We are looking at taking a TTR break for a year and are looking into St. Maarten, does anyone have any resort recommendations? I assume there is nothing like TTR there, but maybe a fun all inclusive would work until we get back to Mexico.
Joe, we were there years ago. Orient Beach used to be a very quiet place to work on an all over tan. Not so much anymore. You probably will want to hit the French side as the Dutch side is pretty commercialized. That's all I can tell you for now.
Of all the islands I have gone to on cruises, St. Maarten was my absolute favorite. I have no recommendations on where to stay as I was only there 1 day. I do think its worth a trip though and have said it was the only island I would go back to for a vacation. After my first trip to TTR though, I know where my next trip will be...
Ahh, St. Martin, of the Leeward Islands, Lesser Antilles..... Neat place! Expensive! Be prepared for that. Go ahead and go, I don't mean don't go, but be prepared for the prices to be about double what you'd pay in the States or Europe, never mind Mexico. What Ed said about the French (A French colonial collective) vs. Dutch side is right, the Dutch (Kingdom of the Netherlands), but it is not "Commercialized" in my opinion in the same sense as we'd use it about, say, a small Florida town, where everything there looks exactly the same as a small town farther up the coast, in say, Maryland, New Jersey, like that. The same stores, shops, convenience stores, touristy outlets ... not like that. Built up and businesses humming, yes. Shiny facades on the storefronts, sure. But, that's the Dutch for you. In contrast, the French side is sort of slow and "islandy," if that's a word, and it's not as competently businesslike, if that makes sense. If you split the trip between both sides, you have a great time. Eat, shop, and get naked on the French side, stay the nights and gamble on the Dutch. There's a bar by the airport in, I think it was the city of Merigot, where they have a sign on the wall, "Topless Women Drink Free." I am not kidding. That's an easy decision to stop for a TTR regular, I should think. Make sure you get to Orient Beach. The North end of the beach is generally full bikini, and the suits get smaller as you move south, until you enter the full nude area. It's a good time, sort of sleepy, but with nice people there, but WAY laid back. It's not anything like being at TTR, even up at the bar called The Perch which services the nude part of the beach. Just people hanging out, getting slightly loose while everyone is naked. Very comforting once you're in the mix. They sort of look at you funny until you take your clothes off, and then you become one of the group, that quick. Thing about the nude beach, lots of people come to stare at the people sunbathing nude, and can't quite get the courage up to go and join the party. I seriously doubt that our TTR family would have any problems, but just so you know, the people who haven't ever been around a nude beach are sometimes busted staring. Stacia caught a couple staring at us, so she waved at them. It must have embarrased them, as they got up and left. I thought that sort of funny, but that's just me. During our trip we stayed at La Samanna, VERY nice, VERY expensive resort. I like to stay nice, and Stacia loves a posh room, but at ~$1K/night, it's still way overpriced. In St. Thomas we stayed at the Ritz-Carlton (because we didn't know any better, and because I figured that everyting would be fantastic while we were there -- which it was) for literally half the price. Their service was outstanding at the bar, but the restaurant service was glacially slow, even for the French, even for an island, and even when combined with a several course meal. 20 minutes to bring the initial drinks, like that. We saw a condo place called Village de orient right behind the beach which seemed nice which Stacia thought we'd stay at if we go back. If you do end up going, make sure you hit the restaurant called "Rare." Absolutely fantastic steak place. I mean great!
we just got back from St Martin 2 weeks ago. Tiny island, so you can stay anywhere and still get around easily. If you want the loud, raucous nightlife and clubs stay on the Dutch side. Make sure you check out Cupecoy beach for waves, nude/topless. Sunset grill in Maho bay gives free drinks to topless ladies. Lots of fun. All the casinos etc are n the Dutch side. Stay on the French side for better beaches (my opinion), better food, but less night activities. Costs are expensive compared to Mexico, but remember as European territores they have minimum salaries which makes hiring as many workers as Temptation does difficult. If you want to stay on the French side stay on Orient bay-we rented a condo for 600/week. Stay in L'hoste beach right on Orient Bay- lots of visual stimulation from the club orient beach walkers from 6 AM. if you want privacy, rent a car and visit Longue Beach or Rouge Bay- not isolated but so big you can find your own spot. For real privacy walk to Petits Cayes- 45 min hike- few people do it- accepted as a nude beach and there will never be more than 6-8 othere- and lots of nude shenanigans can take place there! Great island, very different from Mexico, helps ifyou speak French. PM us if you want more info.
