I know many of you are repeat visitors, but as a first-timer I'm curious as to what you did or didn't do on your first trip that you wish you had or hadn't.

Great idea for an interesting thread.

Our 1st was in 1987 and we stayed in a hotel on Great Bay. I thought P'burg was the city of the dog - barking all night long.

Not knowing anything, we just explored by car every day, with animals being in the road the main issue - not traffic.

Grand Case was our favorite beach - right at the GCBC. Orient Beach was mostly a forest. Also liked Long Beach.

Loved the little airport terminal. We could not rent a car at the airport back then.

Mine was in 1984 and I was a senior in High School. My parents had just bought a time share at the Pelican. I remember how beautiful the beaches and water were compared to what I was used to in NY/NJ area. My second trip in 1988 when I was a bit older was more memorable for me. I spent a lot of time on the French side going to swanky Euro bars and had a lot of fun meeting all these "cool" Europeans while hanging out on a tropical island. Even though I don't remember every detail of those trips, i do remember I had a great time...as I have with each subsequent trip!

Our first trip back in 99 was perfection in our opinmion. We walked into our villa at Green Cay Villas and could only say "Your kidding right". There was absolutely nothing that I would consider a negative. Hense the reason that we return as often as possible.
First week of June here we come!!!!

Ours was off a cruise ship. Our boys were still fairly young and we let them do the yacht excursion from Phillipsburg by themselves and then we were too afraid to venture off in case something went wrong so we stayed right at the dock!

Our next visit was for a Windjammer cruise and we stayed a night before as well as after and we were hooked! Got to know the French side and have been going to Orient every yr. since. Headed there this summer with newbies and I'm a nervous wreck about it! Just worried they won't have the same feelings that we do. This will be our 6th annual trip <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

My first trip was Aug. 1989, stayed at Sea Palace. What I remember most was the friendliness of the people, especially that of a young man whom we meet on Front street in Philipsburg late one night. He informed us that we didn't have to be afraid of walking at night, if anything were to happen a local would be there immedidately to assist us, even before the police. I also remember "the dogs" they were every where!!! however they all seemed harmless, paying little or no attention to people. Of course then there was Orient Beach, I'd never been to a nude beach before!!!!!!!!!!!!! there was very little on Orient, Pedro's & a few places selling souvenirs, and Orient Beach Club. Needless to say, I haven't missed a year since then, and for the 12 yrs. twice a yr. Guess you could say I'm hooked!!!

June of 06 ... It was our belated honeymoon. We heard about Orient beach being co, and wanted to be there. We stayed at LaSamanna. It was very very nice . We had a car and got to tour the island . The one
regret I have is not being aware of some of the fabulous restaurants they have on the island . We're going on 4/16and looking forward to eating at different places Ive seen mentioned here. Thankyou to all for the great
info posted daily here, I feel so much more informed than my last trip
This time we are staying at LeHoste

Our first trip was way back in 1994. We stayed at the now defunct LeBelle Creole and I remember the oooh wowwing!! when we approached the cobblestoned courtyard to check-in. The groun ds and bell tower were beautiful. We rented a car and went to Mullet, Friars and Orient beaches. Ate at the lolos for lunch. Very basic back then. Alot less traffic and many loose dogs around even outside the casinos. Bought a week timeshare at the Sapphire and remember a large C/O beach there with jet skis for rent nextdoor. The NY Rangers hockey team won the cup and I watched at Lynettes place now closed. Lots of great memories. Rermember also how lovely Dawn beach area was too. Wife took off top 1st time. Have since been coming back and watched the island grow. There was if anybody remembers a building moratorium in place for years until recently. Now it is out of control. Preferthe Fr side prim arily now..Hope this sparks a few memories for others. Tim from Long Islnd

Over 15 years ago, we arrived at La Plantation, (Orient Bay) in the dark.
We were tired after getting lost & I was disappointed, with our room, as I wanted to be closer to the pool. The room was a bit tired in it's decor too.

The next morning I woke up, looked out our window, and the view was stunning. We had complete privacy on our veranda. So, right then, I realized this was certainly better than being by the pool. We had complimentary breakfast every morning by the pool. I'm not even a big pool person. What was I thinking.

The best part was, a client gave us a list of all the restaurants they loved.
Inexpensive to haute cuisine.
I will always be thankful for that because it made our vacation very special.

Now I have my own favorites that I recommend to new vacationers...

