usvi-on-line
St. Maarten/St. Martin
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Has anyone been there?
I am just starting to research. We are torn between going back to St. John, doing a cruise of the USVI and BVI's, or going somewhere new in December.
I am just starting to research St. Maarten/St. Martin because I did the trip advisor "inspire me" trips. Tripadvisor lists it as number 5 for family fun and seems to have shopping and casinos (that doesn't interest us).
We are looking for something in the Caribbean that is like St. John but we want to stay in a small resort like Grande Bay or in a grouping of Villas. We want a lot to explore and beautiful beaches.
We don't want to fly too long (we're flying from Omaha). Virgin Gorda looks great but after all that flying my family let me know they really don't want to have a long ferry ride to get there.
"We" are myself, my husband, and two teenage sons.
Thanks for any ideas. I am going to search because I know you all have thrown out ideas before. I know someone mentioned Turks and Caicos.
Any ideas???
Gina
I am just starting to research. We are torn between going back to St. John, doing a cruise of the USVI and BVI's, or going somewhere new in December.
I am just starting to research St. Maarten/St. Martin because I did the trip advisor "inspire me" trips. Tripadvisor lists it as number 5 for family fun and seems to have shopping and casinos (that doesn't interest us).
We are looking for something in the Caribbean that is like St. John but we want to stay in a small resort like Grande Bay or in a grouping of Villas. We want a lot to explore and beautiful beaches.
We don't want to fly too long (we're flying from Omaha). Virgin Gorda looks great but after all that flying my family let me know they really don't want to have a long ferry ride to get there.
"We" are myself, my husband, and two teenage sons.
Thanks for any ideas. I am going to search because I know you all have thrown out ideas before. I know someone mentioned Turks and Caicos.
Any ideas???
Gina
I haven't been to St. Maarten in quite some time but it was big for shopping even 15-20 years ago. I think it lost some popularity (after some hurricane pro blems) for awhile but has now expanded on resorts, etc. and has really drawn the boating crowd too. Even as long ago as 20 years, they had somewhat of a problem with crime, so you might want to see what you can find out about that now. As other options, you might want to check out Anguilla or St. Barths. My bf's sister has a place in Anguilla and loves it. I think there are even more beaches to visit than in STJ. When I was in Anguilla on a catamaran day trip from St. Maarten, I remember standing on Shoal Bay and thinking this is the most beautiful beach ever. I'm not sure that I wouldn't feel the same way, and that's after having been to STJ. Happy travels. Ali~
STJ - I "get it"
Hi Gina---For whatever its worth, I think the VI/BVI small boat cruise sounds great. I also think you might like Turks and Caicos. Check out Coral Gardens condos. Its an older complex but its close to the water, right next to the island's best snorkeling beach. There is also a fantastic laid-back beach cafe at Coral Gardens. Another idea is to rent a house on Grace Bay.
St. Martin certainly has its followers---I was at a friend's house last night who loves it--- he likes it for the variety of French restaurants. Others love the shopping. Some like the c/o beaches on the French side. I'm not sure any of these are what you're looking for, but others here can give you good input.
St. Martin certainly has its followers---I was at a friend's house last night who loves it--- he likes it for the variety of French restaurants. Others love the shopping. Some like the c/o beaches on the French side. I'm not sure any of these are what you're looking for, but others here can give you good input.
---Jim
I have been researching SXM for several years now but have not been there. Looks like a great place for culture and food and has great beaches and great places to hang out and party.
They seem to have an ongoing challenge with crime, which is the only reason I haven't gone yet.
One of the best places to learn is TTOL---
http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/ ... d=stmartin
Also TA--
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1 ... artin.html
I think we will get there in the next few years...Anguilla is a great/easy trip once there and the draw of both French and Dutch cultures is attractive.
This place looks great too--
http://www.vrbo.com/145073
They seem to have an ongoing challenge with crime, which is the only reason I haven't gone yet.
One of the best places to learn is TTOL---
http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/ ... d=stmartin
Also TA--
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1 ... artin.html
I think we will get there in the next few years...Anguilla is a great/easy trip once there and the draw of both French and Dutch cultures is attractive.
This place looks great too--
http://www.vrbo.com/145073
STJ Villa Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
STJ Villa Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
Thanks Sherban--I noticed the crime too.
