Sint Maarten Travel Forum

Hello to all.. I will be going to St Maarten in May and we are staying at the Sunterra Flamingo. Is anyone familiar with the place?? Also, Just wanted to Know from others experience, Were are the best places to go for nightlife, casinos, restaurants etc. any info that you all may have is very well appriciated!!!!
thank you!!

Kristi-
First, a very warm welcome to VT!

I was on the island 2 summers ago, although I spent most of my trip on the french side, St. Martin. Philipsberg is VERY touristy; it's geared toward the cruise ship crowd who get off for a few hours. There is NO shortage of T-shirts, liquor and and jewelry shops! (It's ridiculous actually).

One fun place to go however, is the Guavaberry House...they make flavoured rum, and a few condiments+sauces here. You can sample the various products in the gift shop. If you don't make it here, have no fear, their products are sold ALL over the island. I HIGHLY recommend the MANGO rum. Mmmmm <drooling just thinking about it!> :-))

For a different, almost surreal experience...head to the small Maho Beach. This is right across from the airport on the Dutch side. Planes, often jumbo-jet American Airlines or Air France, fly directly overhead. A warning sign at the parking spots warns drivers, "Watch for low flying aircraft". I camped out here for hours waiting for a "big one" to come in and so I could take a picture! Sounds corny, yes, but I certainly was not alone!! There's a resort here, I believe called the Maho Beach Resort, that has a casino.

I'd highly recommend renting a car and going over to the French side. There's no border patrol or anything...just a "Welcome to St. Martin" sign. Marigot is the capital and the main town. The downtown area has alot of shops and boutiques and cafes and creperies. Less touristy than Philipsberg! On Saturday morning, there's a market set-up where the locals flock to buy produce, fish and handmade crafts.

One more suggestion....the island of Anguilla is a mere 20-30 minute ferry ride from Marigot. You'll need to take your passport and to pay a departure tax. Anguilla, although the same geographic size as St Martin/Sint Maarten, has only 1/7th of the population, so you'll find the island much more laid-back and quiet. The beaches at Rendezvous Bay are the best!!

Enjoy your trip, and agian, welcome to VT!

Best Regards-
Debbie :-)

Thanks Debbie!!!

You were a big help!!! I've heard from alot of people that theGuavaberry house is a good place to go. Will have to check it out! Also do you know of any other websites to go to, to look for info and "what to do" and the right days to "do it on" again thanks for your advise..