Unfriendly Divi Welcome

Went over to Divi Little Bay the other day with a party of 7. Upon approaching security at the entrance I explained that we were day visitors wishing to use the beach facilities (renting chairs and umbrellas) and to have lunch at Gizmos. The guard tersely responded that we could only "walk the beach" and took down our license plate. "New rules" she said. We proceeded onto the property and had no issues thereafter. My wife mentioned our experience when entering to one of the massage ladies and she was in disbelief. "Ridiculous. What about all the cruise ship visitors?" she asked. For anyone wishing to visit Divi, just be prepared.

A few years back my wife and I wanted to go explore Fort Amsterdam when we arrived the security guard told us we would have to park our car along the side of the road and walk in. I would think if you arrived to spend money at Little Divi facilities they would welcome you??

My thoughts exactly.

I almost hate to say this but what the hey! Every once in a while you run up against someone who, when given a little authority, will run with it - “my way or the highway” types. Sorry you got the negative vibes and hope the rest of the day was lovely.

Yes Dear Pat , stuff happens at times lol.

We also had a problem last April at Divi.

They wanted us to park on the road and walk in.

Joe--Not to be a contrarian, but what happens if one pulls up to the parking lot at say, Royal Palm, Flamingo or the Atrium? I don't think you will be let in, unless you are staying there? Not sure. And how do they know that you won't just come in and use their facilities without paying anything?

Good point. Flamingo and Royal Palm do ask to see parking permit and when local friends came to spend the day with us at Flamingo they had to give our name and room number. Atrium used to require a room key to activate the parking lit gate.

...as does SBR unless you park in the Peli Deli lot

If you are on Facebook, you might want to post your experience on the Divi FB page. The general manager monitors that page, and I'm sure she would like to know. Security is contracted; they are not Divi employees. Sorry for your experience.

LINK to Divi Facebook page

Linda--I ask because I do not know--is there adequate parking for those staying at Divi?

From a long time ago, I recall that DIVI has a special agreement with the SXM Government because of the Fort. If I recall correctly, DIVI agreed to allow all persons desiring to visit the Fort free access. I think that parking in included. John

There definitely was adequate parking at Divi before, but now with the opening of the new Oceans buildings I could see maybe there being an issue. It’s been at least a couple of years since security even stopped me at the gate. It’s usually just a wave through.

eightzerobits--OK thanks

I drove through the gates at Divi in the spring this year.
Told them we wanted to have a look at Fort Amsterdam. Had no problem getting in and parking right next to the Hotel.

Walked through the grounds to Fort Amsterdam and took pictures. Had no issue with anyone questioning why we were there and no problem parking. So apparently it's just a matter of who the gatekeeper is on any particular day.

Here are a couple pictures I took walking around Fort Amsterdam. Only there for about a half an hour and then walked back through the resort.

Drphilsxm

"I explained that we were day visitors wishing to use the beach facilities (renting chairs and umbrellas) "
That is different than just wanting access to see Fort Amsterdam.

Fort Amsterdam is a SXM landmark and not sure that Divi could legally restrict access to it. So that is perhaps the difference.

Did't work for us

I have not stayed there since the new building has opened up. There are two parking areas: one for overnight guests and another for "temporary" guests. There have been times, if I'm returning later in the evening and the resort is at higher capacity, that parking is an issue in the overnight area. I can see how, with the opening of the new building, that parking could become an issue. I haven't stayed there since June 2021, however, so my information isn't current.

Linda--I suspect, IF there is a change in policy, it may be because of the new building. Frankly, some people coming in for the day and spending even a couple hundred dollars should not compete with there being enough parking AND beach chairs for guests who are staying there. They make their money off the overnight guests. If they are still bringing cruise ship excursions there, I would guess that the cruise lines are chipping in more than a few bucks for that..

We stayed at Divi for two weeks last month. I agree with Linda, Annemarie the GM could perhaps explain exactly what the issue was. I can say that there was plenty of parking at the resort in July--we had no issues. There was a huge shortage of umbrellas though and even a few "confrontations" on the beach when guests of the resort couldn't get a chair and umbrella. There doesn't seem to be any connection between the guards and the folks who run the beach concession. If you are let on the property, you could basically hang by the pool or beach all day and no one would know if you belonged there or paid for the day pass. Maybe they were trying to limit the day pass folks because the resort is becoming more crowded and they just don't have enough chairs and umbrellas for everyone. Or maybe the guards were just confused. We were asked different questions every night when we returned to Divi -- all of our answers were then written in a log book. We thought it was odd but answered their questions and went on our way. Sorry you had the experience -- hopefully you will receive a better Divi welcome should you visit again.

crsxm--Thanks. I think we have our answer--there are not even enough chairs and umbrellas for guests staying on the property. If so, people from off the resort should not be coming to the beach there, unless they are bringing their own chairs and umbrellas OR just going to the Fort.

