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Decision Made for 1st trip! #32870
01/08/2015 09:57 PM
01/08/2015 09:57 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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VIRGINIA
Thank you for all the help in our decision making for our trip next month! Obviously many of the places that were recommended were booked for our short notice plans, even Rasputin's awesome recommendation! We have made reservations in Nettle Bay Beach Club and the beach front villa looks our speed. I know the beach is small compared to most of the hot spots, but this is an exploratory trip to see what the island has to offer. We will have a car and will be checking out as many of the beaches as we can in one week, including a day trip to Anguilla. Our family of 3 have been yearly visitors to the USVI/BVI for the last 30+ years and this will be our first solo trip without our daughter who is in college, funny thing is that she's the only one with 4 years of French <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Hope you don't mind but I'll be posting a lot of questions before we arrive?! First being....we'll be renting a car, do I need an International drivers license? By the way, I like writing looooong trip reports with photo's! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

[Linked Image]

SXM Sponsors
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32871
01/08/2015 09:59 PM
01/08/2015 09:59 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Welcome to the world of St. Martin, and no, you don't need an international license for St. Martin/St. Maarten.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: pat] #32872
01/08/2015 11:34 PM
01/08/2015 11:34 PM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 45
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jandbruce Offline
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Welcome from another Va. Couple, the area that u will be staying is the road around the island. Just stay on. Main road and u will see all the beaches by signs as u travel. The nearest great place is Dreams just down the road is a perfect place for lunch an depending the day, night bar an dinner....you should pass by the Dreams on the left side on the way to Nettles Bay. Also Layla's beach Bar and lunch is close by too. Marigot is maybe 10 mins. Max.... Enjoy your visit...

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: jandbruce] #32873
01/08/2015 11:44 PM
01/08/2015 11:44 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 460
Estes Park, CO
Yana Offline
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Yana  Offline
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Estes Park, CO
You will need Anguilla issued Drivers License if you want to rent a car there. Taxi is available at ferry dock and will take you anyplace you want to go. They drive on left hand side just like USVI/BVI.


There is no place like SXM.
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: Yana] #32874
01/09/2015 12:19 AM
01/09/2015 12:19 AM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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VIRGINIA
Thanks for the greetings! I'll need to research the Anguilla permit, I assume a car is better than taxis if we want to tour the whole island? We'll have a car on SXM so where's the best ferry to get to Anguilla? Next question is where is the best grocery shopping between the airport and Nettles Bay? We would like to provision a few things for our first day or two? BEER and WINE! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32875
01/09/2015 08:09 AM
01/09/2015 08:09 AM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
mprevo Offline
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mprevo  Offline
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Michigan
Sounds like you are in for a great trip. I am sure that you will get many suggestions on where to “stock up” when you arrive. Probably the best suggestion that I received here is to let Jeannie from Shop N Drop do it for you.

http://www.shopndropgrocerysxm.com/

All you have to do is place your order online before you leave and everything is waiting for you once you arrive in your condo (including the ice for the drinks). How perfect is that? Anyways another piece of advice you will get here is that if you stop for supplies on your way from the airport to your condo do NOT leave your car unattended with your luggage inside (even in the trunk). There has been a problem with getting your car broke into at this time. So it is best to just leave somebody in the car or use Jeannie with no worries. Hope you have a great trip.

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32876
01/09/2015 08:32 AM
01/09/2015 08:32 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 210
North Carolina
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Cats2 Offline
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North Carolina
Hubby and I planned to go to SXM only once for a land vacation, had been 7 times on cruise ship. We made a list of what we wanted to do everyday so we could take in many things the island had to offer. We did stick to that agenda because if we had not we would have ask ourselves on the way home why we missed this or that. We have been going back now for the last 8 years. The 1st trip was 7 days...then 8 days..and we are up to 14 days. We usually do most of our days on Orient with only going to the other favorite beaches 2-3 days. We did our research here on TTOL, ask questions and narrowed down what we could do on our 1st visit.

A lot of people(both men and women) love the Tijon classes but I have not made that a piority yet. Tijon.com has info and there are reports on Trip Advisor about the classes. I know folks on this board that have been there several times and maybe they will chime in. On Cruise Critic board I see posts where a lot of people on ships take cabs there when they dock for the classes so they must be pretty good.

We never stay out real late and try to be mindful of our surrounding. Hope you guys enjoy your vacation.

