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St. Maarten - What would YOU do? #124218
03/15/2017 10:06 AM
03/15/2017 10:06 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 450
Teresasxm Offline OP
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Teresasxm  Offline OP
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 450
Hello fellow TTOLers and long time fans of St. Maarten. We are anxiously looking forward to our upcoming trip to our most favorite island in the world.

Question for you: Having vacationed on St. Maarten since the late 1980's we've covered every square inch of this wonderful island and enjoyed every minute. This time we're looking to push ourselves out of our comfort zone (and away from our favorite places) and do something different. An excursion is high on our list along with any dining "gems" or day trips you might suggest that bring you joy when on St. Maarten.

We'd love to hear your suggestions and opinions and all surrounding islands can be included. One point - We've often stayed a few nights on Anguilla and know it well, however, if you have some day trip suggestions please post them as well.

Thanks in advance! We love this forum.

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Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: Teresasxm] #124219
03/15/2017 10:20 AM
03/15/2017 10:20 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
I always like to throw in a new restaurant or two and HOPE for the best. Seeing the island from a different perspective is always good. A lagoon cruise, a trip on The Passaat for a lunch or sunset sail, a trip around the island. Try a beach you have not been to for some time. We went to LeGalion last week and it had been 10 years or so since last there. A very enjoyable day, especially considering the wind. I have never been to Saba but most that go enjoy a day there.


J.D.
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: Teresasxm] #124220
03/15/2017 10:30 AM
03/15/2017 10:30 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Teresa,

I don't know if you have time for this or interest, for that matter, but one of the best SXM times we've had in the last twenty years or so was our daytrip to Saba. It was so good that even given my DHes anxiety over the boat ride on the Edge, he agreed to return a year later for a stay-over. By the time the second trip took place, we actually flew and it was the experience of a lifetime.

I'm sure you know there are no beaches to speak of and we don't dive or hike but that first trip over was enough to make us know this was a place we wanted to return to. It's a photographers dream so bring a camera with an empty memory card.

That first trip we booked a packaged tour that included r/t transport on the Edge and a sight-seeing minibus tour on Saba with a full lunch at the Queens Garden Inn.

As we sat in their courtyard enjoying our lunch, we knew without a doubt, this was the perfect place to just plain chill, so the following year we booked an early flight over and a two night mini vacation in the middle of our timeshare stay and it was lovely.

If you have any interest at all, send me a pm and I'll share what we found regarding Saba. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: pat] #124221
03/15/2017 10:58 AM
03/15/2017 10:58 AM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 168
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RickandJulie Offline
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RickandJulie  Offline
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Pat:

Is the Edge the name of the boat or the cruise company? I've not heard of it but it sounds like something Julie and I might want to check out.

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: Teresasxm] #124222
03/15/2017 11:02 AM
03/15/2017 11:02 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,860
Greensboro,N.C.From Colonie NY
wildbill069 Offline
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wildbill069  Offline
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Greensboro,N.C.From Colonie NY
Celine Too best trip on the island have done all of the trips can't go wrong with any or all of them !!!!!!!!

http://www.sailstmaarten.com/day-charters

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: RickandJulie] #124223
03/15/2017 11:04 AM
03/15/2017 11:04 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Ohio
The Edge is the name of a ferry that goes out of Aqua Mania to other islands.


J.D.
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: RickandJulie] #124224
03/15/2017 11:16 AM
03/15/2017 11:16 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Brookfield, CT.
Hi, Rick,

The Edge is a ferry that I believe can be booked through Aqua Mania or probably most of the hotel concierge/activity desks.

The ride over on the Edge is not for those who suffer from the dreaded mal de mer and we saw many holding their paper bags in hand on our trip over to Saba. Coming back it was much better and on our stay-over trip we flew r/t.

The taxi tour dropped off hikers and took us around the island allowing a restroom stop and then the tour itself with a stop at the lovely church out there, stops at the Saba Lace Shop where you could purchase beautiful handmade lace pieces and a ride through the hydroponic garden area and ultimately alovely lunch at Queens Garden. I don't know if you can specify where you want to eat lunch but that luncheon at QGI was incredible and I would find a way to eat there if at all possible.

