grand cayman has more shopping. provo has great restaurants. both have good snorkel/dive. both have golf. activities on both are mainly water related. gc has a very nice botanical garden. i think provo has more villas. on provo you might look at coriander cottage, ballyhoo, callaloo & nutmeg at http://www.tcvillas.com/

i think you should add barbados to your list. lots of villas, good shopping, good dining & more to do than provo or gc. could be just the right island for you.

I admit to being biased because, from choice, I live here, but the FRENCH side of St Martin should suit you.

If food is one of your major priorities, Grand Case is quite rightly considered to be 'the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean', and the choice of restaurants is amazing.

The beaches are excellent - though perhaps not quite as good as on boring Anguilla.

For shopping the French capital, Marigot, has a fair number of 'high end' boutiques, all within easy walking distance of the pretty little Marina Royale and, if you are more interested in jewelry and electronic items, a trip to Front Street in the Dutch side capital, Philipsburg, is a must.

If you do decide to stay on SXM - which is, incidentally, entirely duty free - a rental car is essential, even though the total area (split roughly 50/50 between the French and Dutch sides) is only 37 square miles. By and large the roads are crap - even the one main road around the island !

The Dutch side is very Americanized, and grossly over-developed, with 12 casinos, KFC, Burger King, highrises and timeshare (not to mention 15 licensed brothels) but the French side is a COMPLETELY different world, where NONE of the aforementioned 'attractions' are to be found.

The Dutch side is a US Dollar based economy, and the 'official' currency of the French side is the Euro, however Dollars are readilly accepted, as are all credit cards, with the frequent exception of AMEX.

Neither side of the island has decent snorkeling.

Crime - as in all the islands (even in sleepy Anguilla) - DOES exist but, in relation to the number of visitors arriving annually is, in my view, not much worse than elsewhere in the Caribbean, but it tends to be luridly reported, sometimes by persons who have become victims as a result of not taking sensible, basic, precautions, and/or 'dropping their guard' having been lured into a feeling of security by the large (unmeasured) drinks and the sunshine !

In all fairness, there ARE areas to avoid, particularly after dark, and it is also true that on the Dutch side of the island - especially in the casino areas - tourists are far more prone to experience problems.

It is very easy to take day trips, by sea or by air, to sleepy Anguilla, super-expensive St Barts, and unspoiled Saba so, if you need a break from SXM, the possibilities certanly exist.

There are a few very good hotels on the French side of the island, such as La Samanna, Le Domaine, the nearly new Radisson, L'Esplanade, and the 'boutique' Le Petit Hotel. The Grand Case Beach Club is also well located and boasts the highest number of return visitors of any of the establishments, though very nice, it cannot be considered five star.

There are plenty of other less luxurious - but perfecly adequate - hotels, mainly clustered in the Orient Bay area, either right on, or very close to, the longest beach on the island, where there is a large choice of beach bars and restaurants of all standards, and where all kinds of of watersports facilities are available.

I suggest that you take a look at the websites of the St Martin (as opposed to Sint Maarten, which is the Duch side) Tourist Bureau, and of the various hotels and restaurants, which should give you 'a feel' of what to expect if you do come here.

I admit to being biased because, from choice, I live here, but the FRENCH side of St Martin should suit you.

If food is one of your major priorities, Grand Case is quite rightly considered to be 'the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean', and the choice of restaurants is amazing.

The beaches are excellent - though perhaps not quite as good as on boring Anguilla.

For shopping the French capital, Marigot, has a fair number of 'high end' boutiques, all within easy walking distance of the pretty little Marina Royale and, if you are more interested in jewelry and electronic items, a trip to Front Street in the Dutch side capital, Philipsburg, is a must.

If you do decide to stay on SXM - which is, incidentally, entirely duty free - a rental car is essential, even though the total area (split roughly 50/50 between the French and Dutch sides) is only 37 square miles. By and large the roads are crap - even the one main road around the island !

The Dutch side is very Americanized, and grossly over-developed, with 12 casinos, KFC, Burger King, highrises and timeshare (not to mention 15 licensed brothels) but the French side is a COMPLETELY different world, where NONE of the aforementioned 'attractions' are to be found.

The Dutch side is a US Dollar based economy, and the 'official' currency of the French side is the Euro, however Dollars are readilly accepted, as are all credit cards, with the frequent exception of AMEX.

Neither side of the island has decent snorkeling.

Crime - as in all the islands (even in sleepy Anguilla) - DOES exist but, in relation to the number of visitors arriving annually is, in my view, not much worse than elsewhere in the Caribbean, but it tends to be luridly reported, sometimes by persons who have become victims as a result of not taking sensible, basic, precautions, and/or 'dropping their guard' having been lured into a feeling of security by the large (unmeasured) drinks and the sunshine !

