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what island would be comparible to SXM?
#79048
12/20/2015 12:04 PM
12/20/2015 12:04 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 836 Harriston
megamania
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Hello fellow SXM lovers. I am still waiting for an exchange into SXM sometime in January,,,had to give up the first "hit" to Simpson bay resort and marina,,,sadly,,,but as posted before the view is important to us, as we spend a lot of time at condo,.But, if we aren't lucky enough to get another exchange offer to SXM,,,what other island have any of you travelled to that would be similar to SXM. i.e. nice beaches, good restaurants, ability to rent a car,,,etc. We do not do all inclusives at all....rather like to stay in a nice equipped condo and experience what an island has to offer for nightlife, restaurants, scenery, etc. SXM certainly offers all of that as you all well know, but not having travelled a lot, other than SXM,,am just considering options if I have to. I always appreciate the knowledge and help for some of you world travellers! lol
Randy and Meg Young
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: megamania]
#79049
12/20/2015 12:37 PM
12/20/2015 12:37 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,650 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Meg,
There are a lot of beautiful islands to explore, but when you take into consideration all St. Maarten/St. Martin has to offer, and then factor in the ease of access and affordability factors, I don't think there is another quite like it.
We have thoroughly enjoyed Barbados but found it to be a bit more expensive and not as eayt to get to plus we didn't like the 'other side of the road drive' unlike SXM, which is just like home.
Aruba gets high reviews but was not a place we particularly enjoyed. It has lots of timeshares though and a terrific public transportation system that makes the need for a rental car to be nice but not totally necessary.
Puerto Rico, once away from San Juan, has some great areas with beautiful scenery and awesome beaches and is somewhat more affordable than many of the other islands.
So many options and so many variables so good luck in your quest and I hope you find something to suit your wants and wishes. <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."
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: pat]
#79050
12/20/2015 12:40 PM
12/20/2015 12:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 836 Harriston
megamania
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Hi Pat....funny you mention Aruba...we have thought of it often, can I be so bold as to ask what you didn't like? And yes,,driving on the opposite side of car is a bit scary for me, and I am usually the driver. Probably Bahamas is similar to Barbados? I fear going to SXM on my first island trip,,has spoiled me!! lol
Randy and Meg Young
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: megamania]
#79051
12/20/2015 01:03 PM
12/20/2015 01:03 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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You do NOT want to go to the Bahamas in January or February. It is NOT going to be warm.
I honestly think you should have taken the Simpson Bay Resort that you got. Aruba has lots of timeshares, but I wonder at this point, what you will do for airfare? It's getting awfully late to get airfare at a decent price for January..
Carol Hill
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#79052
12/20/2015 01:17 PM
12/20/2015 01:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 836 Harriston
megamania
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Hi Carol,,,I never even considered it would not be warm in Bahamas,,,,see,,,posts like this helps....thank you. and ya,maybe I should have taken SBRM but I just could not stand a week of looking out at new highrise with little or no views of water....got another hit for Towers at Mullet,,but again, I guess I am fussy, especially with the exchange we are going to have to pay. Flights, believe it or not, from Toronto are fairly reasonable "after" the first week in January,,,another reason for letting it go...oh well,,,see what tomorrow brings. Thanks for your opinions....have thought about Turks and Caicos as well,,, or Jamaica... decisions, decisions,,,,just gathering info
Randy and Meg Young
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: megamania]
#79055
12/20/2015 01:43 PM
12/20/2015 01:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088 Massachusetts
boucharda
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I honestly think you should have taken the Simpson Bay Resort that you got. I agree.... ...and...as I mentioned to you the unit you mentioned at SBR was the 2nd unit from the Casino and had only the parking garage below it (top floor of the garage is at street level and the unit is elevated on a hill) so the view is of Simpson Bay all the way to Simpson Bay Beach and the airport. I would have taken that unit in a heartbeat.... Doing some easy research I found these two rental ads and unit descriptions: This one is the unit right next to your unit: Closest to base of hill. Two king beds, 2 murphy beds in living room, sleeps 6 comfortably. Granite kitchen, stainless, full dining room, breakfast bar as well, living room. Front and rear facing balconies. [color:"red"]Excellent unobstructed views[/color]. AC throughout, separate controls, three flat screen tvs. Dvd, Blueray. Spacious for families. Across from pool, with barbeque facilities, kids playground acroos the street. Parkimg right in front of unit. $1,400.00 This one is the unit above yours: Spacious two bedroom unit, located in the D building on the second floor (unit D18), available for Saturday to Saturday rental. [color:"red"]Beautiful view of ocean sunsets.[/color] Two large bedrooms with king-size beds; two full baths, full kitchen, dining room and living room. Sleeps six. Down the steps to kiddie park, D-swimming pool, and casino. Good luck finding a better unit for exchange in prime season...
