St. Martin

Kbell817

Has anyone been to St. Martin?  We are looking into going there for our honeymoon but wasn't sure which hotel to book or which side to stay on?  We want to be able to go onto the beach but still go out and experience the town, go to the shops, resturants, experience the local culture etc.  Any recommendations?? I keep reading reviews that you should get a rental car, is that true?

ashleym0706

I just got  back from a cruise where we stopped in St Martin! It was beautiful and we loved our time on the island. We drove on a bus ride from the dutch side to the french side. Overall, I thought the French side seemed nicer. We went to Orient Beach and it was so nice. I would have loved to have more time on the Island. I would say you definetley need a rental car. I don't know about any of the resorts, sorry I can't help with that.

Pinova

We are also looking into going to St Martin. So I hope you get som good answers, because I'm also intrested. :-)

How long are you planing to stay at St Martin? The whole HM or just a part of it?

We are planing to visit different islands on our HM.

vhalbeck

Hi Everyone,

I've spent a lot of time in St. Marten- it's a GREAT island!  The wonderful thing about it is that you feel like you're in France when you're on the French side.

I would definitely recommend getting a car- but it is fairly inexpensive to do it- you want to be able to go to lots of different restaurants and beaches all over the island.

here are some of my recommendations for you:
Beaches:
Pinel Island: It's a tiny island close to Orient Bay.  You can take a little ferry over to the beach.  They have a great restaurant over there on the island too that has really yummy burgers and seafood!
Cupecoy Bay: This is very secluded and quiet- not usually a lot of people.  It's beautiful though and a great place to spend a day of the honeymoon
Orient Bay: It's an experience but it's crowded and expensive

Food:
SOOO Many good restaurants...my favorites
For breakfast:
Marigot:
Zee Best Bakery- traditional french bakery with amazing pasteries
Simpson Bay:
Zee Best (really good crepe selection!)

Dinner:
Grand Case is known for their amazing french/carribean food.
Le California:http://www.california-restaurant.net/
La Auberge Gourmande http://www.laubergegourmande.com/
Le Tastevin: http://www.letastevin-restaurant.com/

Maho has a great nightlife too:
Bamboo Bernies: http://www.bamboobernies.net/
Bavaria (Really great German food!)


Have a great time if you go to St Marten!  Send me a message if you have any other questions!

NJhousewife22

I went to St. Maartan in May last year and had a blast! I was pretty much a bum and laid on the beach the entire time, so I don't have many recommendations but I will say that everyone I encountered there was super nice and friendly.

Something to note, I stayed on the Dutch side which has the same power as the US, but I believe if you stay on the French side, the power outlets are different.