In all fairness, there ARE areas to avoid, particularly after dark, and it is also true that on the Dutch side of the island - especially in the casino areas - tourists are far more prone to experience problems.

It is very easy to take day trips, by sea or by air, to sleepy Anguilla, super-expensive St Barts, and unspoiled Saba so, if you need a break from SXM, the possibilities certanly exist.

There are a few very good hotels on the French side of the island, such as La Samanna, Le Domaine, the nearly new Radisson, L'Esplanade, and the 'boutique' Le Petit Hotel. The Grand Case Beach Club is also well located and boasts the highest number of return visitors of any of the establishments, though very nice, it cannot be considered five star.

There are plenty of other less luxurious - but perfecly adequate - hotels, mainly clustered in the Orient Bay area, either right on, or very close to, the longest beach on the island, where there is a large choice of beach bars and restaurants of all standards, and where all kinds of of watersports facilities are available.

I suggest that you take a look at the websites of the St Martin (as opposed to Sint Maarten, which is the Duch side) Tourist Bureau, and of the various hotels and restaurants, which should give you 'a feel' of what to expect if you do come here.

Given that this is your first trip to the Caribbean, I think that you should go with whatever your gut feeling is with respect to your safety and pleasure. Nothing anyone on this board can say will guarantee either of these two factors anywhere you go, and it is important that you make your decision based on how you feel. The advice and recos you've received are all good. I'd also suggest that a luxury resort or a boutique hotel over a villa might give you less to do or worry about for your first time in the Caribbean.

That said, all the islands you've suggested are beautiful, small and places where you will be able to find your peace quite safely using common sense as you would anywhere in the world. For that reason I'd pick any of them, and your short list is a very fine one.

Because I've been travelling there since my student days in 1985, I have a bias towards St. Martin and can't wait to be back there in 2 weeks. The island has changed enormously over the years but I know the island well enough by now to know where to go and what to do to have and enjoy a great time - mainly off the popular tourist path.
After your first trip to the Caribbean you'll understand this too and get the vibe to know how to find your groove.

Wherever you choose, have a great time.

M

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that, depending on your budget, there are some really beautiful VILLA properties to rent on the French side of St Martin, in particular in the area of 'The Lowlands' (Terres Basses) and above Anse Marcel,from where there are fantastic views across to Anguilla.

Many of these properties are also very secure - far more so than the average condo or hotel room - though that is not to suggest that the less expensive accomodation is wide open to theft or other intrusion, because that is NOT the case. Normal precautions such as locking doors and shutting windows or blinds should always be taken, just as if you were at home.

These villa properties are normally rented for occupation by more than just one couple - partly because the rental charges which they command make them too expensive for most ordinary couples, unless they have a pretty significant budget, and / or are seeking a very high level of privacy.

If you think you can stand it financially (or even if you can't !) take a look at the website of a reputable Real Estate Agency in Marigot, Pierres Caraibes, which specializes in the rental of such properties - though I hasten to add that I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO CONNECTION WHATSOEVER WITH THE COMPANY.

There is no harm in looking anyway - even if only to dream !

Hi...I love St. Maarten/St. Martin too. I have stayed in a condo on Simpson Beach and a villa on Dawn Beach - and many other hotels on the dutch side of the island.....and I have been visiting the french side for years! I love the food in Grand Case...love the restaurant/bars/beach on Orient.....but I like to stay on the Dutch side...this is not intended to argue with David/SXM - as there are many many great places to stay on the dutch and french side.....the reason I think you should go is because it's so easy to go to Anguilla, St. Barts and Saba!!!!!! AND tour around St. Maarten/St.Martin.....Good Luck with your choice!!!!!

I'll go down your list.

Aruba---yes, it is a busy place, but the shopping, casinos w/ entertainment, restaurants, resorts are all great for a first timer. It's easy, safe and the snorkeling at baby beach or Arashi is good, again for a first timer.

Anguilla---the beaches and the restaurants are top of the line. It's a bit harder to get to and the shopping is minimum.

St. Martin----It's a love it or dislike it island. For us, after 3 times, it's just OK. Far too touristy IMO, but does have good restaurants.

Grand Cayman----fantastic water, snorkeling and diving, some good restaurants and resorts, but shopping? T-shirts, etc.

Turks & Caicos----after 20+ islands, our favorite. Fantastic, beach and water, beautiful resorts and really good restaurants, but again shopping? Not so much.

Barbados----I'll agree with Virginia, more to do, great water, resorts, and restaurants, but again the shopping? Better than some, but not great.

If you want it all----St. Bart's! But it all comes at a premium, it's very expensive! And it's hard to get to.

