Mom here. My son is going to propose in Jan in St. Maarten. This is a family vacation. None of us have been there and we will be staying in the Simpson Bay area. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas to throw our way. Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

Our son popped the question to his now wife while we were all there one year. He originally wanted to do it at the butterfly farm, but the Disney Cruise buses pulled in right behind them, so he took her down to the beach at LeGalion beach, walked her out to the point where they were totally alone.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

My recommendation would be a day cruise on the Celine Too. Neil, the captain, would take you to a deserted island called Tintamare where your son would have the perfect setting for his proposal. Afterwards Neil will prepare a delicious cooked meal for all to enjoy on board. More stops along the way for snorkling, an open bar all day and a return at sunset. We have done this many times in the past and it is the best day of our St. Maarten vacation!

I love madisoncty's idea. How romantic!

I agree with the idea of Celine Too. although the Evening trip is amazing! Going under the bridge which is all lit up is amazing. Seeing the sunset is beyond breathtaking! Neil and his staff are wonderful and would probably make it extra special for you!

There are many beaches that would work where you can get away from the crowd that are closer than Le Galion.
If it were me, I'd use Cupecoy. Not many people usually. Beautiful but one of the smaller beachs. it is a clothing optional beach so he may not want to do it there.
Since you are going in January, it will be more effort to get alone anywhere you go.
Or even better if they swim/snorkel. Snorkel out of Baie Rouge along the right side rocks. You can swim through a stone arch near the headland. On the other side is a small beach that is only accessible by swimming there.

Our son was planning on the overlook/patio area up above the Sunset Cafe at the Grand Case Beach Club - at sunset of course. Pretty stunning spot.

How about a private sunset cruise on The Passaat? They go out of Simpson Bay and offer several really nice packages. I am sure Mirian would be glad to work with you.

Passaat

The stone arch collapsed a few years ago that you see from the beach, has water washed away the landslide and is it back??

paul--I'd definitely agree with being alone, and to me, that would be hard to do on a boat, unless you did a totally private cruise, and that would get pricy. The idea of snorkelling with an engagement ring and possibly losing it, would make me very leery of that! Another option might be a waterside table for an early dinner at a great restaurant in Grand Case. Beautiful view of the sunset and lights of Anguilla. ..or, if they are a more casual couple, feet in the sand at Calmos at sunset!

It might help if the original poster said exactly where the family is going to stay, as you may be able to walk to somewhere great on the beach. For example, there is a lovely point out by Flamingo that would be perfect, to me.. Mullet is also basically usually deserted by sunset, so long as you don't go on Sunday! Lots of great choices!

This is my first time on a chat forum so bare with me please. Carol, we are staying at the The Penthouse at La Siesta. Found it on VRBO. Have any of you stayed there? Also, I really appreciate all of you commenting and giving your ideas its great. I will discuss with my son all of your thoughts. If anyone has any other thoughts we are open!

Looks beautiful. Great beach. It is on a one way and you must drive to the Police station at the bridge, going behind the stztion to get on your street. Close to much of what you will need: pharmacy, bank, gas station, breakfast spots, short ride over the causeway to good supermarket, happy hour drinking places, good restaurants. You must have breakfast at the SM Yacht Club at the bridge and watch megayachts in action.
Have a great time.

Never stayed there myself but the penthouse looks beautiful! To me, that balcony looks like it would be a winner to pop the question! Some lovely background music, some nice champagne, the rest of the family GETS LOST, heaven! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

How about a private walk at sunset on your own beach - perhaps a couple of flutes of champagne - as the sun is setting and the skies are lightening and brightening and the old 'down in the sand on bended knee' routine. It's worked for many years even if not always done in such a romantic setting as a beach at sunset on St. Maarten.

Personally speaking, the romantic side of me says the actual asking should be privately done with just the two of them in attendance but perhaps, after the acceptance, a family sharing and celebration to be followed by a celebratory dinner for all of you at one of the nicer and more romantic island restaurants? There are any number of lovely spots - Le (la?) Cigale, La Samanna, Dreams or if you want to travel even farther afield, dinner at one of the Grand Case venues.

Just thinking about it makes me feel good!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Pat--absolutely! I kind of don't understand this 'public engagement' trend! I think a proposal should be in private, for the couple only to share!

Pat and Carol I love your thoughts as well. As soon as I can I will post my sons favorites for you all! Thanks again you have all been wonderful.

Best wishes to the happy couple to be!

Kim,

The arch collapsed between 2011 and 2012. We were there both years. We had not been there since. On our trip this past June, we were surprised to see the passage totally reopened. I can't remember who I asked (maybe Mickey Daniels while conversing at Cupecoy) but they told me that Mother Nature cleared the called rocks. Maybe someone can verify this.
In any case, we swam through. Rested for about 10 minutes on the little beach before continuing our long swim from Baie a Rouge to David's Hole. I had expected to be able to get a proper rest inside. It wasn't really possible with the surge of ocean in there. We did stand for a while on bare sand about waist deep before swimming out again. It's not for th faint hearted. It's a bit tricky finding your way in and out for a depth that allows you not to hit into the rocks. Total time there and back was 1.5 hours.

Check where you'll be staying for a dinner on the beach for the 2 of them. Our son did that at Divi in Aruba. A table was set up with cloth, flutes, champagne. Not sure if they had a complete dinner or just h'ordeuves.

The original poster said they were staying at La Siesta, which doesn't have it's own restaurant. They could have a private chef come in and cook dinner for them there at the unit though. Somewhat pricy, but very memorable!