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32877
01/09/2015 08:43 AM
01/09/2015 08:43 AM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 209
Maryland
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ScottW Offline
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Maryland
No need to research the permit. Both times we went for the day, we took the ferry and just walked up to one of the people renting cars. They just include the cost of the permit. Both times, the car was not what you would want to drive at home, but it served its purpose. Easy island to navigate and little traffic.
Having been to Virgin Gorda and SXM twice each in the last 3 years, there is no doubt they are very different, but we love them both.
Scott

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32878
01/09/2015 09:21 AM
01/09/2015 09:21 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Beerman--as I told you, that beach is not a very good beach. Make sure you bring beach shoes.

As far as groceries, huhm, what day are you arriving? If you're arriving on Sunday after 2 PM, (and don't decide to use Jeannie at Shop N Drop) the answer is different.


Carol Hill
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: Carol_Hill] #32879
01/09/2015 09:44 AM
01/09/2015 09:44 AM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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We arrive on a saturday. Carol I considered your warning, but remember my Key West trip?....that rocky beach was awesome!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> also this will be basically base camp for us, we'll be moving around a lot. Who knows, if we fall in love with the island we will plan well ahead next time, I like the look of Anse Marcel?? Look already planning the next trip <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32880
01/09/2015 10:35 AM
01/09/2015 10:35 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Central Florida!
Anse Marcel is kind of a different view than you will get most anywhere else, beautiful! You might like Oyster Pond also.


Carol Hill
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32881
01/09/2015 10:54 AM
01/09/2015 10:54 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Rasputin Offline
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For groceries your first day, your best bet will be the Grand Marche at Porto Cupecoy. You will be driving right by it from the airport on the way to Baie Nettle.

There is also a small French Market (used to be called the Royale, I forget it's current name) located in Baie Nettle (Nettle Bay). Also in Nettle Bay, there is a French Bakery where you can get wonderful morning pastries or a baquette.

And you best bet for Pizza to go is a Pizza place on your way to Marigot that is at the entrance to Simply Market.


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: Rasputin] #32882
01/09/2015 10:57 AM
01/09/2015 10:57 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Grand Marche at Porto Cupecoy will work unless they are coming in after 2 on Sunday. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

As far as pizza, if you're talking about Drive Inn Pizza, island friends said they went there recently and it was NOT good.. When was the last time you were there? Inquiring minds...


Carol Hill
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: Carol_Hill] #32883
01/09/2015 11:00 AM
01/09/2015 11:00 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Rasputin Offline
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He already said he is arriving on a Saturday.

No I haven't been to Drive In Pizza in the last few months.
If it is the same owners, I can't imagine it being not good!?


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: Rasputin] #32884
01/09/2015 11:03 AM
01/09/2015 11:03 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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OK, sorry, missed that!

I was shocked when she said it wasn't good, as they are long time Drive Inn Pizza fans.


Carol Hill
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32885
01/09/2015 12:02 PM
01/09/2015 12:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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EdB  Offline
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Boynton Beach, FL
Enjoy your first trip. since you will be staying on SXM for only one week, may i suggest scrapping your plans for the day trip to Anguilla. With over thirty beaches on Saint Martin, why waste a day going over to Anguilla? When we did the Anguilla thing years ago, we were not impressed at all....except for looking across the bay and seeing the mountains of Saint Martin. You will find seven days you won't get to do even a third of the things you want to do. LOL Sand Gravity takes over.

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32886
01/09/2015 03:04 PM
01/09/2015 03:04 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Offline
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Tom  Offline
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Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hope you like what you see in SXM. We are enjoying our last day of 2 weeks and will return to frigid PA tomorrow.
Hope your vacation is one that you will long remember. We are some of the 25+ years club on ttol so we may help if you ever need it.

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32887
01/09/2015 04:05 PM
01/09/2015 04:05 PM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 662
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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JohnandBev Offline
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 662
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Our free advice
Use Jeannies ShopnDrop for intial unit stocking, you only have a wk, saves time the 1st couple of days
If you go out at night and want to cab - try Wilfred Brooks a sponsor, nice man, and dependable
Get the SXM nights booklet at the airport, has a map, as will your rental.
I would not go to Anguilla, you only have a week, eventually you'll go, but instead I suggest a round island boat trip. You'll see / go to beaches from a different perspective - lots of good tour operator choices for sail or power.
Beaches - Orient, Mullet, Friars Bay, Anse Marcel, all different
SMYC for happy hour, go the their web site to get the bridge causeway times so you can keep the info in the car so you don;t get caught in the lineups
Marigot, coffee and croissant at a bakery, walk around the market, we go the french linen lady, there is local jewellery, but double check some is local as in sold on island, some is local as made on island! - Note the Marigot Marina is not by the ocean - our 1st time we kept walking around thinking we had missed the resto we wanted to go to, until someone directed us the marina which is on the lagoon side, duh ....
Tons more won't even start a resto debate
Read the trip reposts in the archives and have fun
J&B

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: JohnandBev] #32888
01/09/2015 04:54 PM
01/09/2015 04:54 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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VIRGINIA
You guys are awesome on this forum! I have a nice list of to do's growing!!

