I have been going to SXM since I bought my first timeshare unit at Simpson Bay Resort ( formerly Pelican Resort) in 1990. I own four weeks in penthouse units at SBR. Next trip rent a car and explore the island. As much as the Simpson Bay/ Maho Beach area is cool, there is so much you never saw or experienced. You never even went on the French side and it is bigger than the Dutch side and a whole other vibe, Marigot, Friar's Bay, Grand Case, Orient Beach, Anse Marcel. Loterie Farm, Pinel island and so much more . And on the Dutch side, Philipsburg, Parrot Ville , Dawn Beach, Oyster Pond and more. Cheers and thanks for sharing your short trip.
My wife and I are returning to Saint. Maarten for the 4th time in October 2022! My wife and I are going back to Saint. Maarten in May for the 5th time. We call Saint. Maarten. our second home. Coming soon May 2025 back to St. Maarten. My wife and I Love you, St.Marteen!!!
You guys did pretty good if this was your first experience in St Martin. May I suggest next time look for an Airbnb and rent a car. You now should know your way around Simpson Bay and the rest is easy. Been to SXM over 30 times and heading back Tuesday for another 16 nights. There are ways to enjoy how do I say. “On a budget “. You don’t have to spend big money.
Yes, this was our first real visit! We had stopped once before on a cruise but I feel like that doesn't count since we were only there for a few hours. Much better this time and yes, renting a car to explore sounds very fun!
There are definitely a few beaches and several restaurants within walking distance of the resort (as well as a beach on resort property itself). The famous Maho Beach for airplane watching however will require a cab ride.
Food can be expensive or not depending on where you go, but overall we'd say things were comparable to most major US cities (other than NYC or San Francisco). At the hotel it was probably $30 or $40 USD per person for dinner (without drinks). But we also had some excellent food at beachfront restaurants nearby for half that. Beer is maybe $4 or $5 a bottle. Our hotel was about $300/night but this was for an upgraded suite booked at the last minute.
There are two beaches in walking distance from the Simpson Bay resort. The Pelican Key beach is directly in front of the resort but does have public access. It was pretty quiet and mostly couples and families that seemed to be staying at the nearby hotels when we went. You can show your room key for free towels. Kim Sha Beach was more lively and in close proximity to many restaurants, bars water sports rentals, etc.
I have been to St.Maarten four times in the last decade but i will not be going back any time soon until they remove their insane covid requirements its just not worth the trouble.
I have been going to SXM since I bought my first timeshare unit at Simpson Bay Resort ( formerly Pelican Resort) in 1990. I own four weeks in penthouse units at SBR. Next trip rent a car and explore the island. As much as the Simpson Bay/ Maho Beach area is cool, there is so much you never saw or experienced. You never even went on the French side and it is bigger than the Dutch side and a whole other vibe, Marigot, Friar's Bay, Grand Case, Orient Beach, Anse Marcel. Loterie Farm, Pinel island and so much more . And on the Dutch side, Philipsburg, Parrot Ville , Dawn Beach, Oyster Pond and more. Cheers and thanks for sharing your short trip.
St.Maarten is such a beautiful and developed island, I loved that it’s advance and has an AMAZING NIGHT LIFE with 24/7 access to food.
Excellent video ! Well spoken, easy to listen to, great selections on the island !
Great video. Hope you have made it back and have enjoyed more of the island.
My wife and I are returning to Saint. Maarten for the 4th time in October 2022! My wife and I are going back to Saint. Maarten in May for the 5th time. We call Saint. Maarten. our second home. Coming soon May 2025 back to St. Maarten. My wife and I Love you, St.Marteen!!!
You guys did pretty good if this was your first experience in St Martin. May I suggest next time look for an Airbnb and rent a car. You now should know your way around Simpson Bay and the rest is easy. Been to SXM over 30 times and heading back Tuesday for another 16 nights. There are ways to enjoy how do I say. “On a budget “. You don’t have to spend big money.
Yes, this was our first real visit! We had stopped once before on a cruise but I feel like that doesn't count since we were only there for a few hours. Much better this time and yes, renting a car to explore sounds very fun!
Thank you for this. Planning my trip for summer and I think I should get an air b&b.
Glad you enjoyed it! It definitely looks like there are some good Airbnbs on the island for longer stays.
Is The beach near the resort walking distance? Are there restaurants close by outside of the resort?
There are definitely a few beaches and several restaurants within walking distance of the resort (as well as a beach on resort property itself). The famous Maho Beach for airplane watching however will require a cab ride.
Looks like a lot of walkable restaurants and bars.
Yes it was!
Is good expensive? Can you give example of what you paid?
Food can be expensive or not depending on where you go, but overall we'd say things were comparable to most major US cities (other than NYC or San Francisco). At the hotel it was probably $30 or $40 USD per person for dinner (without drinks). But we also had some excellent food at beachfront restaurants nearby for half that. Beer is maybe $4 or $5 a bottle. Our hotel was about $300/night but this was for an upgraded suite booked at the last minute.
Is the beach part of resort...or is it public beach adjacent?
There are two beaches in walking distance from the Simpson Bay resort. The Pelican Key beach is directly in front of the resort but does have public access. It was pretty quiet and mostly couples and families that seemed to be staying at the nearby hotels when we went. You can show your room key for free towels.
Kim Sha Beach was more lively and in close proximity to many restaurants, bars water sports rentals, etc.
Is Captains rib shack across the water where you took the kayak?
I have been to St.Maarten four times in the last decade but i will not be going back any time soon until they remove their insane covid requirements its just not worth the trouble.
The requirement is from Your Government. Although, it is a money grab from the business model on the island. I agree with you. It's not necessary.