I can't imagine that not enough chairs/umbrellas is the issue. Divi has a long, wide beach and can obviously afford more equipment. IMHO the OP is making a mountain out of mole hill. No disrespect intended.

dolfer--but crsxm reported that there weren't enough chairs and umbrellas when they were there in July? If I were a timeshare owner there, I would not be happy if I couldn't get a chair or umbrella and they were letting folks from offsite come in and use chairs and umbrellas, regardless of whether they pay or not.

Several years ago, there was a week that they were bussing in cruise ship passengers and there were not enough chairs/umbrellas for owners. I was really ticked off because we paid a bunch to own at this resort while the cruise ship passengers are not coming back year after year like we do.
I complained very loudly about that. Now when we were there in February last year there were always plenty of umbrellas and chairs and that was during high season. So it seems strange that that was the case in July.

February 2021 or 2022? I think that new building at Divi opened after February 2021.

Hmmm, I didn’t take the OP’s comments as either a molehill or a mountain but merely one more island experience that might or might not happen to anyone down the road. More of a heads up, but not a big deal at all.

As an owner at Divi, I can state that lack of chairs/umbrellas is often an issue at Divi. It's quite annoying but is not infrequent.

Linda, is that because of lack of inventory, high volume of guests or attendants not putting enough out.

Really Jazzgal? We have never had a problem.

I would think it might have to do with time of year whether it is low or high season and ships in port with guests being bussed to DIVI.

Chairs and umbrellas are always a problem at the pools, but we’ve never had a problem on the beach in July (except for getting the attention of someone). The only year I heard any grumbling about not enough equipment the year after Irma. But even then we could always get chairs and umbrellas. And we’re not among the crowd to run out at daybreak and reserve a spot either.

I don't know. All I know is that I have been going in June since 2007 and I would say that at least half the time, there has not been a sufficient supply of umbrellas/chairs. I've always assumed it was a financial issue.

We’ve been at Divi for visits during higher season months like Jan.- March more than 20 times and generally have not found a shortage of chairs and umbrellas for the beach area. It can be hard to find pool chairs sometimes but we spend several days on the Divi beach each week. The chairs and umbrellas get hard use so I'm sure they have to be replaced fairly often. I wonder if they restock prior to the higher season, so by the summer months their supplies may be dwindling a bit.

We are at Divi now. The guard at the entrance is asking questions of people driving in and writing down something on a clipboard - maybe license plate numbers - no idea what they would be doing with the numbers. We were given a parking pass to hang from rear view mirror this time - cannot remember getting one before or,specifically, last June - so obviously no problem for us rolling through.

Over the years, I personally have never had a problem driving in, even when not staying there, but I always make sure to engage immediately in friendly banter with the guard and act like we belong for one reason or another. Just anecdotal observation, it seems the guards definitely differ in how they approach people trying to drive in.

I think parking is pretty tight right now - they told us to park in a marked handicapped parking area because of my limited mobility (some trouble walking) - the parking area has about four or five spots, and we have seen just one other car there - but, the parkings lots generally look pretty packed.

We have not experienced a problem with getting chairs and at least one umbrellas on the beach near the Sea Breeze, but we were told today (for first time) that he did not want to give us two umbrellas because "they" were worried about not having enough. Had it been one of Aqua Mania guys we know better, I think he would have given us two since there still were a bunch available at the time. I have often seen the lounge chairs at Sea Breeze pool get filled up early - we don't use them so it doesn't matter to us.

I need to edit above to say that the parking lots looked packed on Sunday during the day, but in the evening there was plenty of parking available. And, today, Monday, there is plenty of parking available and beach is very quiet. There were even two lounge chairs vacant at Sea Breeze pool at 11am.

I have been given the hanging parking pass a few times. I take it off and put it in the glove box when exiting and put it back on when coming back down the driveway.