O yes I remember our first trip to SXM in 1980. It was very special time because Marge and I spent our 10th wedding anniversary. We had a very romantic dinner near the lagoon at the now ruins of Mullet Bay villas. I can remember a fellow named Mr. X who was a SXM resident that we met who kindly showed Marge and I the entire island. Back then there were only a handful of hotels and there was no traffic! But we still go back to the island that we call our second home.

Our first trip was a sales contest prize from my company (Xerox)in the mid 80s. A week at Dawn Beach Resort (pre hurricane demolishion of same). Most vivid memory was "interesting" bus ride from the airport on one lane road over the mountain and the frequent loss of electricity that was anticipated and minimized by the staff at the resort.
Glad that we also saw past the negatives and have never missed a year since. (Also glad we bought t/s at Belair instead of Dawn Beach a couple years before Dawn Beach disappeared).

1979 Hurricane Frederic had just hit St Maarten and we had to sign a release from American Airlines. The release stated that they not be held liable for loss of hotel room if we continued on to SXM. We were on the first flight into SXM from NY after the hurricane and since we had friends who had built a home on Morning Dove Rd in Point Blanche we did not see a problem. We stayed at what was then the Divi Hotel and did not rent a car. We walked every day from the Divi to our friends in Point Blanche and some times we did it twice a day. We ate at The Seaview in the cafe by the Sea Grapes. We met many local's, all with the family name of Richardson, went to the local radio station and sat while our friends gave an interview about the Hurricane damages.
Front street had many residential homes and a very friendly feel. Even though there were no lights along Front Street we felt very safe and quite often walked it at night.
The Casino's at Divi and the Seaview did not allow local people into them and had a restriction as to how often they were allowed in.
It seemed back then there were more Pelicans and Sugar birds and dogs on the Island.
I still love going and still stay in Phillipsburg.

Our first trip was spent almost entirely at Le Meridien and on its beach (Anse Marcel). We did the 12Metre Challenge, which we loved so much that we have gone every trip since then. We went out to dinner every night, and discovered the fabulous cuisine in Grand Case. We celebrated our anniversary at La Vie en Rose, and it remains a favorite of ours. With only two days remaining on the island we decided to check out some other beaches, went to Orient, and kicked ourselves for not discovering it sooner. As soon as we got home we started making plans for our next trip!

Our very first trip to SXM was for a day on a cruise ship in 1989. We literally spent ALL day on Front Street shopping.. We loved it, but I can't believe now I spent all day shopping!! Back then, of course, SXM was a tender port. First time staying on island was February 1994, Green Cay Villas #9. I actually don't remember too much of what we did or where we ate except that we spent our beach days on Orient, of course, and there wasn't a heck of a lot there in those days, so I assume we ate at Pedro's and Papagayo for lunch. We also spent a couple of whole days at the villa and didn't leave all day. Lovely!! Wish I could do that today!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Our first time in SXM was spent at a Villa in Beacon Hill. We rented from the Villa Lady 4 bedrooms with pool with three other couples. Rented two cars cooked mostly in the villa. Tried to find and explore beaches. Trips to the grocery store and watching the ocean while we ate was a blast. We liked villa's so much we rented in terre basse the next two years. Then when to St John's and over to Tortola twice. Kind of unique us and the three couples our menories are priceless......

Our first trip was probably in the early 90s. We were lucky to be invited to be the guests of a wonderful couple who spent 8-plus weeks on the island every year, who knew it inside and out, so we were able to learn about places that we still frequent. Our first morning was spent at the original Zee Best, followed by a trip to Orient, with lunch at Kon-Tiki.

I think we were only there for 4 days or so, but we hit Rosie's, Da Livio's (sp?), Talk of the Town, Chez Raymond and a place over in Orleans that is no longer open, very similar to Yvette's.

Back then most flights to Philly went through San Juan. Our friend even taught me to purchase steamed ham and gouda sandwiches at the little snack bar in the old airport, so as to not have to deal with the "food" in the San Juan airport.

We still think about Mitch and Frannie every time we go down, and our first breakfast is still always at Zee Best.

My first trip was in the early 90's, I think. Didn't need a passport. Remember the old airport, it was sooooo small.

Went with a friend that had been there before and hopped a flight to St. Barts for a few days. Then back in St. Maarten went to the CO beach for the first time. Been going back ever since.

Question - What year was Mullet area destroyed? What year was the new airport complete and what year did we have to start using a passport?

Mullett was destroyed by Hurricane Luis in September 1995. Not sure on the new airport. 2005 maybe??

