Hi from a Saint-Martin girl, just want to say thanks for reassuring tourists and for encouraging them to come. My island is not back 100% yet but will be. Thank you so much!
They are very wheelchair friendly, I've been to most of them and you won't have any problem getting around. For more precise information I would advise you to call first before booking.
My home!!!! update: The airport is now functioning but not at 100%. We are resilient and we will return as the gem of the Caribbean!! Thanks for your update, Phil.
Philipsburg’s cruise ship facilities can handle up to 6 ships at a time. In November, there was one 2-day block that hosted 11 cruise ships, with 25,000 passengers and associated tourist travel day trips! Having that much tourism infrastructure in place so quickly is an incredible post-Irma accomplishment! SXM Strong!
Phil, thank you so much for the updates and video. We have been going there since 2002 and were unable to go last January due to the devastation, etc. We are soooo looking forward to going back in a few weeks.
Thanks for sharing . Now I know to check u tube before I travel . I just got home after 4 nights in St. Martin.id like to add Stayed at an all inclusive resort.still with a lot to do since hurricane. Catamaran was a nice way to spend a few Hours.if you're a plane fan, its there. Won some at the casino.Last I recommend take 2 local busses to the bird farm.bird farm.
Thank you for the information on St Maarten/Martin. I am traveling in August 2019 with family and was a little doubtful because of Hurricane Irma, but your video put my mind at ease. I am looking forward to having fun and exploring the island.
@ladywharton Yeah, they are having an unusually dry season. Doesn't take too much rain to get it all back. So hopefully they will get the much-needed rain soon...just not during anyone's vacation! ;)
My family went January 2018 (4-ish) months after the hurricane and it was so sad to see the destruction caused, but even that quickly after the hurricane there was still so much to do and see. Some people were devastated, just talking to them and hearing what they experienced, but there was also so much hope and determination within those same people. That was my second time there and it was an experience I'll never forget. I learned way more than my first time and saw the entirety of the island and I hope and plan to come back more!
We went there in May and we loved it...we didn't even care about the devastation- the people were wonderful, the water was magical and clear- one of my favorite places on earth!
I was on one of those catamarans in Simpson Bay, when you produced this. We came to Simpson to avail ourselves of the marine supplies there, on our voyage from Trinidad to USVI, with multiple stops in between. At night one can see the blacked out places that have suffered storm damage and have yet to open. However there is much more that IS open and coming back to life. Moreover, i have found the Dutch side to be very resilient. Notice that most of the power lines are underground, which makes recovery from storms occur much more rapidly. Whether you come by sea or air, St Marten is a joy to visit. Thanks, Phil. I will share this.
Thanks for sharing! So funny that you spotted yourself in the area at the same time. I agree with you about the Dutch side coming back quicker! I appreciate you sharing my video and thank you for watching!
Things are looking even better now. My family was just there last week. A big thanks to Carmeletta our wonderful, friendly ,beautiful driver ! Orient beach is looking real good and a quick drive over to have some great food at grand case. The kids loved the beach there too. Happy to see recovery. We Love this island, it's wonderful residents and friendly vibe!
Thanks for the video and kind messages Phil! Everyone that experienced Irma and is living through the aftermath appreciates the sentiments that you bring to the world. Hope to see you in SXM!
My husband and I were in St. Martin/St. Marteen the first week in December on a cruise. We were very pleased with how St. Martin/St. Marteen have come back we got to go back to Orient beach and they are really improving it. we were sad to see that Club orient was no longer there thanks for letting us know they did try and it is very sad that they could not come back. Will love to see what else will come up in its place. Thanks for the review of St. Martin/St. Marteen. Very good
The news about Club Orient was so sad. I believe something will replace it. I'm happy to hear you had a wonderful time on the island. Thanks for watching!
Hi Phil, Arjo from the Netherlands here. Thanks for you enthousiastic update. Looking forward to our visit to SXM and our family and friends for the first time since Irma in three weeks. From your video enough inspiration to do some more exploring on the Island!
Hi Arjo, I guess you are about to go to Sint Maarten in a week or so. I'm a sustainable concept designer trying to get a project of the ground concerning another Caribbean island, Puerto Rico. They are having a lot of trouble rebuilding the island, while Sint Maarten appears to do so well. However, in Phil's video I don't see much about sustainability. Looking at renewable energy, etc. I realize that you are just there to enjoy your Holiday, but could I ask you to look out with half an eye for signs of attention for sustainability measures? Rebuilding the island with new hurricane proof building regulations is already a great step forward, but how about solar panels, windmills, circularity, etc.? If I'm asking too much: no worries. Just enjoy your trip. David Klein
Club Orient may be closed, but Club O Beach is open as usual, with chair rentals, the Perch Lite bar for food and drinks and free parking, this has been that way since November 2017
oh yes, but the decision to close down the operation and not rebuild made public only recently. I learned of it in February. So those guys won't be able to continue their activities on the beach. But the beach is public so it really doesn't matter: it will remain the naked beach that it has always been..
As a born a raised native of the island of st. Maarten 🇸🇽 dutch side we are very resilient ppl we are bouncing back, I work at the airport we are slowly building back its a work in progress we enjoy the publicity Phil thank you
Thank you for all the hard work on the airport. Even while it was down, I found all the workers to have positive spirits and I didn't notice any delay in service. Thanks for watching!
I really enjoyed this video, the drone shots of the entire place is so beautiful. I never realized how much I loved and missed Saint-Martin itself until I left to NY.
Phil, ST Martin is my native Island, and I go back often to visit with my family. Thank you for sharing that awesome video and explanation of the transformation of the Island following the devastation from hurricane IRMA. I hope your excellent video will encourage and give assurance to thousands of tourist to vacation in ST Martin / ST Maarten.
Thank you for watching. I appreciate the comments. I made this video in hopes to provide information which will allow people to decide if they are ready to return. I believe they will be!
Hi Phil thanks for taking the time to post this I will be traveling to St Maarten in April with the family and was not to sure what to expect after hurricane Irma . Your post have put my mind at ease and we are now looking forward going to St Maarten. Thanks again for your post.
Jakes Stapelberg this is the best comment I can get. I’m so happy to hear I have given you the information you have been looking for. Have an absolutely amazing time in April! I might actually be back around that same time. Thanks for watching and letting me know your thoughts.
