karevak

My girlfriend and I are planning a 7 night stay at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino in St. Maarten. We are going in August. We are 2 divorced women, who have been to St. Maarten during cruises, but never for a 7 night stay. Has anyone been to this resort? What are some Must See's in St. Maarten? Does anyone know anything about the ferry over to St. Barts? Thanks

sassy_cat

Hi karevak,
I'm considering a one night stay at the Sonesta Maho in early July after a week on Anguilla. I'll post a report if we do stay there.
I haven't been to StMartin for many years but I've taken the ferry to Anguilla a few times and I know this is a much shorter trip than the one to St. Barts. I've read that the ferry to St Barts is only for those with good sealegs... and those that can stand being around others that aren't if you get my drift!

blamona

I have stayed at Sonesta and found it to be nice.
I always rent a car, it's cheap and easy to get around, rush hour around 5 can get a little crowded, especially if the bridge to Marigot is open, but I find more relaxing with the car.

Do not miss, of course, the obvious, Orient Bay. Lots of action, people watching, even nudies.

I like going over to Pinel for the day. you can even do a "jetski safari" that goes from beach to those little cays.

Shopping is great in St. Martin. I like both sides. Marigot has eurpean chic, Phillipsburg has tons of jewelry shops.

I personally prefer the ferry over to Anguilla. Anguilla is a completely different experience with gorgeous stunning beaches. St. Barth is an upscale version of St. Martin, only smaller and more compact (and more expensive.) the ferry to Anguilla from Marigot is only 20 minutes. The ferry over to St. Barth can take about an hour and is prone to waves and swells.

It is possible to do both as daytrips.

It's fun to sit at Sunset Bar (close to Sonesta) and whatch the planes land. Past that is Bamboo Bernies, a cool hangout. Walking distance from Sonesta are some shops and a casino.

Eating at Grand Case is a do not miss. I also enjoy the restaurants at the marina in Marigot.

The food of the 3 islands (ST. Martin, St. Barth and Anguilla) is amazing-the best anywhere.

karevak

Thank you for the suggestions!!!

dilen

Karevak, I'm going to St. Maarten next week (May 9) and will give you info when I return. I haven't been there in about 6 or 7 years. Last time we went to The Greenhouse a few times for Happy Hour and Lobster Night. I hope it's as good as it was then. Can't wait to enjoy the beach again! Diane

travelenthusiast

The Red Piano is very fun for entertainment at night. They have live music acts. We've seen a guitar duo and a sing along piano player there. It's a lot of fun. Check out my trip reports for other stuff that we've enjoyed in St Martin. There are numerous excellent restaurants on the island. What types of activities and restaurants are your favorites?

Barbara1

FYI, the greenhouse restaurant has now opened a second location at the Atrium Hotel in Simpson Bay

Jeanne17

Sonesta Maho is right next door to our timeshare, Royal islander, and we've been to St. Martin about 22 times since 1989. Sonesta has beautiful pools with waterfall, and swim up pool bar. The breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelettes costs about $20 for 2, and you won't need to eat again until dinner. Maho Plaza is the hub of activity at night, with Cheri's Cafe with live-entertainment and dancing, full plates of food at reasonable prices. Next door is Casino Royale where my husband wins at slots each year. La Rosa restaurant in Maho plaza is romantic with italian food and great service. There's a little italian carry out between Cheri's & Casino Royale to grab a pizza or pasta. Before ending the evening, get a Hagen Das icecream at the little shop next to Cheri's. If you rent a car, spend a day at Orient Beach (one side is clothing optional--the other half requires swimsuits, but has eateries, parasails, waverunners). On the way around the Island, Don't miss Peg leg Pub at Port de Plaisance (next to its casino). Peg Leg has Great steaks, seafood and a really great "cheeseburger in Paradise." Lots of people go to Grand Case for french cuisine--but we enjoyed The Sunday fare prepared by the Locals --lobster and fresh grilled food at the "Lo-lows". The only fancy restaurant we enjoyed in Grand Case was Auberge Gourmande many years ago. Marigot has seaside cafes--and Saturday marketplace but a couple times we didn't feel safe walking the side streets to our car. We would not go back there at nighttime. You should go to Marigot and take the ferry to Anguilla for a day trip. There's even a Cuisinart Spa on Anguilla. Some places where there's been crime are at Baie Rouge, Baie Longue, and Cupecoy. Some say the best sunset is seen at the former Mullet Bay resort, but it's not the safest place after dark as the resort closed years ago. We enjoyed going to Oyster Pond area--and always end our vacation the last evening at Captain Oliver's Restaurant. You may or may not decide to go to St. Barth's because the trip over by catamaran in morning is ROUGH enough to make anyone seasick--and the alternative is a little airplane that flies in between 2 mountains and cuts its motor to land at St. Barth's "Desperation airport" It's where the rich and famous are said to hang out--but I think $22 for a breakfast of toast and coffee is much too expensive.