This destination is beautiful.  The island is divided into two parts.  One under Dutch rule and the other under French.  The Dutch side is very much more welcoming but the French side has some amazing places to eat and I understand a more exciting night life.  We didn’t go for that so I can’t really speak to how it is.  We went for the beaches and they were wonderful.

When we were there the island was still rebuilding from a hurricane that had happened about 3 years prior.  The rebuilding was going very slowly.  We eventually learned that was because insurance companies were being very slow to pay out claims.  We landed early in the morning and rented a car.  A car is a must have on this island.  As we navigated to our resort we found that there were no street signs.  That may have changed now, but the map from the car rental place was our best friend.  We ended up counting round abouts to know where we were going.  It was a challenge to say the least.

We stayed at a place called Little Divi.  We had a condo with a full kitchen that was closer to the beach than I have ever been before.  This picture is from our balcony.  We really enjoyed this resort.  We didn’t go all inclusive so we had to pay for every meal, but we were never there during the day so it was the right choice for us.  There is a Snuba center about 100 yards off the resort that looked like a lot of fun.  We snorkeled out and were able to see everything very clearly.  There was a sunken boat and other interesting things to look at.  As we were swimming back my husband saw a jelly fish so we gave that guy a wide berth.  The food was really pretty good and we ate at the grill most every night.  The Tuna Sandwich was amazing.  It had huge piece of Tuna and the flavor was so good.

Our first beach day we went over to CupaCoy.  This is a clothing optional beach, so if you go be prepared to see nudity.  It isn’t required but it is there.  This isn’t actually a sanctioned beach for nudity, and there is even a sign that says don’t do it, but people do.  There is a Rib Shack as you enter this beach called Dany’s and he uses Sea Grape wood to smoke his ribs.  They were really good and something I would want to do again next time we go back. There is a really nice strip mall across the street from the beach and there are a lot of nice places to stay in this area as well.  You will need cash!

The next day we went to Friars Bay and took a hike over to Happy Beach.  Happy Beach is an AN’s paradise.  The hike was about 15 minutes and the heat and humidity that day made it a little bit challenging.  Once we got over there the surf was rough because of a storm that had went through and so it had a fairly strong undertow.  If you decide to go take a look, take some shade and water!  We went back to Friars Bay for lunch and I loved that beach.  It was very family friendly and the water was amazing.

The next day we went over to the French side of the island to Orient Beach.  Orient Beach has a Family area, then a topless area and then an AN area.  The AN area does have a nice little shack that makes an amazing pain killer.  There also is a massage lady there that is nothing short of magical.  She gave me a 30 minute massage and I felt like I had an out of body experience.  Be sure to bring cash for her services.  Orient Beach was once a nudist colony resort with a grocery store, tennis courts, dance hall, beach cabins and it was where nudists went on vacation.  All of that was in ruins when we were there and as far as I know it has not been rebuilt.  The beach has a break about 100 yards out so the water is super warm, and not a rough surf.  Orient is where a lot of want to be naked people go when cruses are in town, so if you want to go, I suggest choosing a different day so you don’t feel like you are on display.

The next day we went to Pinel Island.  This is on the French side of the island and is worth making the effort.  You take a little fishing boat ferry from the parking lot over and there are a few restaurants and a fairly nice beach.  If you hike over the hill you will be at the AN beach.  Realize that in Europe AN beaches are not as tabu as they are in the US.  It is more of a way of life.  We had lunch at one of the places and it was fairly good food.  This little lobster was alive about 10 minutes before he became my lunch.

This place had tons of Iguanas that roamed the beach.  They were large and friendly and were entertaining.  Pinel Island as most of St. Maarten is not high class.  It is an adventure and an experience you will always remember.

One other place we visited was Maho beach.  This is a touristy destination because the planes come right over the beach and you feel like they are going to land right there.  We had lunch at one of the restaurants and it was ok food, but we felt like it was expensive for what you got.  CupaCoy beach is just down the road from here so if I were you, I would go to Dany’s for lunch instead of eating at Maho beach.

We loved our trip.  Every beach was different than the last.  Little Divi was one of the nicest places we have stayed and I would highly recommend a trip to St. Maarten.

Tips and Tricks take cash!  When we  were there everywhere was a cash transaction except for the rental car and the hotel.

If you would like to chat more about St. Maarten I would love to talk!  You can always reach me on my cell phone 801-859-3854 or by email Robin@Somechickstravel.com