What not to miss in St. Maarten?

[Daisy21015]

We have a private tour set with Joyce Prince. We can customize it to include what we would like. Since we've never been there before, I'd LOVE some input on what not to miss, what we can skip, what is a doable as far as time, which beach, etc.

 

A little bit about us - family of 6 (youngest is 12), husband loves photo ops, like local area shops/crafts over high end shopping, like to eat/see the local culture/history. Some beach time is good, but not our main objective.

 

I have a few ideas that I think we definitely want to do - Visit Marigot/Marigot Market, lunch at a Lolo at Grand Case, some photo ops, perhaps a little beach time?

 

Thanks for any help/ideas :)

[Nole0202]

Based on your likes, try to spend at least a couple hours in Marigot. It will offer something for all of you.

[Karysa]

We have a private tour set with Joyce Prince. We can customize it to include what we would like. Since we've never been there before, I'd LOVE some input on what not to miss, what we can skip, what is a doable as far as time, which beach, etc.

 

A little bit about us - family of 6 (youngest is 12), husband loves photo ops, like local area shops/crafts over high end shopping, like to eat/see the local culture/history. Some beach time is good, but not our main objective.

 

I have a few ideas that I think we definitely want to do - Visit Marigot/Marigot Market, lunch at a Lolo at Grand Case, some photo ops, perhaps a little beach time?

 

Thanks for any help/ideas :)

 

Joyce will also be able to help you with this. My suggestions would include Fort St. Louis which offers great views and Maho Beach where the planes approach the airport and fly right over the beach. For beaches, since you are planning on going to Grand Case you can enjoy either one or the other beaches there as well as Maho.

[Ms411]

Joyce can also take you to the art galleries in Marigot. We loved the one we visited on our own, but can't remember the artist name, but he's Sir somebody, because he's a knight.

 

The market at Marigot has changed considerably since my first visit, and now looks like the markets in Phillipsburg.

 

In Grande Case you should check the Tijon Boutique where you can make your own perfume or buy locally created fragrance products. A truly unique experience!

[Karysa]

Joyce can also take you to the art galleries in Marigot. We loved the one we visited on our own, but can't remember the artist name, but he's Sir somebody, because he's a knight.

 

The market at Marigot has changed considerably since my first visit, and now looks like the markets in Phillipsburg.

 

In Grande Case you should check the Tijon Boutique where you can make your own perfume or buy locally created fragrance products. A truly unique experience!

 

 

Roland Richardson is the Impressionist painter.

 

How long did it take to make your own perfume and what was the cost? We are going to be on a cruise stop in St. Martin on Jan 2nd and my teenage daughters might enjoy doing this. Thanks:)

[gtaylor]

Re: Tijon, I researched this for someone.

 

Their website offers two 'classes', one is 1+ hour (69 € ) and the other is 2-3 hours (119 €).

 

gary

 

p.s. They offer 1€ = $1 for cash.

[Traveling Library]

There is a small local history museum. It is on the 2nd floor of a building on a side alleyway off Front Street. Clearly a local labor of love and thus has the fun quirkiness/personal touch that makes finding the museum worth your time.

[Ms411]

Yes, it is Roland Richardson's gallery. Absolutely gorgeous work!

 

We did the 2 hour perfume class, and we spent more than 2 hours there, I'm sure. It all depends on how much you're into fragrances. I went to the nearby beach while my friend was still perfecting her perfume. I wanted to try local eateries, but most in Grand Case aren't open in the off season.

[gtaylor]

To Daisy,

 

A lot, perhaps most, of the planning depends on if you would like to experience Maho Beach for the planes landing in the early afternoon.

 

Give us that and we can plan something.

 

gary

[Karysa]

Re: Tijon, I researched this for someone.

 

Their website offers two 'classes', one is 1+ hour (69 € ) and the other is 2-3 hours (119 €).

 

gary

 

p.s. They offer 1€ = $1 for cash.

 

Thanks so much. This is the something new for my next land vacation. What a great idea.

[Karysa]

Yes, it is Roland Richardson's gallery. Absolutely gorgeous work!

 

We did the 2 hour perfume class, and we spent more than 2 hours there, I'm sure. It all depends on how much you're into fragrances. I went to the nearby beach while my friend was still perfecting her perfume. I wanted to try local eateries, but most in Grand Case aren't open in the off season.

