What to do on St. Maarten
 

My friend and I will be going to St. Maarten from August 10 - 16th. We both single women in our 40's. We are staying at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino (on the Dutch side). We would like to relax some, but would also like to do some activities. I understand Loterie Farms is one of the main attractions on St. Maarten. Does anyone know of some fun things to do while we are there?...we enjoy snorkeling, shopping, dancing, and adventure. Our hotel is an All-Inclusive, however we might like to go out to dinner off the hotel premises. Any suggestions of a nice place to eat with beautiful outdoor views? We would consider going over to the French side, but would like to know about safety if we take a cab? Can anyone suggests things to do and places to dine? Thanks for ideas and advice!

hi
first of all, I really would recommend renting a car. prices are low now and it is by far the best way to see the island. you can travel all over and see all the beaches etc.
I am sorry to hear you are doing AI since a big part of the fun of SXM is dining out.
That said, however, I would recommend these restaurants if you do get a chance to eat out.

any of the restaurants in grand case. they are French, not cheap, but on the water,and quite nice.
the lo los in grand case are inexpensive local grill places where you can do lunch or dinner for cheap cheap cheap.
Right in the Maho complex where you are staying, you can eat at
Bijatzu...steak place
La Rosa..Italian.
there are many other places there too.
close by in the Simpson Bay area are many restaurants
Lee's grill
Pineapple Pete.
Greenhouse at the Atrium, right on the beach.
all inexpensive and nice.

there are clubs in the area too. Tantra, right across the street. and Bliss..a little down towards the airport.
a great bar is Sunset Bar and Grill. sit there and watch the sunset, or go earlier and watch the planes come in over your head.

other activities
Butterfly Farm
!2 meter yacht races in Philipsburg
Zoo
day trip to either Anguilla or St. Bart's.

Please consider renting a car, as I said. It really will enhance your vacation and ability to get around.
Enjoy!

Thanks Barbara! We're heading back to St. Martin -renting a villa on Happy Bay (with Kristen on this forum) next May. We'll keep these places in our files. Where is the butterfly farm, and would you recommend it for bringing our small kids? Seems like something they would enjoy. We're planning a day trip to Pinel and Anguilla, and are planning on checking out Grand Case as we didn't get there last time we were there. Sunset Beach bar is a must too. What month is the regatta out of curiousity?

Oh, and karevak, you can also check out Orient beach for a livelier scene and beautiful white sand. Lots of beach bars along there too.

hi kelly
yes, the kids would enjoy the butterfly farm which is on the road to Orient.
they would enjoy the zoo also which is near Philipsburg.

the regatta is the first weekend in March.

Thank you for your suggestions. I keep hearing to rent a car, so perhaps we will do so. As for the restaurants, they sound like places we will have to check out. Thanks for the advice.

Here are 2 links I came across that look like fun:
ziplining: http://www.loteriefarm.net/home
boating: http://www.sxmrhino.com/