Thank you so much for sharing, I’m a local St Martiner & this video showed me so much more than what I saw during the summer. However the locals were pretty saddened by the removal of the restaurant in Terre Basse seeing it was one of the few local ones around.. As bad as Irma was it attracted alot of foreign investors (although the beaches are public) & seeing the restaurant wasnt there legally well.. you know. You can also access Friar’s Bay beach through a paved road via Cripple Gate’s entrance after Marigot. Thank you for shedding light on our little rock regardless of its current state, I hope you enjoyed your stay! 🇸🇽❤️ I was already homesick but this video increased it by 10, so sad yet happy to watch this during winter😅
Loved going to this gem of an island. The people there make it absotively awesome. Super friendly and nice. Glad to know that things are going forward for the island. I appreciate your time and effort and videos. I hope ev1 on the island has had some assistance in the reboot and fix up and not a select few. HUGS and blessings for ALL. HUGS from NY State
Phil, first THANK YOU for the continued updates. My wife and I are off to St. Martin/Maarten in 2 days with our whole family and your October review of the Island has reassured us that combining our vacation time with volunteering is the best thing we can do to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts. We are avid travellers to St Maarten and consider it our home away from home. Our volunteer time will be spent on two fronts my wife will be volunteering with an after school reading program and I will be volunteering with my efforts coaching soccer. Please keep the VLOGs coming. We will post our comment on our experience while on the Island for those following your VLOG, since we will be there for 2 months. Thank you Again, Volunteering Canadians
Wow! What an amazing thing you both do. I am so happy you shared this with me. I appreciate the kind words about my video and am so happy to hear I helped you in finding comfort to return. Have the best time and please keep me updated with your experiences.
Thank you so much for the freakin perfect update. We’ve gone every year and are planning a return soon. Very thorough and exactly what I am looking for...
Awesome job updating people on St Maarten/ St Martin! Some of my family is visiting there right now and so glad to be back!! I hope the french side gets more help and money soon!
I just spent two weeks there in December. It was my first time saying on the island and lots to see and do in terms of restaurants and water activities. Seeing all the work the people are doing and have done was great! Felt very safe across the island...we had a car and drove around all over. Had great food and overall good time!
This is the best news to hear. It helps me know that I am not the only one who felt this way while on the island. Thanks so much for letting me know and for watching my video!
Great update, the island looks fantastic, we have been there 9 times since 2001. Our family booked a trip to Sonesta Maho for March 21, so excited to go back to this completely renovated hotel. All the beaches look amazing, will be renting a car and cruising around the island and checking out all the beaches during the day and the restaurants and nightlife in the evening. Again, great review.
Phil do u remember the pirate sailboat located on Simpson bay that shuttled u just off the shore by the Royal palms . The guys were from Boston who owned the boat. They served drinks and had good music. I was there a couple of days before the hurricane. We left on Sat Sept 3rd and Storm was wed Sept 6.
I visited here for 8 hours on my cruise back in Feb 18, and fell in love with this island instantly 😍 it is improving every day & it's amazing how different it looks. One day i will go back to this beautiful island I just wish we could fly direct from the uk.
Phil, Many thanks for the update! Will be stopping there on a cruise in early April and it is good to hear that the cruise port area is fully in swing.
Great Video Phil!!! I still need to make it out to friars beach but great shots and happy you made it to hole in the wall and if you like that joint you should pass by lagoonies or dinghy dock, both having a great people and vibes there!
Karen B thanks so much for watching! The glasses are from a company called Blenders Eyewear! I have a few different pairs from them and I love them. Here’s a link: fbuy.me/lOU0g
Home..... Love the footage, well done! I can watch this all day from this wintery place I live now! Many thanks for sharing and for making this video! Can't wait to see more and to go back home!
Phil, This presentation was phenomenal...... We love this Island. We always visit on August Monday. However this year Im going to explore another destination. The place we stay is not ready to receive guests at this time. I have "Liked" this Video and have Subscribed to your Channel. Please keep up the good work. We will visit our favorite Island in 2020. Keep up the good work.
Phil thx for a great video. I was there when Irma hit n lost my boat in Cole bay. I did notice that the water seems to have become cleaner, clearer Than before Irma. Being a sailor n living there in 2007-08 I often spoke with sailors n we all agreed, St Martin is the best place in the Caribbean . I’ll be back n again thx
I loved the information in this video. I did find the background music extremely distracting. I often tried to turn the volume up to hear you, but then it obviously just turned the music up and I was frustrated. But kudos on some great information that I've never seen anywhere else!
Pascale Smith thank you for the comment. It’s always tough to get the levels just right for everyone since we all use different systems. This is the first comment I have received about it and will absolutely take it into consideration for the future. Thanks for the heads up!
Phil, thanks so much for sharing. This video was very well done. We are going to Oyster Bay this year and were curious of how it would look from our last visit. This showed parts of the island I have not been to and i look forward to checking them out. Thanks again!
I've made 8 trips there, not so much into the plane thing at maho beach now but will be going back in 2019. Good to see Simpson bay looking ready had many a sing at that toppers bar!
Phil, that was a great update!! We have been waiting for one ! We aren’t going this winter but have our reservations confirmed for next winter in Orient Beach! We miss this fantastic island....unique among the Caribbean Islands...well, I think so! Thanks for your video!!! Merry Christmas,
M M thank you so much for the kind words and for the update! I’ll be back in May and look forward to experiencing the improved airport experience. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this video. I was also there in October. Beautiful island with beautiful people. One thing to note- the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino is schedule to open in the late Fall ( I believe).
Hi, What a great update - i booked my trip to St Maarten based on it! Trouble is, the hotel/resort reviews are all over the map from "poor service" to "I'll never come back," to "the happy has left the place." And there are glowing reviews for the same places. Argh. Flights booked, can't decide to where to stay. Please help!
ben jalet hey Ben! Thanks so much for your wonderful comment. Hearing someone decided to go back from watching one of my videos is more than I could ever ask for. I would love to help you in the process of finding a place to stay. Contact me at philphriday@gmail.com so we can have a better discussion and figure out exactly what your needs are. Hope to hear from you!
Stopping at St Maarten on April 17, 2019 from our cruise. Family of 4, 2 teenage boys. We hate crowded cruise beaches but like having amenities. Thinking Mullet Bay.. looks like good snorkeling and maybe some cliff jumping.??? Any other suggestions?
Clare Lynch check out rhino riders! It’s a jet ski/ small boat tour you can take. You stop off at some really pretty beaches as well as spots to snorkel with lots of pretty, and big fish!
