TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Quick Observations

We have been here for nine days. A few things I have noticed include:
1) The island is very dependent on cruise ship passengers right now. When no cruise ships are in port, there are very few visitors here comparatively speaking. I realize this will improve once more accommodations are available
2) Because many of the old restaurants are still closed or washed away, the ones that are open for business are doing fairly well. We have eaten at Greenhouse, Sale and Pepe, Pineapple Pete's, Driftwood Boat Bar, Mario Bistro and El Zafiro and with the exception of El Zafiro, all have been quite busy which is good to see.
3) Grocery stores are very busy. Went to Super U in Marigot and could hardly find a parking spot. Busiest I have EVER seen it.
4) Local folks seem to be more appreciative of visitors. I know it's the friendly island but in recent years it had lost some of its luster. I hope it stays this way.
5) We are staying at El Zafiro and it is a nice property. People here are extremely nice and we have made many new friends. But, Simpson Bay Beach is much rougher and more windy than I expected. It doesn't bother me but the wife is not a fan. We have gone to Mullet several times as a result.
6) We have never felt unsafe although we haven't ventured out as much. The island has more of the vibe we experienced when we first came in 1995.
7) We saw Bill and Elaine at Hole In The Wall last Friday night but did not speak as we didn't want to interrupt them. They have no idea who we are but if I told them where we were sitting they would possibly remember us. I will say, they were behaving themselves

Will post more when I have the time. Cheers!

Thanks for the report! I surely don't ever remember seeing the parking lot at Super U jammed, as that is a HUGE parking lot!


I kind of like the wind along Simpson Bay, as it keeps the bugs away. Truthfully I don't go in the water much though, as I love to just sit and look at it! Do you have a full kitchen in your room there? I thought they only had a microwave and small fridge?

How was Mullet? People have been saying that it is flat, no big drop off these days? Is Rosie still only serving ribs and chicken when there are ships in?

You should have come over! We could have misbehaved. LOL It was a fun evening as always. Think that was the night we left and were dragged back in before we got to the parking lot!

Been pretty rough all over the island with lots of wind. Sand blasted twice on Orient this week. Two days ago, for the first time ever, I could not get in the sea. There are small craft warnings out due to the height of the seas but I believe it will calm down soon. Going to give Cupecoy a try today.

And Carol, I'm not telling the Super U trick either!

Well, gee, Elaine, I always thought you were a GIVING kind of person!!

Sounds like Mullet must have been calm again.
I love it when it's like that. Paradise!!

Hole In The Wall is great. We went both Fridays after a quick
dinner at Bavaria. Perfect night and good company!

Since you are still there try Snoopys for a casual fun night.
I only read one negative comment, but everyone else seems to enjoy it.
Also Spagetti House and Isola.

Have fun.....hope the wind calms down.

Elaine and Carol---what's the secret???

Terry and Carol,

From my perspective, the ‘secret’ might be to have Jeannie/Shopndrop pre-stock your unit and avoid the whole issue, but we all know I HATE TO SHOP! And I do know there are those who enjoy it.....though I’ll never understand why!

Thanks to CaribLee for the up to date thoughts, observations and opinions. Kudos to all of you who have chosen to return earlier rather than later. We did that after Luis in ‘95 and I just couldn’t face it this time around though I’m missing the island like crazy and can’t wait for the Fall to get here.

And a thought about the rough waters at ElZafiro - I don’t think I’ve ever been there when that specific area of Simpson Bay Beach was totally calm but it sounds like rough seas around most of the island. Funny, though, that so many are talking about how calm Mullet is but that’s Mullet at its finest and those calm waters and no shelf are the two best parts of my perfect ‘Mullet Kind of Day!’

Hi--Just trying to find out when it's a good time to go to the grocery store and get a parking spot!

Pat--as I've said before, I really enjoy grocery shopping on SXM.

And as I’ve said so many times, if given the options, I’d rather stick pencils in both my eyes than grocery shop under the best of circumstances, and on vacation? As long as there’s a Jeannie/genie, not my cup of tea for sure!

There is a mini fridge and no microwave at El Zafiro. No big deal for us as breakfast is included in the room rate and we eat out the rest of the time. Unfortunately, the shelf has returned at Mullet. Actually there are two shelves--one right next to the chairs and another shortly after you enter the water. No biggie for me but the wife has a little trouble. Rosie has the full menu when cruise ships are in but only sandwiches otherwise. We went Wednesday when there were no cruise ships and were dissapointed to find no grilled ribs or chicken.

We are probably going again tonight so if you are there, we will introduce ourselves. We are good friends with Bob so we like to support him when we can.

I expect you'll see us!

Have fun!!

OK, thanks. I wasn't sure on that. Not even a microwave??

Sorry to hear about the shelf at Mullet. Will definitely check out the cruise ship schedule before we head to Mullet, as I would be very disappointed with no ribs or chicken too.

I think if your going to be on Island for a few weeks!!! getting your fridg packed is a good idea. and it sounds like jeannie is the one. we are usally on Island for 3 monthes in the winter, not this past winter due to repairs and hurricane. but I would probably have it done for us, but husband loves to shop, and has taken over the job since retired.. He will go from place to place to get the best price... No not me but we happen to live together... He knows all the best places for food, and would never ever have anyone shop for him... for me???? I caved in... You want to run all over for food??? be my guest... Ebinizer scrooge... Too each his own... If he does it here in Pa. he will do it anywhere.l

We shop. being on Island for months at a time does not afford a shopping person, although jeannie has a great reputation. thats ok for a week for two or even three. after that, its not a good option . We shop we save by shopping and having been on Island for many years we shop where we get the best food at great prices.. but thats us... Having anyone doing your shopping is going to cost more, and thats ok for some not for all

Thanks for your observations. I know two of my favorites, the The Palms and St Maarten Yacht Club are also open and glad to have your business. Staying at El Zafiro in October.

Ate at St. Maarten Yacht Club yesterday for lunch and it was really good with large portions. Service was top notch as well.

Does anyone have the menu from Sale and Pepe?

I could not find on their FB page, they don't appear to have a regular website....

Thanks!

Leona,

I don’t have a menu but I’m thinking if anyone does, it might be Lesley or Shirley since I know they eat there a lot and really enjoy it.

But don’t despair if you don’t get a hit on the menu - the food is all very good with lots of variety. You might want to inquire as to whether a reservation is needed or not. In high season, yes but we’ve not been on Island since the b itch, Irma, and that may have changed.

Counting down the days and hours I’m sure.....I know I am but my days are measured in hundreds. But we’ll get there eventually....... 😊😊

10 days!!!! I'm losing it! lol

Of course it's a crazy busy time at work, and I'm also trying to get rental property ready for June 1st. Yeah, I'm crazy..too many things going on. (can I just go back to bed?)

But hey, hubby's birthday just happened to fall on these dates!

Edit: Forgot to mention, we are also bringing 2 cats back from St Martin! Their owner no longer can deal with the French side, no job, going back to Europe. They will be adopted here.

I will be watching for your photos. Hope you enjoy your trip as much as we did. Thanks again for posting our photos!
They will welcome you!
Cheers

Ate there last night and all outside tables were full so I would make a reservation just to be safe. Don't have a menu but lasagna and pasta dishes are very good. They have a varied menu and nightly specials so you will find something you like.