Our very first trip was to Nassau, Bahamas and we haven't stopped since. What we liked:
Easy to get to
Stunning beaches and water
Actually quite good shopping and restaurants
Atlantis Resort---huge, touristy, but outstanding. If you can afford "The Cove" or "The One & Only Club", you will be in the lap of luxury.
The Cable Beach Resorts are also nice, fantastic water and not far from the shopping in downtown Nassau.

I just thought of another place we loved, Secret Harbor Resort on St. Thomas. On the East end close to Red Hook, you can take the ferry to St. John for the day and snorkel in paradise. Again many good restaurants and easy to get to. We've also stayed in a villa on St. John. A bit remote, but great snorkeling, shopping, restaurants, and scenery to die for.

Good luck in your search.

Here's the website for Secret Harbor

http://www.secretharbourvi.com/

I have been to many islands in the Caribbean. Without a doubt, the one I always want to go back to is St. Martin. Stay on the French side and make sure you stay ON Orient Beach. We've stayed many times at the Caribbean Princess in the condos there and loved it. We mostly stayed on the French side throughout our stays, but have gone on an adventure to the downtown Dutch side for shopping. Orient Beach is beautiful and reminds me of the beaches in Destin, FL. I find that none of the islands have much of a night life, but St. Martin seems to have the most out of the ones we've been to. For your reference I've spent vacations at: Jamaica, St. Thomas, St. John, Anguilla, St. Croix, Barbados, Antigua and St. Barts and of course, St. Martin.

Hello, Bixa!
We love Aruba for all of the things you are seeking.
Just returned in Feb from our third trip.
You can probably find a very nice villa at Aruba Marriott Ocean Club or Aruba Marriott Surf Club if you go to www.redweek.com
We prefer Ocean Club as it is not as crowded as Surf Club.

I fully agree with Karla Meche.

Though, as I live here, I have never actually stayed at the Caribbean Princess (which, by the way, is NOT a cruise ship !) but I do know people who have, and I have seen the inside of a couple of the condos to which Karla refers, and they were excellent, and virtually on the beach.

In spite of what some other posters are suggesting, I personally HATE the Simpson Bay area, as it is not exactly - in my view - the nicest part of this island.

Also though Dawn Beach, and the area where the Westin is located are considerably better, they are both still on the Dutch side, and are just about as far away as can be from any other places which you might want to visit, or where you might want to spend an evening.

Also, there is not a lot of activity around there, unless you fancy Captain Oliver's which is pretty good, or want to use the Casa Blanca brothel which (I AM TOLD) is the best on the island, and which is close by !

Frankly, Orient Bay (or maybe Grand Case or Anse Marcel) are definitely FAR nicer, though returning to Anse Marcel can be a somewhat 'challenging' drive home after a good night out and had a few drinks !

I fully agree with Karla Meche.

Though, as I live here, I have never actually stayed at the Caribbean Princess (which, by the way, is NOT a cruise ship !) but I do know people who have, and I have seen the inside of a couple of the condos to which Karla refers, and they were excellent, and virtually on the beach.

In spite of what some other posters are suggesting, I personally HATE the Simpson Bay area, as it is not exactly - in my view - the nicest part of this island.

Also though Dawn Beach, and the area where the Westin is located are considerably better, they are both still on the Dutch side, and are just about as far away as can be from any other places which you might want to visit, or where you might want to spend an evening.

Also, there is not a lot of activity around there, unless you fancy Captain Oliver's which is pretty good, or want to use the Casa Blanca brothel which (I AM TOLD) is the best on the island, and which is close by !

Frankly, Orient Bay (or maybe Grand Case or Anse Marcel) are definitely FAR nicer, though returning to Anse Marcel can be a somewhat 'challenging' drive home after a good night out and had a few drinks !

I fully agree with Karla Meche.

Though, as I live here, I have never actually stayed at the Caribbean Princess (which, by the way, is NOT a cruise ship !) but I do know people who have, and I have seen the inside of a couple of the condos to which Karla refers, and they were excellent, and virtually on the beach.

In spite of what some other posters are suggesting, I personally HATE the Simpson Bay area, as it is not exactly - in my view - the nicest part of this island.

Also though Dawn Beach, and the area where the Westin is located are considerably better, they are both still on the Dutch side, and are just about as far away as can be from any other places which you might want to visit, or where you might want to spend an evening.

Also, there is not a lot of activity around there, unless you fancy Captain Oliver's which is pretty good, or want to use the Casa Blanca brothel which (I AM TOLD) is the best on the island, and which is close by !

Frankly, Orient Bay (or maybe Grand Case or Anse Marcel) are definitely FAR nicer, though returning to Anse Marcel can be a somewhat 'challenging' drive home after a good night out and had a few drinks !