Thanks. I have been going to SXM since I first bought at Pelican/SBR back in 1990. I was there in May and September 2018 and had a great time all over the island. It is really coming back. FYI Anse Marcel is going to be an all-inclusive luxury resort owned by Apple Travel. Cheers
I can't thank you enough, for your support, of personally my favorite place in the world... 11 years ago, I went on a trip to St. Martin / Saint Maarten... My mother's cousin invited my mom, my sister, and I to stay with her, in her Timeshare at The Whyndm Sapphire Beach Club & Resort... 11 years ago they did not have the ability to pull the plain right up to the terminal. So we were blessed with the most enjoyable experience, being able to disembark off the plain, right into the tropical air, on the tarmac, then walking to the airport... (as you experienced) for me this was such a unique opportunity to have had. The moment I stepped on to the ground. A since of finally being home came over me. I had a instant love affair with the island... While staying on the island enjoying everything you talked about.. However, you mentioned you travel alone.. For us it was quite the opposite. During week 2 & 3 (the second & third weeks of January starting on a Saturday, and going to the following Saturday etc...) 8 of our relatives, and 2 good family friends had 5 units they were using some in at The Sapphire, and some elsewhere, & a sixth vacant unit that our family friends had purchased a long time back & had upgraded a few years prior. While hanging out with with my family in a far away country on a tropical island I said outloud. I really would love to do this every year.. The family friend chimed in, I have a extra timeshare, you want to buy it for a steal... I announced quite quickly YES! & the deal went through. The next 10 Year's every January was my time to go home (home away from home), and recharge myself in the sun, surrounded by the Caribbean.. my unit is at the Sapphire, the staff there has become family. To walk in after being gone a year & be greeted by so many familiar faces saying Hey Brett is it that time of the year again it's so nice to see you followed by hugs and offers of cold rum punch... I wouldn't change it for the world! Last year was deviating.. Irma closed down my home. I was unable to go & 2018 just hasn't felt as alive inside. So I am desperately awaiting my 2019 trip coming up on week 3... so again thank you for your kind loving words on a island that is very near & dear to not only my heart... but my families heart's... (turns out that my great aunt Jeannie nearly 20 Year's ago was the first in the family to buy on the island & slowly we all have followed her brilliant investment idea with our own purchases) Sincerely: Brett. The Bird Guy!
Thank you so much for your lovely story, Brett! I have only been going to the island for the past 4 years and could see myself going every year for the rest of my life. Happy to hear you will be going back! I really appreciate your comment and thank you for watching.
What happened with La Samana? A few years ago I worked for a winter on the St Martins and in my time off went absolutely Everywhere. I really loved and miss that whole place!
Thank you for this update. I'm happy to see the changes everywhere. We lived on Orient Beach for 12 years, we left in June of last year so it is amazing to see the reconstruction on-going there. Sad that Club Orient will not reopen, I used to work there, but I guess this was bound to happen sooner or later. The airport has received the necessary funds to rebuild it and they should be busy as we speak. I also understand that the arrival hall has been reopened. Did you arrive through it or through tents?
Our favorite island we've been going to SXM since 1985 love it and the great PEOPLE. Phil you missed the Sunset Beach Bar and the great time watching the planes land overhead! Good job otherwise.
I missed MANY things which is what makes this island so special. I actually just landed on the island today. I have 24 days ahead of me. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I agree that it's ready for visitors, but, as of last week, there is still a good amount of damage and repair work being done, so make sure your room doesn't face the construction. Also, in Simpson Bay at least, walking around is not easy. No sidewalks and some areas get flooded after the rain. Roxi Beach club was open but word is it is very expensive.
Phil, Thank you so much for your video Saint-Martin is my home island where I was born in raise on the French-side living in France now for 15 years now I was devastated after IRMA having lived through hurricane LUIS in 1995 I witness first hand how hard and how long it took us to get back on our feet and couldn't imagine after IRMA how long it would take. Before IRMA nobody in France knew my island I always had to show them on a map where it was but Since IRMA my paradise island got the spotlight for the devastation off course but was also known for the bad side meaning drugs and violence and people believed here in FRANCE that my island had only 2 towns Sandy ground or Quartier d'orlean I'm so happy that you've shown a good honest global look french & Dutch sides of what I knew and remembered I'm planning to go this summer and show my kids what is the real Saint-Martin my home really got emotional when I saw my hometown beach Frias Bay beach where I use to go as a kid with my father gave me goosebumps to see Kali's bar up and running and also happy bay still remained natural once again I thank you for your videos and your reviews god bless Merci !!
anderson GANE what a wonderful comment! I thank you so much for sharing this with me. Happy I was able to do you proud. Thanks so much for watching and I hope you have a great time in your next visit home.
Great video, I was there Nov 2018. It was my second time this year. While I was there one of the buildings caught fire right outside L,Express bakery in Marigot. You show it briefly on your video. I was there videoing for my RUclips channel and as I was leaving the bakery I noticed smoke coming from the building across the street. St Maarten/Martin is a beautiful place and I can see after watching your video that it isn't possible to truly experience the Island by what little time the cruise ships allot. Next time I'll fly. Check out my St Maarten Nov 2018 update video. Thanks for the upload. I enjoyed the drone footage.
Hi Phil, Thank you for your updates on Sint Maarten. I'm a sustainable concept designer from The Netherlands trying to get a project of the ground concerning another Caribbean island, Puerto Rico. They are having a lot of trouble rebuilding the island, while Sint Maarten appears to do so well. Climate change is expected to hurt Caribbean islands very hard in the future. More and stronger hurricanes. The Netherlands will be hurt hard too, due to sea level rise. Therefore I was wondering: is there much attention to rebuilding the island climate neutral? Renewable energy, solar panels, windmills, circularity? Are people even talking about it? David Klein PS What's wrong with a little bit of seaweed on a beach? Just a sign that the ocean is still alive. ;-)
Hey David! Thanks for reaching out. I love what you are focused on and I hope the island is also considering such things. I'm not aware of what's going on during the rebuild process as it pertains to sustainability. Wish I had more info for you as it's all very important. As far as the seaweed goes, you aren't the first person to call me out on this. I only speak of it from a "beauty" aspect and have learned thanks to some informative commenters how important the seaweed is and will absolutely take that into consideration in the future. Keep doing what you're doing! It's so important. Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and video. We cruise here on the 6th of April with RC. Every other island we have excursions planned. This was our down island where we can just relax. Was thinking of renting a can-am bike at the pier and just enjoy the island for a day on our time. Anyone have thoughts? Will we get rained out on a bike? Heard of the butterfly farm and another farm with a tube ride. Beaches and such. Not sure we want to be blown over by a jet plane. Just really want to see the charm of the island at our pace and enjoy the day and eat a local meal. Thanks for the help.
St. Martin should be an island you explore on a cam-am bike! That sounds amazing. There is always a chance of rain but it doesn't normally last very long. Find a beach, eat from one of the grills or lolos and kick back and relax. Hope you have a great experience.
Thanks Phil!! Heading there for 2 weeks in March! So wonderful to see the island rebuilding and coming back to it's original splendor! Great job with the video, did you happen to see how things are going at the Royal Palm in Simpson bay? Thks so much
Thanks for the great video. It was sad to see what happened from hurricane Irma. Going back to maho bay in April. Do you think it will be up and running by then?
GREAT VIDEO...we are going via cruise ship in April. Excursions offer Simpson Bay Buckaneer Bay, Phillipsburg Beach, Great Bay & Kim Sha for beach days. We are looking for shallow waters & minimal waves....which would you recommend?
