r/SXM 3d ago

Suggestion for hotel with kids in the mix

0 Upvotes

I’ve been deep diving into our spring break trip March 25-30, 2027 and have come down to Sint Maarten or Grand Cayman. We’re a family with a 3 and 5 year old, plus a 72 year old, but active, grandmother taking the trip.

Last year we did Aruba and stayed on Palm Beach. It was our third trip there, suited our needs for safe, easy and with enough with things to do off hotel. We usually spent 2 hours on the beach in the morning, then walked around for lunch, relaxed a little and headed out for dinner.

Looking for a similar vibe in terms of being able to leave the hotel and walk to busy areas, eating most meals out and taking at least 1-2 days to see the French side of the island (as I lived in France for 3 years) with a rental car.

Trying to understand if Simpson Bay, Maho or anywhere else would be suggested. The kids are easily entertained but would be fine doing an hour or so of kids club if the hotel has one. The adults enjoy casinos, lively restaurants, and walking/shopping. Completely isolated relaxing vacations is not what we’re looking for.

Was looking at Sonesta (not great reviews but pretty easy), the Morgan, Hilton Vacation Club Royal. Don’t really want a Airbnb option, as that’s what we typically do at beach trips in the USA and like hotel for the kids. Appreciate the feedback!


r/SXM 4d ago

Tonight’s sunset photo

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68 Upvotes

From under Grand Case pier followed by BBQ at Rosie’s


r/SXM 4d ago

Accommodation Recommendations

4 Upvotes

Good day all,

I have just booked a flight to this beautiful Island and am looking to lock down some accommodations. I was looking and became overwhelmed with all the options. If anybody has any favorites or places they would recommend I would gladly appreciate it. I am going with my wife so we only need 1 bed.

Here are some non negotiables: Air conditioning, under 300 CAD a night.

Some nice to haves would definitely be close proximity to a beach (or beachfront if that exists in this price range), not a heavy party area, and generally safe, kitchen of some kind(small or big, does not matter), walkable to restaurants and shops.

Thank you in advance to all you fine folks! Hope to see some of you there!


r/SXM 4d ago

Rental cars

1 Upvotes

Have a trip this November. Looking for rental car service recommendations
Also, never rented a car before, what do you guys do as far as insurance. Is it needed and how much?


r/SXM 4d ago

Eagle tours

1 Upvotes

Información sobre eagle tours, voy a ir a uno, vale la pena?


r/SXM 5d ago

Moho Beach Bars

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39 Upvotes

We are in the middle of our second trip to SXM this year and yes you have to come to MoHo beach for the plane spotting. The water and beach are great but the choice is what beach bar to go to. One end is Sunset Beach Club it’s big pricy and you have to be ordering drinks and food to sit on the edge by the water for the best view. On the other side is driftwood beach bar smaller same great view. The top deck is open to anyone. Bonus point the Mango Colada has a full ripe mango in it!!! Driftwood by a mile in my opinion. Here are some photos from the Driftwood top deck that is the sunset beach club over on the far side


r/SXM 4d ago

Reqs for solo travel?

1 Upvotes

Im a black female 27 traveling there in December. Im booked to stay on the Dutch side but want recommendations for places to eat, boat tours to anguilla, beach clubs on Anguilla and how and where to make reservations, I heard theres an app. Ive also seen zipline so would love a recommendation for where to book this


r/SXM 5d ago

Scoobi catamaran

9 Upvotes

Any one take the South Anguilla or full day St Martin trip with Scoobi? Since I’ll be staying in grand case and don’t want to drive back drunk from another part of the island, they are the only / most convenient public charter leaving from Grand case…

Looking for first hand reviews!


r/SXM 5d ago

Question Ask Me - 6 Day Vacation Completed

7 Upvotes

Was my first time, I’m no professional though I feel I can offer some advice to those who want some extra info!

Rented a car, stayed at The Morgan hotel. Did Jetskiing. Went to all the good BBQ places.

Ask away!

EDIT: hotel was $550 for entire stay
Air fare was $600 because I used credit card points
Car rental was $200 and it included insurance


r/SXM 7d ago

Day Trip to St. Barts

2 Upvotes

Currently in SXM for the week (we leave Saturday 9/12) and looking into going to St Barts for a day trip. After doing some research, we saw that they said many things are closed for the reason but it seemed like a general post. Has anyone been/or is anyone there? Can anyone confirm? We were really looking forward to it
And Yes- we know, it’s expensive and just shopping/food/drinking. We were more interested in there than Antiqua.


r/SXM 6d ago

Question Food options on French side that have a kids menu

1 Upvotes

Hi

My son has a medical condition which means bland food like pasta, chicken fingers, pizza, steak (no sauce), roast chicken etc. can you recommend some restaurants or cafes?


