May 3 – 10th – Divi Little Bay
This is our first trip to St. Maarten (except for two one-day cruise stops) – Will post a photo link when I have a chance. This is probably a long-winded report but here goes:

Left Boston at 5:50 via Delta with a connection in Atlanta. We left Boston on time but once we got to Atlanta the problems began. We were delayed 45 minutes as a plane was late getting off so our connecting flight was unable to get to the gate. When it finally did we had to wait for everyone to get off and then they had to clean the cabins. We finally boarded and then waited an additional 60 min as we were number 25 to take off. Anyway the winds cooperated and we were only one hour late to arrive and the luggage was quick as was customs so we were off. I was a little afraid where we had never rented a car here and wasn’t sure if they would still be waiting for us – but they were. We rented from Mohammad at Panoramic (or ACE) and they were there waiting for us with a sign. Whisked us off to there office, signed the paperwork (they had our phone which was delivered by Sharon) and we were off. Everyone here was very friendly and efficient so we will definitely rent from them again. Our car was clean and ran great! I know everyone has different experiences but ours was great.

We headed to the Divi and as we took our first drive there we were thinking “what are we doing vacationing here” – not sure which way we went but all we saw was dirt, poverty, graffiti about gangs and killing, etc. I also think that we both had read so much on the boards about the increase in crime and poverty that we were looking much more closely than we normally would. Anyway, we found our way to the Divi and we were happy to see the resort was beautiful and we were upgraded to a newly renovated beachfront room. Divi is a great resort with three pools, a couple of restaurants, shops, outdoor bars, etc. After unpacking we hit the Grand Marche for essentials and return to the Divi to get showered and out to dinner.

Our first night we took a cab to dinner at the Greenhouse. Our driver was John and he was wonderful – he gave us his number and said to call him if we had any problems or when we were ready to go return to the hotel. We had a great dinner of mussels and burgers and then played a game of pool – the place was empty – in fact, the town was empty. We left on foot and walked to a few of the casinos nearby and frankly, we were very nervous. With all we read about crime we were “waiting for something to happen” – it didn’t but Phillipsburg is definitely not a place to walk around alone at night. We got our bearings after our first day and learned to drive along the water to avoid the “sketchy” parts.

On Sunday, we spent the day at Divi – we made a pitcher of margaritas and soaked in the sun. The water was beautiful and warm although the sand is gray and feels a little dirty - we later found out it is a man made beach and that is why. Anyway, we had great drinks and lunch at the pool bar and just relaxed. Met a few people but again the place seemed deserted. We got directions and drove to Pineapple Pete’s and had a great time – good food, service and a great guitar player and then went to the casino and made $600!

On Monday we woke and drove to Orient Beach – we got chairs at Kokomarina – such a nice couple who own this place. The weather was off and on cloudy and rainy so they ended up closing. We had lunch at Pedro’s (food was okay) and we just relaxed and enjoyed the sun.

Monday night we went to The Pizza Galley for dinner – the BEST pizza ever with a great Caesar salad. Had wine and desert and then hit the Casino to give back some money!

Tuesday we spent the morning at the Divi beach and then went to shop a little in Phillipsburg. Dropped off my diamond engagement and wedding rings at Shiva’s to have put in a new setting – love the new ring!! We had dinner again at Pineapple Pete’s again as we were told there was a live band tonight – they were great and had lots of guests. We only had onion soup and the seafood soup – wonderful. Made it an early night.

Wednesday – my new ring would be ready after 10 am so we walked from Divi to Phillipsburg and hung at the beach there – rented chairs at a hotel – can’t remember the name. It was dead there again – no cruise ships = no people and lots of places close. Wed night we had reservation on the Celine Pub Crawl – this was wonderful fun. Capt Neil is such fun and the group of nurses from MASS were a riot – we partied with them and then hit Bamboo Bernie’s for Ladies night – again had a great time (big heads in the morning).

Thursday we returned to Orient Beach – there were 2 ships in port so Orient was hopping. We rented our chairs again at Kokomarina and had lunch at the infamous Baywatch. Food was wonderful. We met Kal from the TTOL boards – it was great to meet him and talk – he provided so much info and has a lot of knowledge about the island. Thursday night we had dinner at Cheri’s in Maho – what a wonderful place – we ate at the bar and watched the band – it was great. The food is good and the atmosphere is such fun. Gave back a little to the casino again.

Friday we drove to Marigot to walk around (we had wanted to have dinner here tonight but found out a lot of places were either closed or very quiet). A lot of the shops and stores were closed. Drove to Dawn Beach to check it out. The Westin looked so out of place here to us. Hit Sunset Beach Bar for a few too many drinks. Hit the casino on the way back to the Divi and made a little cash. We came back and hung at the Divi until dinner. Went to L’escargot for dinner tonight and the show – such fun!!!! The couple who own the place were so nice and friendly – and the atmosphere here was wonderful – a favorite for sure. A couple of the “girls” in the show took a shine to my husband (of course we were in the front row so he was right there) and pulled him up on stage. They put on a fabulous show and we really enjoyed ourselves here – it was a great ending to our week.

Saturday we were up early, packed, returned our phone, checked our luggage and returned to Sunset Beach for burgers and drinks – never got to see a big jet but it was fun anyway.

Our flight back to Boston was uneventful.

To sum it up – we LOVED St. Maarten. My husband actually prefers it to Aruba (where we own timeshare at the Divi). I still prefer Aruba but would definitely return to SXM. The people are soo friendly; the food is wonderful, tons to do, etc. I think I would prefer to visit when it is not quite so quiet. We felt completely safe renting a car and driving around – the only time I felt unsafe was the first night walking in Phillipsburg – the streets are dark and empty. I will post a photo link when I have it ready.

Thanks to all who have provided so much helpful information.