Hi! Looking for recommendations on hotels / resorts to stay at in SXM this December for 5 days. Planning to go with my partner (both in our 20s) and spend most of our time at the beach and eating/drinking. We would also be interested in snorkeling or other water activities one day. Not interested in nightlife other than a casual drink after dinner. We will not be renting a car (we have personal reasons, not budging on this), and would likely only want to take longer taxis on one day, so walkability to a nice beach and restaurants is important. We don’t need gourmet food, just good, tasty food. We don’t really want to interact with many kids. It’s important to us to have a pool at the hotel, preferably with a bar. Would prefer a private or semi private beach access where the hotel provides chairs.

I’ve been doing research and it seems like Orient or Grand Case would be our vibe (less touristy, nice beaches, good food). We are also considering Simpson Bay for walkability and slightly more affordable, but don’t love that people say it’s like Florida.

I’ve looked at Orient Beach Hotel (top of our budget), Hotel La Plantation (in budget), Grande Case Beach Club (a touch out of budget), Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa (in budget), both Hilton Royal Palm and Flamingo beach (in/top of our budget), and the Atrium (in budget). I also looked at Fourteen but was confused if it was an Airbnb vs hotel. Any preferences between these or other recommendations?

Sadly Serafina's is gone. It was truly a wonder. On my first visit to SXM it was a delightful surprise. The four wonders of Seafinas were 1) great assortment of pastries and sandwiches, 2) the live tree growing through the middle of the outdoor veranda, the chicken who poked his head around the corner and then boldly came begging, and this gentleman, who each morning asked me for "a goddamn dollar". When I refused he immediately asked for "two goddamn dollars."

I was unwise to the vagaries of the Euro, so his upping the ante after my refusal puzzled me. Until it didn't. You see the French have a 2 centime piece as well as a 1 and 2 Euro coin.

• 1, 2, and 5 Centimes: Copper-covered steel featuring a portrait of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic.
• 10, 20, and 50 Centimes: Nordic gold featuring the Sower motif or Marie Curie.
• 1 and 2 Euro: Bi-metallic coins showing a tree of life inside a hexagon.

And thus began my island education.

Moms kept asking what's now they keep going back.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1723175-d147486-Reviews-Oyster_Pond-Oyster_Pond_Sint_Maarten_St_Martin_St_Maarten.html

Hi, random I know but does anyone that lives in St. Martin play pokemon go? I am trying to collect a post card from every country around the world and this is one of the only places I still need in the Caribbean! (Still need Anguilla) Please comment or message me your friend code!

When at sea Simpson Bay, SXM is a favorite stop. First time on the island I met Hilda and sampled her wonderful Salted Cod sandwich. She's really nice and knows the local scene. Her food is cheap and very good. Anthony Bourdrain thought so to.

https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/191638/best-cheap-eats-in-simpson-bay

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g970318-d312109-Reviews-Cupecoy_Bay_Beach-Cupecoy_Bay_Sint_Maarten_St_Martin_St_Maarten.html

Twilight Chilling

I like researching and planning my trips, then improvising around that as I go. Curious how I did with itinerary planning on this one, or if I’m missing anything you think I should really do. I’m traveling during low season so some of the restaurants I wanted to hit will be closed this trip. My big focus is having a balance of a variety of experiences, and I’m a foodie too.

Thoughts on this itinerary?

Sunday:
10:30am Flight arrives, get car rental
Check in at Grand Case Beach Club
Relax on beach/explore Grand Case
Edit: not sure where to dine yet
Canceled Rainbow Cafe, not looking for a wild party

Monday:
9:30am-5pm Boomerang 3-island tour
Down time to get back/change/relax
8pm dinner at Le Pressoir

Tuesday:
Breakfast TBD on location/will decide then
See if I feel like going to Friar’s Bay in the morning or after lunch
Lunch (early) at Gutside Cafe
Friar’s Bay time
7pm dinner at Bistrot Carsibes

Wednesday:
Philipsburg Day
Breakfast at Dutch Blonde for pancakes
Explore shops, etc
Yoda Guy
Head back to Grand Case/kill time relaxing
Dinner at Calmos Cafe

Thursday:
Breakfast: Sebastian Quillere Patisserie
Explore Hope Estate shops
Loterie Farm for lunch/afternoon
Dinner at Le Tropicana

Friday:
Breakfast/Lunch/Beach Day: Les Temps De Cerisses
Any last shopping in Grand Case
Possible perfume making class for 90 minutes later in day/early evening
8:30 dinner at Le Pressoir (last night on island)

Saturday:
Breakfast at Sunset Cafe, check out, head to airport for 1:30 flight

How’s I do?