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: megamania]
#79057
12/20/2015 02:58 PM
12/20/2015 02:58 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,650 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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megamania said: Hi Pat....funny you mention Aruba...we have thought of it often, can I be so bold as to ask what you didn't like? And yes,,driving on the opposite side of car is a bit scary for me, and I am usually the driver. Probably Bahamas is similar to Barbados? I fear going to SXM on my first island trip,,has spoiled me!! lol The reasons for my lack of enthusiasm are many, but mostly I believe my major problem with it was we were booked to go again to St Maarten and the Towers in November of 1995 and there was this little storm that did some damage there........... Our flights were cancelled and instead of spending an extra week at the Towers at MB we were forced to settle for Aruba, and I think my heart was just in SXM. But beyond that, I'm an ocean or mountain person and Aruba was just too desert-like for my tastes. I didn't think it was pretty like so many other of the islands. But the truth is, I've come to notice many people either absolutely love Aruba or they go the full swing in the other direction and I guess I went the 'other' route. We did find the people to be nice, the water was warm and the food was good if not up to SXM standards, IMHO. I agree heartily with Carol re the Bahamas and while we only went once, it was in the fall and the water was already taking on a decided chill. I might also add the BVIs and the USVIs to that list. We stayed on St. John once for a post-Christmas/New Years trip and both DH and I thought the water was cold but that may have been purely mind over matter. So I guess I would fall into the group that thinks perhaps you should have taken the Simpson Bay Resort option. You said there was a Towers hit so I'm wondering if they gave you a unit number. We own there and I think we have one of the most incredible views of SXM from our main #709 balcony that you could ask for, but honestly, all the rooms from #-04 through #-09 have very good views. Not beachfront but there's definitely something to be said for coming home to that peaceful location after a day spent anywhere around the island and the pool is lovely with a happy hour that runs from 3:00 to 6:00 every day. Some days we never get around to leaving....<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."
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: megamania]
#79062
12/20/2015 07:49 PM
12/20/2015 07:49 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 539 Sugar Land, Tx
IslandBoi
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Posts: 539
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we've been to a bunch of Caribbean islands, before and after being hooked on SXM, and after trying Barbados we really liked it also...for us, close 2nd to SXM...Curaçao maybe 3rd
like many here, we got hooked on SXM, but unlike many here, we're not afraid to mention SXM has changed over the past 5 years, and not in a good way...I'll admit we've never personally had a serious crime issue in SXM, but are much more vigilant now than we used to be...the crime reports need to be publicized, and paid attention to
now let the "crime is everywhere" apologist posts begin.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by IslandBoi; 12/20/2015 10:32 PM.
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: boucharda]
#79064
12/20/2015 09:46 PM
12/20/2015 09:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 836 Harriston
megamania
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I wish the actual week would have worked for the couple we are travelling with,,,that was the other factor.....oh well...feeling kinda sick about it,,,but nothing I can do but keep looking.
Randy and Meg Young
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: january]
#79065
12/20/2015 09:59 PM
12/20/2015 09:59 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
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Posts: 82,902
Central Florida!
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Considerng Sainte Marie is not a real place, your suggestion is not realistic.
Carol Hill
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: COACHIE]
#79068
12/21/2015 12:47 AM
12/21/2015 12:47 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 836 Harriston
megamania
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Its not that easy,,,hard to explain. I deposit my week into an exchange company,,,and give a time frame....like 2nd week in January to end of February...I can exchange into a 2 bedroom for instance...and whenever an avail unit comes up I get notified by RCI...I have 24 hrs to accept or release it.It could be any one of those weeks....so then I have to find affordable airfair,,quick tell the other couple travelling what week, etc. etc. The first week in January is when I got a "hit" or offer of Simpson Bay Resort and Marina,,,it just did not work out. I had to decide very quickly and in meantime tell our fellow travellers, find flights, etc. Not exactly the best situation for picking a holiday, but it is what it is....keeping my fingers crossed for any in those two months. If nothing comes up,,I may be looking at a different holiday to somewhere else, thus my post to ask how other people felt about different places, that have at least some of what SXM has. Hope I make some sense
Randy and Meg Young
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: megamania]
#79070
12/21/2015 08:50 AM
12/21/2015 08:50 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088
Massachusetts
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had to give up the first "hit" to Simpson bay resort and marina,,,sadly,,,but as posted before the view is important to us, as we spend a lot of time at condo, Ahhh....I misunderstood. Up to yesterday you made it appear that the view was the key point not the time period. Sounds like this search should have occurred months ago and THEN you could have been more picky. Finding an exchange and having it be a 2 BR on this short notice AND have it have a perfect view will be an interesting adventure....AND good luck with airfares. Probably better just to try and find an appropriate rental with everything you need. Even that could be difficult but at least it's possible. Good luck...
