kool and Tropicana in the marina area that we visit for lunch. (That area used to be a favorite for evening dining and there are several more good choices, but the area has gotten a bit shady after some of the places closed, so we haven't gone back for dinner for some time. Hoping some renovation plans will bring the area back to life in the evening.)

There are lots more choices—we run out of time too try them all.

 

[CanuckTravlr]

Huh? The point was to post a story about the resort I was reviewing as a place to travel to. I found it alarming that an auto drove through the lobby to smash into the jewelry store to rob it. But thanks for spreading the knowledge about jewelry store robberies occurring all over the world. First time I've heard that.
Geez, take a chill pill...

You provided no context and none of us are mind readers. You didn't mention you were considering Simpson Bay Resort for a possible stay, just that you were doing "some research" on the island for some reason, despite having never been there. It came across as sensationalist.

It's not uncommon that vehicles are used to break into jewellery stores in both Canada and the USA, especially in store fronts in strip malls, since most have reinforced store fronts. It is unusual that it was in the lobby area of a major resort.

Since you are considering Simpson Bay Resort for a potential visit, try not to be overly "alarmed". This store has never been robbed before to my knowledge. The Dutch side, as a duty-free area, has a relatively large number of jewellery stores, mostly in Philipsburg for the cruisers. Are they sometimes robbed? Yes. In this case, while the owner was badly manhandled, thankfully no other residents nor tourists were injured. Hope that helps provide some context.

Thanks for the recommendation on the chill pill. I'm fine. I think I'll pass.