 

Sounds like you had a really great day. Did you try the LOLO's for lunch? They are the BBQ places in the centre of restaurant row and serve up local cuisine at very reasonable prices.

[Daisy21015]

To Daisy,

 

A lot, perhaps most, of the planning depends on if you would like to experience Maho Beach for the planes landing in the early afternoon.

 

Give us that and we can plan something.

 

gary

 

Gary - you seem to know so much about this island. We have been on the fence about Maho - is it worth experiencing? You're right in that not being sure if we want Maho on the itinerary - we are stuck with getting a solid plan. Thoughts?

 

A few more things, if you don't mind, which beach, in your opinion, would be the one to include? Which Lolo in Grand Case (Sky's the Limit or The Talk of the Town) or would you do one by the market in Marigot? What about Calmos Cafe - that looks like fun too?

 

Thanks so much :)

[gtaylor]

Gary - you seem to know so much about this island. We have been on the fence about Maho - is it worth experiencing? You're right in that not being sure if we want Maho on the itinerary - we are stuck with getting a solid plan. Thoughts?

 

A few more things, if you don't mind, which beach, in your opinion, would be the one to include? Which Lolo in Grand Case (Sky's the Limit or The Talk of the Town) or would you do one by the market in Marigot? What about Calmos Cafe - that looks like fun too?

 

Thanks so much :)

Sorry, I've been away and hadn't noticed your post.

 

I'll try to get back to you soon for other comments, but in Grand Case our favorite Lolo is Germaine's. If Karysa's comments bother you I would recommend Rosemary's in Marigot.

 

A close friend of a close friend recommends Rosemary's in Marigot, just at the North end of the Marigot Marketplace and near the parking and taxi drop.

 

We haven't tried her, but we will.

 

gary

[Daisy21015]

Thanks so much Gary! I hadn't seen anything about Germaine's - is it located right where the other two are?

 

Looking forward to hearing more from you :)

[Daisy21015]

I'm working to finalize some of the things we want to see in St. Maarten so I can touch base with Joyce for our tour. Never having been there, I think we will leave the majority of the itinerary up to Joyce, since shes the expert. :) Would love any input or thoughts you have.

 

Want to do:

Marigot / Marigot market

Grand Case - LoLo for lunch?

Ft. St. Luis

Photo opportunities

See history/culture

Local shopping

 

I think we have decided that we don't really want to plan around the planes at Maho.

 

Questions:

Should we include Rima's on the list? I wouldn't want to stay long but it might be a good stop for the kids to get something inexpensive?

 

Any other shopping that will be of local product - not jewelry, perfumes etc.

 

Idea for a beach? Does anyone know if a set "beach time" is included where we would rent chairs and stay on the beach for an hour or so?

 

Anything else? Thanks so much!!

[shorebilly]

Daisey,

I Love St. Maarten! We have been several times on land based vacations as well as one day stops on cruises. Here is our standard one day trip;

1. Get off the ship asap and meet with your driver

2. Head straight to Orient Bay Beach, park by Pedros, breakfast with Andy at Cheryl & Andy's, chill, swim, walk beach, back to the car.

3. Enroute to Grand Case sop by Bacchus, grab some of the world's best foie gras pate (they will pack it in ice for you if you ask) also great deals on some higher end wines!

4.Swing by Grand Case, have driver park in public lot and walk down the main street checking out great little shops and boutiques, then a light lunch at the Lolo's (Sky's the Limit is our favorite), make sure you try the crabbacks

5. Head into Marigot, stroll, shop, have a rum or two. Back to the car!

6. Go to Baie Rouge, swim, beach it, chill, have a rum punch, Back to the car!

7. Stop at sunset Beach Bar OR Buccaneer Beach bar to watch the planes landing right in front of you or shall I say right over your heads, swim, chill, have a rum punch, Back to the car!

8. Get dropped off back at the port, usually have about an hour left to buy some jewelry, stroll and chill, and you guessed it, have a rum punch!

