Not a pretty picture from

Secretary-General of the French-side hotelier’s association

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/71...about-st-martin

“If I am true to myself I cannot recommend tourists to come here yet until the French side is completely cleaned up. What can they do except drive around and look at damage? Orient Beach has no facilities, there are no palm trees, and Princess Juliana Airport is still in a terrible state. It makes me very sad to see all this.”

It is clear most of the "positive " posts about the state of the island are wishfull thinking. We love the island and will return when they are truely ready. That is clearly not the case now.

Thanks for sharing the link. The article is detailed and specific.

It is obvious that, for whatever reason, the French side is way behind.

Philippe Thevenet is the spokesperson for the association of hoteliers of French St. Martin. His statement is from the perspective of the hotels he represents and is very true for vacationers who want to come to St. Martin and staying in one of the unavailable hotels is an important part of their stay. We understand the impact of Irma, and recognize the island is different from pre-Irma. However, we look forward to going back next month to go to the beaches, enjoy a boating excursion or two, eat in some of the many restaurants that have reopened, shop for products available on the island, and in general enjoy the beauty of the island, the weather, and the people who live there as well as friends who will also be visiting while we're there.

I have friends there now that are doing exactly what you describe. They're having a great time. Undoubtedly, you will too.