So excited to have gotten a ts trade into this resort for mid-June. It's been 20+ years since the Last time I visited St. Maarten (stayed at Dawn Beach.) This is a girls trip and we've exchanged into a 1 bdrm unit. I've been looking at the resort map that I found online and it looks like buildings D, E or F would be great locations for us. Can anyone tell me if Divi might honor bldg. requests for exchangers if possible? I'm hoping for a room location that will offer great sunset views (photo opps) but am definitely open to suggestions on great view locations

.Also, we will be renting a car so we can check out the beaches etc, but for dinner, I'm looking for a few good restaurant recommendations nearby so we won't be driving all over the island at nite every nite. Thank you.

They will most likely have your exchange request one or two weeks prior tro your arrival date. It certainly will help to ask for accommodations in a certain building but it's based upon availability.

Lot's of restaurants nearby - we always enjoyed Chesterfield's in Great Bay Marina - you can see Chesterfield's accross the bay from the Divi B buildings that face Great Bay.
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Chesterfield's Restaurant

Divi will try to accomodate your building requests but of course, it really depends on availability. Frankly, if you are just looking for sunset photo ops, it is no big deal to walk around the resort periodically to take pictures.
Divi's restaurants have improved markedly over the last year with the hiring of a new executive chef. BUT, I'd say the menu options are fairly limited. If you are staying in the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, you SHOULD drive around and eat at many different places.
Simpson Bay has many good places to eat and is only a short drive away. And of course, you cannot miss Grand Case for a fantastic meal. With the exception of the Fish Pot (which no longer exists) I have never had a bad meal in Grand Case. In fact, I've never had a mediocre meal either. All of them have been outstanding.

One of the best places for sunset photos is by the infinity pool. Since you are a group of women, I would instead make my request for a 1 bedroom unit that has 2 bathrooms! Not all do, and that would make for a better stay than having the perfect sunset view. (Just a suggestion based on trips I take with friends!)

For an excellent dinner in a nice setting close to Divi, go to Antoines in Philipsburg. Make sure you have the dessert soufflé. Antoine's is very close and they have valet parking, which I'd recommend there at night. Otherwise, there are lots of choices in Simpson Bay, like SkipJacks for seafood.

The discussion about Mark's Place reminded me that it's a great idea for another restaurant close to Divi. While we've eaten there and the setting is fine, what we like to do is get take out and enjoy the meal back at Divi. It's located in the parking lot by the Grand Marche grocery. Depending on your schedule, it works well to stop at the restaurant to place your order, go to the store to stick up on the groceries for the week,and then pick up your take out order to eat at Divi. Servings are so generous, you can order a few meals like the ribs and chicken and share among a group. Or you get good leftovers for future lunches!

Yes, Mark's definitely does a bang up carry out business, for sure.

I will be using my timeshare in Bldg. F from June 6-27. I'm traveling solo and look forward to meeting you. One of my favorite close-by restaurants is Fusion in Cole Bay.

I've been told that, while you can make requests, room assignments aren't made until Wednesday or Thursday prior to a weekend check-in. If you'd like to send me a private message with your name and date of arrival, I'll be happy to check with the reservation manager a few days prior to your arrival.

As far as sunsets go, I hate to dash your hopes, but in June you won't ever see the sun hit the horizon due to Cay Bay Hill across Little Bay. You will see the sun go behind the hill, but it has a ways to go after that before going down behind the horizon.

I would also recommend a sail on the Passaat. It's a wonderful experience.

And another thing I think you'd enjoy is a perfume-making class at Tijon in Grand Case. It's past time for me to do this again. Great fun!

We've stayed here twice over the years, first time we went, the unit they put us the A/C was broke so they moved us to the last building on the top of hill in a 1 BR. Hated the walk up after dinner and drinks if the golf cart wasn't around <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> , but you couldn't beat the view or the breeze. Plus the infinity pool was just a short walk away. The second time we stay in an Oceanside studio next to the main pool and bar, great sunsets and great location. If there weren't was so many other great places to stay on the island we would stay here again.

I agree with jazz gal---go to Grand Case have a great lunch (or dinner) nd take the perfume class. Find your inner self-scent.

I was told that John and Cindi were selling their perfume business, do you know anything about that?

All I know is what he said in his emailed newsletter a month or so ago: that it was for sale as they are looking toward retirement. I haven't heard whether or not he's found a buyer.

O.K. Thanks Linda.

Thank you all so much for the great information. Jazzgirl we will be there at the same time as you so I do look forward to meeting you. I'm sure I I'll have many more questions as the trip approaches. All of your input is very much appreciated!

Belair used to have a small restaurant on the beach with decent food, just a stroll down beach from Divi.

Is it still there?

Yes as of last week as I was at Divi then.