What a fabulous vacation!
Jul 4th, 2011, 09:49 PM
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What a fabulous vacation!
We have been back from our vacation now for two weeks and I just wanted to post to say what a fabulous time we had in St. Martin. First off, for those of you who are worried about the crime and safety on the island we took the normal precautions and we didn't have any problems and felt quite safe during our stay. We did stay on the Dutch side in the Pelican Key area and found it to be quite accommodating and totally safe.
The island was so much fun and the beaches and the water were so beautiful. We did rent a car and we were definitely glad we did as we found ourselves spending most of our beach days on the French side. We really enjoyed Orient beach, Baie Rouge and Pineal was just fantastic! I do believe I am spoiled though and the thought of visiting any of the beaches here in the U. S. just doesn't cut it anymore.
We definitely plan on returning, hopefully next year but we are thinking maybe we would like to stay on the French side. David SXM, you have been a wealth of information to me prior to our trip so I am looking to you again to get advice where we could stay on the French side if we return next year. How is Grand Case Beach Club? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
As I reflect on our time in St. Martin I can definitely say without a doubt it was the best trip my husband and I have ever taken. We created memories that we will have for a lifetime and someday we hope to bring our older children with us to experience the beauty of this lovely island.
I find myself missing it and day dreaming about the future and what it holds. I sure hope a trip to SXM is not far off. Till we meet again........
The island was so much fun and the beaches and the water were so beautiful. We did rent a car and we were definitely glad we did as we found ourselves spending most of our beach days on the French side. We really enjoyed Orient beach, Baie Rouge and Pineal was just fantastic! I do believe I am spoiled though and the thought of visiting any of the beaches here in the U. S. just doesn't cut it anymore.
We definitely plan on returning, hopefully next year but we are thinking maybe we would like to stay on the French side. David SXM, you have been a wealth of information to me prior to our trip so I am looking to you again to get advice where we could stay on the French side if we return next year. How is Grand Case Beach Club? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
As I reflect on our time in St. Martin I can definitely say without a doubt it was the best trip my husband and I have ever taken. We created memories that we will have for a lifetime and someday we hope to bring our older children with us to experience the beauty of this lovely island.
I find myself missing it and day dreaming about the future and what it holds. I sure hope a trip to SXM is not far off. Till we meet again........
Jul 5th, 2011, 03:23 AM
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Hi Bixa525
I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit to SXM, and I am glad if my advance input was of some help to you.
Grand Case Beach Club is a very popular base for people who are not so interested in some of the more wild activities which sometimes take pace in the Orient Bay area - though the real night life is of course on the Dutch side of the island.
The Beach Club always enjoys a very high occupancy level - even when many of the other hotels are hurting - and the number of regular 'return guests' year on year speaks for itself.
The resort is extremely well run, and has the benefit of a pivate beach, plus a second - wider - beach which most people think is private but actualy is not ! The water there is invariably calm.
The Grand Case Boulevard with it's excellent resturants and a selection of boutiques etc. is easy walking distance before dinner, and easy staggering distance on the way back after dinner.
The resort is gated with, in consequence, secure parking.
If you decide that you want to stay there, I would suggest that you book early, and make sure that you secure a unit directly on the water's edge.
Another favorite of mine, other than the Orient Bay area, is Anse Marcel, though the approach road needs to be treated with care - particularly after a night out ! The Radisson and Le Domaine are located there, right alongside each other, and though the former is the more up to date, I personally far prefer the latter, which I feel has a nicer atmosphere, more mature grounds and a better beach and beach bar.
Another alternative on the edge of Grand Case is L'Esplanade, which is very nice indeed, but is not on the beach.
I suggest that you take a look at the websites of each of these places, which will give you a pretty good feel for the 'sort' of hotels they are.
I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit to SXM, and I am glad if my advance input was of some help to you.
Grand Case Beach Club is a very popular base for people who are not so interested in some of the more wild activities which sometimes take pace in the Orient Bay area - though the real night life is of course on the Dutch side of the island.
The Beach Club always enjoys a very high occupancy level - even when many of the other hotels are hurting - and the number of regular 'return guests' year on year speaks for itself.
The resort is extremely well run, and has the benefit of a pivate beach, plus a second - wider - beach which most people think is private but actualy is not ! The water there is invariably calm.
The Grand Case Boulevard with it's excellent resturants and a selection of boutiques etc. is easy walking distance before dinner, and easy staggering distance on the way back after dinner.
The resort is gated with, in consequence, secure parking.
If you decide that you want to stay there, I would suggest that you book early, and make sure that you secure a unit directly on the water's edge.
Another favorite of mine, other than the Orient Bay area, is Anse Marcel, though the approach road needs to be treated with care - particularly after a night out ! The Radisson and Le Domaine are located there, right alongside each other, and though the former is the more up to date, I personally far prefer the latter, which I feel has a nicer atmosphere, more mature grounds and a better beach and beach bar.
Another alternative on the edge of Grand Case is L'Esplanade, which is very nice indeed, but is not on the beach.
I suggest that you take a look at the websites of each of these places, which will give you a pretty good feel for the 'sort' of hotels they are.
Jul 6th, 2011, 08:11 PM
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Hi Bixa,
Happy to hear you enjoyed your trip! We stayed at GCBC (just one night) last May as well as private villas on Happy Bay and Baie Rouge and we love St. Martin too. I highly recommend GCBC. Can you share anymore of your trip or photos with us? I could use a St. Martin fix right about now! The Pelican Key area is one area that we didn't make it to, but my brother/sister in law stayed there and loved it. Thanks!
Happy to hear you enjoyed your trip! We stayed at GCBC (just one night) last May as well as private villas on Happy Bay and Baie Rouge and we love St. Martin too. I highly recommend GCBC. Can you share anymore of your trip or photos with us? I could use a St. Martin fix right about now! The Pelican Key area is one area that we didn't make it to, but my brother/sister in law stayed there and loved it. Thanks!
