Coming to St Maarten after a 10+ year hiatus

After going to St Maarten every year around Halloween time for many years, I have not been back for over 10 years. I have been a TTOL member all this time, and occasionally check the forums, but I'm sure things have changed a lot, including the new airport, since I last visited, especially after the hurricane. Over the years, while going to SXM, I met many of you TTOL members, and enjoyed the company. I don't know if any of you will be there this time, but our dates are March 12th to the 19th, and we will be staying at Mary's Boon. I do remember the island geography, but would appreciate any tips on what to do, as well as what to avoid now, and what has changed. I will be looking forward to your input, and hopefully can meet some of you when we are there.
Carl

We will be on island March 10-24 staying up the beach from you at Beachside Villas. We plan to walk to Mary's to eat/and or drink.

Welcome back, median! That sure is a long time to be away. We're just going to miss you, as we are heading back home on March 11th. Reading the many posts on this site can give you a pretty decent overview of the island presently, but we are definitely preparing ourselves for some of the differences that we'll be encountering from our last visit. What did you enjoy doing when you visited SXM in the past? Sometimes it's nice to have plan or daily itinerary, but sometimes it's also fun just to wing it when you get here. If you have a rental car the possibilities are endless (as long as you don't mind dealing with traffic from time-to-time).

I won't be there until June, but Hello from a fellow Oregonian!

We just returned last month from 3 weeks and my wife and her sister are going back down to celebrate their birthday right after you depart for home.

Don't know if your stay on the French or Dutch side but you undoubtedly know that the Dutch side has recovered more than the French to date.
I think generally you will find that you miss some places that are gone and others that have not reopened yet. But, many have returned and more will join them soon.
Traffic has gotten worse at times but it helps to avoid the normal commute times just as we do back home to minimize the stress. Some of the roads, especially on the French side are desperately in need of repair. Some amenities like an American newspaper are still not back.

RonDon, We will definitely look for you. We will be in touch before leaving for SXM

March 10-22 and staying at Atrium. I missed last year but have been going for 28 years.

Ro, Not staying at Divi at all in March?

Sandflip we're done with Divi.

March 10-22 and staying at Atrium. I missed last year but have been going for 28 years.[/quote]

We will look you up, Verizon says our phone will work on SXM with our plan

medman--again, your phone will WORK, but it will be expensive per minute.. Very expensive, like $2-$3 per MINUTE.