You had mentioned a while back about the outer banks of North Carolina--this summer I planned a Hilton Head vacation but changed the venue. Surely, it is too chilly to go South Carolina now, right??
I have a completely different option that is SO different than what I have been asking for. I was thinking about that poll we took a while ago about how many of the places on that list we have been to. So, I added them to my bucket list. I did a google search for National Parks that could be winter destinations and found the Yellowstone National Park. There is a ski area nearby. We could snowboard, dog slep, snowmobile, see the geysers, etc. I know this is way off the radar . . . but . . . it sounds kinda nice. Flights are as expensive as going to the Caribbean though--and that makes me question it.
New York is also on my bucket list but I think XMAS is way way too busy from the research I have done.
My top pick for a warm destination is Grand Caymans (at the moment). The flights are good but I haven't checked lodging yet.
Opinions and ideas are VERY VERY appreciated. I am struggling and normally have the destination picked by March.
GiGi
You had mentioned a while back about the outer banks of North Carolina--this summer I planned a Hilton Head vacation but changed the venue. Surely, it is too chilly to go South Carolina now, right??
I have a completely different option that is SO different than what I have been asking for. I was thinking about that poll we took a while ago about how many of the places on that list we have been to. So, I added them to my bucket list. I did a google search for National Parks that could be winter destinations and found the Yellowstone National Park. There is a ski area nearby. We could snowboard, dog slep, snowmobile, see the geysers, etc. I know this is way off the radar . . . but . . . it sounds kinda nice. Flights are as expensive as going to the Caribbean though--and that makes me question it.
New York is also on my bucket list but I think XMAS is way way too busy from the research I have done.
My top pick for a warm destination is Grand Caymans (at the moment). The flights are good but I haven't checked lodging yet.
Opinions and ideas are VERY VERY appreciated. I am struggling and normally have the destination picked by March.
GiGi
Been to St. Martin 5 times. If you are still considering it, I will send you the standard PM I send to people about the island. Definitely has more crime, and the island is nothing like St. John. Anguilla and St. Martin are a 20 minute ferry ride apart, and I think the two are a good combo. St. Martin, despite its issues, does have some things to recommend it. Great cuisine, good nightlife, beautiful beaches, plenty of lodging... but more like St. Thomas in terms of population density.
Anguilla is the opposite. More like St. John in terms of speed and safety. Very upscale. The topography of the island is like the Bahamas or Grand Cayman - very flat. People are friendly, beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean.
Anguilla is the opposite. More like St. John in terms of speed and safety. Very upscale. The topography of the island is like the Bahamas or Grand Cayman - very flat. People are friendly, beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean.
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John LMBZ06
- Posts: 286
- Joined: Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:52 am
- Location: Frisco, TX
I have been to St. Maarten a couple of times. The food and shopping is great and there are a couple of nice beaches there. For my taste, the island is too crowded and I did not feel safe there. I would not go back personally.
Like Iowaguy, I have stayed at the Coral Gardens condos in the Turks and Caicos. They have a great reef right there on the beach. We took several day boat trips and we really liked it there. The only draw back was that the interior of the island is not that pretty. There is a lot of poverty there, but all the people seemed friendly and I felt safe there.
I loved Anguilla. With a family, that may be my next favorite place to go after St. John. I really liked it there. Not over crowded, nice beaches and great people. I felt safe there. If you go, you have to eat at Smitty's on the Beach.
I love St. Barts, but it can be expensive. In my opinion the safest island you could go to and some great food. You can only take real small planes to that airport and it is one heck of a ride. You take a nose dive to land that I have never experienced before. We rented motor scooters on that island and it was very fun to explore.
Just a side note - Virgin Gorda does have an airport.
Like Iowaguy, I have stayed at the Coral Gardens condos in the Turks and Caicos. They have a great reef right there on the beach. We took several day boat trips and we really liked it there. The only draw back was that the interior of the island is not that pretty. There is a lot of poverty there, but all the people seemed friendly and I felt safe there.
I loved Anguilla. With a family, that may be my next favorite place to go after St. John. I really liked it there. Not over crowded, nice beaches and great people. I felt safe there. If you go, you have to eat at Smitty's on the Beach.
