Hello All,

We’ve come back from our third trip to SXM. This is the same group of 8 women that vacation together every year, but once we hit St. Martin we just kept going back. This year we had a wonderful time as usual. No bad experiences. The weather was perfect. I would say one of the best parts of our trip was a daytrip aboard the cigarette boat Sonic with Capt. Pascal. Capt Jack is in the states recuperating from heart surgery.

We have always stayed in the same villa in Terres Basses, and have always loved it, but we are considering staying somewhere else next year, and for a longer amount of time, just for something different. I am hoping you folks can help us out. We are thinking of renting a villa in the Dawn Beach /Oyster Pond Estates area.

I’d particularly like to hear from folks who have stayed this area, and what they thought, especially if they’ve also stayed in Terres Basses, but any info would be helpful. Are there any differences between staying on the French as opposed to the Dutch side? Because we spent so much time on the other side of the island, we never made it over to the Dawn Beach area (got as far as Orient Beach). What are some of the best activities/restaurants/beach bars in that area? I did read something about construction of the Westin hotel. Does anyone know if this will be a problem?


Kathy

I have never stayed in the Terre Basses area. I have rented several villas around Dawn Beach/Oyster Pond. There are a number of very nice villas in the area, although probably not as private/estate-like feeling as in T.B., since the lots tend to be an acre or less. However, the hillsides can make for fantastic views to Anguilla/Tintamarre, and to St. Barths.

With the French side of Oyster Pond right there and a Bounty nearby, there is still a French feel near the area. Easier access to Orient Beach as well. The drawback is that most nightlife requires a 20 minute drive.

A good place for pictures of villas is www.remaxislandproperties, as Remax manages a lot of the villas in the area (you don't have ot rent through them though). Sunrise, Valhalla, Plateau, LeCliff, and Suzanne are all very nice. Most villas in Oyster Pond Estates won't be affected by the construction. Some of the houses in Dawn Beach Estates will have the Westin Construction in their views and have discounted their rental rates by 15%. Most people haven't seemed too bothered by the noise. The beach (IMO) is nowhere near as beautiful as before, with Coral and Westin construction ongoing. There is still some decent snorkelling, though.

Busby's/Daniels by the Sea, Taba Khaddy, and Bobos are all restaurants immediately in the area. The Dinghy Dock has a daily Happy Hour from 5-7 where you make your own drinks for $2. Tends to be a fun crowd with tourists and locals mixed in.

Have a great time.

We have never been to the Carribean and are thinking about St. Martin. I have found that properties to rent seem more affordable in the Terres Basses area.
I have also been told that because it is low and on the leeward side, moquitoes can be a problem. Any advise would be appreaciated.

We have gone to St. Martin a number of times and a year ago discovered that Scavenger's Beach Bar on Dawn Beach is no longer there. My husband just loved that beach bar and had many, many memories with his kids there. He has a t-shirt from there that is almost thread bare and if I could locate one in a size large or x-large for him I would be so happy to surprise him. It is a white t-shirt that says Scavenger's on the front in somewhat small letters and the back is Scavenger's beach bar; St. Maarten D.W.I. with a bird. Thanks so much if you could help me locate one. Pat

The best restaurant in this Area is TABBA KHADY, located in Oyster Pond ! We eat there at least once a week. Their website is : www.tabba-khady.com . Activity wise, the new casino at the westin on Dawn Beach should open very soon, and for days activities, we find it nice to snorkle along Coralita beach (across from the Tabba Khady Restaurant). You also can do some horse riding in Oyster Pond.