We did have a brief stop for those wanting to purchase Saba Spice or souvenirs but there isn't (or wasn't when we were last there....) a lot of shopping ops though we did manage to find a tee shirt.

Last edited by pat; 03/15/2017 11:19 AM.

Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: pat] #124225
03/15/2017 11:24 AM
03/15/2017 11:24 AM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 168
R
RickandJulie Offline
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RickandJulie  Offline
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Thanks Pat. We'll check it out next month when we arrive.

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: RickandJulie] #124226
03/15/2017 11:46 AM
03/15/2017 11:46 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Just a thought, Rick, but if you can't find a packaged trip such as we took, you could probably book the Edge all by itself and hire a cab driver once off the ferry at the landing. I don't know if you can rent your own car there, but even if you can, having been there twice myself, I definitely would not do it that way though I know there are those who do. You would miss all the knowledge and lore from a driver and many of the more beautiful sights and vistas as well.

The roads are interesting to say the least - I once read somewhere the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said neither a runway nor a highway could be built there. The Sabans basically said, "watch us...." and proceeded to do so. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: RickandJulie] #124227
03/15/2017 11:50 AM
03/15/2017 11:50 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
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Bahston Offline
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The ferry trip to Saba, like the ferry trip to St Barth, can be a bit rough. AquaMania's website says "The ferry ride can be bouncy November to April when we have Christmas winds. Travel time is 90 minutes long. Ask about sea conditions if you have concerns."
http://www.stmaarten-activities.com/en/edge-saba

The alternative is to fly over on WinAir. The runway at Saba is very short, and both the approach and the takeoff are "interesting".

http://www.sabatourism.com/

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: Teresasxm] #124228
03/15/2017 11:56 AM
03/15/2017 11:56 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 364
Carib_Ian Offline
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Carib_Ian  Offline
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Posts: 364
Even though the ferry ride back was rough, I really enjoyed our overnight trip to Saba a few years ago. We stayed one overnight at Juliana's. This gave us time to hike to the top of Mount Scenery (all stone steps) and have a couple of nice meals. The restaurants in Windwardside are quite good. Saba is totally different to any Caribbean island I have been to. People are so friendly, it is safe and the scenery is out of this world. We booked in advance on the Edge.

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: Teresasxm] #124229
03/15/2017 12:08 PM
03/15/2017 12:08 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Spend a couple of days in Anguilla. Details of what we did are in my trip report from this past November.

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: GaKaye] #124230
03/15/2017 12:19 PM
03/15/2017 12:19 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 118
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eskimo888 Offline
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eskimo888  Offline
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We have done Anguilla, Saba and St Bart's we enjoyed Saba and St Bart's more than Anguilla
We enjoy renting an ATV in St Bart's and beach hopping we pack a lunch and drinks Saline is our favourite as well as sitting ing the hill above the run way and watching the planes come in
Saba we enjoyed the climb up Mt sceanery and walking around the little village and visiting with the locals
The view where we had lunch was awesome

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: GaKaye] #124231
03/15/2017 12:28 PM
03/15/2017 12:28 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Just wondering, Georgia, have you ever been over to Saba? It is so very beautiful and while I know the boat might not be your best choice, the flight is short and relatively painless and the arrival near the island and the landing itself are awesome experiences without even considering the rest of the island's many other features. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: eskimo888] #124232
03/15/2017 12:30 PM
03/15/2017 12:30 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,297
CT
pony600 Offline
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pony600  Offline
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Posts: 1,297
CT
We always enjoy doing a wine tasting and lunch at Select Wine Cellar.Lunch comes from Champagne Bistrot next door & is a little known gem!


[Linked Image]



If life hands you a lemon, just squeeze it on a lobster!
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: pony600] #124233
03/15/2017 02:32 PM
03/15/2017 02:32 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
I
irina Offline
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irina  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
The air landing at St Barth's is pretty interesting also!
cheers
irina

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: pat] #124234
03/15/2017 03:02 PM
03/15/2017 03:02 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
No Pat, we haven't been to Saba. Actually, this past year's trip to Anguilla is the first time we've left the island! Saba, though, is on the short list!

