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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93218
04/06/2016 12:02 PM
04/06/2016 12:02 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,427 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,427
Brookfield, CT.
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For starters - which side really doesn't matter too much. If I was planning a trip for myself, I'd work with a few rental sites and find a villa I like and go from there. There are some incredible villas across both sides of the island. Personally speaking, I really like the Terres Basses area for it's convenience and easy access to both sides of the island and still the fact that its not in the middle of a lot of congestion, but that's just me. We have timeshare so we stay on the Dutch side and enjoy all the beaches on both sides depending on our mood for the day. The island is a very easy drive but there are points of congestion and it does pay to know the bridge and causeway opening times just to make your life a little easier.
You may often have an issue with no-see-ums early in the morning and in the late afternoon, and right now the moskie concerns are plaguing the entire Caribbean so a good insect repellent is a must. That said, if it's dry and breezy you'll have less of a problem and if it's been rainy and humid, and there's a lot of foliage around your place of choice, you will probably have more problems with bugs. I've heard a lot of people speak of sand fleas on the island but in absolute honesty, we've been going every year for over forty now and sometimes twice a year and I have NEVER had a problem with them in St. Maarten/St. Martin.
Have a great time planning the trip - to me that's usually half the fun. <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: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93221
04/06/2016 12:51 PM
04/06/2016 12:51 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,427 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,427
Brookfield, CT.
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Don't do it. Please.....
St. Maarten/St. Martin is definitely NOT an AI island. Half the pleasure of this island is the option of dining around all parts of the island. The restaurants are all incredible and limiting yourself to all inclusive makes the trip almost not worth doing. Note I said almost - because if that's the only way you might come then AI would be okay. But certainly not the choice of most who visit the island. And if you might come on an AI plan, I'm thinking RIU in the Anse Marcel area of the island would be the better option of the few AI resorts on the island because of some on-going problems with the Sonesta Maho Resort, which is the only other AI island resort I'm personally aware of or might consider.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93224
04/06/2016 01:27 PM
04/06/2016 01:27 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,018 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,018
Central Florida!
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I'm really kind of confused, as to why you would be interested in either an a/i OR a villa rental, as they are such totally different animals... Unless you are looking at Shore Point, or whatever the heck it's called at Maho, which is supposed to be a 'deluxe' a/i. A/I's have a definite place in the world, but my personal perception is that 'place' is NOT on SXM, unless you are using it as a place to sleep and maybe eat breakfast and have some all inclusive drinks, and you get a good price on it. Many places other than SXM are better 'fits' for a/i, places where it is difficult to drive, or there aren't a lot of places to eat that cater to a more touristy palate, or places where frankly it is just really cheap to go there if you do a/i and all you want to do is eat (usually) buffet food, hang out on the beach and drink. My perception of a villa vacation would be someplace where you have your own private pool, away from the hubbub of life, which is what you will more likely find at an a/i. With regard to your original question, if you want a true VILLA, ON the beach, there are truly not that many of those on SXM and you will pay a pretty penny for them. Many places on SXM are called "Villas" though, when an American would more properly call them "townhouses" or "condos". There are a fair number of THOSE on island, ON a beach and those can be had for a reasonable cost. An example is my favorite place on earth Beachside Villas. www.Beachsidevillas.com They are what we would call townhouses, all 2 or 3 bedrooms, on a marvelous stretch of Simpson Bay Beach. They are NOT deluxe, in the manner of there are no granite countertops, etc., but the decoration is Caribbean casual and suits OUR needs perfectly. Your mileage may vary.
Carol Hill
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93227
04/06/2016 01:37 PM
04/06/2016 01:37 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
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Hello, and welcome to TTOL. The island is easy to navigate - there is one main road that sort of circles the island. Hence, it is easy to travel from one side to the other easily. Both sides of the island have their own personality. We always stay on the French side, and dine there more frequently. We find that side less touristy, quieter and more laid-back. We have often gone in July and have never found bugs to be a problem. There is a product called mosquito milk available there which is very effective. I echo what others have said about AI - you probably wouldn't want to be restricted to one place. Car rentals are reasonable. There are no beaches that need to be avoided; our favorite is Orient, but try to visit as many as possible. Please let us know how it went. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93229
04/06/2016 01:50 PM
04/06/2016 01:50 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,096 Southport, North Carolina, US
candj
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,096
Southport, North Carolina, US
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We like to stay on the Dutch side near Simpson Bay and then spend our days on Orient Beach. The area near Simpson Bay and Maho has a lot of night life and a lot of restaurants within walking distance. We also like to drive over to Grand Case at night for dinner as there are a lot of great restaurants in Grand Case. The casinos are on the Dutch side and they are always a lot of fun.