Was thinking of going to Westin Dawn Beach Club in Dec of 2019.They tell me that the casino, spa and hotel restaurants are not going to be ready when I get there. Do you know if it is in good enough shape to enjoy our stay??? Any information would be soooo appreciated. Cathy from NY
Hi Phil! Your review was fantastic, and it showed me some places in SXM I haven’t even been to before! I’m headed there (again) in March and will definitely hit up Friar’s bay just because of your review! Let me know if you need me to look in to anything for you. I tend to do a lot of Google reviews of restaurants 😬
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you will be trying out Friar's Bay. I really enjoyed my short time there. The best thing you can do is leave google reviews! It helps me know what is open, so I appreciate you doing that. Hope you have a great time!
Thank u for the video. Ill be there in april '19. Im even more excited after watching this video. I do want to see the plans taking off is it close to Orion Bay?
Thanks for watching! If you want to see the famous plane take off/landings you will want to be near Princess Juliana Airport and be on Maho Beach. It's actually on the opposite side of the island from Orient Bay. It's an amazing experience!
You are the modern day Dick Miller (look him up). That guy just loved Sint Maarten/ Saint Martin and encourage so many people to come here. I wonder if he's still alive. I remember listening to his radio show as a kid.
Great update thank you, by any chance did u see what happened to Sunset bar/restaurant in Moho beach? I was there in a cruise 7 days before the hurricane. TIA 🤗
Well done Phil thanks for the update. I left home two days before the hurricane happened. I was wondering how quickly they are revamping the island. Your vid helped a lot, so thank you. With that said, I would like to make a quick correction. The island is capable of hosting 7 crews ships at once not 5.
Thanks for watching. I am happy to hear the video has given you information about your home. I hope I am doing it justice! Thanks for the correction! It has been made in the comments, but it's always good to have a reminder! Thanks again!
My Fiancé and I absolutely LOVE St. Maarten! So much so that we are having our wedding there in August. Can't wait! Thanks for for providing the update, it's comforting! By the way... Did you make it to the Sonesta Maho Resort?
I'm so happy to hear you enjoy the island! I wish you all the best in August! From the looks of it, Sonesta should be ready to go soon. There was so much work being done in Maho and I think it's all going to be beautiful. Thanks for watching!
I heard if you ever wanted to Go to St Maarten but couldn't afford it This is the perfect time to take advantage on how affordable it is now while they rebuild and also help out the island got back on its feet
Hi Friday Phil... thanks for the update. I love your drone videos ! Maho Bay where the hotel reconstruction is being done is not called downtown Maho. (Googled Sonesta hotel & verified on map) Our friends go twice-a-year confirmed that former employees were still running the operation of renting chairs and umbrellas due to Club O being shut down. Last time we were there in April the price of rentals actually went down. Say hi to Cedric for me.
Hi from a Saint-Martin girl, just want to say thanks for reassuring tourists and for encouraging them to come. My island is not back 100% yet but will be. Thank you so much!
Thank you for watching and your kind words! It's an exciting time to visit the island and watch it develop into something new.
How wheelchair friendly are the hotels at Moho?
They are very wheelchair friendly, I've been to most of them and you won't have any problem getting around. For more precise information I would advise you to call first before booking.
Yahkiemah Berry How is the island doing now?
Yahkiemah Berry Will be visiting august 8th this summer!
My home!!!!
update: The airport is now functioning but not at 100%.
We are resilient and we will return as the gem of the Caribbean!!
Thanks for your update, Phil.
Benjamin Bell thanks for watching and for the update!
Hey, one of our young and hardworking politicians. Not forgetting, a Sr. Borgia parent.🤗
cant wait to come back to your great island.
So nice to see an update. I’m from the Dutch side but moved to Belgium after Irma and haven’t been back since October 2017. I miss my home so much 💔
I hope you get back soon! Thanks for watching!
Philipsburg’s cruise ship facilities can handle up to 6 ships at a time. In November, there was one 2-day block that hosted 11 cruise ships, with 25,000 passengers and associated tourist travel day trips! Having that much tourism infrastructure in place so quickly is an incredible post-Irma accomplishment! SXM Strong!
Richard Gerry M thanks for sharing this information!
recently we had 7 ships, one was on anchor
Wow! I can't imagine what the island looked like on that day!
Phil, thank you so much for the updates and video. We have been going there since 2002 and were unable to go last January due to the devastation, etc. We are soooo looking forward to going back in a few weeks.
I love hearing you will be going back! I hope you have the best time. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing . Now I know to check u tube before I travel
. I just got home after 4 nights in St. Martin.id like to add
Stayed at an all inclusive resort.still with a lot to do since hurricane. Catamaran was a nice way to spend a few
Hours.if you're a plane fan, its there.
Won some at the casino.Last I recommend take 2 local busses to the bird farm.bird farm.
Thank you for the information on St Maarten/Martin. I am traveling in August 2019 with family and was a little doubtful because of Hurricane Irma, but your video put my mind at ease. I am looking forward to having fun and exploring the island.
Charmain Ferguson I love hearing this. I hope you have a wonderful time! Thanks for watching.
@ladywharton Yeah, they are having an unusually dry season. Doesn't take too much rain to get it all back. So hopefully they will get the much-needed rain soon...just not during anyone's vacation! ;)
My family went January 2018 (4-ish) months after the hurricane and it was so sad to see the destruction caused, but even that quickly after the hurricane there was still so much to do and see. Some people were devastated, just talking to them and hearing what they experienced, but there was also so much hope and determination within those same people. That was my second time there and it was an experience I'll never forget. I learned way more than my first time and saw the entirety of the island and I hope and plan to come back more!
August T I love this! Thanks for sharing. I have had very similar experiences. Hope you make it back soon!
Thanks for sharing! We are looking forward to going back to the beautiful island of St Maarten/St Martin. Great to see how much work they have done!
Happy to hear you will be returning. They are working so hard and doing a great job!
We went there in May and we loved it...we didn't even care about the devastation- the people were wonderful, the water was magical and clear- one of my favorite places on earth!
I was on one of those catamarans in Simpson Bay, when you produced this. We came to Simpson to avail ourselves of the marine supplies there, on our voyage from Trinidad to USVI, with multiple stops in between. At night one can see the blacked out places that have suffered storm damage and have yet to open. However there is much more that IS open and coming back to life. Moreover, i have found the Dutch side to be very resilient. Notice that most of the power lines are underground, which makes recovery from storms occur much more rapidly. Whether you come by sea or air, St Marten is a joy to visit. Thanks, Phil. I will share this.
Thanks for sharing! So funny that you spotted yourself in the area at the same time. I agree with you about the Dutch side coming back quicker! I appreciate you sharing my video and thank you for watching!
Things are looking even better now. My family was just there last week. A big thanks to Carmeletta our wonderful, friendly ,beautiful driver ! Orient beach is looking real good and a quick drive over to have some great food at grand case. The kids loved the beach there too. Happy to see recovery. We Love this island, it's wonderful residents and friendly vibe!