My first trip was in 1982 or 83. I was in my early 20's and traveling with 2 girlfriends. We booked a package deal and stayed in Phillipsburg. This was my first vacation on my own with friends and we had a blast spending all days on the beach and nights dancing at Studio 7. My biggest impression of the island was of how friendly everyone was. I remember meeting our tour coordinator who was also a young woman for an island orientation. She told us not to have any worries that the island was very safe. We actually walked from Phillipsburg down to Chesterfield's in the complete dark one night. Picking up hitchhikers was not big deal and was a great way to meet people. The good old days!

My first visit was in '86. I wish I would have gotten to know even more people. And I wish I would have gone to Sam's more. I didn't go to bars that much then, my loss. Sam's was located on Front St down toward the end toward the east.

Our first trip was in the late 80's. I remember Mullet before it was destroyed. We stayed at Pelican right on the beach in F building. The airport was basically a metal shed and the car rental booths were outside and it became a fun negotiation to see who would rent the lowest. No need for reservations before you came as cars and traffic was not an issue. Everyone honked at each other and would stop traffic to talk to someone going the other way and you didn't care. Orient was basically 3-4 stalls of pareos, and trinkets. Nothing like today. Cheris and Maho area was the happening place. Went to Zacharys BBQ that was over the hill by cruise ship dock. Went to Marigot or to P'burg for dinner alot as not that much in Simpson Bay. Snorkelled at Creole Rock. Went to the fort by Divi, and straw market in Marigot. Took a day trip to St Barts. You could park on Frontstreet and never had a problem finding a spot...There were fewer things to do but it was a great trip as we have been returning ever since! So I just rambled on, sorry...what I did do was fall in love with an island and its people and made great friends. It's what keeps my family coming back.

first trip was in dec 1994 stayed at mullet bay leave feb 12 on our 5th trip in villa near orient beach love the orient area <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

First trip was in mid-80s, not sure exactly. Was supposed to be a 3 night 4 day trip but at the end we just could not leave. Our travel agent was able to extend for 2 more days and even then we cried at the airport departure. Have made 20+ trips and every time it is time to leave a tear forms in my eye. Our adventures included trips to Phillipsburg to Land's Radio to make phone calls. Supermarkets didn't have much and what they had could sometimes be a little old. Nothing on Orient except Pedros. First time experience for C/O. The most memorable experience was seeing the blue water and white sand...quite a contrast to NYC beaches.

Carol - I know the new terminal was not open in May 2006 but it was open in May 2007.

Our first two trips were via a cruise ships - 1982 and 1993. In 1982 Backstreet was just a dirt street. The West Indies Tavern had yet to burn down.

Our first stay, not on a cruise, was in 1997. We had fun going around the island, got lost on the back side of Philipsburg,(yes you can get briefly lost), and spent an entire day just checking out the beaches on our map. The first time we drove in to Friar's Beach, you almost needed a 4wd and we thought for sure we missed a turn off and had the wrong road. We have been devotees of Friar's ever since.

The island had experienced several days of heavy rain just before our stay in 1997. As our taxi drove down the huge water filled, pot-hole road to Beachside Villas (which is now paved), I remember thinking, "What did I get us into?". Once again, we have been devotees to BSV ever since.

I remember eating at Turtle Pier, Boathouse, SSBB, Bar de la Mer, and Friar's. The market of choice for us was the old Rams at Cole Bay, or the old Ospay in Simpson Bay. Grocery variety was not nearly like it is now, in my opinion.

We were there only 10 days, and as we flew out, I had tears in my eyes - we had such a good time. I told my husband I wanted to come back again. We have been back every year except 2000.

Our first trip was July 1992. We stayed at Flamboyant on an All Inclusive deal that was very inexpensive at the time. For the first couple of days, we just stayed around Flamboyant. Then we wandered next door to Mercure Simpson and met a very nice young man named Philip who was running a car rental desk in their lobby. He convinced us to rent a car for three days, to better see what the island had to offer. I think we would not have gone back to SXM if we had not seen the rest of the island, driving ourselves. We went into P'burg and Marigot. I really wanted to see Orient Beach. The day we went there was windy and rainy, no one on the beach, no bars, etc. I recall my husband saying: "I don't think much of this beach. Not nice at all!" Now, I think he would sell his soul for a couple of days on Orient.

My first trip was 1985. I stayed at the Divi and it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. I had a room right in back of the beach. The water was crystal clear and so pretty. The people at the hotel were so friendly. I met a beach guy there named Steve so was there every day for me and my friend with a chair and towel. It was top notch. SXM was quiet, not much traffic and unspoiled. Those were the days !!

I remember going in the 90's and all of the rental cars you had to use the bar that you put on the steering wheel, because the crime had been so bad that year.