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: GaKaye] #124235
03/15/2017 03:25 PM
03/15/2017 03:25 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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You will love it for the beautiful scenery but do yourself a favor jic and fly over. Literally, the Edge can, on very rare occasions, be smooth and lovely or NOT. And the NOT isn't a pretty thing to behold. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: GaKaye] #124236
03/15/2017 03:49 PM
03/15/2017 03:49 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,565
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
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Posts: 18,565
Auburn, WA
The hike up Mt Scenic on a clear day gives you a spectacular view of the surrounding islands. You'll go through tree distinct climate zones as you ascend. Just take plenty of water.

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: SXMScubaman] #124237
03/15/2017 05:26 PM
03/15/2017 05:26 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Offline
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RonDon  Offline
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Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
Been to Eustacia, St Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, and Saba from SXM and Saba was the best! Never been to Pinel hope to this next visit.

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: RonDon] #124238
03/15/2017 06:31 PM
03/15/2017 06:31 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Brookfield, CT.
Rosemary,

Just want you to know there is no comparison of Pinel Islet to any of the other islands you've mentioned. It's another beach with very shallow and calm waters and if I'm not mistaken, two or three lunch spots and a snorkeling trail.

And if you want to experience clothing optional on Pinel you can (or at least you could....) hike around to the back side of the island.

We used to go to Pinel a gazillion years ago when the boat was only a few dollars but it got to be too commercialized out there for my tastes although many others enjoy it. I felt like sardines the last time we went.......too many chairs too close together. Hopefully it's gotten better ....?


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: pat] #124239
03/15/2017 06:46 PM
03/15/2017 06:46 PM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 22
NJ
hortack1 Offline
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hortack1  Offline
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NJ
I'd like to know this answer too...

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: RonDon] #124240
03/15/2017 08:29 PM
03/15/2017 08:29 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Well, I just made a liar out of myself, because we have been to Pinel. But, to be honest, I never considered that visiting another island, as it was only a ride to another beach for the day.

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: GaKaye] #124241
03/15/2017 09:13 PM
03/15/2017 09:13 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,625
United States of America
bdeeley Offline
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bdeeley  Offline
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You are absolutely not a liar. You just had yourself a Senior Moment. I am sure it's not your first and I can assure you that it won't be your last.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />


Be Happy! Simply because you deserve to be. 😁
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: Teresasxm] #124242
03/15/2017 10:20 PM
03/15/2017 10:20 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 114
Windsor, Ct.
pattyrose Offline
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pattyrose  Offline
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Windsor, Ct.
This year we took a tour with sea grape tours , it was an Art tour You pick 4 island artists studios to visit and the tour guide Ilja , who is also the owner of the company takes you to each studio along with island history as you go from studio to studio. This company also does birding tours.
Just a different island perspective

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: GaKaye] #124243
03/16/2017 12:02 AM
03/16/2017 12:02 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,625
United States of America
bdeeley Offline
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bdeeley  Offline
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I meant to mention, don't feel bad about the Senior Moment, 93.2% of the other members of the forum are also experiencing those Senior Moments.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />


Be Happy! Simply because you deserve to be. 😁
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: bdeeley] #124244
03/16/2017 06:37 AM
03/16/2017 06:37 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Quote
bdeeley said:
You are absolutely not a liar. You just had yourself a Senior Moment. I am sure it's not your first and I can assure you that it won't be your last.

I meant to mention, don't feel bad about the Senior Moment, 93.2% of the other members of the forum are also experiencing those Senior Moments.


Thank you for your understanding. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: Bahston] #124245
03/16/2017 07:59 PM
03/16/2017 07:59 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 460
Estes Park, CO
Yana Offline
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Yana  Offline
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Posts: 460
Estes Park, CO
We did both, air and the ferry. We didn't have a choice due to bad weather. Flights were cancelled and the trip on ferry still makes me shiver. We had great stay on Saba in private cottage during New Years holiday (four nights) few years back. Yes, we Are planing to return, we loved everything Saba can offer.


There is no place like SXM.
Re: St. Maarten - What would YOU do? [Re: Yana] #124246
03/19/2017 01:05 AM
03/19/2017 01:05 AM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,583
Sacramento, CA, USA
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gtaylor Offline
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Our flight to Saba, many years ago video is here .

gary


Look up and wave! smile

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