There are great beaches all over the island so you can explore and find the ones you like the best. we happen to like Orient the best. With respect to bugs, we ususally use Off and spray up before we go out to dinner but we have never had any real problems.
Fair winds and following seas! SSN691-May She Ever Prowl The Seas in Defense of Human Freedom! SSN787-Preserving Peace, Prepared for War
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: lcote]
#93233
04/06/2016 02:54 PM
04/06/2016 02:54 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 353 North Carolina
jfaircloth
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 353
North Carolina
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I would start by asking the question, what do you want out of your vacation? Do you want access to a lot of activities and nightlife? Then go with the Dutch side. If you want a quieter, more relaxed style of vacation with access to top notch restaurants, consider the French side. Grand Case (where some of the best restaurants are) has some beautiful properties that are not "villas" or A/I resorts but you may find suitable. As Carol stated, I'm not aware of any real villas with pools on a beach anywhere on the island, but there are some lovely vacation rentals. Check out TripAdvisor or VRBO for those. And keep asking questions on this forum! Even as a St. Martin veteran, I learn something new every time I log on.
Jennifer in NC
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93234
04/06/2016 02:58 PM
04/06/2016 02:58 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 304
NakedAsAJaybird
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 304
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No, not a lot of bugs on the Island. You may run into a few mosquitos (I haven't seen any in months). Goats, cows, pigs, horses, donkeys, birds, mongoose, iguana, monkeys (nothing dangerous or poisonous except one for of large centipede--not often seen). As far as A/I , I agree with everyone else. Not something you want to do. I prefer the French side, but the Dutch side is beautiful as well, just busier.
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Sleeps: 4 Type: Apt. / Condo CARIBBEAN PRINCESS B1... ground floor 2 bedroom beachfront unit with private yard, great for kids or 2 couples Rates may vary depending on # of bedrooms rented.
TripAdvisor property ID 2107059 Some friends of ours own it, very beautiful, has a small pool, close to Orient Village, right on the beach behind Coco Beach restaurant on Orient Beach.
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 04/06/2016 03:10 PM.
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: NakedAsAJaybird]
#93235
04/06/2016 03:12 PM
04/06/2016 03:12 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,018 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,018
Central Florida!
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Hi. I'm not sure where you copied and pasted that whole listing from, but I'm sure it is copyrighted, so I removed most of the info. Should be easy enough for them to find if they're interested.
Carol Hill
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93237
04/06/2016 03:53 PM
04/06/2016 03:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,105 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,105
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Both sides of the island are great but both are very different. If you want quiet, good beaches and fine dining, I would choose a villa on or near Orient Beach on the French side. If you prefer good dining. good beaches and night life, then the Dutch side is the place to be. I would suggest renting a villa on Simpson Bay, Maho or Pelican Key on the Dutch side. We have stayed on both sides of the island and enjoyed our stays very much.
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93238
04/06/2016 04:33 PM
04/06/2016 04:33 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
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Good thinking! I forgot - Happy 25th.
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93241
04/06/2016 05:23 PM
04/06/2016 05:23 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,427 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,427
Brookfield, CT.
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We've stayed on both sides of the island over the years and to me the 'which side question' has never been terribly important. And when we purchased our timeshare weeks we chose a very quiet little corner on the Dutch side that allows us relatively easy access to BOTH sides of the island and all that we enjoy about the island.
We enjoy beaching on both sides so again, the 'which side to stay' question is really not very important to us. But we do enjoy a certain amount of night life so staying on the Dutch side works better since the drive to some of the more remote beaches during the day is easy, but driving around at night for many of the incredible dining spots - not so much. We're not really into the casinos but as a change of pace after dinner, they're fun, too, and they're only on the Dutch side.
It's really all about you and what you enjoy......over forty years of annual visits I can tell you absolutely - both sides are great and I doubt you would be disappointed on either one.
And for personal recommendations, if you're looking for a laid back resort atmosphere, IMHO, Grand Case Beach Club is awesome on the French side, and if you're more the independent type - the Beachside Villas are terrific, too. <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: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93249
04/07/2016 12:32 PM
04/07/2016 12:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,096 Southport, North Carolina, US
candj
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,096
Southport, North Carolina, US
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Sent you a PM as it was a long message.
