Greetings SXM experts <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />!

We are making plans for a one way sail from Antigua to St. Maarten in May. Making final deal on the boat, now looking for info on both edges of the trip. Will more than likely have lots of questions. Have done BVI many times, and Grenada St. Vincent once.

We are thinking about staying the first night by SXM airport, before catching a hop to Antigua via LIAT the next morning for a sleep aboard.

1. Any recommendations for a nice place by SXM for the first night? Safe, close and some nice eateries around?

We are also thinking we may stay in in St. Maarten for two or three nights when we turn the boat back into Horizon at their St. Maarten base.

2. Any suggestions for a short after sail stay in St. Maarten?

We will need to fly out of St. Martin, SXM I'm pretty sure.

Will start to review the trip reports.

Thanks!

Not quite what you asked for, but how about staying at GCBC and flying out of Grand Case to Antigua?

At that time of year, Horny Toad Guesthouse might do short stays. It's quaint and right on the beach. You can walk to Karakter although I wouldn't walk there at night. During the day, it's fine.

Another place is Turquoise Shell Inn. It's across the street from Simpson Beach and has a pool.

Although I haven't stayed there, Mary's Boon is also on the beach and is next door to Karakter.

Mary Boon is top notch right on the Bay. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

El Zafiro has nice rooms. Right on the beach, restaurant on site.

http://www.elzafirosxm.com

I noticed that they (El Zafiro) use VRBO for booking requests in addition to email.

El Zafiro is over priced for what it is, especially when you consider 15% service charge and 9% tax on top (which, as far as I know, tax should only be 5%), and their payment policies, requiring half down and the remainder 60-90 days in advance and no money back if you cancel.

Thanks for all the info! Our group has changed/finalized plans, Fly into SXM then take LIAT that afternoon over to Antigua and stay close to Horizon either at; Sugar Ridge, Jolly Beach Resort or Five Senses for one night before sleep aboard.

Turn boat into Horizon ten days later, at Fort Louis Marigot Marina (?) and stay two/three nights on Orient Bay; at either Hotel La Plantation or Blue Bay Beach Hotel. Or is there a better location on the French side than Orient Bay?

Thanks folks!

Grand Case is a good place to stay on the French side. Great restaurants and you can go to Orient during the day or stay on Grand Case beach.

Not sure what their budget is, but Le Petit is on the water in Grand Case and is one of the best places to stay on the French side. That would be my recommendation. (Although they probably have a minimum night requirement, which the OP may not be able to satisfy.)

Blue Emeraude a winner as well. Not sure on minimum nights but we did 4 nights in October once. Right on the beach and closer walk to restaurants. You can find it on TA under specialty lodging as it is a residence hotel.