Layla's Beach Bar....thanks for mentioning, this is our kinda place, reminds me of Coral Bay, St John!!

Anguilla..not sure now? but I know I don't need a special license if we decide to go!

Jeannie for provisioning!!

French Market in Baie Nettle! need my coffee!

DREAMS! Looks great, we love sushi...and pizza!

SMYC Happy Hour, no brainer YES!!

Tom, it's been bitter cold up here, hope you packed a sweater!!

Oh and the main thing I noted...budget for 2 weeks next year because it's gonna be blast!!

Keep the info flowing please! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32889
01/09/2015 05:25 PM
01/09/2015 05:25 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,585
Eric_Hill Offline

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If you want and the kids especially like to see the planes up close and personal, check the arrival times for KLM (747) -- talk about a "blast"! <img src="http://65.246.19.145/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

And of course the camera, because nobody will believe the picture anyway! <img src="http://65.246.19.145/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


Eric Hill
TTOL Sponsors
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: Eric_Hill] #32890
01/09/2015 09:31 PM
01/09/2015 09:31 PM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,056
PA
biglar Offline
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biglar  Offline
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PA
I may be in the minority here, but you will love Anguilla, even on your first trip. It will be a long day. Check out the ferry schedule online and go as early as you can and stay as late as you can. Don't forget to take your passport. Rent the car and head towards the Cuisinart Resort. You will love the place and make sure you tour the Hydroponic Farm with Howard Resh. A short drive to the left when you exit the place will take you to the Dune Preserve which is owned by Bankie Banx. Great beach and food at this location. From here you may want to head to Shoal Bay East for a stop at Gwen's. Roads are less traveled than on SXM and easy to maneuver, but get a map before you go. You may take a day from you SXM experience, but you won't regret it. You can always double up on the SXM beaches a few days to make up for it. We stay in the Orient area every year, but still get to our favorites on the Dutch side. And even after close to 15 years we still like the hustle and bustle of Maho for dinner and plane watching. Don't miss that if you've never seen it.

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip!t [Re: BEERMAN] #32891
01/09/2015 11:58 PM
01/09/2015 11:58 PM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 45
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jandbruce Offline
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Hello from Va. U do not need a drivers permit per say, included in car rental.. But if I were u I would hire a taxi for the day. They are quick to take u want to go, or let him take u to one end or the other but I sure u can not do the who island in one day...So decide what's areas u want to explore!!! Let taxi do the driving, since u have to drive on the left side of road!!!!!! Fun driving but stressful as u will make a turn and drive on wrong side of road and meet a car head on!,,,

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip!t [Re: jandbruce] #32892
01/10/2015 10:17 AM
01/10/2015 10:17 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Central Florida!
Beerman has visited USVI and the BVI often, so the driving on the 'wrong' side doesn't bother him.


Carol Hill
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32893
01/12/2015 02:18 PM
01/12/2015 02:18 PM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 76
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Mpant Offline
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We will also be at Nettle Bay first 2 weeks in February
Don't miss Pinel and Friars Bay. Also Anse Marcel
and Paradise view
We took Lambada to Prickly Pear on Anguilla . Very enjoyable day
Have fun!

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32894
01/13/2015 05:34 PM
01/13/2015 05:34 PM
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 28
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NYCGAL Offline
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Just a heads up that Anguilla is a British Island and they drive on the left...

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: NYCGAL] #32895
01/14/2015 05:20 PM
01/14/2015 05:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4
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cindik Offline
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4
Hi,

Congrats on your 1st trip to SXM! We stayed at Nettle Bay Beach Club a few years back and were really disappointed. The beach had A LOT of glass, so I agree, bring beach shoes! Also, water was very rough and not suitable for swimming IMHO and I am a certified life guard. Definitely not for our children. It seemed a little run down again IMHO. We have now happily moved to Orient Bay on our SXM trips and LOVE it! Also enjoy spending the day at Mullet, which is close to Nettle Bay. At Mullet, you have to try the BBQ at Rosie's - excellent chicken and ribs! Enjoy!