Doesn't anybody remember when you did not need a passport, only a birth certificate?

Our first trip was November 1985. It was our honeymoon! My husband choose SXM at random, we knew nothing about the island. We stayed at the old Marina Royale ...It was in Marigot right on the marina and we had a second floor balcony...Everyone was so "French" we felt like we were completely out of our element...! We learned fast however...We learned all about haute cuisine that trip...I remember a restaurant in Marigot called Le Buccaneer where we had our first taste of french food..We rented a "mini moke" and had a blast...we visited all the beaches..When we stopped at Baie Rouge we discovered some folks were "sans" bathing suits! Well, we were shocked (however, we quickly jointed them) and never looked back. SXM was a very different place in 1985...there was nothing on Orient, but Pedros and Club O..it was so much fun...We spent the rest of the trip on Orient...Lots of great memories...we are making our next trip in July..staying at Club O..cannot wait..our first summer trip..yah!!

It was 1988. I was my first trip to SXM and to the Caribbean. Staying @ my brother’s BEAUTIFUL Pelican timeshare unit (those were the days.) It was December and we left from PHL but was I too stupid to even know to leave my coat in the car at the airport. I’ll NEVER forget getting the taxi and looking around marveling at the tropical scenery. I said to the taxi driver... Oh my G-d what a beautiful day and such a beautiful place and he turned to me with the biggest brightest smile and said Miss, EVERYDAY HERE BEAUTIFUL. I’ll never forget that. And when I think about I have to agree with him.

Please let me know your thoughts on L'Hoste. We're planning on staying there in July. We've been to OB several times, but decided to stay somewhere new.

Several months prior to our first visit to SXM I discovered TTOL and asked a lot of questions and read lots of threads. Armed with many suggestions we were on our way. Having no idea about logistics, we booked the Divi . Except for our first full day we spent every day checking out different beaches and going offsite for all of our dinners. Had we known all the things we wanted to see, do and eat were not in close proximity to the Divi we'd have picked a different location to stay. Aside from not liking our hotel choice we enjoyed the vacation so much we returned twice more that year.

The other thing I wished we hadn’t done was cram a day to Anguilla into our first vacation in St. Martin. We should have traveled off the island for a subsequent visit.

David probably wishes we hadn't traveled during Lent as he gives up "sweets" and was unable to indulge in any desserts during our week long stay.

glo. Yes. I remember when you didn't need a passport to visit SXM. In fact, I got my first passport right before that changed because my traveling companion said it is easier to travel with a passport.

Wow, Le Buccaneer! He was an American trying to compete with the French in Marigot. Nice guy, but I think he closed up the next year. I was first there in 1983, Orient also had Robert's Water Ferry to Green cay. I still see Robert at Orient every once in a while.

Our first trip to SXM was 3/20 - 3/27/1983! Coincidentally, I was just looking at our photo album of that vacation. We knew nothing....relied on the travel agent. We stayed at the Maho. What a beach there was then...long, wide, sea grape trees, palm trees. We have a picture of me flat out on the lounge chair, white as white can be, stretching every fiber of my being toward the sun. The OP asked if we would have changed anything...Yeah...sunscreen would have been smart. I never needed sunblock before. Then again, I'd never been south of New York. What a burn. Anyway, the beach was so beautiful, we used that as our base beach. We did rent a car....Drove all around. Our very first experience with "real" French food. First time I had escargot. The chef (honest to God) came out to show me how to get the snail out of the shell with the eyelash curler it was served in. That was in P'Burg. Can't imagine where or what it was because it was fine, fine French food. There was also a little beach bar on the Boardwalk called Pinnochio's. Best banana daiquiri. In Grand Case, I remember eating at the "Rainbow Cafe." All the waiter could say in English was, "American Express, don't leave home without it." What a meal....we had a booth right on the water where we were joined by the house Siamese cat. In those days all the restaurants had cats in them because of the mice. Same deal at Caravanserai (sp?). I remember that meal as being not so good, something about undercooked veal? (I gave the rest to the cat!) On Marigot Harbor, we ate at L'Aventure up on the hill. Another really cute French waiter with whom I was so excited to speak French. Then when he came, I was too embarrassed & could only choke out, "Deux Gin et Tonics, s'il vous plait." I had my first Salade Nicoise.....so good.

We went to the casino (1st time) at the Maho one night after I had a little too much to drink (ahem). I must have been so annoying at the table because I kept splitting tens and WINNING. Everybody was rolling their eyes when all of a sudden the lady dealer said to the table, "Leave her alone, mon. It's women's in-two-wishin." I won $350 at blackjack (lost it all the next night after the snail fiasco).