My vote is for Grand Cayman, to be honest. (That said, I have not been to St. Martin). Turks is nice, but very quiet, unless you are at one of the all inclusives, which shows you nothing of the local culture.

Grand Cayman has the famous 7-mile beach to enjoy, if you wish to stay on the west end of the island. Head out to East End for a truly secluded getaway and even find your own private beach to enjoy for the day!

As for food, Cayman is the culinary capital of the Caribbean! There are several restaurants that are owned/operated by 'celebrity' chefs: Blue (Eric Ripert @ the Ritz), Michael's Genuine (Michael Schwartz) and Ortanique (Cindy Hutson)--both are at Camana Bay. Other restaurants around the island may not boast a famous chef, but may have a 4-diamond chef planning and implementing fabulous menus (Osetra Bay is one that I personally love!). And if you like wine, most every restaurant has a great wine list. I personally thing the wine list at Grand Old House is one of the best! (Go there on a thursday for their fresh pasta buffet and Sunset Jazz...only CI$10 a person! Best deal for a great dinner on the island.)

As for things to do, you must see the Stingrays at Stingray City. Yes, it is touristy but it is 'cool.' Diving and snorkelling are big in Cayman, but there is also various museums, the Botanic Park (where you can see the Blue Iguanas), the Mastic Trail, tour the local Brewery, go to Hell to send your postcard, tour the Cayman Turtle Farm, visit the Motor Museum, enjoy an historic walking tour of George Town with the National Trust, spend a morning horseback riding in the surf, listen to steel pans at Camana Bay on Wednesday nights, etc, etc, etc.

To top it all off, it is probably the safest of all Caribbean islands to visit! I love the fact that I can relax on the beach and not have people coming up to me every minute trying to sell something. Of course, you must be smart about things--as you would if you were home (ladies, don't walk by yourself at night, don't flash money around, don't leave car doors unlocked if you have valuables there, etc). But honestly, it is a great place to relax and enjoy your vacation!

Well after much discussion and contemplating we decided we are going to go to St. Martin and do a day trip to Anguilla. I am a sucker for good beaches so I have to at least do a day trip to see what Anguilla has to offer. St. Martin sounds like it will meet all of our needs in regards to shopping, eating, beaches and relaxing. We are renting a beautiful villa and I would like suggestions on what places we should not miss out on as far as eating out and shopping experiences. Can one get conch on either of these islands? I have never had it and would really like to try some conch fritters or conch salad. Is it good? I would love to have any other advice in regards to our trip, tips, where to go, what to see, what not to do or see. Thanks to David for all the information on St. Martin. If you can further help me out I would greatly appreciate it.

You will have a wonderful time in St. Martin. I'm just a little envious. I remember the first time my wife and I went to St. Martin....and now we have a home there. I look forward to sending you those suggestions you are asking for about food, shopping, beaches, entertainment, boat trips around the island, conch etc.

sxmchuck, I would love any and all suggestions in regards to the questions I asked. Please feel free to let me know.

Thanks!

Hi

Good decision !

Where abouts have you rented the villa ?

I will be happy to try to 'point you in the right direction' towards various things, if you can be a bit more specific about where you will be staying, so that I can get a feel for the sort of places and things you would enjoy.

By the way, conch is no problem !

Also, I do NOT have ANY connection with the Tourist Bureau, or with any place, activity, or establishment, that I might
suggest.

I just happen to like the island where I live.

Hi

Good decision !

Where abouts have you rented the villa ?

I will be happy to try to 'point you in the right direction' towards various things, if you can be a bit more specific about where you will be staying, so that I can get a feel for the sort of places and things you would enjoy.

By the way, conch is no problem !

Also, I do NOT have ANY connection with the Tourist Bureau, or with any place, activity, or establishment, that I might
suggest.

I just happen to like the island where I live.

Quite WHY this prints TWICE, I really don't know !

... and sometimes three times.

David, we are looking at one villa from gobeach.com it is called villa Selah. The other one is from Vrbo.com and it is number 122286. I prefer having our own private pool and also being at a higher elevation since I just feel more comfortable with that. if you have any good suggestions feel free to throw them my way.

Well, both the properties which you are considering are on the DUTCH side of the island, but Villa Selah is in the Oyster Pond area, and is just across the Dutch / French border.

It is, in my view, in a better general location than Cay Bay where the property being offered on Vrbo.com is situated.

With the Cay Bay property, your 'immediate' ameneties are not in such a nice area, but with Villa Selah - apart from the Westin Casino (certainly NOT the best on the island if you are a gambling enthusiast)- the vast majority of your outside activities will undoubtedly take place across the border on the French side.

