tff,
We have vacationed on SXM for almost fifty years annually but we have stepped off the beaten path to check out many of the other islands.
The differences between Saba and St. Maarten are monumental. If you really want to chill Saba is the place to go. We stayed three or four nights at Queen’s Garden Inn and it was wonderful. But too quiet for words if you didn’t want to seriously chill. I think I read three books while there. No major active hotels but incredible diving and hiking and a photographers dream. And as already stated, no beaches to speak of but QGI does have a nice pool.
As to which side on SXM, we prefer the Dutch side but that’s us. Plenty to do if you want to and great places to chill if that’s your choice. Check out Mary’s Boon and our personal favorite, Beachside Villas. Both are small properties and on the beach. BSV has a lovely pool that doesn’t get used much and plenty of chaises around the pool.o
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