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Headed off to St Maartin for a week, staying at a beach condo relatively close to the beach at the end of the airport. But what we know about the island is a couple of stops on cruises.
So, for those of you who have gone for extended periods, what to do, what to avoid, where not to go after dark, that sort of thing. Tourist brochures are always painting a glowing picture, need real life experiences. Now, I am not going snorkeling or diving (health issues) but pretty much open for other things.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Sorry...nothing to add but I will be watching this thread closely as I'm going there in 4 weeks. Staying in Maho Bay area...will you be close to there?
From your description it sounds like you're going to be on Simpson Bay. I stayed in a condo there a couple of times. It's a beautiful beach with stunning views. Depending on exactly where you are, there's not much within walking distance, so you will need a rental car to really take advantage of the island. I don't consider it safe to walk around at night on St Maarten anyway.
There are many wonderful beaches on the island, each with its own character, so be sure to check out a few. Besides Simpson Bay, I love Mullet Beach, and if you haven't been to Maho to watch the planes land, you should do that.
For some variety, you can do a day trip to one of the neighboring islands, St Barts, Anguilla or Saba. I found Saba beautiful and fascinating, totally different than the other islands, still very pristine and un-touristy.
St Maarten is very much a beach destination. There aren't a whole lot of tourist type attractions. Most of the ones advertise are for cruises to other islands.
We used to rent a car, but the last few times we've gone the traffic in Phillipsburg and Marigot has been intense, and we decided it's less stressful to take a taxi. But once you get out of the city proper, the road around the island is fine, and worth doing. The roads on the French side are in better shape than what you'll find on the Dutch half.
We far prefer the French side, and have never felt unsafe there, even at night. Great meals can be had all over the island.
Yep, going to be on Simpson Beach. Wife is determined to support the local economy by dropping some bucks at the casino. Planning to take the ferry to St Bart's for a day trip. Kinda pricy but worth a once-time trip.
And we are visiting Orient Beach, but staying on the clothed side. Honestly, me without clothes would be one of those "some things can't be unseen".
Do the Sea Trek experience! We tried it in St. Maartin and loved it. It is well run, with cement side walks layed out so you do not walk in any coral and pvc pipe hand rails, to steady yourself.
Yep, going to be on Simpson Beach. Wife is determined to support the local economy by dropping some bucks at the casino. Planning to take the ferry to St Bart's for a day trip. Kinda pricy but worth a once-time trip.
And we are visiting Orient Beach, but staying on the clothed side. Honestly, me without clothes would be one of those "some things can't be unseen".
If you aren't into the nude scene, Orient Beach may not be the best choice. And don't worry, there are very few model worthy bodies there. The bars with the chair rentals really pack them close together. If you walk down the beach in the opposite direction of Club Orient you'll come to Coco Beach. It's much less crowded than the center area, and has excellent food.
Do the Sea Trek experience! We tried it in St. Maartin and loved it. It is well run, with cement side walks layed out so you do not walk in any coral and pvc pipe hand rails, to steady yourself.
Ooooooo, yes! The Sea Trek experience was one of the biggest thrills of my life. The program is well-run by professionals, so I felt safe and in good hands. Walking on the ocean floor, surrounded by beautiful fish and coral, was definitely the coolest thing I've ever done!
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My advice is to plop yourself down at the Sunset Beach Bar by the end of the runway and watch the heavies come in. Get a seat at noon, order up some beer, and you're all set. Well, that would be MY idea of how to spend a great afternoon at SXM. If I go back, hopefully in the near future, I'd take the boat to Anguilla for a day. I've stayed in Marigot at the Mercure (fine property, plenty of good eating in the area) to Cupecoy Bay - easy walk to decent restaurants, and at the Sonesta Maho - expensive but easy to walk to restaurants and the Sunset Beach Bar.
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