As, later today, I will be driving to Philipsburg, and will be passing within a few hundred meters of Villa Selah's apparent location, I will take a couple of minutes to drive past and check for you where it REALLY is.

From past (bitter) experience it is always best to know, in advance, whether the property which you are considering renting is next door to a construction site, a sewage purification plant, or other unwanted 'ameneties', which are always 'overlooked' in the Real Estate Agent's 'blurb' !

Watch this space !

Wow David I would really appreciate it if you could check to see where Villa Selah is and if you could make sure like you said it isn't next door to anything unsavory. We like a bit of privacy but want to be safe also. We are leaning more towards Villa Selah so any information you can give me is much appreciated. Thanks!

Have you considered Bermuda. Good dining, nice shopping, very pretty island and decent beaches. Hamilton has some very nice shopping (mostly high end) and Georgetown is wonderful to explore. Expensive though. Take a look at Pompano or Cambridge Beaches. Didnt read all the above posts but dont think its been recommended.

Hi Bixa

I just returned from Philipsburg via Oyster Pond.

I eventually found Villa Selah, though it wasn't easy, as I am not at all familiar with that particular area off the main road !

The access to the property is a bit 'challenging' and - like anywhere on the island but particularly there - a decent rental car will be absolutely ESSENTIAL.

There do not appear to be any obvious unpleasant 'distractions' around the villa, and the view is quite pheonominal. The sunsets should be terrific. Definitely bring a good camera !

The only possible drawback is the access and egress but, with a decent car or SUV - or taxi - this shouldn't present any real problem.

The property is not isolated, as there are other villas clustered on the side of what could be arguably be called a small mountain with an uninterupted view over the marina below and the surrounding coast.

It is in a private area (which probably accounts for the state of the road !) with manned security barriers at all entrances. It should therefore probably be pretty safe, but anyway do use common sense when leaving the villa and make sure that all doors and blinds etc. are locked.

In order to get to any restaurants (though there are not many nearby options) or to the two local mini-markets (or anywhere else for that matter) you will certainly have to drive.

The distances quoted in the Real Estate Agent's blurb are fairly realistic, but I note that there is no mention of the time needed to cover them !

I know the roads round here like the back of my hand, and it took ME around 20 minutes to get home (just above Orient Bay) in very light traffic (and I am not noted for being a slow driver !). You certainly should bear that fact in mind when making a table reservation dinner in one of the excellent restaurants in Grand Case for example.

All in all, if you are looking for a nice quiet place to relax, with a truly SUPERB view, and you are prepared to accept the constraint of having to drive in order to do ANYTHING else, Villa Selah would seem to me to be ideal - but naturally the choice is yours, and please don't blame (or try to sue) me if you don't like it when you get here !

I hope this helps.

David, I can not thank you enough for checking out this villa for us and the area it is located in. Unfortunately it is already rented for the period of time we wanted to rent so we are basically left with the other house in Cay Bay or if we can find something else. It is getting harder to find a place since we waited so long to decide where we wanted to go there is limited availability in renting a villa. You are so kind though to check out the house for us. Don't worry I would never sue you or blame you for our choice of rental. I can't believe you would go out of your way for someone you don't even know. It sure says alot about the person you are and I really appreciate that there are still people in this world like you that are willing to help people out. Do you think the house in Cay Bay would still be something we could work with?

mnag, I appreciate the suggestion for Bermuda but I have already been there and would like to go somewhere different. It is a beautiful island though!

I am afraid that I don't know the Cay Bay area that well myself, but I will ask a couple of friends who do.

It certainly is not in the same sort of surroundings as the other property, and it is deeper in on the Dutch side of SXM, so you would have to drive further to 'my' side of the island.

I will do some research and let you know what I find out.

Hi DavidSXM,

I've been enjoying reading your posts and value your opinion since you seem highly knowledgeable about the island. I would love to hear what you think about my upcoming plans to visit your stomping grounds.

I will be staying in Oyster Pond for 9 days soon - never setting foot on the island before. As I am excited, (this will be the first solo vacation I've ventured to take) I am also a bit leary since I may come off as a "naive female tourist" so I'm desperately trying to cross all my t's before I leave. I feel as though I am taking all the necessary precautions but I do have a few concerns.

I have secured a rental car with USave at the airport - I haven't come across any posts regarding this outfit - I'm hoping no news is good news? Stupidly, I waived rental insurance but based on some posts I've read, I will change that! I also read one of your posts that mentioned French license plates - would it be in my best interest to have them over Dutch? As I am staying on the French side, based on my temporary address, this may likely be my only option anyway.

