Over the years I have experienced SXM changing. I used to love sitting at La Aerowak at 10 PM to when ever people watching. I haven't "felt" safe on the French side for years so seldom go there.
There was many places on the Dutch side I liked to go but don't visit them anymore.
For the last trips on island I usually stay in the Simpson Bay area and do Mullet for beach days.
the places where I go on island got smaller and smaller. For this I looked for other options for my vacations.
Wendell