Fair winds and following seas! SSN691-May She Ever Prowl The Seas in Defense of Human Freedom! SSN787-Preserving Peace, Prepared for War
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: mrnkfn]
#93250
04/07/2016 01:40 PM
04/07/2016 01:40 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 659 Burlington, Ontario, Canada
JohnandBev
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 659
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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HI, lots of good advice given. My comments To a 1st time visitor, there is some acclimatization needed, once you’ve been 2 – 3 times, all the suggestions and locations make more sense than not having visited or even one time for a week, so I’m guessing some of the advice can be overwhelming in choices given.
AI – our first 2 visits were to the Sonesta Maho, 1st time a last minute radio contest win, we were basically clueless about the island, two nice ladies from Rubbermaid helped us out with info. Second time we had done some homework and came armed with a map and took a car ride around the island checking out locations to stay, eat and beach. The following yr we stayed at the Royal Islander LaPlage next to the Maho hotel [found the previous yr!]and have gone from there, now liking staying at Orient village. It’s all a matter of taste of what you want in your visit.
If I had only a wk and had a deal at the Sonesta Great Bay n P’burg I might consider it, using it as a base to explore. Bkfast no fuss, lunch out, some dinners in after long beach days. Not for everyone but might be workable. Suggestions – not sure length of visit or budget, but my suggestions based on a one wk stay.
I notice on the owners assoc page the Royal Islander LaPlage has a 6th floor 2 bed penthouse for a wk in July for $1500. I would consider that for a 1st time visit. The location gives you some immediate beach, easy access to Mullet beach [walk or drive], walking distance to several good resto’s and an easy drive to more great resto’s in Cupecoy and into Simpson Bay. Easy day time drive to other beaches to try like Baie Rouge [a new fav of ours] and Orient. It’s also minutes from the airport and has change facilities for your last day when you have vacated your room. Casino is across the street and cabs are easy to get if needed from the Maho hotel next door.
My other choice would be something in Orient Village, easy drive or better yet a walk to the Village sq, lots of excellent resto choices, easy cab ride to Grand Case for more resto choice’s. Either easy drive or walk to Orient beach, lots of choice on the beach for food and rec. Many villa choices with pools for you to choose from in the area. Loved walking on the beach in the morning and stopping to get croissants for our breakfast on the way back.
Those 2 choices would suit us, but you need to decide what is for you.
Note, unless staying in the Maho area, less than 5 minute cab ride [lots of cabs at the airport no need to prebook] and you want a car, I would arrange a cab to pick you from the airport the 1st day, have your rental delivered to where you are staying the next day – way easier and feels luxurious to us! Try Wilfred Brooks a sponsor. Also, if your unit allows it, suggest to use Jeannie from Shop n Drop to stock your unit with food and drink before your arrival – it’s your 25th, cab ride to the love nest topped off with a cold bottle of something special waiting for you hmmm...
You can’t lose on this trip Enjoy J&B
Last edited by JohnandBev; 04/07/2016 02:16 PM.
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: JohnandBev]
#93251
04/07/2016 01:56 PM
04/07/2016 01:56 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,427 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,427
Brookfield, CT.
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Some very good suggestions here.
I would second Royal Islander Club Le Plage for a first visit and also the idea of getting your car the day after you arrive. I believe there is a Hertz office right there and there are countless eating and drinking places across the street and adjacent to the entire Maho Village area.
I also suggest the ride around the island as one of your first best things to do. There is so much to see and experience on this island and it really is a very easy drive with basically one main road that goes around the entire island. Familiarizing yourself with the bridge and causeway opening times is also a good thing to do to make your drive more pleasant. Traffic around presumed 'rush hour times' - I know - hard to think of rush hour on an island, but people do live there and have to get to their jobs - can be heavy so keep that in mind, too.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: St Martin newbie Questions
[Re: PreK176]
#93252
04/07/2016 02:18 PM
04/07/2016 02:18 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 560
lcote
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 560
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PreK176 said: Actually saw an "experiment" by reporters for the Today Show. 2 people went to an AI in Mexico? and ordered the same food/drinks/activities all day long. The person ordering on their own saved $375 over the AI price, so times 2 is a lot of money. But I do agree with previous posters that St Maarten has a LOT of great places to dine. Found it to be true in Aruba as well but do have some friends who do AI there. We are always out and about too much to want to limit ourselves to one AI place. Beachside Villas is very nice, all on one level, not like the townhouses around here. Popular place and only 13 units so sometimes hard to get a reservation. Feels like home for us! We make a lot of our own meals and eat on the beach. Good luck with your decision!! Michael and I did some math and found out that going to an A/I resort was not a financial gain at all for us. We figured out that we had to drink HEAVILY in order for it to be worth it. We drink a bunch of wine but not enough to make the A/I worth it.
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