The Blue Beach Residence in Oyster Pond is where I'll be staying. Are you familiar with this area? Apparently it is across or near the Columbus Hotel? It says there's "fencing" which I'm hoping is a casual term for security gate.
There are around 50 bungalows which comprise of both vacationers and residents. I hope this is a good thing. I thought the idea of a villa was so much more appealing than a hotel. Since you keep up with the local news, you might have some info to share regarding this complex or its area? It doesn't seem like a hotel disguised as a villa rental but what do I know. I must say, through the few emails I have exchanged with the owner of where I'll be staying, I feel that they are on the up and up, so to speak. (hope that doesn't sound..gasp.."naive")

I'm looking forward to walk the beaches, take day trips to Anguilla & perhaps St. Barths & Pinel Island and of course get to know St. Martin. I also wanted to perhaps rent a small sailboat or take a rhino(jet ski)tour and I've always wanted to swim with the dolphins which I thought I read you could do on Anguilla - these plans could be another blog all together but I just wanted to give you more of a sense of what my objectives were. I don't have gobs of money to do all these things which is why I'm voicing them in the chance that advice could be shared about a must-do or two.

I'm going to try and not be out too late (what time is too late? 9?), batten down the hatches at night (and during the day), keep car doors locked while driving, not stop for anyone, keep my belongings out of view, I even have a waterproof pouch-belt-thing to wear while swimming to hold valuables, passport, cash, keys..etc (which should be fun to swim with..) rather than leave on the beach or in the car. And I purchased a passport/money wallet thing to wear across my body while walking which will scream tourist but isn't this what I'm supposed to do? All that's left is an invisible bubble to surround me that will taser anyone who messes with me. As smart as this all seems, as I type it, it almost seems over the top! At least I'm not trying to smuggle pepper spray in my suitcase..

One thing that I didn't see anywhere on the blogs is cell phone advice. I called my carrier and was told that each call will be about $2.70/min to call out. That could add up calling home. I was thinking to rent/buy a cell phone when I get there and purchase a pay-as-you-go card? Not sure how to go about this but I do want to look into it. I'm not too worried about the phone issue (as long as mine works and gets a signal) because I'm expected to meet someone in the Columbus parking lot the day I arrive and she is taking me to the villa. I'm supposed to call her when I'm in the parking lot. I'm a little nervous about this because if I can't get a hold of her, there might be tears shed right there in the parking lot depending on how smooth the trip had panned out thus far. They must have pay phones at the hotel so I'm not going to fret about it.

Since I'll be staying at the villa, can you recommend a good market to get some essentials for the kitchen? Fruit, vegetables, bottles of water, coffee, etc.. I don't mind driving. I need to get a good map though.

I apologize for so many questions. I suppose I should have submitted this post as a new blog instead of inside another.
Needless to say, I can't wait for your reply! In advance, thank you for any advice you (or anyone else who has suffered through this) can give!

Hi lovethesand

Well you need a lot of information, but I will do my best to help !

Starting from the top :

I would not bother too much about whether your rental car is on Dutch or French plates, but DO take the insurance. It's usually expensive, but it is certainly neccessary.

I really don't know anything - good or bad - about USave, which probably means that the outfit is OK. Whatever you do be certain to go right round the vehicle very carefully before you sign for it, and make certain that even the smallest damages are noted on the rental agreement. Also, check that all the locks are working, that the wing mirrors are not damaged, and the there is a spare wheel. If necessary take some photos in case of dispute when you return the car.

I think that you will find a lot of information about the local area where you will be staying - which I know pretty well - on the website of the operation. If you haven't looked at it in detail, you should. the address is www.st-martin-vacation.com/Condos-Apartments/Apt-BlueBeach.html.

It is in a nice spot, but there isn't a lot of local nightlife. If that is of interest, I suggest that you head out in the direction of Marigot to Orient Bay, or if you want to eat really well to Grand Case. Both turnings are to your right off the main road (the water side) and there is a reasonable amount safe of evening activity in both places.

For Grand Case take the turning right opposite the Hope Estate - it is marked 'To the Airport' but it is easy to miss.

Unless you get there before 6pm, do not go to Grand Case on a Tuesday evening, as the parking is impossible due to the large open air market stretching almost the entire length of the Boulevard, and small parade that takes place around 7.30pm. It is well worthwhile to get there early and enjoy browsing the craft stalls, and maybe eat there too.

For local beach walking close by, I would suggest either Dawn Beach or the beach in front of the hideously ugly Westin Hotel. Both beaches are nice, but Orient Beach really is the place to go. It is the longest on the island, and there is a large choice of beach bar/restaurants, and all kinds of watersport is available. It is a 'must see' if you visit SXM. Pinel island is also a must. Peaceful, always calm water, with three decent beach bar restaurants, and a good boutique with some 'different' things.

