no one there?

Its strange how big Maho Beach looks when no one is on it. I have never seen it look nicer or more inviting. Are the beaches closed like in Florida? I guess if you are there, safe and have a good supply of food it could almost be ideal! Hope everyone stays safe and this thing is over by summer . Take care friends

As of a few days ago anyway....beaches on french side totally closed down. Dutch side beaches are open...but no more than five in a group allowed.

Dutch side should do the same as french side.

Better times in January at Maho, hope we can see something close to this by next winter.

That's kind of funny, to me--that picture looks horrible, to me!! Craziness, for those trying to drive by, without hitting someone!

I agree. Not my idea of a restful beach experience.

I was thinking of all the people that were on the Island, spending money and helping the economy is some way or another. No, not my idea of enjoying yourself at the beach at all.

Yes, I know what you meant. Sorry, had to poke the bear.

Why? Two different countries, two different sets of laws, rules and regulations.

I realize that but Dutch side should do as most other countries have done in regards to beach usage during Stay at Home policies. Just good preventative common sense.

Common sense and government(s) don't often go hand in hand. Dutch St. Maarten has their own local island government, and they set the laws. French St. Martin adheres to what France does.

I have not kept up with what the Dutch side has done the past 2 days, perhaps they have made more changes, perhaps they haven't and I don't personally know if the number of 5 is accurate or not.

Where are you? Were you able to stay at RI?

Ed is back home.

In the 18 some years with multi-able trips. I have NEVER seen this beach empty!!! Check it out!! I feel so bad for Driftwood and SSBG!! http://sunsetsxm.com/plane-info/

I remember the first time we flew to the island in 1991, as we were on approach I saw the people on the beach and thought those poor people were having their peaceful beach time ruined by our plane landing!

David,

John and I used to walk out there at night when there was no Royal Islander or anything else. What is now Sonesta (before it burned and was rebuilt and ultimately was named Sonesta.... cant recall the original name anymore) on one end of the beach and Caravanserai - the original one - on the other and that was it. No SSBB and no Boat Bar - just beach. It seemed like many of the young island couples who were lucky enough to have a car used to go parking out there. I’m sure they, like us, we’re just checking the constellations and awaiting that last big plane arrive from Puerto Rico.

We used to swim there late afternoon when the tourists were gone. Had the place to ourselves for the most part.

I never considered Maho to be a swim beach for us. Just a place to take newbies to have lunch and watch planes come in.

Lovely place to swim, when it's calm enough. Used to go one end of the beach to the other.

Now, there's just nowhere to park and walking Maho daytime you take your life in your hands with all the buses, taxis and atvs parked everywhere. Blocking the roundabout, traffic nightmare, let alone walking it.

Unfortunately, you're talking 'now' before Corona. But I know what you mean.

Sorry, I meant before 2 weeks ago.

Yes, I figured so.

As Carol stated...I am now home. We were able to get out last Saturday on the American Flight to Miami. I am not sure if RILP is still open or not...by the time we left Saturday...it was already turning into a ghost town. I did read either here or on facebook, that the Sonesta Maho was now closed. The last few days of our vacation was not the regular relaxing fun trip we have made so many times before. Very strange not being able to go out for dinners...but takeout only. Very strange driving through both Simpson Bay.....and Maho....and able to hear a pin drop. Very strange seeing casinos closed, and nobody at all in the streets. We didn't even venture to our usual hangouts during the day...both Mullett and Orient. If anyone would've said i would go to SXM, and not get my favorite ribs in Ofthe world at Rosie's....or spend days at my favorite beach..Orient...i would've called them crazy. After the French side closed down completely...and the virus was taken more serious, we decided to basicly spend our remaining days right at Maho Beach....and the fine pool at LaPlage. I do want to say though...Tortuga Bar, at LaPLage has stepped up big time with their choices of food...and the food was GREAT. The new owners really have done very well with it....and the drinks of course were very good too. Honestly...i am still in ''mourning'' for our lost two weeks of SXM....but at this time am glad to say..."There's no place like home"....especially in these trying times. Of course ...living in SE Florida is not a bad place to be...but very strange here also...no restaurants to eat at...take out onlly...no beaches....no pools (except for private homes), and basicly self quaranting and social distancing....but we are here where we can still get out if needed. Besides....since today is Sunday....I only now have 50 weeks before we make it back to SXM. I sure hope that by then...and much sooner...that this covid19 thing is nothing but a distant memory. Stay Safe Everyone.......

Ed,

Paragraphs, please.........

The first time we stay in the Beacon hill area was at Caravanserai , although it wasn't very impressive, the area was a TON of fun. The Driftwood wasn't even there and SSBB was a lil bar that stayed open until the last drunk fell off the bar stool!! LOL!!!

Oh! How I would Love to be on Club Orient Beach today.