Time share is a risky business in SXM now. that said, we love having 5 weeks in a row at the Towers. It is like coming home every year to the same staff and the friends we have made in the last 20 years. But if I couldn't take an occasional trip elsewhere as well, I would not want to be locked in to this one place. There are many units for sale by owners here at the Towers as well as other places. The timeshare population is aging and we all know you never get back what you paid, so many are going for "a song".

We have always booked our flights first and have never had difficulty finding a place to stay. We enjoy going when the urge hits us, not being locked into certain weeks, and trying different resorts. Each to their own, of course, and everyone is different. What I never understood about timeshares is why anyone would want to take a chance on what 'might' happen 10, 15, 20 years down the road with any resort, especially in St. Maarten, where there is little protection. Like those folks who bought at Pelican thinking they had a great view of the water, only to have huge new buildings go up in front of them. That, plus the often ridiculous maintenance fees. We have always gotten good deals on places to stay without the hassle and worry of what might come. But, as I said, each to their own. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Ed

Thank you one and all for your comments, replies and experiences. I think that we will take a look around, with eyes wide open, during our next trip, but it appears that the risk is much greater in SXM than with our Aruba TS. In the mean time, we will continue to visit this awesome island, hang out on Orient Beach and stick with the smaller hotels near Orient Village until the right opportunity presents it self. Thanks!