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: cindik] #32896
01/14/2015 07:22 PM
01/14/2015 07:22 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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Thanks for the info. This is a fairly last minute trip and not having been there before we are kinda wing'n it! We are the type to gravitate away from the crowds and the bigger resorts so our online searches of beach front resulted in few options. We searched hard for Grand Case based on a TTOL'ers recommendation, found some very cool looking villas on the beach there that were unfortunately booked. We don't have high expectations, but we do want clean and safe accommodations with a view for our base camp and I think we'll get that! I like writing detailed trip reports and I will report on what I find!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Edited to include our family motto borrowed from a USVI bumper sticker "POSITIVE IS HOW WE LIVE"!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by BEERMAN; 01/14/2015 07:34 PM.
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32897
01/14/2015 07:35 PM
01/14/2015 07:35 PM
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.
As a seasoned Caribbean visitor, if not a SXMer yet, you'll be fine. It is what it is and while it may not be the top pick of the island resorts or of the vast majority who visit, if you're willing to go with the flow you'll do just fine! We went tent camping on St. John once and people said we were nuts, but we used it as our base and had a ball on St. John, St. Thomas and Virgin Gorda. As a seasoned island visitor, What's not to like about the Caribbean as long as your accommodations are clean and convenient? Enjoy the island and the vacation. <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: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32898
01/14/2015 08:35 PM
01/14/2015 08:35 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 151
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cessnaflyr2 Offline
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Beerman, We just got back Monday. As I posted a couple of weeks ago we had a great pizza at Dreams but service was something to be desired. Had our best service and absolutely best lunch at Layla's. Also Izi for Italian across from Pineapple Pete's(which is always good also) has been really good. Don't forget Talk of the Town in Grand Case for barbecue chicken. Cheapest meal you will have on island. Just to chime in here on your limited time I would bag the Anguilla trip(IMO). Don't forget to stop at Madoudoo for hot sauce. They have a store downtown Phburg which is easier access than the store up by Orient. Our favorite beach this trip was Mullet just past Maho and Bai Rouge West of Dreams/Laylas up on Sandy Ground. Both places have awesome beach food, chairs umbrellas etc. Also go to Van Dorp bookstore or the Mailbox, both in Simpson bay) for Michael Kasprowki"s map of SXM. The detail and info is terrific. Van Dorp's is on the right if you are coming from the airport toward Phburg. Also Cheri's in downtown Maho is always good for a nice lunch. We also had a super Italian dinner at the courtyard restaurant off of the casino up by Cupecoy. Don't recall the name. You can park in the casino lot and walk through the casino and it is right by the roadside. Also had a fun lunch with the two gals at Coco's up at Orient. We preferred the small place out by the beach rather than the larger one further back because of the service from the two ladies there. Have Fun!

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: pat] #32899
01/14/2015 08:54 PM
01/14/2015 08:54 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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VIRGINIA
Now you're talking Pat!....I was 19 in the very early 80's when I started camping at Cinnamon Bay. Enjoyed many years of these "guys" trips, favorite pastime was to take a small (somewhat clean) plastic trash can from our "cottage" and mix a $1 bottle of rum with "expensive" cans of fruit juice and dip our cups in that concoction all day...called it jungle juice. Then in the late 80's I met my girlfriend and took her to St John (nah, not a tent, Gallows Point!), proposed to her there, honeymooned there....I haven't drank from a trash can ever since, she makes me use a glass! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: cessnaflyr2] #32900
01/14/2015 09:29 PM
01/14/2015 09:29 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
B
BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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VIRGINIA
Cessnaflyr2 thanks for the new additions to our list! Mullet and Baie Rouge are high on the list, as is Dreams! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: Eric_Hill] #32901
01/14/2015 09:30 PM
01/14/2015 09:30 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
If you need Half&Half for yout coffe get it at Maho Market or Porto Cupecoy Grand Marche. French grocery at NB and Simply at Sandy Grounds have no reliable supply. Anse Marcel is worth the trip, it has very nice beach and it is an adventure to drive there over very steep hill.


There is no place like SXM.
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32902
01/14/2015 09:37 PM
01/14/2015 09:37 PM
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.
Okay, even on our stateside camping trips we've never felt the urge to mix our drinks in a garbage can but I can imagine a guys camp out group doing so. I've even heard of them lining their pick- up truck beds with a heavy duty plastic liner and filling it with water and using it as their private splash pool. Nope! Haven't done that one either although at least one of the young men who used to hang with my kids did and lived to tell us about it and laugh about it after the fact.