To swim with the dolphins I think you have to go to Anguilla, but check first, as there have been various rumbles about keeping the animals in captivity there, so make sure that the location is still operational. You can take the ferry to expensive St Barts from Captain Oliver's Marina, which is a very nice spot anyway and is a few hundred yards from your holiday residence.

In regard to going out in the evening as a solitary lady (I don't know your age) but anyway do be careful of getting too friendly with some of the local guys who seem to attract the attentions of single American visitors of the opposite sex for some reason - or maybe I am just jealous !

9pm is very early bedtime, and so long as you stay on the FRENCH side of the island in the evening, don't venture 'off the beaten track', and stay in well lit locations with respectible looking bars etc. you should be fine for another hour or so at least.

The Dutch side - particularly in the Maho casino and highrise/timeshare area - is another story, It's glitzy and fun, but not really the place for a single lady to spend her evenings - that is my view anyway !

I think that you have rather gone overboard with your safety precautions, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Just use common sense, and don't leave your brain at home ! I am glad that you aren't bringing pepper spray !

If I were you, I would have your US cell phone unbarred in advance, to permit you to call anywhere while you are here. It will NOT be cheap, and your best bet is to use a laptop and Skype or send e-mails. It will cost you a lot to use any phone to call home.

There is a good sized supermarket within an easy drive for you, with much more choice, and lot less expensive than the local mini-markets. Take the road in the direction of Philipsburg, then take the first main turning to your left - marked French Quarter / Marigot I think - follow the road to a large roundabout, take the second turning off it and the supermarket is about 100 yards up on your left. I think that it is called Food Club. The prices are marked in Florins, but also sometimes in US$ as well. If not, divide the Florin price by 2 and add 10% and you will reach the US$ figure !

One last piece of advice, I strongly suggest that you inform your credit card issuers that you may be using your cards here, otherwise you MAY find them refused by the card company, for safety reasons, on occasion. Also AMEX is NOT always readily acceptable.

I hope that some of this helps.

Sorry - the directions to the supermarket should read 'take the first main turning to you RIGHT' NOT left !

Apologies.

lovessand, call & ask if you can use your phone for texting without extra fees.
on some islands i've found a prepaid international phone card works, on other islands not & i haven't been on st. m so don't know. it may depend on the phone set up at blue beach. call & ask them what works with their phone system.

ask if they have room safes. i don't see any reason to take a passport to the beach, nor would i take all my money. take what you need for the day. using your atm card to replenish cash is a good plan. be sure to phone your credit card companies to tell them where you'll be & when - they may deny use otherwise.

"sleepy Anguilla" I must say this name have stuck to us, I will admit that if you do not know Anguilla you may think all you can do is go to the beach and sleep. Let me assure you that Anguilla is alive and kicking every night of the week and that is why we have a night life tour. Yes a NIGHT LIFE TOUR, we could not do this if this was sleepy Anguilla. By the way, it has art, culture, and shopping tours as well so you can always have something to do. Anguilla has always been marketed as a lay back type of island, but do not let the marketing fool you, check out these 3 sites if you want to see the real anguilla, each of the sites market a side of Anguilla that most do not even see. anguillaaccess.com anguilla-anguilla.com and this site is mostly for the young locals partyaccessaxa.net for all of you that think sleepy Anguilla, this may be the very last time you say "sleepy Anguilla".

Could you tell me more about the shopping tour in Anguilla?

Bixa525

With all due respect to our new poster 'anguilla', the 100% duty free shopping on SXM in Front Street, Philipsburg (the Dutch side capital) for watches, jewelry, electronics, cameras, and the like, and in Marigot (the French side capital) in the up-market boutiques located in the areas surrounding Marina Royale, and in the West Indies Mall, is FAR better than anything that can be found in Anguilla.

I have already admitted to being biased, and that only I only like the Dutch side of SXM for shopping purposes, but Anguilla is justly noted for it's superb beaches, two or three world class hotels and a few good restaurants, but it is - in my view - NOT a Mecca for shopaholics !

Bixa, well, I am NOT biased and have visited both Anguilla and St. Martin many times. I love both of them. But believe me, there is no shopping on Anguilla. If you want to shop you should stick with St. Martin. I agree with David about Anguilla. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday with great beaches and good food then Anguilla fits the bill and oftentimes that's what we're looking for. St. Martin offers some of everything. You can get away from the crowds of Orient Beach if you are so inclined (although Orient is one of my favorite beaches anywhere), shop till you drop, eat wonderful food, gamble in the casinos, or pick from a variety of nightlife. And oftentimes THAT'S what we're looking for.

