Hi,

We went to Aruba before going to St. Maarten and to me there’s no comparison. Aruba was fun but nothing like SXM. We love the Simpson Bay Area with lots of beach options - mostly my fave beach Simpson Bay beach. There are a few hotels and rentals directly on the beach. We rent a car and drive everywhere- never had an unsafe experience. While we appreciate great meals we typically go for casual places and we almost always finish the night off at one of the many casinos. Try St. Maarten out - I was never the same after the first trip - have visited other islands and Europe but my “home away from home” is St. Maarten.

Merry Christmas! Cathy