I love St. Barts, but it can be expensive. In my opinion the safest island you could go to and some great food. You can only take real small planes to that airport and it is one heck of a ride. You take a nose dive to land that I have never experienced before. We rented motor scooters on that island and it was very fun to explore.
Just a side note - Virgin Gorda does have an airport.
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John LMBZ06
- Posts: 286
- Joined: Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:52 am
- Location: Frisco, TX
The Beaches resort is just a short walk away from that coral reef that is on the beach at the Coral Gardens. I was there in September and the Beaches resort was crowded even though it was slow season. In fact, the hotel next to the Coral Gardens only had two rooms taken when I was there, but the Beaches resort was hopping. It is an all inclusive, so it just depends on if you like that sort of thing. Your kids will love the all you can eat and drink. It may make a lot of sense just from the stand point of the kids to stay there.
Hey- Yeah, I think NC/SC are now too cold if you want to go to a beach and get in the water....XOXO wrote:Thanks Sherban--I noticed the crime too.
You had mentioned a while back about the outer banks of North Carolina--this summer I planned a Hilton Head vacation but changed the venue. Surely, it is too chilly to go South Carolina now, right??
GiGi
STJ Villa Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
IOWAGUY:
Iowaguy: I found your review too and that helped me decide.
GG
The flights are reasonable priced and the Coral Garden condos are also reasonable. I will likely book in the next few days. I really appreciate all of the help!I also think you might like Turks and Caicos. Check out Coral Gardens condos. Its an older complex but its close to the water, right next to the island's best snorkeling beach. There is also a fantastic laid-back beach cafe at Coral Gardens. Another idea is to rent a house on Grace Bay.
Iowaguy: I found your review too and that helped me decide.
GG
Doesn't it figure! I finally make a decision and Coral Garden condos aren't available at Christmas time. I am so surprised--other destinations seem to have the whole month practically open. I guess that is a good sign.
The price was right for the Coral Gardens and it had a full kitchen and the location was perfect.
Any other ideas?
GG
The price was right for the Coral Gardens and it had a full kitchen and the location was perfect.
Any other ideas?
GG
Gina---I sent you a pm with some other Turks and Caicos ideas, but there are two management companies at Coral Gardens---
www.coralgardens.com/ and
www.coralgardensongracebay.com/
They control different units at the resort so call both of them. The Ocean Club gets great reviews too.
Grand Cayman is also a good idea and would be a bit warmer at Christmas. Good luck!
www.coralgardens.com/ and
www.coralgardensongracebay.com/
They control different units at the resort so call both of them. The Ocean Club gets great reviews too.
Grand Cayman is also a good idea and would be a bit warmer at Christmas. Good luck!
---Jim
We have been to Provo for business and pleasure.
Very different from STJ. Provo is flat and dry (and dusty)
You will see real life living in the interior - 4 lane highway, strip centers, support services for the residents, etc. Building has boomed over the past few years so you see on-going projects everywhere.
I have heard from people we know on the island that building has recently come to stand still and many projects are sitting uncompleted.
You won't find a town like Cruz Bay on Provo. The bars, restaurants and shopping are spread out all over the island. If you stay in the Grace Bay area, there are places all up and down the road.
This we liked about Provo:
Grace Bay Beach
Excellent dining options, great wine lists
Friendly and welcoming residents
Things we will do next trip:
Take the ferries to the out islands
Go sailing
A business associate just returned from staying at The Sands. They were very happy with it and got a great deal thru their travel agent.
Very different from STJ. Provo is flat and dry (and dusty)
You will see real life living in the interior - 4 lane highway, strip centers, support services for the residents, etc. Building has boomed over the past few years so you see on-going projects everywhere.
I have heard from people we know on the island that building has recently come to stand still and many projects are sitting uncompleted.
You won't find a town like Cruz Bay on Provo. The bars, restaurants and shopping are spread out all over the island. If you stay in the Grace Bay area, there are places all up and down the road.
This we liked about Provo:
Grace Bay Beach
Excellent dining options, great wine lists
Friendly and welcoming residents
Things we will do next trip:
Take the ferries to the out islands
Go sailing
A business associate just returned from staying at The Sands. They were very happy with it and got a great deal thru their travel agent.