Tiffany Diaz thanks for watching and providing some updates!
Thanks for the video and kind messages Phil! Everyone that experienced Irma and is living through the aftermath appreciates the sentiments that you bring to the world. Hope to see you in SXM!
Jamie Spriggs thank you for the comment. It really means a lot to hear the nice response. Hope to see you there as well!
Thank you for your positive comments on our Island. Hope to see you soon
Thanks again for your support and help, much respect Phil. You are a SXM man bro one!!
Best. compliment. ever. Thanks so much!
My husband and I were in St. Martin/St. Marteen the first week in December on a cruise. We were very pleased with how St. Martin/St. Marteen have come back we got to go back to Orient beach and they are really improving it. we were sad to see that Club orient was no longer there thanks for letting us know they did try and it is very sad that they could not come back. Will love to see what else will come up in its place. Thanks for the review of St. Martin/St. Marteen. Very good
The news about Club Orient was so sad. I believe something will replace it. I'm happy to hear you had a wonderful time on the island. Thanks for watching!
Hi Phil, Arjo from the Netherlands here. Thanks for you enthousiastic update. Looking forward to our visit to SXM and our family and friends for the first time since Irma in three weeks. From your video enough inspiration to do some more exploring on the Island!
Hi Arjo, I guess you are about to go to Sint Maarten in a week or so.
I'm a sustainable concept designer trying to get a project of the ground concerning another Caribbean island, Puerto Rico. They are having a lot of trouble rebuilding the island, while Sint Maarten appears to do so well.
However, in Phil's video I don't see much about sustainability. Looking at renewable energy, etc. I realize that you are just there to enjoy your Holiday, but could I ask you to look out with half an eye for signs of attention for sustainability measures? Rebuilding the island with new hurricane proof building regulations is already a great step forward, but how about solar panels, windmills, circularity, etc.?
If I'm asking too much: no worries. Just enjoy your trip.
David Klein
Club Orient may be closed, but Club O Beach is open as usual, with chair rentals, the Perch Lite bar for food and drinks and free parking, this has been that way since November 2017
Simon Bland m7
oh yes, but the decision to close down the operation and not rebuild made public only recently. I learned of it in February. So those guys won't be able to continue their activities on the beach. But the beach is public so it really doesn't matter: it will remain the naked beach that it has always been..
I just fell in love with this island! Our highlights were our guide: Dom, and singer, "Shine"!!
As a born a raised native of the island of st. Maarten 🇸🇽 dutch side we are very resilient ppl we are bouncing back, I work at the airport we are slowly building back its a work in progress we enjoy the publicity Phil thank you
Thank you for all the hard work on the airport. Even while it was down, I found all the workers to have positive spirits and I didn't notice any delay in service. Thanks for watching!
I really enjoyed this video, the drone shots of the entire place is so beautiful. I never realized how much I loved and missed Saint-Martin itself until I left to NY.
Otaku multifandom thank you so much for watching! It’s such a special place. Hope you can get back soon!
Phil, ST Martin is my native Island, and I go back often to visit with my family. Thank you for sharing that awesome video and explanation of the transformation of the Island following the devastation from hurricane IRMA. I hope your excellent video will encourage and give assurance to thousands of tourist to vacation in ST Martin / ST Maarten.
Thank you for watching. I appreciate the comments. I made this video in hopes to provide information which will allow people to decide if they are ready to return. I believe they will be!
Excellent. Headed back in July. Looking forward to getting some breakfast at Zee Best!!
Antoine Byrd they don’t call it Zee Best for nothing! So good.
Hi Phil thanks for taking the time to post this I will be traveling to St Maarten in April with the family and was not to sure what to expect after hurricane Irma . Your post have put my mind at ease and we are now looking forward going to St Maarten. Thanks again for your post.
Jakes Stapelberg this is the best comment I can get. I’m so happy to hear I have given you the information you have been looking for. Have an absolutely amazing time in April! I might actually be back around that same time. Thanks for watching and letting me know your thoughts.
Thank you so much for sharing, I’m a local St Martiner & this video showed me so much more than what I saw during the summer. However the locals were pretty saddened by the removal of the restaurant in Terre Basse seeing it was one of the few local ones around.. As bad as Irma was it attracted alot of foreign investors (although the beaches are public) & seeing the restaurant wasnt there legally well.. you know.
You can also access Friar’s Bay beach through a paved road via Cripple Gate’s entrance after Marigot.
Thank you for shedding light on our little rock regardless of its current state, I hope you enjoyed your stay! 🇸🇽❤️
I was already homesick but this video increased it by 10, so sad yet happy to watch this during winter😅
Loved going to this gem of an island. The people there make it absotively awesome. Super friendly and nice. Glad to know that things are going forward for the island. I appreciate your time and effort and videos. I hope ev1 on the island has had some assistance in the reboot and fix up and not a select few. HUGS and blessings for ALL. HUGS from NY State
Sandra Conklin thank you for your warm and caring comment. I appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts.
New about a month RUclipsr here. New subscriber 2
Phil, first THANK YOU for the continued updates. My wife and I are off to St. Martin/Maarten in 2 days with our whole family and your October review of the Island has reassured us that combining our vacation time with volunteering is the best thing we can do to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts. We are avid travellers to St Maarten and consider it our home away from home. Our volunteer time will be spent on two fronts my wife will be volunteering with an after school reading program and I will be volunteering with my efforts coaching soccer. Please keep the VLOGs coming. We will post our comment on our experience while on the Island for those following your VLOG, since we will be there for 2 months.
Thank you Again,
Volunteering Canadians
Wow! What an amazing thing you both do. I am so happy you shared this with me. I appreciate the kind words about my video and am so happy to hear I helped you in finding comfort to return. Have the best time and please keep me updated with your experiences.
Thank you so much for the freakin perfect update. We’ve gone every year and are planning a return soon. Very thorough and exactly what I am looking for...
So happy to hear this! It means so much to me. Hope you have a wonderful time!
Awesome job updating people on St Maarten/ St Martin! Some of my family is visiting there right now and so glad to be back!! I hope the french side gets more help and money soon!
Melissa Smith thank you! Happy to hear about people returning. It’s a process but they are doing great.
I just spent two weeks there in December. It was my first time saying on the island and lots to see and do in terms of restaurants and water activities. Seeing all the work the people are doing and have done was great! Felt very safe across the island...we had a car and drove around all over. Had great food and overall good time!
This is the best news to hear. It helps me know that I am not the only one who felt this way while on the island. Thanks so much for letting me know and for watching my video!
Great update, the island looks fantastic, we have been there 9 times since 2001. Our family booked a trip to Sonesta Maho for March 21, so excited to go back to this completely renovated hotel. All the beaches look amazing, will be renting a car and cruising around the island and checking out all the beaches during the day and the restaurants and nightlife in the evening. Again, great review.
