We just got a trade from a studio in Aruba to a 1 BR here for next May. Any thoughts on location, resort, nearby restaurants & markets would be welcome. We stayed a couple weeks each last year at Oyster Beach Resort & Simpson Bay Resort so we're hoping for a week at each of those as well. Thanks so much.

That's a pretty general question so I'm not sure what specifically you are looking for. The resort should be completely open by then. I just returned from three weeks there last weekend; resort was perhaps 70% open at that time. It is a well-run resort with very helpful staff.

I prefer units overlooking Little Bay; others prefer Great Bay. Depending upon how physically fit you are, you may or may not want a unit at the top of the hill as it's quite a hike to get there. Golf cars are available, but there isn't always a driver available when you want a ride.

The Carrefour grocery store at the roundabout should be back open by next May; it suffered a fire while I was there and currently is closed. It's probably the largest supermarket on the island. There is a small grocery on the Divi property for emergency items, but it's expensive to shop there.

Opinions on restaurants are very subjective. My best Dutch-side meal was at le Moulin Fou in Maho; my best French-side meal was at Spiga. Several restaurants have reopened in Grand Case; all are very good. A relatively nearby restaurant is Chesterfields in Philipsburg. Many love it; I had a bad meal there and won't be returning anytime soon. There is also Antoine's in downtown Philipsburg, but there really aren't any restaurants "close" to Divi. Mark's Place is next door to Carrefour and has good local food.

If this doesn't provide what you are looking for, please be more specific with what you want to know.

That's a great start for me! I liked Spiga last time and am looking forward to experimenting. Thanks so much.

Back track and read Jazzgirls' reports from her recent trip. You will find them very informative with pictures to match. She keeps herself busy when on SXM.
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Why, thank you, LB12SXM!

We stay next door to Divi @ Belair. jazzgal supplied a great summary of what you can expect. People from both resorts check out food, drink and conversation dependent upon their interests and preferences. Belair is small and Divi is large but both offer close proximity to Philipsburg and good security.

Did Mark’s Place suffer any damage from the fire at Carrefour? We will be there in October at the Divi and usually stop at the market next to Mark’s to pick up a few things before checking in. Hopefully Carrefour will be open.

They are still open and doing well.

No damage at all and open.

Thanks, will read her posts. First we go to Curacao 3 weeks in Sept. Just back last month from 3 weeks in Aruba. Never too much of the great Caribbean. And we already live on the east coast of FL!

Great. Remember discussing Curacao a while back and how we both love that island. 3 weeks sound great to be in Curacao. Never been to Divi in SXM, but that's Jazzgirls home base and her reports are the best. Everything you want to know about SXM are in her posts and I am sure if you have any questions, I would PM her and she would help you with any questions. Have fun in Curacao, wish I was going!