This question is for those who have been to Tortola, BVI. I am a newbie to SXM as most of my travels have been to the British Virgin Islands. Will be on island in September for two weeks and was looking for a place that has the vibe of Cane Garden Bay on Tortola. Specifically open air beach bars and live music all in one place.
Last edited by Toni; 07/26/202108:57 AM. Reason: Corrected spelling
You will find very few places on SXM that will NOT be open air. If you hadn't said September, I would have suggested perhaps Orient or Grand Case, but traditionally many places are closed on the French side during that time. It's possible that many restaurants will not take their vacation then, due to just ramping back up after Covid, but who knows? Otherwise, probably your best bet is Simpson Bay, which is different than Cane Garden, as it's a lot bigger overall and while there are many places you can walk to, for the most part, it is not a 'toes in the sand' kind of walk, more a 'walking in the road' kinda walk. SXM is overall busier than the BVI. Do you have a place to stay?
Thanks for your help Carol. We will be staying at the Flamingo Beach Resort on Simpson Bay. Reportedly it has been completely rebuilt. I already knew that SXM was busier than Tortola but I definitely like new experiences.
OK, yes, Flamingo was repaired, finally, after Irma and should be in great shape. The Greenhouse and Buccaneer Beach Bar are close to you and will probably be to your liking. Please post any other specific questions you might have.
As Carol stated the BBB and the Greenhouse would close to Cane Garden Bay but more commercial. You'll love Flamingo. Was there for 4 weeks this last May/June and it's truely a 5+ star resort after the total rebuilt and new amenities. Enjoy.
Roxxy is much more upscale than BBB and the Greenhouse. I'm not familiar with Cane Garden, but Roxxy often has live music, and almost always a DJ. A very fun, party, vibe...even for us old folks.
Georgia--Roxxy is pretty much the antithesis of Cane Garden Bay. Sounds like she is adventurous, so she could check it out though.
As far as Reggae, the Sandbox has music I think almost every night and I think Reggae one night. Otherwise, don't know. Anyone know, does Cali's have music? If so, I would assume it would be reggae..
Carol, I think we met once at a TTOL party on Tortola. This would have been at least 12-15 years ago. Mal hosted one night and there was also an art auction at Sebastions for VISAR.
Toni--Yes, I was there for a couple of those events at Mal's place. There were a bunch of great folks there at those parties! I don't remember a VISAR auction, but I remember a casino night that they had for the local humane society!! That was boss!
Toni--Scubaman will have to answer about the wifi at Flamingo. It's been a LONG time since I stayed there. Back then, the wifi was pretty crappy, as it was at Royal Palm, but that was pre-Irma.
Another vote for Roxxy Beach. But, I can't really compare it to Cane Garden Bay because I've never been to that place. The Dutch side of SXM could use a few more places like Roxxy, IMO.
I'm going to second "The sandbar" in Beacon hill from your resort it's back around the airport. From there down Maho to Rhine road through the the golf course on the beach is Da Watherhole, they have live bands at night. They have staff patrolling the parking lot. Both paces you can find more information on many of the social media platforms. Photos: Sandbar , lunch with the stage in the background and the truck. DaWaterhole, me at the high top table after the beach cocktail. Both places lots of fun! Good drinks!!
We have traveled frequently to both SXM and Tortola and love both islands for very different reasons. I think you will be hard pressed to find the same vibe. Our favorite hangouts in St Martin are Orient Beach and Grand Case Beach. I would recommend to explore SXM and enjoy it for what it is and do not compare it to the BVI.
I would also try District 721 -- new place with a few food options and dancing. We ate at Buonanotte and could see the club area filling up as we were leaving. The club is not on the water though if that matters. It's just a short drive from the Flamingo.
you'll find SXM is way more "americanized" (or europeanated?) than BVI...not necessarily a bad thing, but you won't find a lot of the true caribbean island vibe you'd find on other islands...years ago Kali's Beach Bar in Friar's Bay had a decent vibe, and even had full-moon parties, but although the bar is still there, i think it's lost it's charm and hasn't had regular full-moon parties in many years...i can't think of any place now that would be like Quito's in CGB (at least how i remember it), and nothing like the old Bomba's.
On Anguilla, i think Sandy Ground or Bankie's Dune Preserve would be worth checking out, usually a quick 20 minute ferry ride from Marigot, but due to Covid, unless things have changed, probably a hassle to visit currently