Thanks so much! Always happy to hear people going back. Let me know if you find any hidden gems!
Phil do u remember the pirate sailboat located on Simpson bay that shuttled u just off the shore by the Royal palms . The guys were from Boston who owned the boat. They served drinks and had good music. I was there a couple of days before the hurricane. We left on Sat Sept 3rd and Storm was wed Sept 6.
I have never been on that boat! Sounds like a blast. Happy to hear you got off the island just in time!
Thx for replying Phil have a good day buddy
IMG_0866.jpeg
the pirate sailboat in the Simpson Bay Lagoon was lost during Irma. Probably still to be seen near the airport.
I visited here for 8 hours on my cruise back in Feb 18, and fell in love with this island instantly 😍 it is improving every day & it's amazing how different it looks. One day i will go back to this beautiful island I just wish we could fly direct from the uk.
Justine James I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the island. Hope you make it back soon. Thanks for watching!
Phil, Many thanks for the update! Will be stopping there on a cruise in early April and it is good to hear that the cruise port area is fully in swing.
I just love your videos. Thank you so much for what you are doing. Yes we are almost back and better. Come see us again.
This means so much to me. Thank you for watching! I have really loved seeing the island get back on it's feet.
Thanks Phil , St Martin is our favorite place in the Carribean. We will be going back.
Have you been back in the past 4 years?
Thank u for the update.. I love this place
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great Video Phil!!! I still need to make it out to friars beach but great shots and happy you made it to hole in the wall and if you like that joint you should pass by lagoonies or dinghy dock, both having a great people and vibes there!
Hank M4A2EA I love Lagoonies and Dinghy Dock! I’ll have to include them in the next one! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for this visit!! I was there for the hurricane and I'm very happy sxm is doing better!! Plan to come back soon ❤️
Happy to hear that! Been going a few times a year for the past 4 years and have really felt like it's home away from home. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the update! I've been to St. Martin at least 6 times, pre- Irma. I'm due for a return trip.
guitarforumdude thanks for watching. Hope you make it back soon!
Great video and a lot of information with fantastic video footage. Thanks, I’m a new subscriber. Loved your sunglasses, can I ask what brand they are?
Karen B thanks so much for watching! The glasses are from a company called Blenders Eyewear! I have a few different pairs from them and I love them. Here’s a link: fbuy.me/lOU0g
Thanks for this great video👍
Subscribed.
Ky Sa thank you!
Home..... Love the footage, well done! I can watch this all day from this wintery place I live now! Many thanks for sharing and for making this video! Can't wait to see more and to go back home!
Odilde Foeken thank you for watching! I’m hoping to go there again sometime soon to continue updating. Hope you get to revisit the island soon!
Phil, This presentation was phenomenal...... We love this Island. We always visit on August Monday. However this year Im going to explore another destination. The place we stay is not ready to receive guests at this time. I have "Liked" this Video and have Subscribed to your Channel. Please keep up the good work. We will visit our favorite Island in 2020. Keep up the good work.
ant4man2 thanks so much for your positive comments. I appreciate it very much. I’m excited to hear you will be returning again.
Thank you Phil for your making a nod to sxm... I live there for 20 years and I love the island
Vanessa Magnien thanks for watching!
The best St Maarten update I have seen ever! Love the time stamps....
I wish I had said thank you 4 years ago...but I missed this comment....so now...Thank you.
Just back from sailing around St Martin and the beaches are cleaned up from seaweed. An island up and running!
heather pearson wow! That must have been beautiful. Thanks for the update!
Great job as usual Phil!! Thanks so much for this fantastic update!!
Thanks so much for the update!!! Great content and spectacular imagery. Love how you made a loop around the island.
Thanks so much for watching!
Phil thx for a great video. I was there when Irma hit n lost my boat in Cole bay. I did notice that the water seems to have become cleaner, clearer
Than before Irma. Being a sailor n living there in 2007-08 I often spoke with sailors n we all agreed, St Martin is the best place in the Caribbean .
I’ll be back n again thx
So happy to hear you enjoyed the video! I was amazed at how clear the water was. Glad to hear you will be going back! Thanks for watching.
I loved the information in this video. I did find the background music extremely distracting. I often tried to turn the volume up to hear you, but then it obviously just turned the music up and I was frustrated. But kudos on some great information that I've never seen anywhere else!
Pascale Smith thank you for the comment. It’s always tough to get the levels just right for everyone since we all use different systems. This is the first comment I have received about it and will absolutely take it into consideration for the future. Thanks for the heads up!
Thank you Phil, i am a resident of dutch St. Maarten. Thank you for this positive Video, showing our progress. Awesome Video, i will share
Phil, thanks so much for sharing. This video was very well done. We are going to Oyster Bay this year and were curious of how it would look from our last visit. This showed parts of the island I have not been to and i look forward to checking them out. Thanks again!
Hey Paul! Thanks so much. I really appreciate the comment. Happy to hear you are going to explore the island. Hope you have a wonderful time.
I've made 8 trips there, not so much into the plane thing at maho beach now but will be going back in 2019. Good to see Simpson bay looking ready had many a sing at that toppers bar!
Dez Rosswess I’ve sung a few too many songs at Topper’s as well! 🤪
Thanks for a great update on a great island! So happy to see SXM making a strong comeback!
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.
Phil, that was a great update!! We have been waiting for one ! We aren’t going this winter but have our reservations confirmed for next winter in Orient Beach! We miss this fantastic island....unique among the Caribbean Islands...well, I think so! Thanks for your video!!! Merry Christmas,
Jill Pratt Merry Christmas to you as well! Thanks for watching and I’m happy to hear you will be returning.
good job on this report, thanks! Accurate. Airport has made further progress as well now (April 2019) they are receiving in the terminal now.
actually, great job
M M thank you so much for the kind words and for the update! I’ll be back in May and look forward to experiencing the improved airport experience. Thanks again!
Phil, it seems as though you love St Maarten just as much as i do. Sooo love it
It's an amazing place! Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much for this video. I was also there in October. Beautiful island with beautiful people. One thing to note- the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino is schedule to open in the late Fall ( I believe).
Thanks for watching! And for the awesome information! I know a lot of people are looking for those kinds of details.
Great job man, Beautiful video! THANK YOU!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.
killer video! very detailed and honest of being knowledgable of Sint Martin/St. Maarten
Hi, What a great update - i booked my trip to St Maarten based on it! Trouble is, the hotel/resort reviews are all over the map from "poor service" to "I'll never come back," to "the happy has left the place." And there are glowing reviews for the same places. Argh. Flights booked, can't decide to where to stay. Please help!
ben jalet hey Ben! Thanks so much for your wonderful comment. Hearing someone decided to go back from watching one of my videos is more than I could ever ask for. I would love to help you in the process of finding a place to stay. Contact me at philphriday@gmail.com so we can have a better discussion and figure out exactly what your needs are. Hope to hear from you!