 

St Maarten is always my favorite day on a cruise, every beach has it's own feel and vibe, every beach is also different every time we go, Mother Nature sees to that. I know the above sounds like alot to do in one day yet we have managed to do it over 5 times, with our kids in tow! They love to sit in Marigot, eat escargot and sip banana rum. They know the Lolo's as well as they know our local 7-11. And Andy over at Orient has been a friend now for over 8 years! We used to stop at Friar's Beach instead of Baie Rouge, but we now save that for our land based trips to St. Maarten. Skip Remas, it is just a bunch of crap made in China, instead purchase your souveniers from one of the locals on Orient, anything from costume jewelry, cool towels, local reggae artists CD's, or just basic cover ups and shirts. There are also several little "shops" or street vendors in Marigot. Both places you can haggle with the price!:D Have FUN! We are landing in SXM on 1/1/13 and leaving on 1/17/13 with a nice cruise in the middle, because St. Maarten is just that awesome!:p

[shorebilly]

Forgot to mention the local product that we buy, usually a few fresh vanilla beans, and infused rums. The rums are not sold in stores, but at each individual restaurant or bar in Marigot, a few of our favorites are the ginger infused ( at Bistro Carib in Grand Case) and the banana from the escargot place on the side walk in Marigot directly across from where the taxies park.

Photo ops are absolutely everywhere, just don't put your camera down!

[Karysa]

Daisey,

I Love St. Maarten! We have been several times on land based vacations as well as one day stops on cruises. Here is our standard one day trip;

1. Get off the ship asap and meet with your driver

2. Head straight to Orient Bay Beach, park by Pedros, breakfast with Andy at Cheryl & Andy's, chill, swim, walk beach, back to the car.

3. Enroute to Grand Case sop by Bacchus, grab some of the world's best foie gras pate (they will pack it in ice for you if you ask) also great deals on some higher end wines!

4.Swing by Grand Case, have driver park in public lot and walk down the main street checking out great little shops and boutiques, then a light lunch at the Lolo's (Sky's the Limit is our favorite), make sure you try the crabbacks

5. Head into Marigot, stroll, shop, have a rum or two. Back to the car!

6. Go to Baie Rouge, swim, beach it, chill, have a rum punch, Back to the car!

7. Stop at sunset Beach Bar OR Buccaneer Beach bar to watch the planes landing right in front of you or shall I say right over your heads, swim, chill, have a rum punch, Back to the car!

8. Get dropped off back at the port, usually have about an hour left to buy some jewelry, stroll and chill, and you guessed it, have a rum punch!

 

St Maarten is always my favorite day on a cruise, every beach has it's own feel and vibe, every beach is also different every time we go, Mother Nature sees to that. I know the above sounds like alot to do in one day yet we have managed to do it over 5 times, with our kids in tow! They love to sit in Marigot, eat escargot and sip banana rum. They know the Lolo's as well as they know our local 7-11. And Andy over at Orient has been a friend now for over 8 years! We used to stop at Friar's Beach instead of Baie Rouge, but we now save that for our land based trips to St. Maarten. Skip Remas, it is just a bunch of crap made in China, instead purchase your souveniers from one of the locals on Orient, anything from costume jewelry, cool towels, local reggae artists CD's, or just basic cover ups and shirts. There are also several little "shops" or street vendors in Marigot. Both places you can haggle with the price!:D Have FUN! We are landing in SXM on 1/1/13 and leaving on 1/17/13 with a nice cruise in the middle, because St. Maarten is just that awesome!:p

 

The shops in Marigot are generally closed from 1-3 pm so if you want to shop in the stores in Marigot you will have to divert from the plan above that has you visiting Marigot after lunch.

 

It seems like a very full day for a regular cruise day.

 

Lunch in Grand Case say noon. Even a quick lunch is 1/2 hr. Then to Marigot say 1pm (shops will be closed)

Even 1 hour in Marigot takes you to 2 pm.

Let's say you arrive at Baie Rouge at 2:20 and stay even 40 minutes. That will take you to 3 and say 1/2 an hour to get settled in the vehicle and over to Maho. That is 3:30. Most people suggest leaving Maho before this time and most of the big jets have landed by this time in the afternoon as well. So if you stay for even 1/2 an hour it's now 4:00 and you will have to worry about bridge openings and rush hour traffic on your way to the port.

 

I would feel very rushed and nervous with this plan if I was suppose to be on the ship on or before 5:30 and you would definitely miss the ship if you needed to be back on board by 4:30.

 

Great places to visit but too much for 1 cruise day IMHO even on a tour.