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: january]
#79071
12/21/2015 08:55 AM
12/21/2015 08:55 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,410 Rhode Island
RonDon
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Posts: 4,410
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january said: Sainte Marie, except for the murder rate. Are you referring to Death in Paradise?
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: megamania]
#79072
12/21/2015 09:11 AM
12/21/2015 09:11 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,001 Cape Cod
whammy
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Another vote here for Aruba! Eagle Beach is absolutely beautiful, long and wide, with low-rise hotels and condos. When we stayed in the Palm Beach area, we didn't like it as much - more crowded and high-rise hotels. Renting a car and exploring the "other side" or "outback" is quite the adventure, and seeing the natural landscape is awesome! As others have mentioned, always felt very safe. Dining out was the best we've ever had anywhere!
Puerto Rico was another excellent trip - many places to explore, rain forest, friendly people and great food!
What I'd personally like to find is an island that hasn't been over-developed, has friendly people and great food, feels safe, and has beautiful beaches! (no casinos, no cruise ships!) And is easy to get to! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by whammy; 12/21/2015 09:17 AM.
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#79075
12/21/2015 01:08 PM
12/21/2015 01:08 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160 Greensboro, NC
charlieh
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Carol_Hill said: Again, Turks and Caicos, in January and February, NOT warm!!! Looked it up. Average high of 80 and average low of 73. I could live with that and actually think I would like it. Here are the average temps for each month: web page
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: charlieh]
#79076
12/21/2015 01:16 PM
12/21/2015 01:16 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,902 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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That average is higher than I expected, but cooler than I personally would want. The only time we were in T & C was for a day on a cruise in January and it was DARN cold to me, probably 72 degrees at most and too cold to go in the water. ...but I live in Florida...
Carol Hill
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: pl3]
#79082
12/21/2015 10:02 PM
12/21/2015 10:02 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 226 Virginia Beach, VA USA
barryvabeach
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I have been to SXM twice, Aruba, and Grand Caymans the last few years. IMO Grand Caymans is much more expensive than SXM, especially the Dutch side in terms of restaurant prices. I stayed on Eagle Beach in Aruba, which is very nice, but got pretty crowded, and the food was more expensive than SXM, though not by much. I have heard good things about St. Lucia, and we are heading to Turks and Caicos next spring. To me, what SXM has that is unique is a very wide variety of beaches, if you go from Orient Beach, to Baie Rouge, Anse Marcel, to Dawn Beach, it feels like 4 entirely different places, even though the distance is pretty short.
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: kim]
#79083
12/22/2015 01:33 AM
12/22/2015 01:33 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 836 Harriston
megamania
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Just for all of your info, I deposited my week in February of this year....so it has been in the exchange pool for a while. There were hits on the French side,,only a couple, but I wasn't interested. And then,,,for months,,,dry,,,nothing. It is because usually people dont pay their maintenance fees till December....so, I do have an on-going search with RCI happening, and it has been for a while. Usually I get something. It's really too bad that the Simpson Bay Resort and Marina time and other factors didn't work out,,,but no sense crying over spilled milk. January or February is still a possibility. I got a trade at La Vista for this past January and it was very late as well. The couple that went with us decided New Years Eve at a party here....so....it's not over yet,,,,I hope. But rest assured I have covered all my avenues,,,now I have to rely on luck. Thanks again everyone for your help.
Randy and Meg Young
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Re: what island would be comparible to SXM?
[Re: pat]
#79086
12/22/2015 11:29 PM
12/22/2015 11:29 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 588 Las Vegas, NV, USA
Ellen777
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I know its not an island, but we stayed at Royal Resorts twice in Cancun, those were beautiful apartments on a great beach. I got them through RedWeek and only had to pay the maintenance fee. We really felt we got a bargain.
Life's a beach
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