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Where to stay for March 2020 visit
#213435
01/09/2020 04:26 PM
01/09/2020 04:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2 Virginia Beach, VA
SDechert
OP
Member
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OP
Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2
Virginia Beach, VA
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Hello! We are a family of 6 and we LOVE SXM and have been many times over the last 25 years. The last two years we have stayed at Oyster Pond but seemed to spend several of our days at Orient Beach and would dine in the evening around Oyster Pond, Orient Bay, and Grand Case. For this upcoming trip (March 2020) we’re not sure where to stay. Oyster Pond (and many parts of the island) have been severely damaged by Irma and it sounds like rebuilding efforts on the Dutch side have gone significantly better than on the French side. This year we had been considering staying in or near Orient Village but have read about riots, blockades, etc. that are concerning. We usually rent a car and love to explore but not sure if our usual way of exploring the island is still safe ( last visit we, sadly, didn’t feel safe in Marigot and we’ve always loved it there). Our family consists of my husband, our three kids all over the age of 18, and my Mother-in-law. We probably need to choose a spot that is close to some action as our kids will enjoy that but we want to make sure it’s safe for them to be out and about, especially at night. We especially love French culture and have been more drawn to the French side but we realize our beloved island has suffered and has experienced some major changes. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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Re: Where to stay for March 2020 visit
[Re: SDechert]
#213438
01/09/2020 04:50 PM
01/09/2020 04:50 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,012 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,012
Central Florida!
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If you really want to stay on the French side and/or visit the French side, my personal suggestion is to stay somewhere in Orient Village. OV seemed to have been relatively untouched by the riots. WITHIN the Village, there are plenty of places to eat there in the Village. With the new Super U in Hope Estate, as well as the other grocery selections in the area, it is really a great place to stay. As far as rebuilding, Orient Village is WAY head and shoulders above Grand Case or Oyster Pond, both of which still have a lot of visible damage.
Carol Hill
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Re: Where to stay for March 2020 visit
[Re: SDechert]
#213477
01/09/2020 09:05 PM
01/09/2020 09:05 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,012 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,012
Central Florida!
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SDecehert--SXM is all about choices, and it would not be nearly so attractive if there weren't the Dutch and French sides. Both are different and wonderful, in their own way. As to which one is better and which I would recommend, it really depends on what YOU want. In 2019, we spent one wonderful week in a villa above Grand Case and later on, 10 days at Beachside Villas on the Dutch side. Both were fabulous. Your mileage may vary.
Carol Hill
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Re: Where to stay for March 2020 visit
[Re: SDechert]
#213485
01/10/2020 12:44 AM
01/10/2020 12:44 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,425 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,425
Brookfield, CT.
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Have to agree with Kim in that Cupecoy Beach Club is in a very nice area for exploring and offers lots of walkable options for both beaching and dining but if you want a little more action and/or upscale dining venues it’s a short drive to both Porto Cupecoy in one direction r Maho and all its many offerings going the other way. The units are individually owned and are quite lovely and if you happen to rent a cliff side unit, the views are lovey and the sunsets incredible.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Where to stay for March 2020 visit
[Re: SDechert]
#213492
01/10/2020 08:03 AM
01/10/2020 08:03 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 583 PA
ChuckG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 583
PA
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It sounds like Orient Village is exactly the area that you would enjoy the most if you prefer the French side. We were there for 10 days last month and it was great, basically no signs of Irma in the Orient area except for demolished Club O. So the unknown factor is the unrest. Right now all is well. If it returns, and who knows if it ever will, there are ways around it, even by boat! One (probably expensive) way to hedge your bets would be to take a flight into Grand Case airport from Puerto Rico. I have not researched this but have seen someone mention an airline that flies that route.
Last edited by ChuckG; 01/10/2020 08:05 AM.
Chuck and Joni
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Re: Where to stay for March 2020 visit
[Re: ChuckG]
#213494
01/10/2020 08:20 AM
01/10/2020 08:20 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,091 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,091
Ohio
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There are still a lot of beach bars, etc. missing from Orient Beach if you go back to pre-Irma. Bikini came back quickly as have a couple of others but if one knows what Orient was like before, it is still pretty different. Who knows when the Club Orient mess will be dealt with.
J.D.
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Re: Where to stay for March 2020 visit
[Re: SDechert]
#213569
01/11/2020 08:42 AM
01/11/2020 08:42 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 583 PA
ChuckG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 583
PA
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Rural- you are absolutely right, I ignored the beach in my comment, i.e. the missing beach bars! I was mainly thinking of the residences and Orient Village itself as far as being recovered from Irma.
Chuck and Joni
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