 

Also the two beach bars at Maho are Sunset Bar and Grill and Gus's Driftwood bar. Buccaneer is over at Kim Sha Beach.

[shorebilly]

"It seems like a very full day for a regular cruise day.

 

 

I would feel very rushed and nervous with this plan if I was suppose to be on the ship on or before 5:30 and you would definitely miss the ship if you needed to be back on board by 4:30.

 

Great places to visit but too much for 1 cruise day IMHO even on a tour."

 

I did say be one of the first off of the ship didn't I? Yes it is a full day yet we have done it at least 5 times and always had time left over to hang by the pier and shops for at least 45 mins. Never had an issue with the shops being closed in Marigot, we usually stay near the main drag and thoose shops are open. As for the other shops in Marigot, the ones that close are of very little interest to us as they are about the same as you will find in Phillipsburg near the pier. I do frequent the shops similar to those in Philipsburg, but usually when we are land based in Grand Case.:D We also do not wait until noon to eat in Grand Case, usually just alight snack at the lolos, and then move on, can't not have room for escargot in Marigot!

[Karysa]

"It seems like a very full day for a regular cruise day.

 

 

I would feel very rushed and nervous with this plan if I was suppose to be on the ship on or before 5:30 and you would definitely miss the ship if you needed to be back on board by 4:30.

 

Great places to visit but too much for 1 cruise day IMHO even on a tour."

 

I did say be one of the first off of the ship didn't I? Yes it is a full day yet we have done it at least 5 times and always had time left over to hang by the pier and shops for at least 45 mins. Never had an issue with the shops being closed in Marigot, we usually stay near the main drag and thoose shops are open. As for the other shops in Marigot, the ones that close are of very little interest to us as they are about the same as you will find in Phillipsburg near the pier. I do frequent the shops similar to those in Philipsburg, but usually when we are land based in Grand Case.:D We also do not wait until noon to eat in Grand Case, usually just alight snack at the lolos, and then move on, can't not have room for escargot in Marigot!

 

That is really difficult for me to believe. There are 7 ships in on the day that we are on the island from 8-5 and there is no way that I would attempt or recommend your schedule to any of my fellow passengers.

[shorebilly]

That is really difficult for me to believe. There are 7 ships in on the day that we are on the island from 8-5 and there is no way that I would attempt or recommend your schedule to any of my fellow passengers.

 

I feel your pain, I think the most ships we have ever been in port with were 4, That would make a difference! Even when we have a land based trip, I check the port schedule to know what days are better for longer travel. I also avoid Orient on days with that many ships! Stick to the "lesser Known" beaches with 7 ships in port! Also on many of our trips we have been in port from 7am til 6 pm, a great full day, usually on Orient by 8am! Yes I love to be the first off and the last back on, to me a cruise is a mode of transportation. That being said I am really looking forward to our next cruise as it will be our first on a small ship (max 170 passengers) and our first where it is not just trransportation but a true sailing experience! Plus 5 days in St. Maarten before and after!:D

[Karysa]

I feel your pain, I think the most ships we have ever been in port with were 4, That would make a difference! Even when we have a land based trip, I check the port schedule to know what days are better for longer travel. I also avoid Orient on days with that many ships! Stick to the "lesser Known" beaches with 7 ships in port! Also on many of our trips we have been in port from 7am til 6 pm, a great full day, usually on Orient by 8am! Yes I love to be the first off and the last back on, to me a cruise is a mode of transportation. That being said I am really looking forward to our next cruise as it will be our first on a small ship (max 170 passengers) and our first where it is not just trransportation but a true sailing experience! Plus 5 days in St. Maarten before and after!:D

 

 

You had me at the 5 days in St. Maarten before and after!:o

 

We are heading north to Anse Marcel spending the morning there and then lunch at a faviorite restaurant in Grand Case and then letting our teens loose in Philipsburg with their Christmas money so we will have a full day as well. No way that I want to be any where Maho on that day.

[stevepat]

thanks for info but she is a little pricey for 2 seniors on SS. she sounds great --any thoughts on someone less expensive --not looking for much more than a flavor of the island , maybe a walk on the beach for a while then a little casino work (sep if ther are some casinos in walking distance from each other and then back to boat --will be there from am til about 4 so have a little time to scope out things for later week stay

thanks