@ Bixa525, The shopping tour takes you around the island to local stores where some of the things you can buy his hand made an in some case you can get a lesson in the art as well as buy what you have just made.

@ Davidsxm, all those things that you listed are great but they could be found when the visitors go back home. I love coming to sxm to shop because I live down in the area and do not need any thing to say that I have been to an island and came back with a piece of it. The shopping tours is to help the visitor connect with the island and send more people to Anguilla.
We do do not need no big mall, we have small old homes that was refurbish to fit the needs of a shopper and so we can still keep the island looking lay back as it is.

DavidSXM, I would like to invite you over the water to spend a day with us so you can see the real or as wee see it, who knows, you may want to stay.

Hi Bixa

It just so happened that I had to be in Philipsburg earlier today, and I took the opportunity - on your behalf - to return to the French side of the island via the tortuous Cay Hill route.

I think that I actually drove past the property which you are considering renting and, if I identified it correctly (which I am pretty certain I did, having looked at the photos on the Agent's website), all I can say that though the villa itself may be very nice, the location is - as I suspected - not !

It is also just about as far from the French side of the island as it could possibly be, and the actual surroundings and access leave something to be desired.

The view IN NO WAY compares with that of the unavailable Villa Selah, and I really think that you might be rather disappointed - despite the glowing reviews of some people who have 'apparently' stayed there.

I am always VERY skeptical of 'independent' reviews of property and of hotels. Even assuming that they really ARE independent, they are difficult to assess without knowing the standards, expectations, and backgrounds of the authors.

If you have not seen - or experienced - anything much else, some places described in 'glowing terms' by other less seasoned travellers would certainly leave me (and possibly you) rather cold !

I am sorry to be negative, but you DID ask me !

David, once again thank you for going out of your way and checking this place out for us. We actually have a place confirmed for availability in the Pelican Keys area. Do you know anything about this area? The owner states it is in a gated community. We do realize it is at least a half hour drive from Grand Case and Orient but we don't mind the driving. I guess we really don't know what we will get until we get there because all we have to go off of is the pictures they show us online. I just hope we get a clean villa with decent amenities and it's in a safe area. I sure hope this will fit the bill. If you know anything about this area please let me know. Also are there any decent car rentals that we can get from the airport? I did read on another post about that dollar rental scam so we don't want to go with them. It is kind of scary coming to a place where you have never been and not knowing anything about the place but at the same time there is something very exciting about exploring the unknown. Thanks for all your help and we will certainly check out the shopping on both the St. Martin side and the Anguilla side.

Hi Bixa

I really can't say that I know anything much about Pelican Keys. I 'understand' that it is an OK area but, as you realize, it is well into the Dutch side of the island, and I have no personal knowledge of any of the properties there.

At least it is not in the high rise part of the Dutch side, but I think that the general area is fairly built up.

Sorry, but I can't be of much help on that one !

Hi again Bixa

There is a large choice of car rental companies at the airport, but the one to avoid seems to be Dollar/Thrifty.

Both Avis and Hertz franchises are there, and there are many other local companies.

Never having rented myself, I only know what I hear, and I only hear anything if something goes wrong, and the visitor has a tale of woe - which is very infrequent.

St. Martin/St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barth's - beautiful, all unique, all very close to one another.
I have never had my safety compromised - just don't let common sense go on a vacation too

Pelican Key is great BTW!
I've had good luck with Hertz-although a bit pricier than others.

I think the location is good! You can ferry over to other islands from right where you are....you are close to great restaurants...and go to the Piano bar (I think it's the Red Head Piano Bar) - it is a HOOT!

DavidSXM:

You are wonderful for providing all that valuable info! Thank you so much! (Sorry it has taken me so long to respond)
Anyway, I'm leaving in about a week and I hope I have everything in place.

I'm renting a phone through Sharon, Queen of St. Maarten - I'm guessing you've heard of her - everyone else seems to know of her! She's quite the talk of the island! She's over at the Royal Palm Beach Resort in Simpson Bay.

You don't happen to know if the grocery stores will be open on Easter Sunday?

Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are official public holidays on both sides of the island, so I very much doubt if anything much will be open.

You may find an odd Indian or Chinese run mini market open, but I think that you should assume that you may have to eat out for a couple of days !

Thanks eveyone for all of your help. We can't wait to vacation in St. Martin and also check out the beautiful beaches of Anguilla. I will post a trip report when we return after the 17th of June.

Hi lovethesand

What a nice surprise to meet you yesterday. Don't forget to e-mail - particularly if you need assistance.

@DavidSXM:
Hi!! It was so nice meeting you too!! What a coincidence running into you at that bar! Anyway, I'm coming back!! Maybe we'll run into each other again - that would be too funny.