Johnandbev,

I certainly don't advocate making this island, of all of them, an AI destination, but like you, IF if it's the OPs first visit and/or IF it's a great price, I wouldn't hesitate to go for it.

Sometimes the AI packages are actually equal or very close to booking your air and hotel seperately and just because you've booked it as AI, there's no law saying you have to take every meal there.

Maho is a nice hotel, particularly if you want a relaxing vacation without needing to worry about cars and taxis. You're able to walk out your door and easily enjoy all of the Maho area on foot...... Casinos, nightclubs, ice cream shops and shopping in general without the need or the worry of a vehical.

Our very first trip to St. Maarten a long time ago was basically an AI trip but that didn't cause us to be married to our resort, typically enjoying breakfast there every day, lunches wherever we happened to be, and some dinners there and some not.

Personally speaking, I think I'd plan the trip both ways - AI at Maho and as an independent trip wherever and do the numbers and see where they fall and then make my decision. If you're of the type who's content to pretty much stay in one place then it might be a great choice. If you're of a mindset to want to be out and about exploring ALL of the island, then maybe not such a great idea. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />