Hi Jojomill

You will find ALL the things you are looking for on one or other side of SXM - and Aruba doesn't have the best reputation for returning the bodies of 'young' ladies who have vacationed there in the last couple of years !

Remember Natalee Holloway and the most recent situation concernng a 'lady' who was stupid enough to go there with a 'gentleman' with whom she had developed a 'relationship' by means of a 'social networking' (dating) site.

I honestly think you are probably far safer on THIS island than you are on Aruba - in spite of all the 'knee jerk' stuff that gets posted by some people on this forum.

It really depends if YOU and your friends want to behave in a sensible way - but (OK I AM predjuciced) - SXM is the better bet by far, provided you do not leave your brains at home !

The Natalee Holloway case was an isolated incident that happened 6 1/2 years ago. As for the other case, that was an American committing a crime against another American and it is no reflection of crime in Aruba.

I felt perfectly safe the whole time we were in Aruba and I would definitely go again. We thought at one point we were crime victims when my DH's wallet went missing, but it turned out he had dropped it at the beach and an Aruban guy drove across the island to return it to him, all contents intact.

I have not been to the other island however I'm sure it is a very nice place too. But in terms of safety you are just as safe in Aruba as any other island.

I've been to both several times and always felt safer on Aruba.
Just my opinion.

Both are relatively safe if you take precautions

like reviewing safety info on travel.state.gov

buying your own drinks and watch them mixed

which sadly some newbie travellers do not do.

La Samana best for me for nice upscale vibe

like the great food beautiful views in Marigot on the french

side and casinos shopping on the Dutch side more variety.

Aruba flat more desert party a bit dodgier great beach

better diving Hyatt Palm Eagle Beach my fav if you go there.

Food/vibe/ambience a little better in Sint Marteen for me.

So of the 2 for gal pals I would probably head there.

Research La Samanna in Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles. Read hotel reviews, view hotel photos and get expert travel advice for nearby restaurants, attractions ...

travela.priceline.com/la-samanna-sint-maarten-n-a-netherlands

Hi quovadis

I don't know whether your experience of La Samanna is recent, but I have heard murmorings that it is not quite as good as it used to be, and that it is, perhaps - to some extent -'trading on past reputation'.

I think that it would be a good idea to check recent - unbiased - reviews of the property before just assuming that it is still as good as it ever was.

In my opinion, it is probably remains the best hotel on the island, but it would still be prudent to see what recent guests have to say.

Have not been to St. Martin, but loved Aruba. I think it would be a great girls getaway. Nice beaches and tons of really great restaurants and bars.

No zip lines in Aruba that I'm aware of. The topography is rather flat. There is a water sports station on Palm Beach for parasailing and other water activities.

You can take a jeep tour with ABC to explore the Island and some of it's sites.

One of the main tour operators is DePalm.com They offer beach hopping tours, snorkeling tours and sunset cruises.

The KUKOO KUNUKU bus is a great bar hopping tour.

The hotels on Palm Beach are directly across the street from shopping, entertainment, bars and restaurants. On the beach side of those hotels are several beach bars and restaurants. No car required. Aruba's public transportation system is very easy and convenient to get to the Eagle Beach area or downtown.

Please don't listen to the 'hype'. Check out these specific Aruba forums. Many of the participants have been returning to Aruba for years.

http://www.aruba-bb.com/

http://www.aruba-travelguide.com/bulletinboard/

Hello !

I have travelled to many many islands and Aruba is definetely a repeater ! Highly recommand Palm Beach for a girls get away ! Enjoy, Aruba is one happy island !

TPAYT, I do agree with your comment about safety.

caroline123

You never miss an opportunity to kick SXM do you !

Have you ever been ANYWHERE ELSE in the Caribbean, or only to the DUTCH side of Sint Maarten - not to be confused with the COMPLETELY DIFFERENT Saint Martin - the FRENCH side of the island ?

Hi there,

Let me tell you I’m about your age, and I’ve been to both islands, so from my point of view I will tell you what I like about each of them, cause I don’t know what do you like better.

Aruba very safe, with great streets, and is easy to move around. It feels like you are in United Sates with a bit of European taste, the country is flat, no hills at all. For activities you can go to “The Palm Tours” they can take you to: Natural Pool, Ostrich Farm, Baby Beach, Aruba Aloe Factory, etc. Nightlife is all right.

On the other hand Sint Maarten has a mix of culture, half of the island is French and the other half is dutch. It is also known as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean, so food is awesome. Landscapes are amazing the island is full of big hills. Moving around is complicated, on the dutch side they are fixing roads and half of the island is under construction. Nightlife is good as well, there is a bar next to the Simpson Bay Beach where they get a bonfire, however streets get a bit lonely and there are needy men around.

I hope you find this helpful

Hello DavidSXM, Here while back everyone was talking about rental cars on the island. We have bought our flight tickets, rented a beautiful cottage around Oyster Bay, and now looking for rental car. We know about thrity and dllar reputation, but how are Europcar, National, or Budjet? Are these reputable car agencies?

Hi Jojomill...
The safest and most fun island for you and your friends would be Aruba....no doubt about it. I have been to St. Maarten and will not return due to safety issues. There is no comparison as far as safety between the two islands.
I agree with KVR....Aruba has much for you to do! Besides the beautiful beaches, there are fun daytime activities as well as enjoyable nightlife. Check out http://www.arubahotelsbeaches.com/aruba-night-life.html for ideas. There are no zip lines or swimming with the dolpins on the island but there is a very large choice of watersports, horseback riding on the beach, kayaking, hiking tours,jeep tours, free cultural festivals, museums, and much more. For $2.30 pp roundtrip you can take a bus into the town of Oranjestad and enjoy all the lovely town has to offer. Loads of shopping, Seaport Marina, Casinos,restaurants,bars, etc.
There are high rise hotels on Palm Beach, low rise resorts on Eagle Beach and many smaller resorts and villas inbetween. It is very easy to get around this safe island. Aruba also has great restaurants and wonderful warm friendly people.
Good luck with your choice!

The wife and I have been to both, and while they are both gorgeous, We definitely felt safer in Aruba. In Sint Maarten you do need a car to rent. We rented one and toured the island, and were almost car jacked one night (saved only by my driving skills). It was a fun trip, but that surely ruined the experience and we will not be going back.

Just my 2 pennies

--Big Coop

I've been to both and by far St. Maarten was the best, much more to do, food was wonderful, they matched euro = to dollars... more options than Aruba, will never ever go back to Aruba.. you can drive anywhere, hubby stay back at condo, I had mani/pedi, massage, shopping safely all on my own.

No matter where you go, follow common sense and you will be fine.

Great safety tips for Sint Maarten.

SAFETY TIPS 2011 from the Police Force Of Sint Maarten.
Monday, 12 December 2011 20:29

As part of the continuing efforts to provide a safe environment for holiday shoppers the Police Force of Sint Maarten has commenced their annual Holiday Task Force initiative also known as "December Offensive 2011", and is without any doubt doing its utmost, to protect you, your family and your property, in combating crime and criminals. The Public Relation Office of the Sint Maarten Police Force is therefore offering the entire community, the following safety tips, to help them prepare against crime.

Remember the 3 A's of Crime Prevention:

Be Aware of your surroundings at all times.
Be Alert to suspicious people and vehicles.
Avoid dangerous situations.
If you are out for the evening:

Turn on lights, radio or television so that it looks like some-one is at home.
Lock all doors and windows well, even if you are just leaving for a few minutes.
Don't display items where they can be seen from the outside.
Don't Shop Alone. It's important to shop with a buddy; an extra pair of eyes helps.
Park your car in a well-lit area and make sure all windows, sunroof and doors are locked. Lock your gifts in the trunk and out of sight. Cover your gifts in your vehicle with a blanket.
Avoid carrying a large amount of cash. Don't flash cash around and carry it in a safe place on you.
If you have to use the ATM-machine, pay close attention to suspicious persons hanging around the machine. If that's the case pass up that machine and find another.
Carry all wallets in the front pockets and carry purses close to your body.
Keep your children close to you while attending any activities and don't let them get separated from you.
Pay attention to persons walking in front and behind you. (Especially in crowded places favorable for pickpockets)
When returning to your vehicle or your home, have your keys in your hands ready to open the door.
Before entering your vehicle, check front and rear and seats for any one that may be hiding there. Lock doors immediately after entering.
Ask your neighbor to keep a watchful eye out for you.
Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone. Remember that the risks of drinking and driving are not worth it. If you choose to drink, don't drive.Make use of a designated driver or public transportation. (Taxi or Bus)
Make sure that you know where your kids are at all times and that they
are safe.
Most of all on behalf of the Police force of Sint Maarten, through the Public Relation Office, "We wish the entire community of Sint Maarten and it's visitors a very safe and meaningful Holiday Season."

Inspector : R.V. HENSON

Big Coop,

I unfortunately experienced the same situation.

Happy Safe Holidays !

In St-Maarten, beware of taxis. It is a known fact, avoid them if you can.

http://www.todaysxm.com/2011/11/24/regatta-murders-life-imprisonment/

Supermarket robbed 6 times !

St. Peters Supermarket Robbed Again.
Thursday, 02 February 2012 22:17

St. Peters:--- The St. Peters Supermarket located at the entrance of St. Peters Road was robbed again Thursday evening. The Chinese owner of the supermarket told SMN News that they were robbed around 8:10 pm by an armed gunman. The culprit managed to take off with about $400.00 that was inside the cash register at the time of the robbery. Chief of Police Peter De Witte confirmed that the St. Peters Supermarket was robbed Thursday evening. De Witte said the Police is busy investigating the case. It should be noted that the St. Peters Supermarket was robbed six times within recent weeks.

Good news !

PHILIPSBURG--The search of two residences resulted in the arrest of several suspects, including one who is said to be the son of a senior police officer, Wednesday morning.

Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said he did not have all the details and could not confirm the exact number of suspects. However, it was confirmed later via other sources that one of the suspects is the son of a Police Inspector.

Among the items found and seized during the searches were jewellery believed to have been stolen during a recent robbery and some weapons.

Mos congratulated the police for what he said was a job well done.

Murder in St. Martin
February 28, 2011 – Netherlands Antilles

A pall has been cast over this weekend's Heineken Regatta in St. Martin, one of the great sailing regattas in the world, as the result of the weekend murder of a 37-year-old French causcasian cook from the megayacht Cheetah Moon. The cook was found "seriously injured" on the ground near Mullet Bay, one of the nicer places on the island. In St. Martin, "seriously injured" means he'd been stabbed, had his teeth extracted, his eyes gouged out, his nipples cut off, and been set on fire. He was flown to Martinique for more sophisticated treatment, but died from his horrific injuries.

caroline123

So you are at it again !

Obviously you have nothing better to do than repeat large lumps of the local newspaper which appeared over 1 year ago.

For some reason, you seem to have some sort of perverted desire to knock anything to do with SXM.

Frankly, if you have nothing more constructive to do other than to quote passages from the press which are over a year old, I strongly suggest that you find somewhere else to do so, rather than using the Fodors medium - that is before the webmaster (hopefully) makes it impossible for you to continue to do so in these threads.

You've got to admit Sint Maarten is pretty scarey.

"It's ok if you take precautions" is just an admission of how iffy it is.

I'd rather not be obliged to "take precautions" and enjoy myself without looking over my shoulder.

J_R_Hartley

Please can you tell us all WHERE, in the Caribbean, YOU would go and feel that you would not be 'obliged to take precautions', or - for that matter - anywhere else in a foreign environment where YOU would not 'take precautions'.

Please let me (and everyone else) know, so that I, at least, can take my next vacation there !

Sint Maarten is scary. What is going on on the island ?

Sure enough left Ho’s last night, took a peep through the window and saw some youth man running with a mask etc. I couldn’t believe it, but I saw the commotion and continued to wait. Sure enough in less than five minutes the police were there. How did they get there so fast? Well they were already in the area, investigating the Man Chung (Sheik Robbery) Ho employee Tomas was held to the ground with a gun to his head. These are the first photos from last night. Police along with other curious St Peters residents studied Ho’s recording of the incident, as you can see in the photo. The police are watching Tomas being forced to the ground with a gun to his head.

I am not "at it" again. The problem is not me, it's the crime on the Dutch side.
You can burry your head in the sand. I just don't. I want the island to be safer.

Good grief - I'm going to ask that my (IMVHO supportive comment) is removed from this thread because I'm fed up of it coming up on my feed.

caroline - have you thought about starting your own post?

You have an axe to grind and I don't want to be part of it!