Returned to Divi Little Bay today for a day visit with a party of 9. This time the security guard waved us thru with no questions asked. Go figure. I guess it depends on who is manning the entrance.
The beach was sparsely populated, with plenty of chairs and umbrellas available.

CaribJoe--I have to ask--what is the attraction, that you go back again after your previous experience, even though there are 30 some other beaches on SXM?

I can't speak for CaribJoe, but IMHO Little Bay is the nicest beach on the Dutch side. The water is usually very gentle, and there's a lot of sand. What's not to like? Full disclosure: I am not a Mullet fan.

Everyone has their favorite beaches. Divi happens to be one of mine.

I agree with CaribJoe. Of course, I own at Divi. But Little Bay is just my favorite,

I agree also. Little Bay is great. Well protected. Good sand and rarely any seaweed.

Joe--I understand why someone who owns there would consider it a favorite, just surprised someone would travel to go to a beach at a timeshare where they don't own. I know beaches on SXM are not private, but I wouldn't go to a beach at a timeshare if I'm not staying there. And in your case, especially when I was made to feel unwelcome the last time. Glad you had a better experience this time.

Some of the beaches I have enjoyed in the past no longer have services .......Baie Rouge, Le Galion, Dawn Beach (Busby's). Others have become overly crowded with difficult parking (Mullet), or inundated with seaweed (Orient). Hence, I go to those which. offer what I am seeking. Earlier posters have stated the draw of Divi, and unless it too changes, it will continue to be a favorite.

CaribJoe, I will tell you that on our last day at Divi in February, there was a TON of sargassum in the water. First time we have ever seen it.
I have checked with some folks down there and they tell me that it has not returned (YAY!)

We went to Mullet for the first time two trips ago arriving by boat. We did like it but at that time (during Covid) it was quiet. However, we have seen the problems with getting there. Plus, as a former golfer, I feel guilty walking across a golf course to get to the beach (no matter the state of said golf course).
I don't like Orient for so many reasons but seaweed and larger waves are two of them. I don't like having to be on high alert going into the water!

lcote--why would you walk across the golf course to get to Mullet? You park in the parking lot and go straight to the beach.

Joe--OK

"I feel guilty walking across a golf course to get to the beach "
No need to do that as there is a parking lot at Mullet.

The parking lot is always full!

lcote--it's always full on the weekend, for sure. Other days, if you get there by 10 am or so, there should be parking.

On my fall trips when I stay at Horny Toad, I usually make a point of going to Little Bay a couple of times. Not because I own there but because the water is gentle and there is sooo much sand.

Just saw this thread……while our many prior visits to SXM have all been timeshare at SBBR, OBBR, Maho, this November our Windstar cruise will include SXM for 2 days and 1 night. While reviewing possible options for our time, today I saw a VIATOR tour advertised for a BEACH DAY at DIVI RESORT From $40 up (not transportation). Description reads:

“ During your beach day at Divi Little Bay Resort, rest assured that all amenities are available to you. In addition to a private white sand beach, your day pass grants you access to restaurants and cafes, shops, bathrooms, and unlimited use of snorkeling equipment. With chairs and umbrellas included, a visit to Divi Little Bay is a popular choice for families.”
……. Ask the cab driver to take a left at the security gate and drop you at the watersports roundabout Friendly Aqua Mania staff will organise your chairs and umbrellas and plan the rest of your day's activities. Relax and enjoy your day at Divi.”

I am not sure what the going rate is for 2 chairs and a shared umbrella at Orient vendors, $25-30pp. Divi / Aqua Mania has a premium added pp but more facilities, eg pool and closer proximity to cruise passengers. While our ship only has about 300 pax any experience will be quite different if any big ships in (Nov 8 , 9) Time to check the cruise calendar for that info.

$40 a PERSON? If so, that's a rip-off.

For sure.

Does that include food (albeit not necessarily great food)?
I think when we did a cruise 20 years ago, it was more than that to go to Orient. That included ground transportation though.
Without food or tranportation, that does seem like a rip off. That said, there are always cruisers there on the beach. So, people must do it.

The description says "ACCESS" to restaurants and cafes. And really, there, you are talking JUST Divi restaurants. At Orient, you have a ton of different restaurants to choose from, as well as different watersports.

Said to grab a taxi to DIVI so ground transportation wasn't included.