We 'camped' at Maho Bay and, aside from the steps, we loved it and we absolutely loved the peace and tranquility found there. But I hated those steps and I figured out on day one you didn't want to forget any beach items and have to go back up for them.

I guess I'm in the small minority here but I really do think with the right mindset, i.e. "it doesn't have to be a palace as long as it's clean" and "I will make my own good time regardless of what others have experienced" and you will have a great time.

My suggestions - on Sunday morning get up early and dress for beaching and take an around the island ride staying on the main road and you'll get a great over-sight as to what and where things are for future reference.

Check out as many beaches as you can - they're all different and all have different personalities. We love Mullet, Simpson Bay Beach, Friars Bay Beach and Ans Marcel Beach. But not to be missed are Cupecoy, Rouge, and Orient, to name but a few others.

If you can squeeze it in, I'm one who would do the Anguilla trip just to say you did and to catch a glimpse of some of the most beautiful and environmentally natural beaches in the Caribbean.

Bring lots of money, several bathing suits, and don't get too hung up on dress clothes......it really is a relatively casual island.

Don't leave anything in your car, not even locked in the trunk or the glovebox and do ask your car rental company about how he wants the "lock it/don't lock it" issue handled and finally, use the same precautions you would take in the VIs and the chances are it will be a good and incident free trip.

And lastly, a huge dollar saver if you're planning on visiting some of the more remote beaches, or even on the main beaches if you're of a mind, is to consider renting chairs and umbrellas and even a beach cooler if you think you might use one - from Pack-lite. Their weekly price is not much more than two days of chair rentals on the popular beaches and then you are free to eat wherever you want - even picnic style if you're of a mind to and you aren't locked into using the more expensive eateries that include their chair rentals in the restaurant prices.

Have a wonderful time and take pictures, lots of them. But why do I think this may just be the first if many trips to come.... <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: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: pat] #32903
01/14/2015 09:56 PM
01/14/2015 09:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Rasputin Offline
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Rasputin  Offline
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Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
First trip to island, and only 7 days, I'd say there is more to do than one can fit in, so I'd suggest skipping Anguilla (and yes, I've been there). But everyone has a different opinion.


<sub>However, mine is the only correct one.</sub> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: pat] #32904
01/14/2015 10:01 PM
01/14/2015 10:01 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
Pat and Yana, Anse Marcel is at the top of our list actually! and Pat, I've stayed at Maho and I agree with the steps! It's a shame that the property has been sold, we are lucky to have spent time there! Plans are to do a driving tour the first day to get our bearings. Thanks for the casual dress info I was going to ask. I'm a flip flops, shorts and beach shirt guy, my wife sundresses or shorts for dinner is that ok at most? Are there places where we need a little dressier?

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32905
01/14/2015 10:08 PM
01/14/2015 10:08 PM
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.
There is room for every mode of dress though I recall reading somewhere, perhaps here?, that one of the casinos won't permit sandals on men.

DH always wears shorts and a nicer shirt for dinner in the more upscale places, and a sundress or nice dress shorts/capris and top would take your wife anywhere. There are many places where beach shorts and a tee shirt might not be appropriate but there are plenty more casual places where it would be fine. It's basically no different than what you're used to doing in the VIs.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32906
01/14/2015 10:17 PM
01/14/2015 10:17 PM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 209
Maryland
S
ScottW Offline
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ScottW  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 209
Maryland
If you are a fan of long beach walks, try Baie Rouge. Sand is a little deep, but good exercise on a mostly deserted beach. You'll pass some beautiful beachfront homes. 2 beach bars for cold beers and lunch.
We stayed on Plum Beach last year and the long walks were great. No services on Plum Beach.
Scott

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: ScottW] #32907
01/14/2015 10:36 PM
01/14/2015 10:36 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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VIRGINIA
Baie Rouge does sound nice! What other quiet beaches have a beach bar? Dont get me wrong, we like quiet but we plan to check out Orient, Maho etc as well. My current list will take an additional 2 weeks <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Re: Decision Made for 1st trip! [Re: BEERMAN] #32908
01/15/2015 11:44 AM
01/15/2015 11:44 AM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 35
Nothern Ohio
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jmasons Offline
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jmasons  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 35
Nothern Ohio
For what it is worth save your time and money and just spend your time on St Maarten, not Anguilla


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