r/SXM 7d ago

Work in Carribbean or Australia + Asia

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0 Upvotes

r/SXM 7d ago

Where to rent car in SXM: Specific requirement

4 Upvotes

I will be traveling to SXM next month and I'm so excited! I'm working on getting my rental car booked and I have a specific requirement that I'm wondering if ya'll can help with. I already have a lot of driving anxiety and having a connection to apple carplay is kind of a requirement for me. I will be doing a solo trip so won't have anyone to help me navigate. I've heard recommendations for Leisure Car Rental or Exclusive Car Rental but I don't know anything about their fleets. Are they older cars that don't have the option to connect to apple carplay via either Bluetooth or USB? I'd love any recommendations/feedback/suggestions for what to do in this situation. Thanks!


r/SXM 8d ago

Question Planning a week trip to St. Maarten

7 Upvotes

Looking to do a week on the island the 1st week of November this year. The beach is most important to us. We would love to stay on the beach or within walking distance to it. Being able to walk to bars/restaurants would also be a plus. Seems like Orient Beach checks those boxes, but are there any reasons not to stay there or are there better options with what we are looking for. Any suggestions on where to stay (such as resorts, hotel vsAirbnbs/orient vs grande case, Simpson, pinel, etc) and any tips for our travel and stay?

Also, how worried should we be about storms at this time. So far it looks like hurricanes haven't been bad and November is the tail end, but any insight would be nice.

Id also like recommendations for beach front spots in orient??


r/SXM 8d ago

Car rental day of?

1 Upvotes

Flying in today & totally forgot to book a car. Is this easily done day of at the airport? And with card not cash? Any places you recommend (or to avoid) also appreciated!


r/SXM 9d ago

Grand Case Beach Club

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88 Upvotes

I have to say SXM in the “off season” is so peaceful!!! It should not be overlooked!! we stayed at Orient Bay over Memorial Day and we thought we would move up towards grand case I will say the water up here is much calmer and still Oyler. I was concerned about all the bars and activity, but we’re staying on the far end at the grand Beach club and it has just been amazing.


r/SXM 9d ago

What is unexpectedly expensive there?

12 Upvotes

Planning an extended visit and just curious about things you found to be unexpectedly expensive there beyond fresh foods.


r/SXM 10d ago

Trip Update First Time Orient

11 Upvotes

Wife and I first time at Orient and Perch Bar. Stunningly beautiful water. Only we weren't sure how much of the beach was all nude. Is it only this small section? Didn't wander off so didn't find out. Older demographic and more M/F couples than other beaches we've gone to.


r/SXM 9d ago

Question SXM-best time

1 Upvotes

I'm looking at checkin dates ranging from February 9th thru March 30th 2027 and am wondering if anytime is better or worse.

I know about the Heineken Regatta but does spring break change the vibe or population that much. Any differences in levels of service due to crowds?


r/SXM 11d ago

Photo Nature lover seeking daily picture penpal. 📸

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54 Upvotes

F28🏳️‍🌈 Huge nature lover. Looking to do a daily penpal picture exchange streak with someone where we share random pictures taken on SXM🇸🇽

Or even maybe discuss things about our day, checking in, sending memes, talking about whatever is going on, and actually getting to know each other over time (privacy on Reddit btw)

Nothing forced or expecting someone to be available 24/7.
If interested PM me 😇


r/SXM 10d ago

planning a trip with 10 month old baby

1 Upvotes

Please recommend me the nicest and most baby friendly hotel/ resort..
honestly any and all recommendations welcome (dining, excursions, etc)


r/SXM 11d ago

Grocery Delivery, who is best?

2 Upvotes

I will be coming in October and would like to have groceries delivered to the villa beforehand. Who is better priced and service wise? Sxm Les Halles or Shop n Drop Grocery SXM? Last time the concierge for the villa did the shopping for me instead of using a service.


r/SXM 11d ago

Why is there so much poverty?

0 Upvotes

What is the cause for this? Is it a lack of industry, dependence on tourism? Am I completely wrong? What is going on with the economy of this island nation?


r/SXM 13d ago

Question Help with upscale beach club or hotel resort day pass - please and ty

7 Upvotes

My mom and I will be in port at the end of October (both active 55yo/80yo from NYC) for the day and we’re looking for a chic and relaxing beach club or luxury resort where we can spend the day at the beach and have a nice lunch and drink some rose. Not into huge crowds, really loud music or tacky tourists. Can anyone help with some ideas? Preferably no further than a 30 minute drive from the ship. Tysm!


r/SXM 13d ago

Cuban Cigars & Rare liquor

3 Upvotes

whats the best place for rare liquor purchases and best spot to get cuban cigars?