cruss99

We are a couple in our early 50's. Married 30+ years. Arriving in St. Maarten on Thurs., 3/16/06 (late afternoon). Staying at The Holland House in Phillipsburg for 8 nights. Departure is Fri., 3/24/06. First time in SXM. We are open to about any activities except diving. We would like some suggestions for daily activites in SXM and also for trips to nearby islands. We are relatively active but not big hikers/adventure trip people. Beach experiences should include nearby eating/drinking establishments, if possible. Anyone want to play "tour" guide? Thanks, in advance, for your help.

tamjam

We haven't stayed near Phillipsburg so I don't have many local suggestions for you. I would recommend renting a car to see different beaches. On the French side, you can visit Orient Beach for the day. Plenty of activity, and many places on the beach to eat and drink. Lotsa people watching. Marigot is a lovely town for shopping.
A day trip to Anguilla is very nice. You can probably catch a boat in Phillipsburg. If not, you definitely can in Marigot. Once in Anguilla, take a taxi to Shoal Bay. You can make arrangements with the driver to pick you up later in the day for return to the boat. Shoal Bay has a few restaurants right on the beach. Our fav is Le Bar.
You can also do a day trip to St Barts. However, it is a rough boat ride and many feel sick.
You will have plenty of things to do to occupy your time. Enjoy!!!

MaryD

I agree with the suggestion to visit Anguilla. Make sure you tell your cab driver Shoal Bay East (there are 2 Shoal Bays) and Le Bar is no longer. Elodia's, Gwen's, Tropical Sunset & Ku are all good, though.

The ferry to Anguilla leaves Marigot every 1/2 hour & costs $12/pp (& $3 departure tax) -- you don't need reservations but you do need a passport.

cruss99

Anguilla sounds like a great day trip from St. Martin. Are chairs/towels/umbrellas available for rent at Shoal Bay East or will we have to haul our own?

Statia

Bring your own towels, but you can rent chairs and umbrellas there.

Barbara1

yes, visit Anguilla..it's a great day trip.
as far as where you are staying..Holland House...it's right on the boardwalk with lots of water activities and little beach bars to eat and drink in.

a fun thing to do while you are here is take the America's Cup boats. they offer 1/2 day sails and it's a lot of fun..no sailing expereience required. they do a mock race and all the work snd it is really great.
Their offices are at Bobby's Marina at the Eastern end of the boardwalk.
a nice place to eat on the boardwalk is Greenhouse or Passagrahan.
both good places for drinks too.
rent a car and get to the french side as already suggested...
there are fabulous restaurants all over the island.
you can also go to the Philipsburg Museum, the Zoo, the Butterfly Farm, the Old House, and the Plantation for some interesting cultural and nature stuff.
Enjoy!