I love St. Martin and always stay on the French side at Villa Filao in Orient Bay. If one really wants a challenge, hike to the top of Pic Paradis. It is very challenging. From Lottery Farm it is about 1.5 miles up and a little over 3 miles round trip. However, it about a 1350 ft elevation gain in that very short distance. Many parts of the hike are a 27-34% grade. I am from Mississippi in the USA so it was VERY challenging. I run and walk a lot, but nothing more than gentle hills in Mississippi. The food on the French side is AMAZING. We love Scotland and recently went for two weeks in September 2022. However, after COVID, the food really suffered. I remarked to my wife that we ate at more fantastic restaurant and beach bars at the village and on Orient Baie in our last 1 week trip to St Martin than in the whole trip to Scotland including isle of Skye. Sol e Luna is also great and nearby. Love St. Martin. Going back in May 2023.
Awesome! I love the island too. That sounds like quite the workout, but I love finding those cool yet challenging hikes on almost every trip I take! My hubby, not so much! I’m jealous you’re headed back! Enjoy!
You've definitely covered all the amenities and options well. How an island can be such a treasure trove of fun and R&R. I love islands. My favorite to date is Tenerife ( Canary Island group). 👍 🎥 🌷 🙋♀️
Yes the Dutch side has more action and the French side is for getting Sun burned and a foodie paradise. But you can have both just rent a car and keep off the roads at peak periods. Lots of traffic.
Great video. Just FYI though, all beaches on the island (French and Dutch) are public. Regardless of whether there is a resort on the beach or not. While you may not be able to use their chairs, you can definitely use the beach.
Also, it is funny that you mentioned how family friendly Friars Bay is and there is a very attractive topless woman sunbathing in the foreground. The French side is very family friendly and no one gives a fig if a few people are topless.
Sorry for the delay! So it is an overseas territory of France and The Netherlands so you will need to see what their requirements are for whichever passport you hold. I hope you get to go, it's a beautiful place!
@@michaelrevis8983 Thanks Michael! That's the airport on the dutch side (Princess Juliana International). It's weird how the french side use it for the entire island as well! Anyway, mystery solved! Thanks again!✈🙂
I have been to SXM a few times and I found that the French side were very rude to Americans. Many that could speak English but refused to. Therefore, I spend most of my vacation money on the Dutch side. I do agree that there are some really nice things about the French side but the people???
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I love St. Martin and always stay on the French side at Villa Filao in Orient Bay. If one really wants a challenge, hike to the top of Pic Paradis. It is very challenging. From Lottery Farm it is about 1.5 miles up and a little over 3 miles round trip. However, it about a 1350 ft elevation gain in that very short distance. Many parts of the hike are a 27-34% grade. I am from Mississippi in the USA so it was VERY challenging. I run and walk a lot, but nothing more than gentle hills in Mississippi. The food on the French side is AMAZING. We love Scotland and recently went for two weeks in September 2022. However, after COVID, the food really suffered. I remarked to my wife that we ate at more fantastic restaurant and beach bars at the village and on Orient Baie in our last 1 week trip to St Martin than in the whole trip to Scotland including isle of Skye. Sol e Luna is also great and nearby. Love St. Martin. Going back in May 2023.
Awesome! I love the island too. That sounds like quite the workout, but I love finding those cool yet challenging hikes on almost every trip I take! My hubby, not so much! I’m jealous you’re headed back! Enjoy!
Thank you! Very informative and helped me decide.
Thanks again for bringing us with you my friend :)
I went to the Caribbean for the first time last October, but I didn’t make it to St Martin! But it looks beautiful!
The ferry to pinel does leave from the next town over - Cul de sac.
You've definitely covered all the amenities and options well. How an island can be such a treasure trove of fun and R&R. I love islands. My favorite to date is Tenerife ( Canary Island group). 👍 🎥 🌷 🙋♀️
Yes the Dutch side has more action and the French side is for getting Sun burned and a foodie paradise. But you can have both just rent a car and keep off the roads at peak periods. Lots of traffic.
I love the Dutch side more then the French side. A lot to do and exciting :) Great video.
Both the place super great ❤
💛💚💙💕❤️🎶💐🌷👍❤️🎶💐🥰💛💚💙💕😇😎
We agree!
Great video. Just FYI though, all beaches on the island (French and Dutch) are public. Regardless of whether there is a resort on the beach or not. While you may not be able to use their chairs, you can definitely use the beach.
Yes! Thank you for clarifying! I cannot wait to visit next time!
Great video! How would you plan the perfect French day if you had one day?
Is there much English spoken in the Orient Bay Area? Thank you.
Thanks for the question! Yes, English is widely spoken throughout the island as many visitors are from English speaking countries.
Also, it is funny that you mentioned how family friendly Friars Bay is and there is a very attractive topless woman sunbathing in the foreground. The French side is very family friendly and no one gives a fig if a few people are topless.
So true. It’s not America and people need to remember that when traveling. Culture is different everywhere you go. Embrace it and live a little!
Quiero ir de vacaciones a san martin con mi esposa ! Mi esposa tiene visa americana pero yo no tengo que debo de hacer?
Sorry for the delay! So it is an overseas territory of France and The Netherlands so you will need to see what their requirements are for whichever passport you hold. I hope you get to go, it's a beautiful place!
Why are the initials SXM? not STM?
Great question! And I had to do some digging! So the ‘s’ and ‘m’ stand for Sint Maarten and the ‘x’ indicates the Dutch side of the island.
Why or how does the X indicate the dutch side? That doesn't make any sense! 🤔@@TheTravelingChzhed
SXM is the abbreviation for the airport, and it just stuck for the entie island.
@@michaelrevis8983 Thanks Michael! That's the airport on the dutch side (Princess Juliana International). It's weird how the french side use it for the entire island as well! Anyway, mystery solved! Thanks again!✈🙂
I have been to SXM a few times and I found that the French side were very rude to Americans. Many that could speak English but refused to. Therefore, I spend most of my vacation money on the Dutch side. I do agree that there are some really nice things about the French side but the people???