Finalized our vacation back to our favorite island. Staying at Nettle Bay Beach Club in a villa, Aug 13-21. Has anyone stayed here before and if so what was your experience. I know we have our favorite beaches on the island, but how is this beach.

The beach there is not the best. There may be rocks and glass in the water so it is best to wear water shoes if going for a swim.

I think BEERMAN stayed there about a year ago or thereabouts, and as I recall, he did an incredible and comprehensive trip report of his stay on the island including some beautiful photographs.

He toured the island widely and as I recall his write-ups, they were done with a humor and wit and a writing style I personally found addictive, and provided lots of insight and information regarding SXM, even to a forty year SXM veteran such as myself.

You should be able to find them in the trip reports section and I'm sure you will enjoy the read. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

We stayed there about 7 years ago and had some problems. First we had to check in at the hotel across the street ( I think it is called the Mercur)and they didn't speak any English and we spoke very little French. The unit we stayed in was dated and the main door walked into the master bedroom. You will need a power converter with the proper plug configuration. If I recall right, they had round plugs. The unit had limited cable channels and most of it was in French. As was mentioned, you will need water walkers for your feet to walk on the beach as there was a lot of glass in the sand. You will definitely need a car to go anywhere.

NBBC has been update since candj's visit. Before it was a resort. Now it is privately owned rental units and most, if not all, have been updated.

Here is a link to Beerman's 1st trip report

http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/s...rue#Post1648507

We stayed there a couple of times in appartments owned by two different owners and both times, it was perfect ! Ok maybe the beach is not the best one the island but it was awesome to be right on the beach and anyway, we usually go around the island each day , trying new beaches ! Plus, they have beautiful pools (4) and tennis court.We found the location to be perfect as it has everything you need near, bakery, grocery store, restaurants ( Dreams is one of the best ) and Baie Rouge ! We felt secured and would not hesitate to rent again !

By searching Google for "(Unit Name) Nettle Bay Beach Club review" and I found reviews for most units. For example we have reserved Ski Beach so I searched "Ski Beach Nettle Bay Beach Club review". Look for results that have stars indicating reviews.

Pat, thank you for the wonderful compliment, that made my day!

Autoeng, thank you for the link, I enjoyed re-reading my own 1st SXM report ha!

Eric36, we really enjoyed NBBC. Yes, the beach and entry into the water wasn't perfect, but if you are staying in the center pods of the complex those have the best sand with better access into the water. Check my photos out, it's nice there. We never felt unsafe in our surroundings and we did walk at night and on the road a couple of times to the French bakery up the street.

Looking at my report again, my heart is so heavy for the family of Wendy. I routinely tell our 21 year old daughter who travels often and who is a runner, that nothing good happens after midnight, now the time of day is irrelevant. I recently told my daughter about Wendy's tragic story and we realize all we can do is continue living life to its fullest, have faith, while always keeping safety in mind.

The units have large metal pull down doors to secure the sliders while you're away and at night. It was an inconvenience at first to roll the doors down, but we got used to it. Again, we never felt unsafe at NBBC and we would absolutely stay there again. Enjoy and always keep safety in mind no matter where you are! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

YW, BEERMAN. And for what it's worth, I meant every word I said. As one who enjoys sharing my SXM experiences, which are pretty darned boring by comparison, I truly do appreciate the thoughts, ideas and experiences of others and I really enjoy them more in a well written and easily read report. And your posted photos, which I have never mastered the art of posting, were absolutely the icing on an already yummy cake. So I say again, thank you.

With regard to Wendy, I think all our hearts are heavy. We just don't seem to comprehend these things can and do happen with neither rhyme nor reason as to the 'whys'. I hope her family is coming to terms and I know that's asking a lot. May they find comfort in the thoughts and prayers of all here who have voiced them. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I have to agree, the beach is not the best at all. First time there this year and was very disappointed. Although Dreams was great and the food amazing!

Thank you all for your info on Nettle Bay beach area. I know we have our favorite beaches we will be visiting while on island. Thanks again, 23 days and counting.

OK, now you have to 'pay it forward' with a trip report upon your return! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Enjoy your trip! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

We stayed at La Flamboyant last April, which is just up the street from NBBC towards Marigot. The French bakery on the street at the entrance had the best coffee I have ever had and served delicious pizza at night at a walk up window. Across the street, there was a nice restaurant that opened in the evening that had great pizza as well.

Because we love Orient Beach, we found it tiresome to drive through Marigot everyday (the traffic is terrible) and so we have switched back to staying in Orient Village this August. We originally chose this area because we thought we would enjoy staying closer to Happy Bay and Cupecoy beaches, however, Cupecoy was too rough to swim or snorkel and we had to drive through Marigot to get to Happy Bay, as well. It was nice to be close to St Martin Yacht Club, where we ate at twice (our first time to experience this restaurant). Each trip we learn a little more of our preferences. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Please don't forget to give us a report of NBBC and your trip :-)