KimM

My husband and I, and another couple, will be staying in a Dawn Beach Villa from Oct 31 - Nov 7. I have a few questions for the experienced.....

We are arriving on a Sunday mid afternoon. It looks like most supermarkets are closed by the time we arrive. However, I noticed that U.S. Supermarché in Marigot and Grand Case are open into the evening on Sunday. We should probably get some basics for the villa, since the next day is a public holiday, All Saints Day (Nov 1) and the markets may be closed altogether. Does anyone know which U.S. Supermarché would be easier to get to, Grand Case or Marigot? Looking at a map it seems like Grand Case, but any advice would be welcome. How long would the drive be?

Has anyone ever hired a chef to prepare a meal in their villa? Any expertise on names and approximate cost would be appreciated.

Any other general tips for the Villa experience? By the way, it is Villa Suzanne (new in 2003), and I will be sure to post a trip report upon return. I wish it was tomorrow...it looks magnificent!! Quite good rate as well, as it can be rented as a 2 bedroom (although it is 4).

Thanks in advance,
Kim

Carola22

There is an excellent Supermarche in Marigot - darn, forgot the name... It's in a side street, very central, opposite the bookstore, and also close to a little wine store. Anyway, you really can't miss it. Grand Case is great for having dinner and coffee, but they don't have much in the way of supermarkets - a few very small ones. Have a good time, Dawn beach is great!

Statia

I'm not familiar with a supermarket in Grand Case. There is a mini-market, but they don't have a whole lot to offer. Some bread, cheese, lunchmeat, sodas, perhapss.

Match is the main grocery store on the French side in Marigot, but they will probably be closed in the evening on a Sunday.

You could probably find a number of mini-markets open that evening just to get you started, then you can go to Rams, Match, Food Center, or one of the other big stores when they are open.

KimM

Thanks all for the answers.

I read on another Forum that there is a Food Express open late 7 days a week near the Royal Islander (?). I will ask the villa rep that greets us at the airport.

If not, I will try to find a mini-mart as Statia suggested. I didn't think of this as a possibility. We really only need some breakfast items, snacks, and of course some beer.

Do you know if the larger markets would be closed on All Saints Day, Nov 1?

Thanks again,
Kim

Statia

I honestly don't know if that's a holiday over there, Kim. My guess is that it's not an official holiday, at least on the Dutch side. I also live on a Dutch island and it's not a holiday here. The French side might be different, though.

tropicaldan

There will be several supermarkets still open in the Simpson Bay (Airport) area when you arrive. You will have no trouble getting your supplies.
All Saints Day is a public holiday on the French side, but most supermarkets will be open for the morning. Im pretty certain it's a regular Monday on the Dutch Side.

Enjoy your stay.

KimM

Thanks tropicaldan! We will be brought to our villa from the airport after we pick up the rental car....and then back off to the market we go. I think I read that Food Express is open late every night. I wish I didn't have to wait until November to go.....Kim

Sherri1

Wont the villa/property manager do a
little 'pre-shopping' for you for a small fee? Many times there are catering or shopping services that will
do your shopping ahead of time for you

KarenM

Kim,

Gorgeous villa, I envy you. Hope you have a wonderful time and write up a trip report for the rest of us.

kayde

I wouldn't drive through Marigot or Grand Case en route to Dawn Beach.

As you drive from airport toward Phillipsburg & Dawn Beach, you will pass several markets & supermarkets. Food Express will be 1st before driving up Cole Bay Hill. As you are coming down Cole Bay Hill, there's 1 or 2 large ones on right side of road.

There's a very nice lady (Barbara)who lives on Dutch St. Martin, owns some retail businesses there and posts on www.stormcarib.com -- I sent her an email last year for info on supermarkets,liquor stores & restaurants -- she was soooo helpful! I suggest you do same...

We were in St. M last year at that same time & drove every day from Simpson Bay area to Orient Beach & I don't recall any local holiday or closed stores -- my birthday is 10/31 so that was the only special day I noticed!!