St M/M- few questions
 

We're trying to decide if St Maarten - St Martin is a good trip for us and, if so, where to go. We can only go the last week of March (Easter week) because of a mandatory work vacation. We're two 50-something women. We'd like nice beaches, good restaurants, don't care about a lot of night life but would like some shops/boutiques to browse, some fun water sports like jet skiing or swimming with dolphins or snorkeling, some spa activities (ie-massage, facial, maybe even a yoga class), and, quite candidly, would prefer NOT to be around too many kids. From what I read, this may be a good vacation for us. If so, is 1 side prettier? Quieter? Don't care too much about price differential. Just want to relax for 5 days. Ideas? Thanks. These boards have been so helpful in the past.

I liked St maaten, but i was there on a cruise. The beach close to the port was beautiful with a drink bar, and the casinos were small but walking distance and profitable. Small streets and shops were fun. I would like to revisit for a week or so. My daughter visited and loved the beaches and restaurants. We dont know if we want all incl or Eu.I am a 50 yr woman, winkey is my cats name.

It sounds like St. Maarten/St. Martin would fit what you are looking for. As for which side to stay on, you could do either and still visit both easily with a car.

The Dutch side is more Americanized and commercial, while the French side has more of a Mediterranean feel. Or at least that is my personal opinion.

From what you've said, I think it's a good match for you. I prefer the French side, and stay in Grand Case (drive to the beach and walk to dinner). We always stay at L'Esplanade, but a lot of people also like Grand Case Beach Club.

The French side is nice. We like Orient Beach. There are some restaurants on that stretch of the beach and some shopping behind them. The food in Grand Case is excellent. There are casinos on the Dutch side, but that side was way too built up for us and Americanized. The port of Marigot on the French side offers some nice shops and good restaurants, as well.

i echo those that say it sounds like a fit...and that the french side is probably the best for you...one option to consider is renting a villa...if you like the convenience of having coffee/b'fast when you want, snacks by yourself at midday, and/or cooking dinner on occasion i highly recommend it.

we have stayed at grand case beach club...has a mini kitchen in some/most rooms i think, but not much beach left last we were on the island (nov 2006.) rented a villa on baie rouge that same trip and enjoyed it better, though swimming there was difficult due to coral.

i dont know where you can do spa stuff; maybe la samanna...

im sure you know easter week will book early there - air, too. jet blue starts service from nyc to sxm this month if they havent already - maybe check them out?

I think I'm in agreement with everyone here. The French side is usually quieter, though somewhat more expensive with the euro.

I'd just throw out one more thing about St. Martin. It's not a good destination if you don't want to drive since most of hte best beaches are not within walking distance of hte hotels on the French side (except for the hotels surrounding Orient Beach ... which is, while beautiful, awfully busy). Grand Case is a nice alternative with excellent restaurants and a not so bad beach. But I'd recommend Friar's Bay if you have a car. It's much nicer.

the island is very small so you can stay on one side and easily take advantage of what the other side has to offer.
Definitely plan on renting a car.
there is NO swimming with the dolphins thankfully.
There is shopping, and lots of other water sports.
There are a few nice islands that you can take day trips to also.
I would recommend you do not get all inclusive. St. M has so many wonderful restaurants to choose from. half the fun of being on the island is the dining experience.
Be aware that if you do stay on the French side as recommended, which is very nice, it also uses the Euro and you don't get much for your American dollar on that side right now.

I was in St. Martin over the Thanksgiving holiday and there were a ton of children on the beaches. So, I don't know what you may find during Easter Week.

We were in Playa del Carmen last Easter and did not find it overrun with kids but Cancun certainly was.

Generally speaking, Easter week is not the best time to go to resort areas anywhere.