As a first time visitor planning a trip to the island, I was overwhelmed by the volumes of information. It is my hope that the information below will help other 1st timers who dont know what to expect. I am certainly no expert, I did not visit every spot on the island, these are just my opinions based on my own observations of the places I did visit.<br><br>OVERALL IMPRESSION: The French side, overall, seemed more densely populated, more upscale, more sophisticated, and more expensive with its high end stores and gourmet restaurants. The Dutch side (outside of Maho) had more of a laid-back, tropical island feel. The area around Maho, the airport, etc. was more urban with its casinos, nightclubs, stores and restaurants, than the rest of the Dutch side. <br><br>DAWN BEACH: Our favorite. In Oyster Pond, on the Dutch/French border. Its location on the far east coast is away from everything, but the beach is not at all secluded. Cruise ship passengers and tourists (a lot of French) make it lively. No nudity, but largely topless. There is a great deal of villa constuction going on in the hills around the beach, so the view is not the best. But the view looking out over the water (especially when the sun rises) is beautiful. The beach was immaculately clean and Ms. B's is a great bargain: 2 chairs, umbrella and 2 rum punches for $10. Beers are only $1. Do not let the primitive "tent" facilities fool you. The food there was incredible--just about the tastiest burgers and chicken breasts we've ever had. Ribs are said to be the best on the island. Note: If you want snapper or lobster, you need to order it at least a day ahead of time. Mr. Busby's was disappointing. The hut-like facilities were attractive, but there were mice crawling in and out of the floorboards and the food was medicore. Captain Olivers has a cozy little bar, a restaurant and a few small shops on the marina, but there is no beach there.<br><br>LITTLE BAY: Great Bay and Little Bay are divided by a peninsula on which Divi Resort is located. We stayed at Divi for $85/night (Expedia deal) and do not regret it (more about Divi and other lodging later). There is nothing on Little Bay Beach except for Divi, but it is open to the public and there is a beach bar and watersports. On the Great Bay side of Divi are rocks, no beach. We loved Little Bay. It is a central location, you can walk to Front Street in Phillipsburg or Great Bay beach. Little Bay Beach is uncrowded and very clean. Chairs are free. Family-like atmosphere.<br><br>GREAT BAY: A section of the beach borders Great Bay Beach Resort. The other section of the beach is lined with the backs of the shops on Front Street and some beach bars/restaurants. <br><br>PHILLIPSBURG/FRONT STREET: Very similar to the downtowns of Puerta Vallarta, or old San Juan, if you've ever been there. Basically one long street and a marina lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and specialty stores (tons of jewelry stores, an African store, Disney Store, cigar stores, liquor stores, etc.) It is very crowded when cruise ships are in port, nearly deserted when they are not. Don't be afraid to bargain. Pareos and beach towels here were 3 or 4 for $10, while on the beach, they were $10 for one. <br><br>I need to go earn a living now for a few hours, but if anyone is interested I will write more later.