Jedimom

So we're going to St. Maarten after Easter, staying at the Westin Dawn Beach. No choice of hotel....the trip is all-expenses paid via my husband's company for their Century Club. Of the activity choices given, we have chosen to do the America's Cup experience one day and a snorkeling trip the other. We get to have dinner on our own one night and I'm thinking of Stone. (we aren't very adventurous eaters) However, we are staying 2 extra days and want to do some other things. I think I understand that we'll need a car, and that Mr. Busby's is the place to go for breakfast. Beyond that we are considering deep sea fishing, and I was thinking of a visit to Tijon for the perfume making class. We aren't terribly athletic, although my husband is a very seasoned scuba diver. He isn't married to the idea of diving here, though, as we here it isn't good and we went to Belize in September and got in 9 great dives.

Any suggestions for meals and/or activities?

Also, should we bring euros with us?

Thanks in advance!

islandcharmsdotnet

You are right, Jedimom, you will need a vehicle. I use to live just down the coast from the Westin and other then walking over to Busby's and Oyster Pond you are far away from everything else. You will want to drive over to the French side (no, you don't need any euros - US $ is accepted everywhere and always try to negotiate 1 for 1 rate, especially if you are making a purchase). If you are there for a Tuesday night Grand Case has a lively street fair all night and there are tons of great restaurants (just check out the posted menus to see if they have anything you'd like). And make sure you spend sometime in Marigot, the capital of the French side, to check out the shopping - even if you don't buy the window shopping of European fashion is worth it!

Driving around the island is very easy (few roads) and there are 36 beaches to explore, so you might wear your suit under a cover-up (or just nude bath like the French!) Enjoy your visit.

islandcharms_dot_net

fredatours

Not sure what activities you are into however there is a nature preserve on the french side Loterie Farms http://www.loteriefarm.com you can book a full day, You could also book a charter to one of the off islands Saba or Statia. Lots of duty free shopping on the islands and great beaches. wishing you a safe and enjoyable trip

gigi11

go to www.everythingsxm.com and all your ?'s will be answered.
have a great trip

DavidSXM

Hi Jedimom

Sorry to disappoint you, but despite what 'islandcharms' indicates, you are too late for Les Mardis de Grand Case.

The last one was on this Tuesday (April 3rd), but do come back again earlier NEXT year - even if 'The Century Club' isn't footing the bill !

The Tuesday evening Grnd Csse 'fairs' last for 14 consecutive weeks, so you have a fairly wide 'window of opportunity' !

The excellent restaurants in Grand Case ara all open - at least in the evening - so you could stop by Tijon and create whatever 'smell' you find interesting, and then dine out - just in case please let me know where and, just in case, I will try not to get a table close to yours!!

I suggest that your husband forgets scuba diving here - it isn't great, and if he is used to doing that in Belize he will be wasting his time !