We have a 7-day visit planned in January 07 (Sat-Sat) and would love to hear what you all would do in those seven days if it was your first visit to St. Martin?

We are staying at Alamanda and plan to rent a car, though we are not sure if we should do so for the entire trip. We are not the type to spend an entire day just laying on the beach...

We arrive Around 130pm Sat and Depart 430 pm the next Sat.

Suggestions?

First of all, you'll see alot of crappy roads and heavy traffic but just relax. We are arriving on 1-5 and staying on Orient also. I would try several beaches. My favorites are Orient, Cupecoy, Happy Bay, Friars and Mullett. There are others that you can just take a side road of of and it will lead you to a beach. Try some of the local food sold at "lolos" They are a great bargain (roadside stands) in which you can get more than enough food for 2 for about $7 that includes: chicken, ribs, slaw, mac and cheese, au graten potatoes and more. Go to SSBB (Sunset Beach Bar) near the aiport where it's fun to watch the large jets land (late afternoon) and get yourself a great burger or tuna steak sandwich and some good music at night. Ladies drink free there if they go topless and that happens some on a daily basis. Go to Maho area, also near SSBB to try a show at Cheri's. It's a fun show. Go to Soprano's Piano Bar on the 2nd story of the Maho shopping area for fun sing along music. Take a ferry from Marigot to Anguilla and go to Ernie's at Shoal Bay East for some good snorkelling and swimming. If your wife likes jewelry, there is a ton of jewelry stores in downtown. Great restaurants all over but especially in Grand Case. We like California, not expensive, good view and treat you right. Pay cash and get 1 for 1 $ for Euro. Go to the boardwalk in Phillipsburg. It's very nice since it's been pretty much completed. And I would say lastly, you're on vacation (like in Vegas) so what goes on in SXM stays there) go nude at Orient beach. Walk to the Club O section or get up early in the morning and take a beach walk (before 9am) nude up the entire beach. Don't worry, there will be plenty of folks doing the same thing. You'll find that you like it.

To the above, I would add a 9 a.m. visit to the Butterfly Farm (be prepared to explore potholes for a brief stretch) and the America's Cup 12 M yachts out of Bobby's Marina in Phillipsburg. (Just discovered that you can skip nasty traffic between Grand Case and P'burg by going down the East side of the island. After passing the border marker, take the next left (literally go straight) and at the next T, take a right. You'll come out on the east end of Phillipsburg close to the Marina 20 minutes after starting out.

We always go to Marigot on a Saturday or Weds. to the local market. Very interesting to see the different booths. Also while there,walk up to Fort St Louis for a great view of the island. We do this early in our vacation just to get that great island feel!! Ben

Ben, From the market area, can you provide some directions to Ft St. Louis? We've never been there and we do like to visit the market a couple times. Thansk, Rick

Thanks for all your suggestions (and any more to come!)

I know many 'tourist" questions like mine on this site are repetative and I appreciate very much the responses! It takes a long time to read through all the previous posts and I am part-way through in reading and taking notes but am always craving more info!

On My first visit to St. Maarten I drove up and down almost every single road on the island. That's how I found Friers Bay. Now that I know my way around there are several things I would suggest.
- Shopping in Phillipsberg and Marigot (cloudy days are shoppimg days)
- Sunset Beach Bar to watch the Airbus take off
- Buchaneer Beach Bar for lunch & BBC's
- Turtle Pier for breakfast
- Cheri's Cafe for dinner & a show (hokie but fun for your first time)
- Snorkeling at Friers Bay, Bay Rouge, Divi Resort
- Ferry to Pinal Island
- Dinner at least once in Grand Case
- Gamble at Casino Royale, Princess Casino and Atlantis Casino
- Ride the Rhinos
- Blue Beard to Prickly Pear Island
- Sit at the piano bar for drinks and cigars at Sopranos. (late night)
- Day trip to Orient Beach

Then on the second day..........lol

Remember you will need to switch to Island Time - lay back and relax, every tang in good time.

~~ Once you've slept on an island, you'll never be the same ~~
2008 St Maarten Pics

How do you get to Friar's bay by car?

HoW do you get to Happy bay by car?

I don't know how to decribe the road you take to Happy Bay but I understand you usually have to get out of your car and drop a chain that crosses the road and then drive on back by the villas that have sat for years unoccupied (or at least they looked it) Someone with better knowledge of the island can describe what street it is that you cut off of.

There are (2) ways to get to Friar's Bay by car.
- Coming from Marigot head North - when you go over the big hill turn Left immediately at the bottom. There is a small sign there.
- Coming from Grand Case turn Right just after the tennis courts. Go back to where the gate is and turn Left - follow the road.

- DO NOT go to Happy Bay by car - sometimes the gates are open, but will surely be closed when you try to leave. There is a path to the right of Friar's bay that will take you to Happy Bay. Or do as we do - snorkel there.

~~ Once you've slept on an island, you'll never be the same ~~
2008 St Maarten Pics

Az Guy, So if I am trying the Grand Case directions, once I get to the gate, are you saying I should park and walk? if not, what do I do and how far of a walk is it fro there?

AZ guy, I am guessing Don? I perused your 2006 pics/movies and they are a hoot! Great music,animation and really great views of the island- thanks for the info, much appreciated!

Hey Rick - The gate goes into the French Military Installation where Happy Bay is. They are normally closed. Just turn left and continue driving. You can drive right up to the beach.


Thanks SStagnaro appreciate the compliment.

~~ Once you've slept on an island, you'll never be the same ~~
2008 St Maarten Pics

Rick, Just walk up the road by the French hospital. Ben