Thanks for the update. This video was very helpful and I will be watching this again and maybe multiple times. We're headed there this spring 2019.
So happy to hear you found it helpful! Have a great time in the spring!
We were in St. Martin in December, getting better all the time. Back in May for 3 weeks.
John Farmer Happy to hear you spent time and enjoyed yourself. I’m hoping to get back in May as well! Thanks for watching.
Stopping at St Maarten on April 17, 2019 from our cruise. Family of 4, 2 teenage boys. We hate crowded cruise beaches but like having amenities. Thinking Mullet Bay.. looks like good snorkeling and maybe some cliff jumping.??? Any other suggestions?
Clare Lynch check out rhino riders! It’s a jet ski/ small boat tour you can take. You stop off at some really pretty beaches as well as spots to snorkel with lots of pretty, and big fish!
Just found your channel and really like the content! Thank you!
Betty Foolio thank you for watching! Glad you enjoy it.
Thanks. I have been going to SXM since I first bought at Pelican/SBR back in 1990. I was there in May and September 2018 and had a great time all over the island. It is really coming back. FYI Anse Marcel is going to be an all-inclusive luxury resort owned by Apple Travel. Cheers
Very interesting! Thanks for the information. I can't wait to see it develop.
I can't thank you enough, for your support, of personally my favorite place in the world... 11 years ago, I went on a trip to St. Martin / Saint Maarten... My mother's cousin invited my mom, my sister, and I to stay with her, in her Timeshare at The Whyndm Sapphire Beach Club & Resort... 11 years ago they did not have the ability to pull the plain right up to the terminal. So we were blessed with the most enjoyable experience, being able to disembark off the plain, right into the tropical air, on the tarmac, then walking to the airport... (as you experienced) for me this was such a unique opportunity to have had. The moment I stepped on to the ground. A since of finally being home came over me. I had a instant love affair with the island... While staying on the island enjoying everything you talked about.. However, you mentioned you travel alone.. For us it was quite the opposite. During week 2 & 3 (the second & third weeks of January starting on a Saturday, and going to the following Saturday etc...) 8 of our relatives, and 2 good family friends had 5 units they were using some in at The Sapphire, and some elsewhere, & a sixth vacant unit that our family friends had purchased a long time back & had upgraded a few years prior. While hanging out with with my family in a far away country on a tropical island I said outloud. I really would love to do this every year.. The family friend chimed in, I have a extra timeshare, you want to buy it for a steal... I announced quite quickly YES! & the deal went through. The next 10 Year's every January was my time to go home (home away from home), and recharge myself in the sun, surrounded by the Caribbean.. my unit is at the Sapphire, the staff there has become family. To walk in after being gone a year & be greeted by so many familiar faces saying Hey Brett is it that time of the year again it's so nice to see you followed by hugs and offers of cold rum punch... I wouldn't change it for the world! Last year was deviating.. Irma closed down my home. I was unable to go & 2018 just hasn't felt as alive inside. So I am desperately awaiting my 2019 trip coming up on week 3... so again thank you for your kind loving words on a island that is very near & dear to not only my heart... but my families heart's... (turns out that my great aunt Jeannie nearly 20 Year's ago was the first in the family to buy on the island & slowly we all have followed her brilliant investment idea with our own purchases) Sincerely: Brett. The Bird Guy!
Thank you so much for your lovely story, Brett! I have only been going to the island for the past 4 years and could see myself going every year for the rest of my life. Happy to hear you will be going back! I really appreciate your comment and thank you for watching.
My favorite island ~ SXM
What happened with La Samana? A few years ago I worked for a winter on the St Martins and in my time off went absolutely Everywhere. I really loved and miss that whole place!
La Samanna is back and as beautiful as ever. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this update. I'm happy to see the changes everywhere. We lived on Orient Beach for 12 years, we left in June of last year so it is amazing to see the reconstruction on-going there. Sad that Club Orient will not reopen, I used to work there, but I guess this was bound to happen sooner or later. The airport has received the necessary funds to rebuild it and they should be busy as we speak. I also understand that the arrival hall has been reopened. Did you arrive through it or through tents?
Our favorite island we've been going to SXM since 1985 love it and the great PEOPLE. Phil you missed the Sunset Beach Bar and the great time watching the planes land overhead! Good job otherwise.
I missed MANY things which is what makes this island so special. I actually just landed on the island today. I have 24 days ahead of me. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Will be stopping off for just one day in March. I'm hoping to plan a longer vacation there some time soon. Thank you for the video.
Julienne Schaeffer thanks for watching!
I agree that it's ready for visitors, but, as of last week, there is still a good amount of damage and repair work being done, so make sure your room doesn't face the construction. Also, in Simpson Bay at least, walking around is not easy. No sidewalks and some areas get flooded after the rain. Roxi Beach club was open but word is it is very expensive.
Phil, Thank you so much for your video Saint-Martin is my home island where I was born in raise on the French-side living in France now for 15 years now I was devastated after IRMA having lived through hurricane LUIS in 1995 I witness first hand how hard and how long it took us to get back on our feet and couldn't imagine after IRMA how long it would take. Before IRMA nobody in France knew my island I always had to show them on a map where it was but Since IRMA my paradise island got the spotlight for the devastation off course but was also known for the bad side meaning drugs and violence and people believed here in FRANCE that my island had only 2 towns Sandy ground or Quartier d'orlean I'm so happy that you've shown a good honest global look french & Dutch sides of what I knew and remembered I'm planning to go this summer and show my kids what is the real Saint-Martin my home really got emotional when I saw my hometown beach Frias Bay beach where I use to go as a kid with my father gave me goosebumps to see Kali's bar up and running and also happy bay still remained natural once again I thank you for your videos and your reviews god bless Merci !!
anderson GANE what a wonderful comment! I thank you so much for sharing this with me. Happy I was able to do you proud. Thanks so much for watching and I hope you have a great time in your next visit home.
Great to see that Bikini Beach has re-opened. Thank you for the excellent update.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great video, I was there Nov 2018. It was my second time this year. While I was there one of the buildings caught fire right outside L,Express bakery in Marigot. You show it briefly on your video. I was there videoing for my RUclips channel and as I was leaving the bakery I noticed smoke coming from the building across the street.
St Maarten/Martin is a beautiful place and I can see after watching your video that it isn't possible to truly experience the Island by what little time the cruise ships allot. Next time I'll fly. Check out my St Maarten Nov 2018 update video. Thanks for the upload. I enjoyed the drone footage.
Just watched it! Awesome video. What a moment catching that fire! I appreciate you watching and look forward to seeing what you do next.
Hi Phil,
Thank you for your updates on Sint Maarten.