That was that...we spent 25 years after that trying out different islands, when I didn't realize that it's SXM that's special. We went back in 2008 & the fever hit me like a hammer. I'd like to make it a yearly (heck monthly) trip, but my husband didn't get the fever. My 24-year-old daughter came with us this year, and she got the fever. She better hurry up and get a job so she can start taking me with her!

Anyway, I love St. Martin & I never want to go anywhere else (except Italy).
Go and enjoy!

P.S. A passport was needed in 1983. I'm looking at mine right now!

My 1st trip was in 1978 off a cruise ship – and we spent the entire trip on Front Street – and all I can really remember is the Courthouse. We returned in 1991 again on a cruise ship & took a cab to Mullet Bay Beach – gorgeous! Then in 1997 we spent 1 week at the Pelican in the lower B building and have been back once or twice a year ever since. We rented a car (and I do remember the security bars across the steering wheel!) and spent most of our beach days at Orient. Dinner was in Grand Case – l’Alabama, Sebastiano’s, le Pressoir, Rainbow Club, and a restaurant whose name I cannot remember but it had a hammock with a mannequin on the front porch. I remember Ric’s Place in P’burg for lunch. There was a bulletin board that was a precursor to TTOL I can remember reading & printing their info – so while we got “confused” regularly (Don never gets “lost”) we did have a game plan of what we wanted to do and see. And we keep on coming back…

Our first trip there was in 1987, and somewhat by accident. It was definitely pre-internet and we were dealing with a travel agency, who was setting up a trip to Aruba for us. About two months before we were leaving, she called and said the flights to Aruba were being cancelled for some reason, and wanted to rebook us to SXM instead. I very reluctantly agreed. We had to travel about 16 hours through various airports and finally got to the Sea Palace late at night. We thought it was the only building on the street it was that dark and quiet. Woke up the next morning at 11 a.m. (I never sleep that late!!)and couldn't believe the view. Went outside and couldn't believe there were all these little shops on the street. My husband still jokes about the $19 Seiko watch he bought that first trip. The roads were in really rough shape (or non-existent) and potholes everywhere (they've been replaced with speed bumps). Eventually made it to Aruba, and while nice, it doesn't draw us back like SXM does.

Our first trip was in the late 70's but I cannot remember which year. We stayed at Le Gallion. Luis took that out and just a shell of the building is left. I have not gone over there in many years so maybe everything has been removed. We used to walk on the path from Le Gallion over to Club Orient. Only Club O and Pedros was on the beach at that time. The one restaurant I remember was Yvettes. The next year we stayed at Club O, Luis also took those buildings out, and I remember we met the US Ambassador to Chad who was also staying there. I still have his business card. After that we visited many other islands in the Caribbean annually for 20 years. We were back in probably 1990 or so for a day trip when we stayed on Anquilla for a week. Finally we returned to SXM in 2000, staying at Club O for four years and bought our condo at Caribbean Princess in November of 2003 and we go down twice a year now. Obviously, the changes have been amazing. My problem is that the years blend together; the big things like Luis and the new airport really stick out but some of you people amaze me with your recall of places and being able to put specific years on the events.

2003. I had to go to sxm for work. Can you believe the luck? I landed a great job in international business right out of college. I have to travel all over the Caribbean. Anyway, sxm is my favorite. I love the mix of cultures. My first trip I spent at Haho but visited several spots on the island. It lasted 3 days. Two months later I brought my wife back and we had a proper vacation. We vacation here at least once a year.

Our first trip was also to Flamboyant but in 1991 (because it was all-inclusive..must be a Canadian thing, eh). We were actually booked into Flamboyant II which later became the Belvedere Hotel in French Cul de Sac. Once we were seated on the plane the stewardess asked for us to identify ourselves, our hearts skipped a beat thinking this was not good news, we had teenage children at home <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />. However, she told us we were being transferred to Flamboyant I as II was not ready for guests.

After being assigned our room we walked to the bar beside the pool. My wife let out a very loud "OH NO"! Seems they had Double Diamond Beer on tap (one of my favourites)...and it was all inclusive! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> Yes, I did OD by the end of the week.

For beach time we would walk to Baie Rouge and come back mid afternoon. One of the best things we did was take a bus tour of the island which is how we discovered Orient Beach and Club Orient. The only dowside is we did not discover Grand Case until the next year.

After the first visit we were "hooked" and now looking forward to trip 20 in June.

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