I'm a sustainable concept designer from The Netherlands trying to get a project of the ground concerning another Caribbean island, Puerto Rico. They are having a lot of trouble rebuilding the island, while Sint Maarten appears to do so well.
Climate change is expected to hurt Caribbean islands very hard in the future. More and stronger hurricanes.
The Netherlands will be hurt hard too, due to sea level rise.
Therefore I was wondering: is there much attention to rebuilding the island climate neutral? Renewable energy, solar panels, windmills, circularity?
Are people even talking about it?
David Klein
PS What's wrong with a little bit of seaweed on a beach? Just a sign that the ocean is still alive. ;-)
Hey David! Thanks for reaching out. I love what you are focused on and I hope the island is also considering such things. I'm not aware of what's going on during the rebuild process as it pertains to sustainability. Wish I had more info for you as it's all very important. As far as the seaweed goes, you aren't the first person to call me out on this. I only speak of it from a "beauty" aspect and have learned thanks to some informative commenters how important the seaweed is and will absolutely take that into consideration in the future. Keep doing what you're doing! It's so important. Thanks for commenting!
My home! Haven't been back since 2016 but goin back this year...miss my home
Nkrumah Whit glad to hear you are returning home! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and video. We cruise here on the 6th of April with RC. Every other island we have excursions planned. This was our down island where we can just relax. Was thinking of renting a can-am bike at the pier and just enjoy the island for a day on our time. Anyone have thoughts? Will we get rained out on a bike? Heard of the butterfly farm and another farm with a tube ride. Beaches and such. Not sure we want to be blown over by a jet plane. Just really want to see the charm of the island at our pace and enjoy the day and eat a local meal. Thanks for the help.
St. Martin should be an island you explore on a cam-am bike! That sounds amazing. There is always a chance of rain but it doesn't normally last very long. Find a beach, eat from one of the grills or lolos and kick back and relax. Hope you have a great experience.
Thank you going there in may ....appreciate the information ....keep you in touch
Thanks for watching!
Hi Phil I love the pics and the area you filmed can't wait to go in Jly2019 I'm their!!!
Dawn Lewis Happy to hear you have plans to go! Thanks for watching.
I live on SXM. This video is very well done!
L Morales thank you so much. This comment means a bit more knowing it’s coming directly from the island. ☺️
Thanks Phil!! Heading there for 2 weeks in March! So wonderful to see the island rebuilding and coming back to it's original splendor! Great job with the video, did you happen to see how things are going at the Royal Palm in Simpson bay? Thks so much
From what I can tell things are doing well! Their facebook page has a lot of activity too, which is always a good sign.
it's still
closed and no work is being done at the moment
Indeed,it is still closed.
@@philphriday the place is closed and the renovations are extremely slow.
Thanks for the great video. It was sad to see what happened from hurricane Irma. Going back to maho bay in April. Do you think it will be up and running by then?
Bob Connor Absolytely. There is already so much going on in Maho. Thanks for watching!
GREAT VIDEO...we are going via cruise ship in April. Excursions offer Simpson Bay Buckaneer Bay, Phillipsburg Beach, Great Bay & Kim Sha for beach days. We are looking for shallow waters & minimal waves....which would you recommend?
Was thinking of going to Westin Dawn Beach Club in Dec of 2019.They tell me that the casino, spa and hotel restaurants are not going to be ready when I get there. Do you know if it is in good enough shape to enjoy our stay??? Any information would be soooo appreciated.
Cathy from NY
Good video. I appreciate the info. Hoping to get back to St. Martin soon.
Thank you! I hope you get back soon, too!
Great video thank you so much will be there this September
MAKE UP FANTASY thanks for watching! Hope you have a wonderful time in September.
Hi Phil! Your review was fantastic, and it showed me some places in SXM I haven’t even been to before! I’m headed there (again) in March and will definitely hit up Friar’s bay just because of your review! Let me know if you need me to look in to anything for you. I tend to do a lot of Google reviews of restaurants 😬
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you will be trying out Friar's Bay. I really enjoyed my short time there. The best thing you can do is leave google reviews! It helps me know what is open, so I appreciate you doing that. Hope you have a great time!
Love this video. Thank you. Marigot is my fav place in the world.
Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!
Thank u for the video. Ill be there in april '19. Im even more excited after watching this video. I do want to see the plans taking off is it close to Orion Bay?
Thanks for watching! If you want to see the famous plane take off/landings you will want to be near Princess Juliana Airport and be on Maho Beach. It's actually on the opposite side of the island from Orient Bay. It's an amazing experience!
@@philphriday awesome. Thanks for the advise and info.
You are the modern day Dick Miller (look him up). That guy just loved Sint Maarten/ Saint Martin and encourage so many people to come here. I wonder if he's still alive. I remember listening to his radio show as a kid.
xldjvista I’ll look him up! Thanks for watching!
Great update thank you, by any chance did u see what happened to Sunset bar/restaurant in Moho beach? I was there in a cruise 7 days before the hurricane. TIA 🤗
annydla sunset beach bar is doing great! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the positive comments everyone, it means a lot to some of us, Merci!
Kakao Beach is open with an excellent restaurant. It is in the same location as the old Waikiki beach. December 2018
Well done Phil thanks for the update. I left home two days before the hurricane happened. I was wondering how quickly they are revamping the island. Your vid helped a lot, so thank you. With that said, I would like to make a quick correction. The island is capable of hosting 7 crews ships at once not 5.
Thanks for watching. I am happy to hear the video has given you information about your home. I hope I am doing it justice! Thanks for the correction! It has been made in the comments, but it's always good to have a reminder! Thanks again!
My Fiancé and I absolutely LOVE St. Maarten! So much so that we are having our wedding there in August. Can't wait! Thanks for for providing the update, it's comforting! By the way... Did you make it to the Sonesta Maho Resort?
I'm so happy to hear you enjoy the island! I wish you all the best in August! From the looks of it, Sonesta should be ready to go soon. There was so much work being done in Maho and I think it's all going to be beautiful. Thanks for watching!
I'm staying at the sonesta Aug 1-7 and was told it's fully open and running.
Went in September. Still rebuilding but still beautiful.
Sun Singh glad to hear you went and enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
I heard if you ever wanted to Go to St Maarten but couldn't afford it This is the perfect time to take advantage on how affordable it is now while they rebuild and also help out the island got back on its feet
Absolutely! And with how fast they are recovering, those lower prices aren't going to last too long. It's a great time to see it.
Hi Friday Phil... thanks for the update. I love your drone videos ! Maho Bay where the hotel reconstruction is being done is not called downtown Maho. (Googled Sonesta hotel & verified on map) Our friends go twice-a-year confirmed that former employees were still running the operation of renting chairs and umbrellas due to Club O being shut down. Last time we were there in April the price of rentals actually went down. Say hi to Cedric for me.
Drew Simerl thanks for watching!